Best Things Nearby:
Jamestown Settlement, Water Country USA, & Busch Gardens. Also enjoyed our visit to Hampton.
Best Things About the Resort:
Very nice pool although the hot, hot weather in mid July really made the water too hot. I don't like to freeze when I get into a pool but I did not feel refreshed when I got in the water but it was better than the 100 to 115 heat index that we experienced the whole week we were there.
Resort Experience:
This resort is spread out over a huge area. I suggest that you contact the resort directly several weeks before your arrival and request a unit as close to the pool area (if you want to swim) as possible and if you want a first floor unit as there are no elevators in the buildings. They really need to add an additional pool closer to the entrance to the resort as anyone located in those units would have a long walk or have to drive to use the pool.
This was not the typical Gold Crown resort that we have experienced over the last 10 years that we have used time shares. The landscaping could use some serious weeding around the units. Upon entering our unit, it was not clean and several items were missing in our unit. There were several other problems and after two days, management fixed all and did try and make amends by waiving several fees and offering items. This resort has the potential to truly be a Gold Crown Resort but I feel that they still need to work on things. They also had a huge family of field mice (nest underground) outside our first floor unit. They didn't come in our unit and our kids enjoyed watching them but again not Gold Crown standards.
They really need to have someone on staff that is familiar with restaurants and the area. Several times, I asked questions/recommendations on restaurants (particularly on the Historic Taverns) and area attractions but the reply was always I don't know you should call around to find out.
They also have baby items available for rent (crib, high chair) but they need to place these items in the unit when they are requested. I found it ridiculous that we had to go to the front desk several hours after we checked in (at 9:30pm)to pick up these items and that we were not told this upon check in. We have NEVER had to get these items at any other resort we have stayed at including resorts that don't have Gold Crown/Resort of International Distinction ratings, particularly if we are paying for them.
The unit layout is very nice and spacious. It is very nice to have the washer/dryer in a walk in closet area with storage space for your luggage and coolers if you have one. Good selection of DVDs and VCR tapes if you want to rent one and it is also nice to have the mini golf course outside the clubhouse for the kids to play.
- Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
- Activities: Very Good
- Amenities: Very Good
- Unit Satisfaction: Good
- Family Friendliness: Good
- Service: Fair