Our bad experience: Tradewinds
Like I said was at least 7 years ago, and we haven't returned. Prior to that we had been at the tradewinds 3 times. The TW just seemed to keep "getting bigger". and that was what they are all about, at that time. They kept closing down pools, for "private events", parties from companies etc.., and when you asked about it they acted liked that was "the" business and not the basic traveler, who was staying at the resort. They could really of cared less, and actually told me so. Told us the pool by the ocean will always be open, but they have 3 pools because of the size of the TW, and that pool was really packed. so they told us to "feel free to use the beach".
We also didn't care for the "suites" have the Bedroom by the interior halls, which are all actually open, and concrete, so we had kids using rollarbaldes, skateboards, and remote control cars outside the bedroom at nite. Which if you think about it is really unsafe on the 4th floor we were on. The ocean views were really nice, and the suite in side was nice. Previous we had a ocean-view room which is better no one goes down the small halls to these rooms so it is so much more quitier!
At the time St. Pete was on the decline, they weren't attracting newer resturant's, or keeping up the area, streets, malls, etc. needed some rehabing. We always liked the beach area there thou the best. So its nice to here that it has turned around! I hope TW did also, it had a good central location, and nice beach area, 3 pools (when open). The staff was a bit unfriendly, and really did not messure up, especially coming from disney world.
Anyway, I would be interested to hear how it is now, also.
MKY
