Westgate (spiceycat?)

[jdm]

Hi

I know that Westgate is not popular because of their high pressure tactics.
I'm getting ready to do a trade through II and Westgate properties seem to be coming up most frequently. I'm going at what seems to be a peak time 3/11/05) so I've got to take the best of what I can get. Although I've researched a ton of Orlando properties and stayed at a few (Vistana (loved), Cypress harbour (liked) and Star Island (OK) I've never really looked at Westgate due to the things I've heard.

Last night I went to Tug and the reviews of the properties themselves are not that bad. It's very confusing to me though which one would be best. There are the Vacation villas, Town Center and Lakes. We are looking for a family destination dd12 and dgd7, dh and me that would have a great pool area and maybe some activites. Can anyone with some knowledge of these resorts give me some pros and cons of each one, and which one is best (once I get through the front desk) etc.

I'd appreciate any info. I did a search and didn't come up with much.

Thanks
Jenn

 

[spiceycat]

Town Center is closer to WDW.

Lakes is closer to SW.

I think Town Center has access (if they want it) to the Villas - so that is probably your best bid.

Vacation Villas is where I own.

 

[rkmassa]

We stayed at the Lakes, but that was about 3 years ago. The resort itself was just gorgeous. They had lots of activities at the pool for kids. We did have problems when we checked in with ants in our room, but it is Florida after all. We requested a new room, and we moved actually closer to the main pool. We had a studio and enjoyed our stay, minus the high pressure sales. The travel time to Disney was pretty good. At the time the road in front of the resort did not go all the way through-dead ended. We were there in December and drove down the interstate. Looked like the road was now complete, so drive time would be even better. It is really a lovely resort.

 

[jdm]

Thanks for your replies. Any ideas on which one is the nicest? Newest? More family friendly? Also, this morning when I pulled up what was available, Westgate Palace came up. I've never even heard of it. Description is that it is right by Wet & Wild.

Thanks again for the replies. Lakes certainly seems to look the nicest. Now, Wyndham Palms is starting to come up so I'll need to research that one also!! Oh the fun of planning:~)

Thanks
Jenn

 

[spiceycat]

Town Center is the newest.

Lakes is done after the villa but before Town Center.

I would go with Wyndham Palms. It is futher away than Westgate Town Center - but it has much better reviews.

 

[gallaj0]

We've stayed in Town Center (twice) and Villas once. I'd go back to the Town Center anytime. Town Center is a high rise building, Villas are 2 story townhouses. Both were nice, but I'd take TC anyday.

We also always traded in with II, never any problems.

 

[jdm]

Just doing some research on Wymdham Palms which does get great reviews with the exception of the pool area. We are BIG pool people and thats where we spend most of our time. So, it's puts me a little apprehensive about Wyndham Palms. We will just be coming off a Disney Cruise so have no real plans. Just hang at the resort, maybe do a few day trips to the beach. That's why I'm a little more resort focused this time- we'll be spending a lot of time there.

gallaj0, why did you like TC so much better than villas?

Thanks
Jenn

 

[gallaj0]

We liked the TC better just because it seemed newer, had the BIG screen TV, that's it. Not reallu much, but it was just a preference. I'd stay at either again in a heartbeat.

 

[gfolchick]

I've owned at Westgate Villas since 1991. The check-in in the past has frustrated me because they do not simply hand over your villa keys, you need to be escorted by your representative who will then try to set up a "maintenance" meeting with you at a later date. I am happy to report that we visited again this past November and it was by far the smoothest check in to date. I prefer the Villas to TC. I stayed at TC last year and did not like the high rise set up. The elevators were in the middle of the building and we had an end unit on the 5th floor. We also had 3 kids with us so I was nervous about them hanging over the balcony (of the building, not the unit, those are screened in). I love that you can walk out your door and be steps from a pool (the resort has 10 all with kiddie pools and hot tubs). Another note about TC, I didn't feel as safe there walking from my car alone at night (we were also the last building) and it was a far walk to the closest pool.

FYI, Westgate Palace is in Las Vegas, not Orlando

I've never stayed at Westgate Lakes, but if you're doing Sea World and Universal it's closer. Plus they have the Spa there and their own restaurant (BBQ) and more water sport activities.

 

[jdm]

Thanks for the additional info. I appreciate it. Wow, these Westgate timeshares get such mixed reviews. The westgate palace that I was looking at came up in Orlando. Said it was right by the Wet & Wild and close to the outlet malls. Weird, as I have never heard of it, and it's not on the Tug review board but it was definitely in Orlando. that's the only page I've been checking.

Jenn

 

[spiceycat]

Westgate also owns hotels

www.westgateresorts.com

sometimes their website gives more details?

 

[jdm]

Thought I was cracking up for a minute there. Looks like the Palace in Orlando is still under construction. That's why I didn't see reviews on Tug. Looks like we'll probably go with Lakes, so now I'm trying to gather info on that.

Thanks,
Jenn

 

[rcb28]

My wife & I are gonna be at the villa's march 6-13th. Let me know where you'll be at. Take Care.

 

[Disfreek]

We actually have been at West Gate Town Center (we own there), West Gate Vacation Villas (they are older), Sheraton Vistana(my sister owns there), and Wyndham Palms.

Wyndham Palms has 2 pools (maybe three now???) One by where you check in and one by some of the newer buildings. It is a beautifully landscaped resort, but if you are looking for pool time, forget it.

Westgate town center--very new. LOTS of pools on this property--I think 12 or 13 pools the last time we were there in August. Many pools because town center and villas are actually right next to eachother & share the ammenities... Lots of pools--Not crowded.

 

[lawgs]

palace (s) was ( were ) an existing structure (s) that westgate took over and is in the process of converting to "timeshares".....they used to be painted pink....now the colors are easier on the eyes

 

[mrsstats]

What make the check in easier? I own there too and will be heading Down the end of Feb. I hate them taking you to your room. I know where it is, dont need any help.

Thanks

 

[Disfreek]

When we were there in April, the took us to our room--YUK.

When we went back in August, they just gave us our stuff & we found our own room. :jumping4:

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I agree completly w/ gfolchicks post. We have owned the Villas since 1993 and we have stayed there and the TC. Our thoughts were pretty much the same as gfolchicks. It is pretty awesome to walk out your patio door and be right near the pool.

I hate waiting to be "escorted" to your unit also. Last time we went, I threw a small fit about having to wait for someone to take us. I was tired from traveling and just wanted to get unpacked and settled. Someone show up fairly quickly after I gave them a "few choice words"!!! LOL!

 

[live4christp1]

We will be at the Villas March 5-12. Got a great deal from www.redweek.com, owner couldn't use his week this year and let us have it for $500, sleeps 10. Taking my mom, dad, brother, niece, and the four of us. Can't wait. We have been to lots of timeshare presentations (make lots of money in Gatlinburg doing that in a weekend) but never actually stayed in one. Keith Cristy Micah Alicia

 

[djm99]

Both Westgate and Wyndham Palms are very similar in their room set ups - just to give a small "fact" I learned from one the their presentations - The owner of Wyndham Palms is the ex-wife of present Westgate owner. Her reasoning behind Wyndham Palms was to take Westgate and make it better. Wyndham is a very nice and more spread out resort than both the Westgate Lakes and Villas. And they have a nice golf course! Although the pools are far away it might not be a bad thing. Once I stayed at Pool side and heard the screams of laughter all night long at Westgate Lakes . Another summer we were at the Lakes and we were far away from Pool and we wished we were little closer, but not too close !

Both of the presentations are horrible - another "fact" many of the presenters go from one resort to another so you could very well get a presenter that once worked at the other resorts. More "upscale" resorts really don't have high pressure presentations (like your Marriots, Sheraton, and Starwood,etc.). I like the Westgate Villas location - its right off 192 by Formosa Gardens Blvd. near almost everything - including the highway - and in clear traffic (like this ever happens) you can really get to Disney in 5 minutes. Wyndham isn't too much further away, maybe about a mile. If you want the excitement of I-Drive I'd choose Westgate Lakes (my favorite) or Westgate Palace (if you like a smaller Residence Inn look) - and they are alot cheaper - if your willing to seat thru that presentation ($44 a night for a 2 bedroom - up to 7 nights)! Can't beat that with a stick !

Planning is sooo much fun!!!