Saddlebrook Resort

Check in was terrible. Arrived at 10:00 am as I was scheduled to play golf at 12:00 noon. Stopped at the front desk to see about when I could check in to my room. The receptionist was very personable. She told me that my room wasn't ready yet but I didn't expect it to be as it was early. She told me that it would be ready by the time I finished golfing. I went back at 4:30 pm to check on my room. I was told it still wasn't ready. I didn't actually get my room until 6:00 pm. The Valet had to take me out to the parking lot (not close) to retrieve my luggage and then drive me to my room. My room apparently didn't get much of the renovation budget. The room was dated (80's vibe). The kitchen had new looking appliances. Not sure they were hooked up. The freezer's ice maker didn't work or wasn't hooked up. The didn't trust the stove to be a safe option, the warming drawer didn't close entirely so I stubbed by toe a couple of times. There were limited kitchen items to use in the way of pots and pans, dishes, utensils and paper towels. Under the sink where the garbage can was looked like a crime scene. The pocket door closing off my bedroom would not close all the way due to being broken. When I would shower, the shower pan would fill with water because the drain was blocked. It would eventually drain after half an hour. Due to not having ready access to your car, you either needed to call for a bellman to come and get you or walk a aways to get you back to the valet to they can go and get your car for you. Food and beverage options are limited and a bit over the top price wise. Mixed drinks were $15.00+. Even the pool snack bar. They really need just a hot dog stand somewhere to get a quick bite on the turn. Maybe the kitchens are inadequate because they don't want you cooking for yourself? The golf courses are pretty decent. It was winter conditions but were in better shape than expected. This looks to be where most of the renovation budget was spent. The greens were smooth and rolled true once you figured out the speed. The bathrooms on the course were either closed or broken. The bathroom on Oak #2 had a plunger in the toilet because the septic system repairs weren't in the budget and that was the only way to flush it. Saddlebrook still has a ways to go to get me to stay there again. I would most likely stay nearby and drive in daily to play golf.

We just wrapped up 2.5 days of tennis instruction at Saddle Brook, and the results exceeded our expectations. As a 3.0 player, I worked specifically with David LLoyd. He was fantastic--I walked away with noticeable improvements in my forehand, backhand, volleys & serves. My husband who plays at a 4.0 level was equally impressed. He worked with Ed, Mark & Warren, and they really helped him elevate his overall game. It is rare to find a resort that can tailor instruction so effectively to different skill levels simultaneously. Whether you are looking to fix specific strokes or just sharpen your competitive edge, the coaching staff here is top tier. Highly recommend!

We chose this location due to its proximity to family and it provided the best venue for gathering, sharing meals together, hanging poolside, golfing while being able to return to a clean and quiet room. We both slept so well because the bed and bedding was really comfortable and the room was quiet. We highly recommend Saddlebrook and will certainly return.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. We had buffet breakfasts and catered lunches and dinners and they were excellent. The servers were very accommodating and cordial. No available bar for socializing in the evening was a disappointment. Our one bedroom suite had been renovated but basically lipstick on a pig. Torn light blocking curtain in the bedroom, door was coming off the hinges with only one holding it in place between bedroom and living area. Bathroom cabinet door coming off. The room was quiet, clean and the bed was comfortable. Stayed 3 nights and no one brought clean towels or made our beds. I heard later that you have to stay 4 days. No one told us and we had our tag on the door the whole time. Patio doors seemed to be original and the front door was hard to close and lock. The pool closes early and there were no towels on two occasions. When requested they brought hand towels. This was my third stay and certainly a lot brighter now but there are still improvements needed.

First, the tennis was excellent. I'd highly recommend the adult tennis camp program. The hotel stay was another matter. Four main issues: 1., for >$600/night, I expect basic housekeeping service such as trash and towel refresh or communication otherwise. Instead we had to ask 3 times to have new towels. Since we were playing tennis all day we definitely needed them. 2., As far as we could tell, the hotel was not at all busy. The suite next to our room was empty also. Why not upgrade our stay to a suite? 3., I wish they'd treat their guests as they'd expect to be treated if they were paying >$600/night. During the mid-day tennis break my sister and I brought our sandwich sack lunches to the pool area. There were <5 other guests in the (giant) pool area, yet we were told we could not eat "outside food" there. Why? We were not taking seats from any other guests. Again, very few people around. This comes across as petty and unnecessarily so. 4., Check the water heaters. My shower did not get very hot at all. We will come back to Saddlebrook for the tennis but will look for alternative accommodations.