Westgate Lakes, Should I be Scared!!!!

[TamaraQT]

Darius, I was hoping you would come back and report on your westgate experience. I hope you had a GREAT vacation!!!

 

[darrius1st]

Well, I'm just back from my vacation and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by my Westgate Lakes stay. The room was clean and very large for a 2 bedroom, as a matter of fact it was the largest 2 bedroom I have stayed in in the Orlando-Disney area. The pools were ok and they had great activities for the kids. I didn't get the newer buildings but it didn't matter. Even the sales staff were great they gave the owner update and when i said no that was it. The only major problem was parking and that's it, but other than that it was great. We went fishing on land and from the a boat also we wnt on the paddle boats. I also stay at Bonnet Creek and I must Westgate wasn't that far behind Bonnet Creek.

 

[Judyat]

Thanks for the update. It confirms what our experience was like in March. The 2 bedroom we stayed in as you mentioned was large and the screened in porch was nice. We enjoyed our stay there and would stay there again.

 

[kathy884]

So let me ask this question. If not for the sales tactics, where would westgate rank in the timeshares in Orlando area, would it be top, middle or bottom?

Middle

I belong to TUG, a timeshare users group. There are 100 timeshares in the Orlando area (This includes the onsite Disney timeshares too). Westgate Lakes is rated # 51, so right in the middle. And there is tons of competition in Orlando, more really outstanding timeshares than any place else I've ever traveled to. Timeshares have to be kept up, as there is so much competition.

The numerical ranking from TUG member rating for Westgate Lakes is a 7.51/10 with 78 reviews. That's not a bad rating (not a place to be afraid of by any means.) You'll probably really enjoy your stay.


Here are the rating guidelines TUG members use:
10 World class resort with everything included. Should be the best resort you have ever seen! Most are self-contained vacation destinations. Everything is in perfect order. There should be very few ratings of "10" given.
9 A great resort with everything except a major extra (e.g., golf or skiing being off-site). Beautiful units with fabulous decor. This should be among the 2nd to 4th best resorts you have seen.
8 A good resort with a great location. Still has top quality units and furnishing with on site recreation and activity director. An excellent exchange.
7 Above average resort but missing some extras and charges for the extras they do provide (e.g., tennis, bikes). Units might be a little smaller, not quite as plush but still very nice.
6 This resort is nice but just one step above average. Has planned activities, but units may be older. Does not have many activities or full time director. An ok exchange, but wish it were better.
5 Average resort. Nothing special but OK. Would not go there again.
4 Below average.
3 Below average.
2 Awful. Avoid if possible. Has old furniture, poor service, no extras, poor location, would not trade into again.
1 Awful. Avoid if possible. Has old furniture, poor service, no extras, poor location, would not trade into again.

 

[TamaraQT]

Well, I'm just back from my vacation and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by my Westgate Lakes stay. The room was clean and very large for a 2 bedroom, as a matter of fact it was the largest 2 bedroom I have stayed in in the Orlando-Disney area. The pools were ok and they had great activities for the kids. I didn't get the newer buildings but it didn't matter. Even the sales staff were great they gave the owner update and when i said no that was it. The only major problem was parking and that's it, but other than that it was great. We went fishing on land and from the a boat also we wnt on the paddle boats. I also stay at Bonnet Creek and I must Westgate wasn't that far behind Bonnet Creek.

Welcome back Darrius and I am so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay. Being a Westgate owner also, I must say that due to the pushy sales staff they do get a bad reputation. I am sorry you didnt get a newer unit but you still enjoyed your stay and thats all that counts. I have stayed at other resorts in Orlando as well and I must say Westgate offers alot more kid-friendly activities than other resorts. As an owner, I do think they leave a lot to be desired with their decor and 80's looks, but I think they make up the difference in the onsite activities and amenities. I didn't think you needed to worry. We are on our way to a full WESTGATE vacation this year. We leave 8/24 and will be staying at WG Vacation Villas for 4 days and 3 nights. We have never stayed in the Villas, only Town Center. So we are looking forward to that. Then on 8/27 to 9/3 we will be at our home resort at the Lakes in Orlando. I originally had Bahama Bay booked for 8/24 to 8/27 but cancelled those reservations because my sons asked me if I could find a good deal at one of the Westgate properties instead. So I decided to give it a try. In the end, the difference in price was only $70 more to stay at Westgate. But to me it was worth it considering WG offered much more on property amenities than Bahama Bay. Also the fact that Westgate was not out of the way like Bahama Bay was. I am so happy I made the switch!!! Anyway, enough about me and my plans. I am so glad you enjoyed your vacation!! It's great to read and hear of another satisfied Westgate Owner/Customer!!