OverviewLocated about an 11-minute drive from Disney World and a 3-minute drive from the nearest Highway 400 on-ramp, Westgate Palace is suitable for business or vacation travellers who prefer condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, easy highway access and meeting/banquet space.
Each of this non-smoking hotel's two-bedroom condos offers cable TV, an in-room safe, a full kitchen (with cooking utensils), a living room with a sofabed, a dining area, a washer and dryer, a jetted tub, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board and a DVD player. In-room Wi-Fi is available for an additional $9.99 per day, per device.
Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, a pool bar, a lake, a fitness centre, a steam room, meeting/banquet space, a games room, a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, BBQ facilities, DVD rentals and free parking. Pets under 50 lbs are permitted for $80 per pet, per stay.
Free scheduled transportation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Orlando Premium Outlets is also available (please contact the hotel for details). Guests also have access to the hotel's sister property, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa (please contact the hotel for details).
On-site dining is offered at the hotel's Deli (serving breakfast, lunch and snacks), and Westgate Resorts Pizza Company, which serves lunch, dinner and room service.
Wet 'n' Wild can be found roughly a 12-minute walk from the hotel, while Orlando Premium Outlets and SeaWorld can both be found roughly 13 minutes away by car. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a 20-minute drive away. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi $10/day/device, free parking, pets under 50 lbs $80/pet/stay, wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: October 25, 2013)
The GoodThe majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with much praise going to the hotel's location, staff and rooms.
The hotel's location was a source of many compliments by reviewers. They found it close to Disney World, Wet 'n' Wild, Universal Studios, highway access, restaurants and shopping.
Numerous guests were pleased with the level of customer service they received. They characterized the staff as efficient, helpful, knowledgeable and attentive.
Several travellers were pleased with the hotel's accommodations. They described their rooms as clean, well equipped, spacious and modern, with nice lake views and views of the Universal Studios fireworks and comfortable beds. It should be noted, however, that a few patrons were disappointed with their lodgings (see below).
The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were a few common complaints about the Wi-Fi fee, the rooms and parking.
Several guests complained about the hotel's additional Wi-Fi fee. They found it expensive (about $10 per day, per device), and felt it should have been included in the room rates.
Although several lodgers enjoyed their modern and comfortable rooms, a few reviewers criticized their lodgings. They reported dated decor, worn fixtures, small-sized rooms, uncomfortable beds and some cleaning issues.
A few travellers reported not being able to find a parking space in the hotel's lot, which they found very inconvenient.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 4.1 out of 5 with a 90% recommendation rate from 1,307 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #36 of 104 Orlando hotels with an average rating of 4 out of 5 from 561 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviews rated the hotel 8.1 out of 10 from 244 reviews.
The author called the hotel on October 25, 2013 to verify some information.