I would highly recommend you NOT get a western facing lanai if you plan to use it at all. If you are thinking about it, make certain you visit the property (In the Summer) before you buy with the sun setting.

The Angle of the setting sun will change 10-15 degrees with June 20th being the MOST western point ..while the Jan-Mayand July -December setting sun will be more south- west (the southern extreme around Dec 20th).

WE found outself rarely using the lanai area due to the extreme heat in the summer ( and Im talking 5-7pm for dinner) , the past 2 cool to cold winters, and just the hassle in dealing with rain, wind and dirt. Finally decided to enclose our lanai with Glass sliders over glass transom windows and we now use the space anytime we want in total comfort. If we want a breeze through the house we simply open the front screen in entrance way and open the glass sliders...all the breeze we want or need.

If you have any doubts I would not take anyones word or advice and highly suggest you should check it out personally before you buy rather than be sorry. Everyone tolerance for heat, cold or simply things not in place are different..what is good or acceptable to one person may not be for another or vice versa.

Mine is West and that works fine for us. We have a pool and solar heater so West is Best. However we did add an awning that works with a remote control that we do need in the summer. With that we can use it year round both morning and afternoon/evening.

I vote for east facing as well. Ours faces east, and we use it about 3 seasons per year. In the winter its generally too cool for us. But we love it in the summer, being in the afternoon shade with the fans going, very balmy. Our neighbor bought a home with a west facing lanai, and they almost never use it. He complains that its way too hot in the afternoon sun. I guess everyone has different tolerances for the heat and cold.