I recently had the opportunity to stay at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in the beautiful city of Orlando, Florida.
If you are not aware, then you know that on my solo travels (or sometimes my travel with friends and family) always lead to some type of staycation!
I live in the heart of the tourist capital of the world, Orlando. We have Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and so many other attractions on International Drive and even in Downtown Orlando, that I feel like I’m on vacation all of the time.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Why Do an Orlando Staycation at Westgate?
Instead of spending a whole bunch of money and going out of the state or trying to take a flight across the world, I like to do little 3-day staycations here in Orlando, Florida.
I had the opportunity to partner up with Westgate, at one of the top resorts in Orlando, Florida, to enjoy and to see all that they had to offer and to show you how you can have your own fun weekend here with a few things that made my staycation lovely!
As always, the opinions I express in this article are my own. Enjoy!
What You Should Know About Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Orlando, Florida
The first thing I’d like to bring to your attention is that this is a timeshare resort, but they do have opportunities for guests to stay in their villas.
Westgate Lakes Villas Come In:
- One-bedroom
- Two-bedroom
- Three-bedroom
- Four-bedroom rentals
And they’re quite spacious!
I stayed in a one-bedroom villa and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was actually one of the newer villas that are available for guests who are thinking about visiting this property.
While in the room there is a full-size kitchen, a dining room, a living room, a spacious bathroom, and a luxurious bedroom.
What I do like about the master-bedroom is the stunning hot tub located adjacent to the king-size bed. Perfect for any theme park vacation.
Kind of like your own little piece of spa heaven right inside your villa.
What I Love the Most About Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
My favorite feature of the villa is the balcony area. It’s actually quite large.
You have a section that has lounge chairs and another section that has a table with 3 additional chairs. Plus, I love sitting there and reflecting.
For me, I like to sit on the balcony with coffee in the morning and wine in the evening to add to my moments of reflection.
The best way to travel!
What I do like is the magnificent view of Big Sand Lake. It was just so peaceful and serene to wake up to that fabulous view in the morning.
I think the view itself is worth the price of admission to Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa!
Lots of Pools to Choose From
Because the property is pretty vast, Westgate makes sure there’s a pool for each area of the resort.
There are 7 pools total:
- Treasure Cove Water Park
- Citrus Breeze Pool Area
- Coral Reef Pool Area
- Flamingo Bay Pool
- Pelican’s Landing Pool
- Sandpiper Pool
- Sunset Key Pool Area
- Turtle Cove Pool
I was located near the Pelican’s Landing Pool area and the Sunset Key Pool area.
Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!
Wonderful Views Galore at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Orlando, Fl
The views were so spectacular even though you’re not on the ocean. The lake was just the right size for me to feel as if I’d escape to a tropical paradise.
The color of the sky also made for a perfect weekend and it just all worked out well for me.
It’s a feature that you’ll enjoy too!
Relaxation Time
One of my favorites to do at Westgate Orlando is to find quiet areas to reflect and relax.
These secluded oasis allow you to relax, sit down in the canopies, and enjoy the covered large lanai that will give you breath-taking views of Big Sand Lake with Westgate Resort peaking in the background.
I’m not going to lie, but walking across the large property to find the best spots is a bit scary, because the Florida natural wildlife.
Most likely this was due to the fact that I was there during the peak rainy season, but once you find your spot the views are totally worth it!
However, those photo ops also make the journey worthwhile.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Orlando Accommodations
As far as the accommodations, Westgate is a resort near Universal Studios that offers you stellar accommodations and amenities and activities to keep you busy on your trip.
Activities and amenities such as:
- Fully-furnished Orlando vacation home with accommodations ranging from studios to spacious four-bedroom villas
- Free self-parking is available to resort guests
- Drafts Sports Bar & Grill open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with popular brew pubs and gourmet burger bars
- Serenity Spa by Westgate which is a world-class facility and premium day spa that allows you to indulge, relax and rejuvenate
- Fitness Center with state-of-the-art fitness, cardio and weight training equipment
- Activities that range from kayaking, fishing, mini golf, a circus, a mission control game room, to a baby otter swim school
- Ideal location just 5 miles from SeaWorld Orlando, 2 miles from Universal Orlando Resort™ and 6 miles from Walt Disney World‎ Resort, as well as just 2.6 miles from the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Complimentary Transportation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Orlando Premium Outlets
Remember: This is a timeshare resort so some of things you will have to pay for unless you are an owner. You’ll have a little higher fee, a few dollars above what the owners have to pay.
What to Remember Most About this Orlando Resort
I want to emphasis that on my staycations, relaxing is my NUMBER ONE goal and sometimes I add a theme park day.
At Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, I recommend trying to get your room towards the back area facing the lake or an area where there’s not too much traffic. This will make for a much more secluded and relaxing vacation.
Final Thoughts and Review of Westgate Orlando
My overall opinion of Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando is that it will take care of your lodging needs and it’s quite affordable for you on a solo trip and even more affordable if you’re going on a family trip.
The villas have enough room to where you do not feel as if you’re on top on each other.
You’ll also have so many activities to do from blasting away zombies in the arcade, to watching entertainers soar in the air for a circus show.
And yes, there is a nice circus show on property.
Let’s not forget about the good size grocery store located in the Village Shops section of the resort.
They also have Drafts Sports Bar and Grill on property that serves American style food, perfect for any type of game day.
Make sure you think about staying at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa if you’re looking for a 3-bedroom resort in Orlando for your next trip or staycation weekend. It’s near all the major attractions in Orlando.
Get up to 25% off of your Universal Studios Tickets with Groupon TODAY!
How far is Westgate Lakes Resort from Disney and Universal?
It’s a resort 5-minutes away from Universal Orlando Resort and 10 to 15 minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Address
The address to this resort is 9500 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819.
You will be welcomed to a relaxing vacation in a fully furnished home with a variety of onsite amenities just for you in the heart of all the action!
You can book your next vacation at Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa here.
Have you ever stayed at any Westgate property? If so, let me know in the comment section below.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- 5 Best Family Resorts Near Walt Disney World
- How to Find a Vacation Home near Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort Review
- Tips for Doing Walt Disney World on a Budget
- 19 Reasons You’ll Love CLC Regal Oaks | CLC World Resort Near Walt Disney World
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Get your Ultimate Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
(Original Article: August 2018/Updated on June 4, 2024)
This mase me happy to read We are Westgate Owners and Travel Partners, and we usually stay at Town Center when we are interested he Orlando area. Of the many times we have been there, we have not tried Westgate Lakes. Maybe it is time that we do that! Thank you for sharing so many great details about the property in this informative article.
You guys sound like Westgate pros! You definitely have to visit Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. I have a feeling you guys will love it 🙂
This is great! There are so many hotel options in the area, it’s hard to know where to choose! I will add this one to my list now
I was lucky to pick a beautiful weekend to go where the blue skies were perfect! Made for a fun staycation at Westgate Lakes.
Westgate Lakes looks like a lovely relaxing place to stay- the surroundings look so peaceful and that hot tub- WOW!
The views were amazing and the hot tub was EVERYTHING!
Looks like a gorgeous place! Did you have a favorite pool?
The Citrus Breeze pool area was my favorite 🙂