Saddlebrook Resort

UPDATE: After requesting the manager contact me regarding my stay, and not receiving a call, I contacted a director of the management company. He apologized and offered a certificate with a free stay, including valet parking and the daily resort fee. I will try this resort again next year. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ I booked my stay here only because I was here for the tennis for the State Senior Games. When I arrived at the reception building there were about hundred people all over the place, in addition to about 25 cars in line. When I finally got to the front the valet guy came to my car and said we are sold out and I had to park in a lot almost a mile away??? I double parked and went inside to check in. The person at check in said there was a big group here for the weekend, and that I would have to park in the lot. So I have to park in a lot with no security, put my bags on a shuttle, take my bags from the shuttle, and then wait for one of only 3 bell staff carts to take me to my room. with all my luggage? Not what I paid for? Strike 1. Although the room looked recently updated, the amount of utensils in the kitchen was basic. I called to find out about restaurant options and was told they were both being remodelled? So for dinner, I had to call for a bell cart, travel back to the main building, only to wait for the shuttle to take me to the car lot. Again, not what I paid for. Strike 2. On Saturday I had my matches. After the first match, I came back to the room to take a shower. I used the app that I received a text when I checked in to reach a staff member for anything I needed. I texted I needed towels for after my next match. Two hours later I returned to my room and no towels. I called the main number and press for Concierge and told the person I needed towels. She said no problem, and they would be sent right away. After waiting another 30 minutes I called again to the same prompt. The person said they were busy and would send them when they could. I said are towels available at the front desk because I can no longer wait. I ended up leaving a day early due to the negative experience. Again, not what I paid for. Strike 3 I am not interested in excuses that you were overbooked. That is not what I paid for, nor my problem.

The osso buco was excellent—tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Service truly stood out as well. Joel and Diago were attentive, friendly, and professional, making sure everything was just right throughout our meal. Great food and outstanding service—we’ll definitely be back!

Love the new Saddlebrook, they are fabulous. Shout out to Ben at the pool bar, he is the best. Kyle and the golf shop is wonderful. Very helpful.

We had an amazing experience at tennis camp! Mark was our PRO and he was FANTASTIC! Kind, patient and so talented! He fixed my backhand, improved my serve and taught us so much about doubles strategy! It was incredible and we are already planning our next visit! GO, request Mark, you will be thrilled!

My fiancee and I visited Saddlebrook for a pickleball tournament recently, and their facilities are beautiful. Unfortunately, the valets had a mix up with keys that resulted in our keys leaving in someone else’s car, and they drove pretty far before realizing they had our keys as well as their own. Gabe (valet) approached me and let me know about the issue, offered us lunch, and let me know that they were already in the process of retrieving the keys. Gabe went above and beyond to ensure that their minor mishap didn’t inconvenience us and our plans. He deserves recognition and celebration!