Travelers planning an Orlando stay with Westgate often end up comparing two very different options: Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive, a high-rise, all-suite hotel just off International Drive, and Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, a sprawling lakefront resort between Universal and Walt Disney World. Both offer multi-room villa-style accommodations and kitchen facilities, but the day-to-day experience they deliver is not the same. This guide compares them in practical, real-world terms so you can decide which one better fits your style, budget, and plans in Orlando.
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Big Picture: Two Very Different Westgate Experiences
Although they share the Westgate name and both sit within a short drive of Universal Orlando, Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes feel like two different travel products. Westgate Palace is a compact, two-tower property that operates much like a hotel, but with two-bedroom suites and a small resort-style pool. It sits right off International Drive, near the intersection with Carrier Drive, which puts guests within walking distance of chain restaurants, fast-food options, mini-golf courses, and souvenir shops that line I-Drive. Guests often describe it as a practical basecamp for Universal with the bonus of extra space, rather than a destination resort in its own right.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, by contrast, is a massive lakefront complex spread along Turkey Lake Road, roughly 2 miles from Universal and several miles from Walt Disney World. It functions more like a self-contained resort community, with multiple pools, sports courts, a full-service spa, onsite restaurants and bars, and a large pirate-themed water park called Treasure Cove. Many units are low- to mid-rise condo-style buildings ringing several internal lakes. Visitors here talk about spending entire days onsite, alternating between theme parks and pool or lake days, especially on longer trips.
The choice between the two comes down to what you want your Orlando days to look like. If your priority is quick access to Universal and the restaurants and nightlife of International Drive, and you mainly need a place to sleep, shower, and maybe cook breakfast, Westgate Palace fits neatly. If you want a resort where the non-park time is just as important as the time you spend in the parks, Westgate Lakes is designed to keep you busy without ever leaving the property.
Location, Transportation and Park Access
For Universal-focused travelers, location is usually the first consideration. Westgate Palace sits just off International Drive, and Westgate markets it specifically as a Universal and I-Drive hotel. The drive to Universal’s parking garages is typically around 5 to 10 minutes in normal traffic. Guests who do not want to drive can use the resort’s free shuttle service to Universal, which operates on a schedule and requires booking a seat in advance. For many families, a typical morning looks like a short shuttle ride to Universal followed by an evening walk along I-Drive for dinner at a recognizable chain restaurant.
Westgate Lakes is a bit further from Universal in driving minutes, but still close by in Orlando terms. Westgate’s own materials list the resort as about 2 miles from Universal Orlando Resort and about 6 miles from Walt Disney World, placing it in a central position between the major parks. Like Westgate Palace, Westgate Lakes offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal for registered guests who reserve space ahead of time. Because of the resort’s size, guests may need to use internal shuttles or walk a bit from their villa buildings to the main lobby or shuttle pickup point, which can add a few minutes at the start and end of each park day.
If you plan to visit multiple parks and attractions across Orlando, Westgate Lakes has an advantage in terms of reach. It is closer to SeaWorld, the Orange County Convention Center, and Orlando’s major highways, which can make it easier to split your time between Universal, Disney, and non-park activities. Guests attending conferences often choose Westgate Lakes because it is a short drive to the convention center while still offering a resort setting. Conversely, if almost all your vacation time is earmarked for Universal with maybe a single Disney day, the Palace’s more direct Universal orientation and walkable access to I-Drive dining is often more convenient.
Suites and Villas: Space, Layout and Comfort
One of the main reasons travelers choose Westgate over standard hotels is the extra space and kitchen facilities. At Westgate Palace, the standard accommodation is a two-bedroom suite with a living area and full kitchen. Typical configurations include a primary bedroom with a king bed, a second bedroom with two twin beds, and a living room with a sofa bed, allowing many families of five or six to share one suite instead of booking two adjoining hotel rooms. Reviews often mention the convenience of cooking simple breakfasts or keeping groceries and snacks on hand, which can significantly reduce daily food spending compared to dining inside Universal.
Westgate Lakes offers a broader range of layouts. Units range from studios with kitchenettes to one-, two-, three-, and even four-bedroom villas with full kitchens and in-unit laundry in some configurations. For example, a multi-generational group might choose a three- or four-bedroom villa where grandparents, parents, and children each have their own sleeping space and share a common living room and kitchen. Some villas have screened-in balconies overlooking the water or pool areas, and many guests comment on enjoying morning coffee on the balcony on non-park days.
In terms of decor and upkeep, both properties have a mix of more recently renovated units and older ones. Recent reviews for both Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes note that some suites feel updated and modern, while others look dated, with furniture and finishes that show wear. Because both operate largely as timeshare properties, the specific unit you receive can vary. Travelers who prioritize newer interiors often mention calling ahead to request a renovated unit or being prepared to request a room change at check-in if the initial assignment does not meet their expectations.
Resort Amenities and Onsite Activities
The amenity gap between the two properties is one of the clearest differentiators. Westgate Palace has a relatively compact set of facilities: a lakeside outdoor heated pool, a small kids’ pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a casual on-site food option such as a sports bar-style outlet or grab-and-go. Guests can enjoy pool time on non-park afternoons, but there is limited space and fewer activity options once you have swum, sunbathed, or used the gym. Families tend to think of the pool as a pleasant bonus rather than a reason to stay at the property.
Westgate Lakes, in comparison, is built around abundant resort-style activities. Its official description highlights seven heated outdoor pools and seven hot tubs spread across the property, plus multiple children’s wading pools. There are basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts; mini-golf; a fitness center; a full-service spa known as Serenity Spa; and lake activities that can include paddle boats and fishing. Guests can book spa treatments, compete in mini-golf tournaments, or join organized activities run by the resort’s recreation team, such as poolside games or arts and crafts for kids.
A major draw at Westgate Lakes for families is the Treasure Cove Water Park, a large, pirate-themed water attraction with slides, a lazy river, and play areas. Access policies can vary, but day access is typically an additional cost for many guests unless included in a specific package or membership. Families who budget for this often treat it as a “park day” substitute, staying onsite and letting kids burn energy at the water park instead of buying another day of theme park tickets. This can be particularly attractive on longer stays, where a midweek rest day can save money and reduce fatigue.
If your vision of vacation includes resort days with plenty to do on property, Westgate Lakes is the clear winner. If your plan is to leave early for Universal, return late, and just use the pool once or twice, Westgate Palace’s simpler setup may be perfectly adequate, and you will not be paying for as many amenities you never use.
Costs, Fees and Value for Money
When comparing costs, it is important to look beyond the nightly rate and consider resort fees, parking, and extras. Westgate Lakes lists a resort fee of around 30 US dollars per night before tax, which covers amenities such as resort-wide activities, some Wi-Fi access options, and use of certain facilities. Parking is typically included for guests, which is significant given that parking at Universal’s garages currently runs to a substantial daily fee per vehicle. Shuttles to Universal are also complimentary, though they operate on fixed schedules that may not match everyone’s exact park arrival or departure preferences.
Westgate Palace also charges a nightly resort fee, and its official information notes that self-parking is included as part of that fee. For a family staying five nights, avoiding a separate parking charge of 15 to 25 dollars per night that is common at some nearby hotels can represent meaningful savings. Because both properties include kitchen facilities, guests often save further by grocery shopping at nearby supermarkets on Turkey Lake Road or around International Drive and preparing breakfasts and some dinners in their suites or villas.
In terms of nightly rates, both properties run a wide range depending on season, promotions, and how you book. A two-bedroom suite at Westgate Palace is often priced competitively with or slightly above a standard room at a mid-range I-Drive hotel, but still below Universal’s on-site premier resorts that include express passes. Multi-bedroom villas at Westgate Lakes can be a strong value for large families or groups who would otherwise need multiple hotel rooms. For example, a three-bedroom villa that sleeps eight might be priced similarly to two separate standard rooms at a name-brand hotel closer to the parks, once you factor in resort fees and parking.
One cost factor that deserves attention is the timeshare sales environment. Westgate is primarily a timeshare company, and both Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes host sales presentations. Guests who book special packages that include discounted stays or park tickets are often required to attend a timeshare tour, and online reports frequently describe these as high-pressure and time consuming. Travelers who prefer to avoid sales pitches generally book flexible rates or packages that do not carry a tour requirement and decline any unsolicited invitations to “owner updates” during their stay.
Dining, Groceries and Everyday Convenience
Where you stay in Orlando shapes how easily you can access food and everyday necessities. Westgate Palace has a clear advantage when it comes to walking access to restaurants and quick bites. Step outside and you are within a few blocks of typical International Drive options: pizza, chain steakhouses, fast-casual burger spots, ice cream shops, and late-night bars. Visitors who like to finish a Universal day with a stroll along I-Drive and a casual dinner without getting back in the car find this location convenient. The property also has a small onsite outlet for casual American fare and drinks, useful on nights when you want to stay close to your room.
Westgate Lakes relies more on onsite options and driving. The resort features several food and beverage outlets, such as a smokehouse-style restaurant, sports bar, deli, and poolside bars, so you can eat every meal on property if you choose. Prices are generally in line with mid-range resort dining, typically higher than off-site chain restaurants but below most in-park meals. For groceries, you will likely need to drive to a supermarket or large pharmacy a few minutes away along Turkey Lake Road or Sand Lake Road. Many guests use grocery delivery services to stock their villa kitchens on arrival.
For guests who prefer not to drive at all, Westgate Palace’s walkability is attractive. You can arrive by rideshare, use the free shuttle to Universal, and then rely on your feet for most dining and minor shopping. At Westgate Lakes, a car or frequent rideshare use is more practical, especially for off-property meals. However, travelers who plan to spend dedicated days at the resort’s pools and water park may find it worth trading walkable dining for onsite variety and the option to charge meals to the room.
Which Traveler Fits Each Property Best?
Although both properties can work for a wide range of travelers, certain profiles clearly align better with one or the other. Westgate Palace tends to suit short stays of three to four nights with a heavy focus on Universal and International Drive. A typical guest might be a family of four or five doing a long weekend at Universal, with park days from open to close and minimal interest in elaborate resort amenities. They appreciate coming “home” to a two-bedroom suite where kids can watch TV in their own room and adults can decompress in the living area or kitchen. The ability to walk to a late-night pizza place or grab fast food after a long day at the parks is a significant plus.
Westgate Lakes shines for longer stays, large families, and travelers who value resort downtime. A family staying a full week to visit both Universal and Disney might plan three or four park days and two or three resort days, mixing in Treasure Cove Water Park, mini-golf, and spa time. Multi-generational groups often book larger villas to keep everyone under one roof. The spa and sports facilities attract guests who enjoy more than just pool lounging, and the property’s central location between the major park areas keeps drive times manageable in both directions.
Budget-conscious travelers should think about where their money delivers the most value. If you plan to be away from the resort 12 hours a day, the extra costs associated with a vast amenity set might be wasted on you, in which case Westgate Palace is a practical, space-efficient solution. If you know your group will crave breaks from crowds and heat, and you want those breaks to feel like a continuation of the vacation rather than just time in a room, the larger resort environment at Westgate Lakes may justify its added fees and occasional logistical complexity.
The Takeaway
Choosing between Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes is less about which property is objectively better and more about which one matches how you plan to use Orlando. Westgate Palace is, at its heart, an International Drive hotel with the bonus of two-bedroom suites and a small resort footprint. It is a strong match for visitors whose days revolve around Universal and who want walkable dining and nightlife immediately outside the lobby. Its smaller scale also means less time navigating internal shuttles or sprawling grounds when all you really want is a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.
Westgate Lakes is designed as a full resort experience, with multiple pools, sports facilities, a spa, extensive onsite dining, and a dedicated water park. It suits travelers who see their accommodations as part of the vacation, not just a place to crash. Families staying a week or more, especially those splitting time between Universal, Disney, and other attractions, frequently find that the resort amenities at Westgate Lakes give them the flexibility to mix high-energy park days with relaxed lake and pool days.
Both properties share some common considerations. Resort fees and the timeshare sales environment are realities at each, so it is wise to read the fine print of any package, budget for nightly fees, and decide in advance whether you are willing to attend a sales presentation. Recent guest reviews suggest that requesting renovated units and being clear about expectations at check-in can improve the stay at either property.
If you picture waking up, grabbing a quick coffee, hopping a shuttle to Universal, and ending the night on International Drive, Westgate Palace is likely your better fit. If you imagine alternating roller coasters with lazy rivers, spa appointments, and sunset walks along a lakefront, Westgate Lakes offers the resort-style setting to match that vision. Align the property choice with your daily rhythm, and either Westgate option can anchor a successful Orlando vacation.
FAQ
Q1. Which resort is closer to Universal Orlando, Westgate Palace or Westgate Lakes?
Westgate Palace is slightly closer in practical terms, with a very short drive to Universal and easy access to the main route toward the parks. Westgate Lakes is still close, at roughly a few minutes’ drive, but sits along Turkey Lake Road and can involve more internal navigation within the resort before you reach the main roads.
Q2. Do both Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes offer free shuttles to Universal?
Both resorts advertise complimentary shuttle service to Universal for registered guests, but seats are limited and typically must be reserved in advance. Schedules may not cover very early entry or late-night returns, so guests who want maximum flexibility often plan to drive or use rideshares instead of relying solely on the shuttle.
Q3. Are there resort fees at Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes?
Yes. Both properties charge nightly resort fees that cover use of certain amenities and services. At Westgate Lakes, the fee is around the high twenties to about thirty US dollars plus tax per night, while Westgate Palace also assesses a nightly fee. Travelers should confirm current amounts at booking and include them in their total trip budget.
Q4. Is parking included at these Westgate properties?
At both Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes, self-parking is generally included for registered guests and not charged as a separate nightly parking fee. This can compare favorably to some nearby hotels that charge extra per night for parking, especially for guests who drive to Orlando or rent a car for the duration of their stay.
Q5. Which resort is better for families who want lots of onsite activities?
Westgate Lakes is better suited for families seeking extensive onsite activities. Its multiple pools, sports courts, mini-golf, spa, organized recreation, and Treasure Cove Water Park create a full resort environment. Westgate Palace has a pool and some basic amenities but is more of a practical base for park-focused trips than an activity-rich destination on its own.
Q6. How do the room types compare between Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes?
Westgate Palace primarily offers two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living areas, ideal for families needing separate sleeping spaces. Westgate Lakes has a wider range, from studios with kitchenettes to one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas, some with balconies and in-unit laundry. Larger or multi-generational groups often find the villa layouts at Westgate Lakes particularly useful.
Q7. Is it possible to avoid timeshare presentations at these resorts?
Yes. While both properties host timeshare sales and may invite guests to attend, participation is generally tied to specific promotional packages or incentives. Travelers who prefer to avoid presentations can book standard rates, decline sales invitations at check-in, and politely refuse any follow-up calls or offers for “owner updates” during their stay.
Q8. Which resort is better without a rental car?
For guests without a rental car, Westgate Palace is usually more convenient. Its International Drive location offers walkable access to numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, and it still provides scheduled shuttles to Universal. At Westgate Lakes, a car or frequent rideshare use is more practical for offsite dining and errands, even though the resort has several onsite dining options.
Q9. Is Westgate Lakes a good base if we want to visit both Universal and Disney?
Many travelers use Westgate Lakes as a central base for both Universal and Walt Disney World. The resort’s location between the two areas, plus its extensive amenities, makes it appealing for week-long stays that mix different parks and resort days. Drive times are still significant in Orlando traffic, but being roughly between both complexes can streamline a multi-park itinerary.
Q10. Which resort generally offers better value for money?
Value depends on how you use the property. Westgate Palace often delivers strong value for short, Universal-focused stays where you primarily need a spacious suite and good location. Westgate Lakes can provide excellent value for larger groups or longer vacations where you plan to use the pools, water park, and other amenities extensively. In both cases, factoring in resort fees, parking policies, and potential timeshare requirements is essential when comparing overall costs.