Saddlebrook Resort

Had potential...I was willing to ignore the loud construction with beeping each morning or even the fact that our door never fully closed and our balcony was covered in construction dust, until I got my Folio on our ride home. They not only charged us $30 / day for Valet (which you have no choice and absolutely cannot park yourself) but on top of that charged a $32 Parking service fee! I was outraged knowing I had tipped $100 during our stay to the valets. Not to mention the $54/day resort fee! If you get a good rate online, make sure you factor in another $200/night additional because the room taxes are doozies too! None of these charges were disclosed upon booking the rooms. When I reached out to the resort to understand what the service fee was, they put me on hold for over 20 mins so I finally hung up and emailed them from the folio email and no one has ever responded! This place has great potential, but if they can't get the service part right they will never make it. Huge facility and great amenities, but people won't spend the kind of money they hope for without great service and well appointed rooms. The renovations look like they were done to flip the property, not to make guests want to come back. While design choices and upgrades made had great potential, it looks like shoddy, quick construction work just to put some "lipstick on a pig." We caught wind from some owners chatting at the Pool bar, that they operate somewhat like a timeshare and many owners didn't participate in the assessments. Interesting and makes a little more sense as to how this property operates. The upside was the Pool...great vibe, not crowded, DJ all day, lots of games available, Pool bar and snack bar conveniently located. If it weren't for the pool, I'd give them zero stars.

I've stayed at your resort numerous times, we were very disappointed with the accommodations and communication during this visit. We arrived on 12/16/2025 and were greeted by Nancy at the front desk. On 12/17/2025, I received a text at 7:37am notifying us that there would be no water service at the resort from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. I asked if this was an emergency, and was told by Karen that this was a planned shutdown. This was/is totally unacceptable; why weren't we told before our visit when we received an email on 12/13/25 "a few more days until paradise". We would have made accommodations elsewhere since we had an engagement on 12/17/25 at 5:00 pm. We were able to stay with other guests that afternoon preparing for our Christmas celebration. Karen offered a refund for one night if we checked out and provided a $50 credit, this is not the point. It was a planned shutdown and the guests werent notified!!!

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.