The main office building is fairly low key. There was no pool when we were there, but just up the hill, a short drive or long walk away, was the health club to the Silver Lakes Association with golf, an indoor pool, and a lounge and formal restaurant. There were some things that were not available yet for recreation, although rooms had TV with VCR. Rooms did not have phones, which was somewhat inconvenient.

All the buildings seem fairly low and most units are one-floor units. The units are laid out along a fairly new sloping street with adobe/stucco type walled in front sitting areas with lounge chairs for privacy.

There was also the lakes the Silver Lakes/Helendale community is built around. It was interesting driving around and viewing the area.

Down the hill was a little community with post office, video rental place, a couple of little local restaurants, and interesting stores, including a little grocery store.

We enjoyed eating breakfast a couple of mornings at a nice old-fashioned cafe in the nearby plaza.

We were able to check out a variety of local places in nearby Victorville and Barstow. We ate dinner once at the resort's restaurant, once in the little Helendale plaza, once in Victorville, and twice in Barstow.

The local people we visited with in the museums and eateries were friendly and helpful.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Fair

Also, the living room has sunlight which lights up the extra sleeping area--so no sleeping after the sun comes up.

They also need to fix the commode. Everytime someone uses the toilet, you hear this loud noise in the master bedroom--very annoying.

Also, the man made lake had something in it that was leaving big red bumps on everyone.

Some of the staff could be friendlier, otherwise it was a nice place to visit. I don't think I'll go back though.

We went back the next day and there was no one there. I called the emergency number again and a man answered the phone this time. I told him what happened and he said the lady had a dental appointment and should be back in a couple of hours. So we drove around the area, which was a residential area built around a lake. The lady finally came back and we checked into our unit.

We stayed there for two days and decided to check out. The resort was terrible and the service non-existing. There is nothing to do there. I met one neighbor and they told me the same experience (front desk was never there, and they checked out early also.) If you are thinking about going to Silver Lake, save yourself a headache and go somewhere else. I complained to the resort and RCI. I received a reply from RCI but never received anything from the resort.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Poor
• Amenities: Poor
• Unit Satisfaction: Poor
• Family Friendliness: Poor
• Service: Poor

Their guest list includes people like British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Michael Jackson (go figure), the Spice Girls etc.

A must see- Long Bar. It serves up a killer Singapore Sling. The famous cocktail that has put Singapore on the map (along with a host of other things) is the best I have ever had.

The whole place is very chi-chi, really old school British. You can''t get into the lobby if you''re wearing shorts, if that gives you any idea. But it''s definitely a place to see if you''re in town.