Westgate Towers Resort

The screened balcony looked out over one of the many pools, and there was plenty to keep families busy between park visits, including putt putt, a playground, and air hockey. I nearly missed the butterfly garden, which was a really neat feature. We had a spacious, comfortable renovated room with a kitchenette: mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, sink, and some dishes and utensils. The bathroom was large, though the barn-style doors had come off their track. After I fixed them, one still wouldn't stay shut, but it didn't affect my stay. I'd asked for a renovated room after reading reviews. Westgate Towers Resort is near dining and a Wal-mart, easy to reach from 192, and close to Disney parks. On arrival, I was sent to the activities desk, where they gave me coupons and a guide to nearby attractions. They also offered a presentation, and I realized it was a timeshare type of resort catering to its sister property next door. I politely declined since I don't travel often. A locked side entrance meant everyone had to come through the main entrance, which added to my sense of security. Room keys are needed to enter the buildings. Checkout was simple: leave the keys in the room and text the front desk. A shuttle to at least Disney Springs would have been nice, but I got around fine. For a cozy, affordable stay off Disney property, the value is hard to beat. I'd stay again.

We've stayed at Westgate Towers for years and usually had great service, but this year's experience was abysmal. Our email said check-in was at 4. We arrived at 2 just to say we were nearby and ask for a room with sunlight if possible. They told us to return at 3:30. At 4, Sara said our room, which had no sunlight, still wasn't ready and could take up to another two hours because they were full after a busy week. That's not the guest's problem. We shouldn't be expected to wait around indefinitely because of poor planning. Sara was rude and disruptive when we tried to explain our concerns. We went back at 5:50 and were told the room was ready. When we asked why nobody called, Sara said she was busy with a customer, too busy for a three-second call. Completely unacceptable. We won't be back.

I rarely leave a negative review because I see it as a last resort, and I give places a chance to make things right. I booked directly on the Westgate site for a room with a jacuzzi, then immediately called to explain we'd be staying late at the parks and checking in around 3 a.m. They said that was fine and noted my account. At exactly 3 a.m., I found a letter at the front door saying they'd moved me to a different property. There had been no call or notice. If they'd contacted me, I'd have asked whether the room had a jacuzzi. It didn't, and I would have requested a refund since I was driving farther and paying more for that amenity. By then it was too late, and I felt trapped and scammed. Everyone at the property heard what happened, but it was too late to do anything. On top of that, the couch was broken. We asked for extra towels for my guests, but it took two hours to get them, to be fair, it was a busy period, and my guests got no sleep. I asked for a refund in the morning and left as quickly as I could. It felt like a total bait and switch. Every employee and manager heard my story and seemed not to care. I almost let it go, but a week later there was another $17 charge on my card. This place feels like a total scam. Go to Floridays resort instead, with similar accommodation closer to Universal. This place is a joke. The working staff were very friendly, and I appreciate them. Management is a joke. No notice, phone call, or email. Bait and switch!

Sarah at Westgate Towers Resort made our stay much better than we expected. She was a pleasure to talk to from the moment we arrived, warm, friendly, and caring. She paid attention to every detail and did everything she could to make us comfortable. Her professionalism and kindness made our vacation feel ten times better than we had imagined. It's rare to meet someone who clearly loves her work. I hope she's recognized for the great service. Westgate Towers Resort is lucky to have team members like her.