yes I read the other threads and they were helpful, but I really need advice about this resort.
I have read these reviews "I noticed other reviews mentioned a breakfast bar - they don't offer this any more (except once if you are willing to sit through their timeshare stuff). My guess is that it's either still suffering from last year's hurricances or they're just skimping on the maintenance: rust and mold, slimy spas and pools, grimy hammocks, rotting/slanting docks, lumpy beds (and I definitely wouldn't recommend trying the sofa bed - even for sitting). Our room phone quick dial buttons didn't work: "Front Desk" rang someone else's room, "Pick Up Messages" didn't do anything - but it's OK because I was able to notice that they charge for every use of the phone, even 800 numbers! And don't lose the pool towels they put in the room - they'll charge $10 each. They have DVDs for rent ($6.35), board games for rent (though we never found out how much because the right folks were never at the front desk), wireless internet is available - again for a fee (we skipped that, too), "extra" room service costs $25-$75 (and you have to take out your own garbage and run the dishwasher when you leave), shuttles to Disney, etc cost $5-$9 per person each way - on their schedule, canoes and paddles boats can be rented for the lake - but you are warned to avoid feeding the alligators (hence, no swimming...), the 'fitness room' is probably 10x12 with a couple of treadmills and a water cooler...and so on. In short, they nickel and dime you to death (if you let them) and it comes off as just a big Super 8, but WITHOUT the free internet, daily breakfast, free towels at the pool, fresh linens daily (though you can get more on request). Parking was tight - odd numbered buildings don't have a parking garage, and they close off the far end entrance at 6pm so you'll have to drive around.
I will not be going back."
and
"For a "resort" it's definitely limited: there's a couple of pools and spas, and also a tennis court, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a shuffleboard court - that's "a", as in "just one". The fitness room is a joke. There are signs of deterioration everywhere: rust and mold exteriors, sagging docks, the stovetop had grills that didn't work, the dishwasher leaked, etc. They try to cover it up, but if you look close you might get grossed out.
Unfortunately we went as part of a timeshare thing and had to blow a few hours saying "NO" about 100 times to five different people. I suggest looking up cost specials on the net rather than going with any of their "deals". The 2-3 bedroom versions are OK, but the one-bedroom is really cramped. (and the room in the tour had condensation pouring into the room's entryway - with towels and buckets trying to contain it: we asked if the 'water feature' was extra...)
I guess we rated non-preferred: our room had a wonderful view of the electric power sub-station. The other side of the building has a lake view, but half the buildings are perpendicular to the lake, giving its residents a view of.... each other.
It is just a few miles from Disney, though if that's your main activity, regular hotels with free breakfasts, pool and spa are readily available."
and
"We've just returned from spending a week at the Embassy Grand Beach Resort. You couldn't ask for a better location as it is VERY convenient to the parks, shopping, and I -4.
The 3 bedroom unit we had was large, clean, and comfortable, although furnishings were clearly in need of an up-date . The grounds and pool areas were beautiful and welll maintained.
They were in the process of doing construction in Building #7 ( we were in Building #6 overlooking the Pond & Lake). According to our check-in Info packet, construction was to take place from 8 til 5 and would encompass some jack-hammering for tile replacements ....... Well, the noise began some mornings at 7 and continued some nights until 8 !!!
That combined with what must have been either a family of circus performers or roller derby participants staying above us did not make for a quiet & restful stay. Ohhhh, and let me not forget to mention the person staying in Building # 8 ( their newest building with the beautiful model, that they show & try to sell prospective buyers, during the timeshare presentation) with not one but two dogs !!! I pity the folks with allergies who find themselves in that unit.
We came "home" one day to find that our unit had been entered ......... linens exchanged, etc.... Then the next day came
"home" to find that our unit had been entered AGAIN and the alarm clocks had been replaced with new ones in all three bedrooms. Well, we felt violated ......... called the front desk and their reply was ...... Well, you have a Do Not Disturb Sign, don't you ?!? Put it on your door and no one will go into your unit ....... Uh, can you say Count to Ten ?!?!
Sooooooo, if you decide to stay here just remember to pack your pet allergy medication; request a top floor unit; place your Do Not Disturb Sign on the door the minute you arrive; bring ear plugs for the noise; a Just Say No sticker in case you decide to attend the presentation ( which by the way, the longer you hold out in saying yes to attending, the more stuff you get); and have a GREAT time.
"
and
My family and I stayed at this resort and we're terrorized by **** roaches. The staff was very sorry for the inconvience but they never offered another room. They said they would spray, and that would had been okay until my 12yr old woke up and there was one in the bed this is unexceptable. The room was old and the appliances, furniture was very old & and just overall unclean.
Now there are several good reviews as well but the mold statement worries me. We have an infant and a toddler and two young kids.
This is my son's birthday week and we want it to be so special we have never taken a vacation as a whole family and need one bad.
Is this a good resort? I only paid $313 with no TS tour required for a 3 bed 3 bath for one week. I have until Midnight July 27th to get a full refund.
thanks again!
I have read these reviews "I noticed other reviews mentioned a breakfast bar - they don't offer this any more (except once if you are willing to sit through their timeshare stuff). My guess is that it's either still suffering from last year's hurricances or they're just skimping on the maintenance: rust and mold, slimy spas and pools, grimy hammocks, rotting/slanting docks, lumpy beds (and I definitely wouldn't recommend trying the sofa bed - even for sitting). Our room phone quick dial buttons didn't work: "Front Desk" rang someone else's room, "Pick Up Messages" didn't do anything - but it's OK because I was able to notice that they charge for every use of the phone, even 800 numbers! And don't lose the pool towels they put in the room - they'll charge $10 each. They have DVDs for rent ($6.35), board games for rent (though we never found out how much because the right folks were never at the front desk), wireless internet is available - again for a fee (we skipped that, too), "extra" room service costs $25-$75 (and you have to take out your own garbage and run the dishwasher when you leave), shuttles to Disney, etc cost $5-$9 per person each way - on their schedule, canoes and paddles boats can be rented for the lake - but you are warned to avoid feeding the alligators (hence, no swimming...), the 'fitness room' is probably 10x12 with a couple of treadmills and a water cooler...and so on. In short, they nickel and dime you to death (if you let them) and it comes off as just a big Super 8, but WITHOUT the free internet, daily breakfast, free towels at the pool, fresh linens daily (though you can get more on request). Parking was tight - odd numbered buildings don't have a parking garage, and they close off the far end entrance at 6pm so you'll have to drive around.
I will not be going back."
and
"For a "resort" it's definitely limited: there's a couple of pools and spas, and also a tennis court, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a shuffleboard court - that's "a", as in "just one". The fitness room is a joke. There are signs of deterioration everywhere: rust and mold exteriors, sagging docks, the stovetop had grills that didn't work, the dishwasher leaked, etc. They try to cover it up, but if you look close you might get grossed out.
Unfortunately we went as part of a timeshare thing and had to blow a few hours saying "NO" about 100 times to five different people. I suggest looking up cost specials on the net rather than going with any of their "deals". The 2-3 bedroom versions are OK, but the one-bedroom is really cramped. (and the room in the tour had condensation pouring into the room's entryway - with towels and buckets trying to contain it: we asked if the 'water feature' was extra...)
I guess we rated non-preferred: our room had a wonderful view of the electric power sub-station. The other side of the building has a lake view, but half the buildings are perpendicular to the lake, giving its residents a view of.... each other.
It is just a few miles from Disney, though if that's your main activity, regular hotels with free breakfasts, pool and spa are readily available."
and
"We've just returned from spending a week at the Embassy Grand Beach Resort. You couldn't ask for a better location as it is VERY convenient to the parks, shopping, and I -4.
The 3 bedroom unit we had was large, clean, and comfortable, although furnishings were clearly in need of an up-date . The grounds and pool areas were beautiful and welll maintained.
They were in the process of doing construction in Building #7 ( we were in Building #6 overlooking the Pond & Lake). According to our check-in Info packet, construction was to take place from 8 til 5 and would encompass some jack-hammering for tile replacements ....... Well, the noise began some mornings at 7 and continued some nights until 8 !!!
That combined with what must have been either a family of circus performers or roller derby participants staying above us did not make for a quiet & restful stay. Ohhhh, and let me not forget to mention the person staying in Building # 8 ( their newest building with the beautiful model, that they show & try to sell prospective buyers, during the timeshare presentation) with not one but two dogs !!! I pity the folks with allergies who find themselves in that unit.
We came "home" one day to find that our unit had been entered ......... linens exchanged, etc.... Then the next day came
"home" to find that our unit had been entered AGAIN and the alarm clocks had been replaced with new ones in all three bedrooms. Well, we felt violated ......... called the front desk and their reply was ...... Well, you have a Do Not Disturb Sign, don't you ?!? Put it on your door and no one will go into your unit ....... Uh, can you say Count to Ten ?!?!
Sooooooo, if you decide to stay here just remember to pack your pet allergy medication; request a top floor unit; place your Do Not Disturb Sign on the door the minute you arrive; bring ear plugs for the noise; a Just Say No sticker in case you decide to attend the presentation ( which by the way, the longer you hold out in saying yes to attending, the more stuff you get); and have a GREAT time.
"
and
My family and I stayed at this resort and we're terrorized by **** roaches. The staff was very sorry for the inconvience but they never offered another room. They said they would spray, and that would had been okay until my 12yr old woke up and there was one in the bed this is unexceptable. The room was old and the appliances, furniture was very old & and just overall unclean.
Now there are several good reviews as well but the mold statement worries me. We have an infant and a toddler and two young kids.
This is my son's birthday week and we want it to be so special we have never taken a vacation as a whole family and need one bad.
Is this a good resort? I only paid $313 with no TS tour required for a 3 bed 3 bath for one week. I have until Midnight July 27th to get a full refund.
thanks again!
