We stayed at Tradewinds last summer for a week and for the money paid, I was disappointed. I read a lot of favorable reviews on Trip Advisor so I was very excited to go. Not sure if it was an off week when we were there since many seem to love it, but I won't ever go back. Issues we had:
1. The rooms were very small. They look much larger online. We booked a one-bedroom and it was about the size of a regular room, just cut in half with one side the bedroom. The beds were small, double beds.
2. The house keeping was hit or miss. Some days they came, some they did not. On days they cleaned, they missed things like taking out the trash or leaving new towels.
3. The pool area was very small and old. There was one, small dirty bathroom and changing area. Not sufficient for number of people by the pool. Fortunately, the wonderful beach was near so no need to spend much time at the pool. Arcade is also small, old and dirty.
4. When compared to the Disney Kids Clubs as well as South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, we found the kids club at Tradewinds fell short. One night they just sat the kids down at the poolside movie even though there were specific themed night with activities and crafts. The staff in the kids club were teenagers and not that engaged with the kids.
5. There is a trampoline type bungee and it broke while my son was mid-air. He got bruised and cut. They did bring ice and asked if we wanted them to arrrange medical care. However, when I asked for my money back since my daughter was in line after him they said they could not return the money and we'd have to wait until they could process a credit. Three weeks and several emails later I finally got a refund.
6. Small parking lot nearest our room. If we went out to eat in the evening had to park in a remote lot and walk.
7. Inflatables in ocean not up every day. Even on sunny, clear days.
8. Smoking is allowed. People in rooms on either side of us would sit outside in the chairs in the walkway and smoke. We couldn't enjoy sitting outside when they were out. A lot of smoke at the pools and had to move several times when people next to me smoked.
We really enjoyed the beach and spent most of our days on the beach. Could have spent much less at a different hotel and done the same thing. We've also been to Captiva Island South Seas Resort and my kids and I all felt it was much better than Tradewinds with better activities and facilities.
