Maximizing villas: using the kitchen, laundry and living spaces
Most villas at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa include a full kitchen or kitchenette plus living and dining areas that let you cook, eat and relax like you would at home. Use the in‑unit appliances, the Marketplace & Deli for groceries, and in‑room amenities (washer/dryer in many units) to stretch stays and keep luggage light.
In this guide
Which villa kitchens you’ll find and where they’re located
Westgate Lakes offers villa layouts from studio villas up to multi‑bedroom Villas; many unit types show full kitchens or kitchenettes in the listing. Units labeled Villa, 3 Bedrooms; Villa, 4 Bedrooms; Villa, 2 Bedrooms and Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom typically show full kitchen areas in property images and descriptions.
Smaller units (Studio (Villa), Room (Resort Select) and Room, 1 Bedroom) may have kitchenettes rather than full cooktops. When you book, check the specific room description if a full oven/stove is important.
- Full kitchens are shown in larger Villas and some Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom units (photo 77).
- Kitchenettes appear in many one‑bedroom and studio-style units (photo 16).
- If you need a particular appliance (full oven, dishwasher), confirm that feature with reservations before arrival.
| Unit type (examples) | Typical kitchen setup |
|---|---|
| Villa, 3 Bedrooms / Villa, 4 Bedrooms | Full kitchen with stove/oven, refrigerator, often dishwasher (photo 77) |
| Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom / Room, 1 Bedroom | Open kitchen or kitchenette with cooktop or microwave, fridge (photo 15) |
| Studio (Villa) / Resort Select | Kitchenette: microwave, mini‑fridge, coffee maker (photo 16) |
Using the kitchen: basics and appliance tips
Most full kitchens include standard appliances (range/oven, refrigerator, microwave) and sometimes a dishwasher and granite counters. Kitchenettes focus on microwave, refrigerator and coffee service.
Bring or buy staples at the Marketplace & Deli when you arrive: basic condiments, cooking oil and preferred spices may not be stocked. For quick meals, Sid's Bistro, Cordovano Joe's and Drafts Sports Bar & Grill provide on‑site options and some deliver to villas.
- Check for these items before you cook: oven/stovetop, microwave, pots/pans, utensils, plates, and a can/bottle opener.
- Use the dishwasher if present to limit hand‑washing; if the unit lacks detergent, the Marketplace & Deli sells supplies.
- If you plan to grill or use open‑flame equipment, confirm resort policies with the front desk—many villa properties restrict outdoor grilling on patios.
| Common appliance | Tip |
|---|---|
| Range/oven | Preheat and use proper cookware; verify size if you’re baking casseroles. |
| Microwave | Good for reheats and quick meals in kitchenette units. |
| Dishwasher | Run at night to have clean dishes for the following day. |
Smart grocery and meal planning
Marketplace & Deli on property stocks groceries, snacks and prepared sandwiches, which saves a trip to an off‑site store. Sid's Bistro and the deli offer coffee and ready items for mornings.
Plan simple breakfasts and one or two cooked dinners to reduce time spent shopping. Large Villas can accommodate group meals at the dining table or kitchen island.
- Buy perishables for the first 1–2 days and restock if your stay is longer.
- Purchase dishwasher soap, dish soap, paper towels and trash bags if needed at the Marketplace & Deli.
- Use Cordovano Joe's for pizza or Drafts for casual dinner when you want a break from cooking.
| Meal | Easy option using villa resources |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Coffee from Sid's Bistro + fruit/yogurt from Marketplace |
| Lunch | Prepared sandwiches or salads from Marketplace & Deli |
| Dinner | Quick stovetop pasta or pizza delivery from Cordovano Joe's |
Laundry in villas: what to expect and how to save time
Many villa units include a washer and dryer in a guest bathroom or laundry closet; photos and room descriptions sometimes show a washer under the vanity or in a bathroom area. If laundry is essential, confirm the amenity for your exact unit when booking.
Bring travel detergent pods for convenience or pick up detergent at the Marketplace & Deli. Use the washer/dryer between activities (evenings or pool breaks) to keep the villa tidy without disrupting plans.
- Confirm in‑unit washer/dryer availability for your specific villa type before arrival.
- If you prefer not to use the in‑unit appliances, ask the front desk about on‑site laundry services or recommendations.
- Run a short load first to verify settings and drain/vent operation—this avoids surprises with longer loads.
| Laundry question | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| No washer in unit | Ask front desk for nearest self‑service or hotel‑offered laundry options |
| Need detergent | Buy single-use pods at Marketplace & Deli |
| Large group stay | Schedule multiple short loads rather than one long heavy load |
Arranging living and dining spaces for groups
Larger Villas show combined living and dining spaces with ample seating, dining tables and entertainment centers—use these spaces to centralize meals, games and planning. Photographs of Villa living/dining areas show long dining tables and open floorplans suited for groups (photo 63, 66 and 78 in the property photo set).
Move portable furniture modestly to create a flow that works for your group, but do not remove resort furniture or accessories. If you need extra seating or a rollaway, contact the front desk to ask what they can provide for your specific unit.
- Seat children at the dining table for easy cleanup; use placemats to protect granite counters.
- Reserve one area as a charging/tech station—Wi‑Fi is included with the resort fee.
- If you’re hosting a meal, confirm trash and recycling procedures with the front desk to avoid housekeeping issues.
| Group size | Suggested villa feature to request |
|---|---|
| Couple or solo traveler | Studio (Villa) or Room (Resort Select) with kitchenette |
| Small family (3–5) | Room, 1 Bedroom or Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom |
| Large family or group | Villa, 3 Bedrooms or Villa, 4 Bedrooms with full kitchen and large dining table |
Cleaning, trash and housekeeping expectations
Housekeeping service is available on request; confirm timing and any fees when you arrive. For longer stays, ask about mid‑stay cleanings so you can plan meals and laundry around them.
Most villas provide trash bins and a designated area for disposal; if you generate excessive trash from cooking, the Marketplace & Deli or front desk can advise on disposal and recycling rules.
- Leave dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher and note any special instructions for staff.
- If you use the oven or make messy meals, wipe surfaces promptly to avoid odors.
- Report appliance problems to the front desk so engineering can address them quickly.
| Task | Typical guest action |
|---|---|
| Dishwashing | Run the dishwasher at night or wash and leave to dry |
| Trash overflow | Ask front desk for extra bags or disposal instructions |
| Housekeeping | Request mid‑stay cleaning through the front desk or concierge |
