Grand Beach or Westgate Vacation Villas?

[Paxtrist]

If given the choice which would you stay at Grand Beach or Westgate Vacation Villas? I'm not familiar with either so any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks is advance for your help.

 

[swilshire]

I've stayed at both and both were very nice. We liked the two master suites in the 3br Grand Beach. It's also a little closer to Downtown Disney if that matters to you. Traffic is maybe a little worse over there.

If you have any specific things that make the difference for you, ask and I'll try to answer. You can't really go wrong with either one.

Sheila

 

[4Seasons]

I've never personally stayed at either, but have sent clients to both resorts. Each has it's good and bad points. Westgate is a huge property and has alot of pools, the villas are usually quite nice (I've had a few minor complaints) but a few people have told me they've been pretty hard sell for wanting you to take a timeshare tour.
Grand Beach has only 1 pool I believe and not the number of onsite amenities, but everyone I've ever sent there has loved the villas and minimal pressure for taking a tour.

 

[siobhan1997]

never stayed at westgate but stayed this year at grand beach, had a 2 bedroom and did not like it. second room was very small no tv, a/c unit very loud outside the bedrooms, great big master with bathroom, very pushy timeshare presentation would not recommend. Manager was extremely arrogant and rude. No gated security, I would not go back again.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

We own at Westgate Lakes (a different location from the Villas, I believe) and just returned from a stay at Grand Beach. Both have pros and cons.

Westgate "Lakes," at least, had much nicer rooms. Lots of new stuff, granite countertops, nicely tiled floors, large screen TVs, bar, huge patio, updated furniture. Grand Beach's rooms seemed very outdated. Old TVs, very old cabinets and countertops, small balcony. Also, the second master bedroom and bathroom had like no spots to put any of your stuff. We had a pedestal sink in the second master bathroom -- no counter or cabinets to put toothbrushes, hair stuff, etc. The shower in that room, too. There's one tiny little soapdish, that's it. No place for shampoos, cream rinse, shower gels, face wash, poofs.

The pressure at WG is awful, tho. The need to unplug the phones, hide from sales reps, avoid the lobby, etc, is pretty awful to have to do on vacation. We didn't have to deal with any of that at Grand Beach. The sales staff called a couple of times to see if we'd be interested in a tour, and when we declined, that was it. No threats, no lies to get you to come to a "mandatory maintenance meeting," like we have to go through at Westgate -- even as existing owners.

The traffic on the road to get to Grand Beach was murder, but the actual location was great. Right in between WDW, Universal and Sea World. Westgate Lakes is right at the back of Universal, so getting to WDW took a little longer than Grand Beach.

HTH! Feel free to ask any specifics

 

[Paxtrist]

Thanks for your advice. I did end up booking with Grand Beach as it is a 3 bedroom and Westgate was a two bedroom. And we knew that the two bedroom was going to be in one of the older buildings with no washer and dryer and Grand Beach has one. I know that it's vacation but I still have to do the laundry. I have a little problem and it's called OCD. We rarely spend much time at the resort anyways, pretty much sleep, shower and swim. Thanks again for your posts.

 

[swilshire]

Thanks for your advice. I did end up booking with Grand Beach as it is a 3 bedroom and Westgate was a two bedroom. And we knew that the two bedroom was going to be in one of the older buildings with no washer and dryer and Grand Beach has one. I know that it's vacation but I still have to do the laundry. I have a little problem and it's called OCD. We rarely spend much time at the resort anyways, pretty much sleep, shower and swim. Thanks again for your posts.

You'll like the 3br Grand Beach. The third bedroom is quite small and the living room is compact, but the two master suites are very roomy. I can't really recall the washer/dryer, though it seems they might have been in the kitchen.

I thought we were in an older building at Westgate, but we had a full size washer and dryer. We were in a 2br sleeps 10 with a loft. It wasn't as fancy as the sales unit that we toured, but it was nice enough. Tiny little kitchen, though.

I'm with you on the laundry facilities. Nothing worse than coming home with suitcases full of dirty clothes. I just throw in a load when I get up in the morning and again at night if necessary. I try to have nothing dirty but our last night's clothes when we get home.

Sheila

 

[4Seasons]

Thanks for your advice. I did end up booking with Grand Beach as it is a 3 bedroom and Westgate was a two bedroom. And we knew that the two bedroom was going to be in one of the older buildings with no washer and dryer and Grand Beach has one. I know that it's vacation but I still have to do the laundry. I have a little problem and it's called OCD. We rarely spend much time at the resort anyways, pretty much sleep, shower and swim. Thanks again for your posts.

And here I thought I was the only one with that problem! ROFL, my husband always makes fun of me. Always have to "disinfect" when we arrive (I always bring disinfecting wipes and wipe down the kitchen and bathroom surfaces upon arrival, LOL......yes I'm neurotic!) no matter how clean the unit is, and keep the laundry done, LOL!

 

[Paxtrist]

I also have to whip out my can of Clorox wipes and "disinfect" before we unpack. My family makes fun of me all the time about this. They say I'm the only person who cleans and does laundry on vacation. I am so glad I'm not the only one who does this.

 

[pjv]

Hello,

Regarding the Grand Beach, 3 Bedroom, What looked to be the best building to stay in? Do they have internet access in each Villa? We are staying there in August. Thanks.

 

[bearzabout]

We stayed at Grand Beach three weeks in the past 8 months. Request building 1 facing the pond and pool. The building is furthest from the road (no road noise) and the view is great. Check in early and request that building. The top floor (4th floor) units are not as nice. A wall extends up many feet on the balcony so you can not look out from the balcony. Great for privacy, but you must stand in order to enjoy the view. There are other buildings that have nice views of the lake and pool, but they are a walk from the parking lot.

There are a lot of buildings with horrible views. Some overlook a power station. It is critical to check in early in the day so they can move to you a decent location if you get assigned a lousy one. Once you are assigned a good location, head out and come back around 5 to pick up your key. The staff at the desk has always been great about moving me to building one.

I like the units. The master bedroom with the double sink and whirlpool is really comfortable. Having three bathrooms is a nice bonus. No one needs to share with someone in another room.

The grounds and lake are pretty, hammocks delightful and we've enjoyed the entertainment by the pool.

There are some negatives to look out for. The housekeeper stole a $30 hairbrush. Lock up or hide anything of value. The windows are so cheap that they blow open in heavy winds. The tile floors are hard and uneven. Bring slippers. Parking can be tight. Many nights there were no spaces anywhere near building 1 (except the ones used by the timeshare company that say you can't park there).

I'd stay again in a heartbeat for the prices I paid ($170-499/week).

 

[Paxtrist]

Bearzabout,
I've read a few reviews about the units being in need of some updating, how is building 1?

 

[pjv]

Thanks for your answer.

Is there internet service in the room? Is there Only one parking lot in the place? Anyone have any pictures they could post? Nice price you paid also.

 

[Paxtrist]

I found some photos and a virtual tour at samsclub.com in the travel services section.

 

[bearzabout]

I've heard building 1 is an older building, but the units I stayed in were nice enough. The furnishings are not high end but were OK. They vary from unit to unit a bit.

Anyone know how I can attach my digital pictures?

 

[Paxtrist]

Bearzabout,

I sent you a PM