This resort is trying to use it's successful past to draw in customers. However, there is a big difference between "historic" and "old, worn and dingy". Covering issues with a coat of paint, is not renovating.
It is important to start with the positives because there were a few. I cannot say enough about how friendly and helpful the staff was at this resort. From the restaurants, to the front desk, the staff was very friendly and overly accommodating. This was refreshing during this time of staff shortages nationwide. We ate in the River Room for dinner and breakfast. The food at dinner was very good and moderately priced. The food at breakfast was nothing more than we would get for free at a Hampton Inn, with the exception of the omelet station. However, the price was ridiculous for what they dubbed as a "breakfast buffet". $18 a person for breakfast is way too much.
First impressions are vital for many things. However, for hotels and resorts, I think first impressions are everything. If we hadn't already paid for our accomodations, I would have turned right around before we even stepped foot inside the front doors. The minute I started up the front steps, I was regretting our decision to spend our anniversary here. There was a glass bowel that was being used for an ashtray at the bottom of the steps. The outdoor carpet that was on the steps was very dirty. If you aren't going to clean/vacuum it, then remove it.
Upon entering the lobby, you could tell the hotel was old, but there were some quite charming historic items throughout, as well as historic photographs throughout the building. Unfortunately, there was a layer of dust on everything. In addition, the yellow chairs in the lobby were dirty and stained. They offered to put our bags behind the front desk while we golfed. As I handed my bags to the girl, I noticed how dirty the carpet was behind the counter. It looked like it hadn't been vacuumed in months.
On our way to our room, the carpeting in the hallways was faded and dirty. It was very old. In the guest room however, the flooring had been replaced with laminate wood flooring.
The guest room was clean, for the most part, with the exception of the bathroom. I will get to that next. As others have noted, the room was small, but I didn't find that to be bothersome. In the guest room, there was a window air conditioner, apparently because the HVAC did not work in the room. The bedding and furniture were clean, but the furniture was worn. Outside the bathroom, there were drop ceiling tiles. These tiles were stained from apparent multiple leaks, but instead of replacing them, they painted over the stains. The leaks must have been continual, because the metal rails were also rusty. This was about a 3' by 4' area. would have cost maybe $25 to replace the whole section. Why they didn't just do that is beyond me.
The bathroom was less than desirable. It was tiny! When you sit on the toilet, your leg actually sits on the edge of the bathtub. Under the sink, there were pieces of cardboard or lauan that were haphazardly screwed onto the wall. Behind these pieces, I assume, is plumbing. The hairdryer was missing, but there was a wall attachment for it. The stopper for the sink was missing, but somehow the sink was still clogged and wouldn't drain. The wall above the shower had mold and mildew all around it. Other than that, the bathroom was clean.
Throughout the evening and into the night, we were able to hear EVERYTHING that was said by the people in the rooms on either side of us. They weren't loud, the walls were just that permeable.
The golf course was o.k. Other courses in the area are nicer, but this was nice as a change of scenery. The cart paths were virtually non-existent, but where they did have them, the pavement was crumbled and bumpy. It was smoother to ride on the grass. They have plenty of staff on hand to guide you and the Halfway house in the middle of the course is a nice place to rest and refresh. We really enjoyed our time there. Great staff here also.
Overall, this resort needs A LOT of TLC. I feel like it would benefit them to keep the restaurants and golf course open for revenue, but spend time without guests to update and refresh the hotel. I have stayed in many "historic" hotels and all others have updated carpeting and furniture at the very least. If you are expecting charm and history, be prepared for old and dingy instead.
