Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa - What's it like?

[sam_justice]

Thread title says it all really! We're leaving in two days so as usual we have the last minute panic to make sure we've picked the right place! Is it nice? The pictures seem great, reviews seem so-so (as usual!) Would love to hear from some Dibbers

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

This thread might help a little bit:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=14213

We are staying at this property for a week at the end of August. I hope you will come back to the boards after your stay and post a review of your experience (and some pics, too!).

 

[Brook1099]

We own @ Westgate Lakes and Resorts. We have been going every year for 8 years, and have almost always had a great trip.I am a resort/ hotel snob of sorts. Two trips in the past 8 year, in the 2500 section which we always requested facing the lake, the problems I found in this building was 2 very large roaches,( which I have heard may be common in Florida) but sorry I pay to much in maintenace to deal with that, or anyone who stays there for that matter, I called and complained when we got home.! Hoping they have fixed the issue, who knows, I now request the 500 section facing the lake,( never had a bug issues) seems newer, love the location, close to main pool, mini golf and boating. Other issue we seldom have and this may be many places, is the cleaning and maintenance with their golfcarts take up parking, my Dh often gets pissed at this, and nicely asks them to move them, when spaces are limited. Otherwise we have always had a great stay, and we could exchange but it is like home to us when we visit, and we dont know any better..lol


I am sure there are numerous places that are better considering Orlando is the timeshare vacation capital of the world, but it is our timeshare, it is clean, roomy, great location, newer Walmart seconds down the road, SeaWorld/ Discovery Cove minutes away. Downtown Disney entrance close and a very short drive to Universal.

Hope u have a great stay!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We own @ Westgate Lakes and Resorts. We have been going every year for 8 years, and have almost always had a great trip.I am a resort/ hotel snob of sorts. Two trips in the past 8 year, in the 2500 section which we always requested facing the lake, the problems I found in this building was 2 very large roaches,( which I have heard may be common in Florida) but sorry I pay to much in maintenace to deal with that, or anyone who stays there for that matter, I called and complained when we got home.! Hoping they have fixed the issue, who knows, I now request the 500 section facing the lake,( never had a bug issues) seems newer, love the location, close to main pool, mini golf and boating. Other issue we seldom have and this may be many places, is the cleaning and maintenance with their golfcarts take up parking, my Dh often gets pissed at this, and nicely asks them to move them, when spaces are limited. Otherwise we have always had a great stay, and we could exchange but it is like home to us when we visit, and we dont know any better..lol


I am sure there are numerous places that are better considering Orlando is the timeshare vacation capital of the world, but it is our timeshare, it is clean, roomy, great location, newer Walmart seconds down the road, SeaWorld/ Discovery Cove minutes away. Downtown Disney entrance close and a very short drive to Universal.

Hope u have a great stay!!

Thanks for the great input . I was wondering what section might be best to request (don't worry, I know its only a request and not guaranteed) and it sounds like the 500 section might be it. We want to be close to the mini golf and the boating.

We are hoping for a pool view, though, as opposed to a lake view. Easier to keep an eye on our teenager that way . And he can enjoy the "view" of all the pretty girls basking in the sun. Something tells me he will enjoy that more than the peaceful view of the lake .

We have a two bedroom booked for our stay. Hope its as wonderfully roomy as the photos appear on the website!

 

[sam_justice]

Fantastic thanks! I will post pics when we arrive and will definately request the 500 section, thanks again!

 

[Brook1099]

Other buildings would be 400- 600, and parts of 1000 they are all around the main pool area. When u check in ask them again about location, they have always accomadated us. The 2 bedrooms are great in size, and the patios are a great place to chill out.

 

[BonnieA]

I stayed there awhile ago for free in a studio room. Since it was free I can't complain. But it seemed to me they charged extra for everything. You couldn't use the gym without paying extra. It was a few years ago so maybe things have changed.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I stayed there awhile ago for free in a studio room. Since it was free I can't complain. But it seemed to me they charged extra for everything. You couldn't use the gym without paying extra. It was a few years ago so maybe things have changed.

I believe the amenities are free for owners, and normally come at a charge to guests. That said, our room rate includes a "VIP Pass" which gives us access to the charge amenities at no cost .

For those that don't have the VIP pass included in their stay, their website indicates that you can purchase one:

"Resort Amenities Card Center (AC) & Mar ina
entitles guests
• Free Rental of Sports Equipment
• Free Rental of Single Bikes
• Free Rental of Paddle Boats
• Free Rental of Mini Golf
• WI-FI/Local Calls

Additionally Owners Receive
• Smokehouse Grill 10% discount
• Arts & Crafts 20 % discount
• Spa Services 20% discount
• Owner’s BBQ
• Owner’s Breakfast
• Free Cane Fishing Poles
• Board Games, Ping Pong

Guest Activity Cards
Guests may purchase an activities card
and receive paddle boats, cane fishing
poles, sports equipment, tennis, minigolf,
and much more.
Family Card $30
Single $10
Purchase at Activities
Center and Marina."

It doesn't say if the cost of the guest activity card is per day or per stay.

 

[darrius1st]

Westgate is a great jump off point for the days you goto the park and it has enough activities for when you stay at the resort. Parking is sometimes a problem but you can still find parking, just don't go on a holiday.

 

[ccgirl]

I believe the amenities are free for owners, and normally come at a charge to guests. That said, our room rate includes a "VIP Pass" which gives us access to the charge amenities at no cost .

For those that don't have the VIP pass included in their stay, their website indicates that you can purchase one:

"Resort Amenities Card Center (AC) & Mar ina
entitles guests
• Free Rental of Sports Equipment
• Free Rental of Single Bikes
• Free Rental of Paddle Boats
• Free Rental of Mini Golf
• WI-FI/Local Calls

Additionally Owners Receive
• Smokehouse Grill 10% discount
• Arts & Crafts 20 % discount
• Spa Services 20% discount
• Owner’s BBQ
• Owner’s Breakfast
• Free Cane Fishing Poles
• Board Games, Ping Pong

Guest Activity Cards
Guests may purchase an activities card
and receive paddle boats, cane fishing
poles, sports equipment, tennis, minigolf,
and much more.
Family Card $30
Single $10
Purchase at Activities
Center and Marina."

It doesn't say if the cost of the guest activity card is per day or per stay.

The activity cared is for the week.

The Smokehouse Grill (I think that's what it is called) is very good. The Spa itself is nice as well. IMHO, it's in a great location.

Have a great vacation!