Westgate Lakes, Should I be Scared!!!!

[darrius1st]

I'm a Westgate Lakes Spa and Resorts owner but I have never stayed here before. I have read reviews right after I purchased in 08 and I traded my week each year until this one. I finally decided to use it. As of late the reviews have been much better, I requested building 80, 90 or 100. I am still worried. Should I be scared!!!!!

 

[TamaraQT]

I'm a Westgate Lakes Spa and Resorts owner but I have never stayed here before. I have read reviews right after I purchased in 08 and I traded my week each year until this one. I finally decided to use it. As of late the reviews have been much better, I requested building 80, 90 or 100. I am still worried. Should I be scared!!!!!

I am also an owner, so my response would be "No", You should not be scared. Your request are in the newer buildings and you should be nicely accomodated. However, just keep in mind the newer units are smaller in room size. Not by much, but since you never visited before you won't know the difference anyway . Now believe me, I say that in fun because being a Westgate owner, having a sense of humor will serve you well. I own in building 600 which is an older building but right up front with the newer buildings. Which means my unit very seldom sees, "shady characters" and has crowds, and noise. Also, the units in this area has much better parking lots. There is more room for overflow unlike some buildings. You will see what I mean when you get there. My bldg(600) has a view of the "Citrus Breeze Pool". I have never had a problem in the past 5 years I have stayed at the WG Lakes. Just avoid the "FREE" breakfast and owners updates. JUST SAY NO!! Other than that, I believe you will REALLY enjoy your stay despite the SCARY reviews. If you want any other info, feel free to private message me. But, if you plan to spend most of your time in the parks and less time on property, there will be nothing to disappoint you. We are the opposite, we spend more time at WestGate than we do in the parks. My kids love the resort and prefer it over the parks. However, I have teens and I think its more of a social thing than anything else. But it saves me a TON of $$$ since they prefer having a Rotisserie Chicken and salad from Walmart than going out for dinner. Like I said, its a social thing, but believe me, I am NOT complaining!!!

 

[darrius1st]

Thank you for the info. I feel a little better, I just hope I get my building request.

 

[JimMIA]

Stay away from the sales weasels! They are among the worst in a sleezy industry.

 

[TamaraQT]

Stay away from the sales weasels! They are among the worst in a sleezy industry.

I couldn't agree more!!

I think WestGate has the worst reputation because of the salespeople. I mean, they are RUTHLESS!!! The resort itself is pretty nice but the sales people do make the value decline tremendously. If able to avoid them, you should have a great vacation.

 

[Judyat]

My husband and I stayed there in March. We had a special voucher for around $169 for the week for a 2 bedroom which was very nice. Part of the deal was to attend a 90 minute timeshare talk. We went expecting a hard sell but that's not what we got. Yes they play some games but bottom line it was not bad and they accepted our no. No problem. Enjoy your free lunch and other specials including a $25 gift card to use at the restaurant next door and a card to use for their mini golf etc. That was it and we had a very nice time there.
We did see the newer building and they were very nice but so was the building we stayed in. It was not scary. We were in building 1900 not the newest but very nice and there were 2 pools across the street. One to the left and one to the right so they were very convenient. We found everyone who assisted us to be very nice. And there's a big Walmart just a mile or less down the road. Bottom line we had a great time and I think you will too.

 

[rvchat]

Stayed at a westgate Orlando last year. It was NOT ok. Not clean and I pm me if you like.

My husband and I stayed there in March. We had a special voucher for around $169 for the week for a 2 bedroom which was very nice. Part of the deal was to attend a 90 minute timeshare talk. We went expecting a hard sell but that's not what we got. Yes they play some games but bottom line it was not bad and they accepted our no. No problem. Enjoy your free lunch and other specials including a $25 gift card to use at the restaurant next door and a card to use for their mini golf etc. That was it and we had a very nice time there.
We did see the newer building and they were very nice but so was the building we stayed in. It was not scary. We were in building 1900 not the newest but very nice and there were 2 pools across the street. One to the left and one to the right so they were very convenient. We found everyone who assisted us to be very nice. And there's a big Walmart just a mile or less down the road. Bottom line we had a great time and I think you will too.

 

[TotoToo]

The biggest issue with all Westgates are the beyond pushy sales weasels. But the resorts themselves are middle of the road at best - far from the top so many Orlando resorts offer. Westgate Lakes in particular seems to be a tenement in waiting as the buildings are too big, too close together and way too dense. It's more NYC mid-rise than Orlando resort. But for a nice cheap price it's ok but do avoid those weasels & NEVER buy there.

 

[darrius1st]

I did buy there, and that's why I hadn't styed because when I purchased I purchased a prime float week and the tried to give me a value float week if it had not been for my saving everything that was given to me showing the price I paid for a prime week in stead of a value week, I would still be stuck with a value week.

 

[TotoToo]

I did buy there, and that's why I hadn't styed because when I purchased I purchased a prime float week and the tried to give me a value float week if it had not been for my saving everything that was given to me showing the price I paid for a prime week in stead of a value week, I would still be stuck with a value week.

And there you have a great example of why you should never buy at any Westgate resale or not. The only happy Westgate owners are those that haven't realized they have been taken yet. Eventually 99% figure it out & become disillusioned (as we did). We liked it a lot when we bought resale in 1994 then by 2004 they had managed to totally poison the resort thanks to heavy handed, sales friendly moves and total anti-owner attitudes that led us to finally find someone willing to take it off our hands at any price (basically free so even buying resale didn't protect the value). Avoid them if at all possible & never ever by or own there.

 

[darrius1st]

Just avoid the "FREE" breakfast and owners updates. JUST SAY NO!!

So the free owners BBQ and breakfast are just upsales push?

 

[LauraC]

My father and stepmother are owners at Westgate Lakes. They had an extra week to spare, so they rented two 2-bedroom condos last summer during the last week of June and let us use one of them for a week when we all went to Florida for a family reunion. I had read horror stories about this place online and was really dreading it but didn't want to hurt my dad's feelings.

We absolutely LOVED it! We stayed in the 500 building with a lake view that allowed us to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks each evening. It was a very peaceful view as well. I don't know if I would have liked the view (or the resort) as much if we had a parking lot view. We were also right next to a pool and pool bar. Our room was clean and in very good repair. We only had one maintenance issue (accidentally broke a shower head trying to adjust it) and the maintenance team was there to replace it within half an hour. We ignored the phone calls we received once a day from the "Activities Director" that we assumed would have wanted us to participate in a sales pitch. It was very close to a Super Walmart and very easy to get to WDW or Universal.

The only downside around the 500 building was that parking was a little tight... but we always managed to get a spot close to our building. There were also a LOT of people running around and kids darting into the parking lot areas in front of traffic either on foot, skateboard, or bike... not just our area but the entire resort. As long as we went slow, we were okay.

I woud stay there again but would make sure I asked for the 500 building because that is what I am familiar with and would know that we would be okay. I'm not familiar with the other buildings and could not be sure I would be happy with a different location due to crowd levels. The lake view just made it seem more peaceful when we returned to the resort each evening.

 

[darrius1st]

So even here the reviews are a lot better than they were, I just have to stay away from the free stuff.

 

[daniele_ut]

We own at Westgate in Park City and traded for a week at Westgate Lakes in 2004. We had a 3 bedroom in the 900 building overlooking the pool. The unit was very clean, though at the time was a bit dated. We really enjoyed our stay there and made great use of the pool. I knew beforehand about the calls we would get inviting us to the upsell breakfasts and we actually went one morning and regretted it!

In hindsight we're not happy that we bought Westgate, but we've made the best of owning it. This summer will be our 3rd exchange in Florida and we're staying at Star Island.

 

[darrius1st]

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?

 

[daniele_ut]

I would probably rank it in the middle. I think the top timeshares in Orlando are the Wyndam and Marriott brands.

 

[darrius1st]

Bump Yhis Up!!!

 

[TotoToo]

I would probably rank it in the middle. I think the top timeshares in Orlando are the Wyndam and Marriott brands.

Westagte - the ones built as timeshares not the numerous hotel conversions they have now - are actually quite nice. They are a rather garish design, like sales the room decor tends to bright, flashy, faux Italian imitation leather & many mirrors but overall well equipped, many amenities and activities. If it weren't for sales they'd be great & you can avoid them. Rank in the high middle/ low high end in quality.

As for the best Marriott is certainly up there as are the Hiltons - there are a few independents that also strive and come near the top such as Cypress Pointe Resort (best location in all of Orlando IMO) and Orange Lake (in the newest sections - not technically an independent anymore as they have ties to Holiday Inn) and others. Unlike many areas of the country with timeshares that tend to be motel or apartment conversions Orlando has just a few of those with the vast majority purpose built as timeshares and each tries to out do the others in features & upscale design. It's actually tough to find a bad Orlando timeshare - but there are a few.

Orlando may hold the crown for the highest overall level of quality and features in timeshares in the world. Yes there are a few out there that beat them in quality & service but it's not many. As a whole it would be tough to find an area anywhere that features so many top notch units to choose from. Enjoy!

 

[darrius1st]

well, I'm 1 week away from my trip and the kids are going crazy and I'm a bit more at ease. I think sometimes I worry to much.

 

[TamaraQT]

I see you have planned to stay at both Westgate Lakes and Bonnet Creek. Bonnet Creek will EXCEED in quality of Westgate Lakes. Bonnet Creek is definitely on the higher end scale. But Westgate isn't low end. I can't wait for you to return and talk about your Westgate Lakes experience. Have a WONDERFUL vacation!!!!