TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We traveled as a family of 4, with 2 teenage boys. We stayed at 3192 Caribbean Soul Dr., July 5-7. We called 24 hours ahead to verify we could get an early check-in so we could do the water park on the first day. So we arrived early, 1pm, and was told it would be about an hour, that was NP. But, it took standing in the check-in line 3 times before getting a room an hour after the normal check-in time. They did give us $50 resort credit. Still so frustrating as we bought groceries with us that came close to spoiling in the heat. The long wait ruined our plans to go to the water park that day. Immediately after check in, we were stopped to come pick up our welcome package that included 25% off resort purchases and free tickets to the water park. I asked repeatedly if there was a catch. I was told no each time that it was a promo and that I could pick up my tickets for the park in the morning. Felt better, since we had to miss the park that day, and now have free tickets for tomorrow. After waiting to get a room, the one we got was in the VERY BACK of the cottages area. (At check in, we did not get any info about where our home was except an address so we had to use GPS to find it.) Spoiled our plans of being able to walk to a from the cottages to the resort area, as it is a 5 minute drive. We were so drained from the heat that we decided to just stick with this spot and make the best of it. We did not want to wait another few hours for another spot. Upon arriving, the front area still had trash in the bench compartment, smoking paraphernalia in the front lawn and on back porch, broken glass and firework trash littered the backyard and patio. The AC did not work, neither did the fridge or garbage disposal. The short of things, we had to call twice for the AC, and after 2 workers and equipment in and out, they did not finish fixing the problems till after 10pm. Didn't even address the cleaning and disposal cause we didn't want to wait yet again. Our entire Friday was spent waiting for Margaritaville! Next morning, we drive back to the front to pick up the tickets and wouldn't you know, no tickets. Even after asking the rep, Mike Z., a few times, was there catch for the tickets, he repeatedly told me no catch, it was a promo. Turns out the catch was your zip code. So annoyed, but purchased our tickets. The water park was a couple steps above the other lower-end parks in Orlando. It's newer, so it was cool. The boys thought it was okay and had fun in the wave pool. So glad the resort at least offered them at a discount, cause it is not worth the regular price of $65. During our stay, we took a few trips to front of the resort/shops. Which continued to be annoying as we expected not to have to drive. There was supposed to be a pool foam party and a beach Polynesian/luau party at the resort. After traveling all the way to the front again, we hear the announcement that the foam party was cancelled because the party host took off for their own vacay, yes that was the announcement. And we returned that evening for the beach party and no party happening either. This resort is misleading. When you hear, Margaritaville you think time to have fun. It is especially appealing to adults as it seems that the resort lends toward adult & kid fun, like I hear the cruise does. However, No. Its a nice, clean, and spacious, but on the boring side. It's a lot of fluff activities. The arcade is small, the restroom at the arcade is bigger than the arcade. Ghost town at the resort around 9pm. We spent more time walking and looking, there are no "real" resort activities. Sunset walk was still open. Estefan Kitchen was the only lively place as it was where the band was, it was nice. We had a good time at Game Time, the only recreational thing to do besides the movies or the sling shot. We also found out Saturday night that there was a shuttle bus to take you to and from your place. WHAT???!!! Ughh! We got no info at check in about the shuttle, I just happened to ask a worker if those buses we saw were for the resort. (The buses do not say or look like Margaritaville) Sunset walk stays open to 2am, not sure why though, there are not any night spots, just places for food. I guess at least you could walk around. All-in-all, it was one of the worst, most boring vacays we have taken in Orlando. We have been coming to O-Town for vacay since the early 2000's and even lived in Orlando for 9 years, so we have tried many resorts/hotels, high-end to low-budget. We had such high expectations for Margaritaville, we were hoping to plan another trip with more family, but we will not. As we packed up to leave, we asked the boys if they enjoyed it, at least that would make us feel better about the money we spent. They answered it was okay, but they wouldn't wanna do this again. They said we had the house from vacay home hell, lol. We wished we had gone with another choice.

Overall, the hotel is nice. It is clean and the staff is friendly. The lobby is welcoming and relaxing. Brennen and Tyler were very helpful with storing and then delivering the luggage to our room. The pool area is kept clean. It is a relaxing place. We definitely felt safe at the resort. Self parking was easy and close. The boardwalk, right by hotel, was great for shopping and dining. The bathrooms are nice. They supply the guest with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. There is no room to store your items, just an FYI. The balcony view is beautiful. The biggest disappointment was the website and guest services said there was an adult only pool, that was a lie.

We just got back from our stay. We rented a 2 bedroom cottage with a pool through v-stays. We did not realize it was through them until we got there. V-stays does not have housekeeping at all. You get 2 bath sets per bathroom and 4 towels for the pool. The pool towels are very small and thin. The cottage was nice, beds were comfortable, fridge was huge, coffee maker did not work. The pool at the cottage was very warm and did not have chlorine in it. It did have some algae and you are responsible for cleaning the pool. I don't think we would rent again. Some cottages can be rented through the owner which seems like the way to go. The pools at the hotel we very warm and when it is 110 heat index you do not want a warm pool. The activities at the hotel are less than average. The Polynesian night says it is from 630 to 830 pm but it is 730 to 745pm so we missed it. Bartenders at Salty Rim were not friendly, didn't have the tvs on. The whole pool bar scene was very disappointing. We only ate at the Salty Rim and it was good. The pool area does have bags and ping pong. We found out we could use the pool next door at the embassy suites, which we did everyday, water much cooler, activities more fun and it was not packed so we spent all out pool days there. Overall, the main hotel is pretty, cottages are nice and cozy but there were too many negative things to return.

Cottage 8165 not enough space for 13 to eat. Enough bedrooms for all. No hot water in sinks. Horrible communication over any issue. Had to deal with 18 Y-old at desk as manager afraid to meet with us - pathetic (Miguel - 18 Y-old was great). Ice didn't work, half of toaster worked. Nobody came for pool (wanted it tested - green tint) Cockroach in room - wouldn't spray due to some license issue?? Internal transportation was very good. Miguel via the coward manager compensated us for the issues we had and the frustration over lack of communication

Amazing hotel…did have some slight issues over the booking and when we added an additional night prior to coming it changed the price for the whole trip…amazing front desk staff was there to help us and sorted it out properly…we stayed in a King bedroom suite on the 4th floor…needed the room as we were going to a bunch of mountain bike parks…Suite was very spacious and accommodating. The only thing we didn’t like is that there was no shower door. Views were amazing, relaxing..we booked again at the end of July and can’t wait to come back.