Margaritaville Cottages- Resort Pool Access Question

[erbeaman]

We reserved a cottage in Margaritaville through VRBO for a group of adult friends in February. After chatting with the host I found out that cottages reserved through 3rd party renters don't have access to the resort pools. This was not stated on the cottage description and I'm pretty sad about it! We were looking forward to a pool day (weather permitting). Has anyone had this situation happen and were they really strict at the pool about letting people in? We are going at a pretty low crowd time of year so I'm sure the pool won't be anywhere near capacity. I'm not condoning sneaking in, I'm just wondering if it is one of those rules that is said out loud, but not enforced.

 

[cadenleesmom]

We stayed at the cottages. When you go into the resort pool you need to scan your key card but they did not check anything. Maybe your key card will not let you in? Not sure how that works.



Becky

 

[erbeaman]

We stayed at the cottages. When you go into the resort pool you need to scan your key card but they did not check anything. Maybe your key card will not let you in? Not sure how that works.

Becky

Thanks for the info! Did you rent your cottage through Margaritaville, or through a third-party like VRBO?

 

[DLgal]

From my understanding, homeowners there have to opt into the resort membership that gives pool access. It is not a requirement that they do so, and it costs on the order of $1000/month (it's kind of like an HOA fee). It seems the owners you rented from have not paid for this access, so you will not be permitted to use these facilities.

Cancel your reservation and rebook through either another owner who offers that perk or book directly through the rental channel on the Margaritaville website.

 

[erbeaman]

From my understanding, homeowners there have to opt into the resort membership that gives pool access. It is not a requirement that they do so, and it costs on the order of $1000/month (it's kind of like an HOA fee). It seems the owners you rented from have not paid for this access, so you will not be permitted to use these facilities.

Cancel your reservation and rebook through either another owner who offers that perk or book directly through the rental channel on the Margaritaville website.

I completely get that. I'm just annoyed that this wasn't stated in the description of the property anywhere. It's kind of a big detail to leave out! I would cancel, but it's too late to get any type of refund. We will have fun either way. And since we are going in February there is no promise it will be warm enough to use the pools anyways, I just thought I would see what other people experienced.

 

[gregskellington]

That stinks. I'd be leaving a review about that on the property, that's a major thing to leave out (and I hate to be that guy, but I'm sure it was left out intentionally). Hope you still have fun!

 

[Lewisc]

Curious, was your rental cost lower then other listings,? Do other listing mention pool access?

 

[Lewisc]

I completely get that. I'm just annoyed that this wasn't stated in the description of the property anywhere. It's kind of a big detail to leave out! I

I see your point. I kind of agree with you BUT descriptions generally list in included amenities. Amenities temporarily not available. I've never read a listing which lists what amenities are never included.

Hopefully your rental price is low enough to reflect the reduced amenity

 

[cadenleesmom]

Thanks for the info! Did you rent your cottage through Margaritaville, or through a third-party like VRBO?

We rented through Margaritaville.

 

[erbeaman]

Curious, was your rental cost lower then other listings,? Do other listing mention pool access?

It was relatively close in price to other listings, but I'm guessing they are mostly all without pool access since we rented through VRBO. I didn't pay a lot of attention to whether the listings mentioned pool access because all of the listings I was looking at had private pools, and so there wasn't necessarily a differentiation between private pool access and resort pool access. I may have missed something, but I assumed the resort pool was included so I wasn't really looking for info to the contrary. Live and learn, I guess!

 

[DL1WDW2]

You will have fun . I recently booked a first timestay for one night because I didnt want to deal with holiday traffic driving to the ocean.
The resort is beautiful . The larger pool at the resort has a poolside Bar called the Salty Rim w/ Happy Hour and I have to say their double stacked cheeseburger is so good, we plan to drive over just for that hamburger sometime. (I live nearby in Celebration) Also loved the Capones pizza place by the slice or whole pizza in Sunset Walk . Lots of restaurants and some shops.

Edit today: Note thereis more than one Margaritaville Resort location in state of Florida, maybe
The Orlando pool bar is called the Salty Rim and has plenty of seating at Bar and umbrella covered tables and lounge chairs in front …
I would expect access to this for all guests because bartenders want tips!
Do you check in at the main lobby for access code for the cottage door? Maybe ask to clarify. This location also has a Wedding Venue and I expect many on property are not officially Guests. Seems like a lot of fun at the Bar… poolside… Entry is close to the Spa with very casual show room key on side /gate ,etc.

 

[tjmw2727]

We just had this same situation, rented via vbro for the week between Christmas and New Years and I missed the wording about not having access until just prior to the trip. My bad though as I looked back at the listing it is on the very very very bottom of the description past the list of how many plates, cups and two blenders! I can't remember the exact wording but it did say no access to the pool or pool bar and fitness center. We didn't get any type of key card just an access code for the front door.

For us it worked out ok as we had our own pool and were pretty far from the resort area anyway but going forward, I will make sure to rent from someone who offers the amenities I want. Loved the cottage, spacious and very well appointed.

eta - found the disclaimer, after expanding the amenities link on the very bottom of the ad for my rental is:
***This home is located in the Margaritaville Resort, but you will NOT have access to the Margaritaville Resort swimming pools, fins up bar, fitness center or resort amenities***

 

[keishashadow]

It was relatively close in price to other listings, but I'm guessing they are mostly all without pool access since we rented through VRBO. I didn't pay a lot of attention to whether the listings mentioned pool access

From the ones I recently perused on VRBO, it’s just sort of tossed in the midst of the description. no specific format. Really had to dig thru each one for details On the resort pool access. You’d think it Would be a headliner.

The add on fees were another animal all together…often it more than doubled the stated rate.