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Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels & Travel Campgrounds Hotels, Campgrounds [Edit]
4313 Roche Harbor RdFriday Harbor, WA 98250
(360) 378-2350
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
24 reviews for Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes
Review Highlights
"Loved the canvas cabins - so fab."
(in 3 reviews)
"Just spent two great nights at the lodge."
(in 10 reviews)
"The general store had everything you could want/need."
(in 5 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Debbie P.
Gig Harbor, WA
1/31/2012
My boyfriend & I along with our dog stayed in cabin #2 for a very special birthday weekend (Jan 27 -29). It was practically perfect in every way. The cabin was cozy and clean, warm and comfortable with enough room to sleep six if you like. There was a doggy bed by the gas fireplace (which was burning when we walked into the cabin) with a couple of bags of locally made dog treats and some towels to use when he came in wet and muddy from our little hikes.
The cabins were perfect for what we wanted. They were quiet (being the off-season), the bed was very comfortable and the added goodies in the kitchen (coffee, tea, mixes for pancakes, muffins, scones and granola) were a nice added extra although we only used the coffee and did drink the two bottles of OJ they had in the fridge.
The guy behind the desk in the lodge was very friendly and helpful and suggested some places for hiking and meals. They were trying something new in the breakfast/dining area (usually only for people staying in the lodge since they don't have kitchens in the rooms) and invited us to join them hoping for a review of the food. They seem to offer the lodge guests everything from dry cereal, hardboiled eggs & oatmeal, homemade granola mix to fresh fruit, conveyor belt pancakes (very strange but kinda fun to do) coffee, juices, teas, etc. and the lady running the dining area made three different types of baked egg dishes for us to try (I'm guessing this was the "new" thing they were trying out. The eggs were quite tasty. We had a nice little breakfast and the staff were very friendly.
Romantic, quiet, very warm cabin. Cozy, perfect with the dog, would be fun with kids. Never used the hot tub which was located under the trees in a gazebo about two cabins away from us. If you want to be next to the hot tub, pick cabin 3 or 4. Next to the lake, cabins 1 or 2 or the lodge.
I counted over 30 swans in one of the lakes while we were there. Bring your camera!
Only thing to complain about, the remote control on the DVD player didn't work and you can still hear the cars driving by out on the road nearby which reminds you that you're not all that far away after all. I would imagine during the high season, it would be even worse.
FYI-WiFi in lodge only, no cable TV in cabins. We liked being unplugged for the weekend anyway. ;)
Overall a great time. We most likely will return again, definitely recommend it to others and have even talked about having our wedding there! -
Review from Scott L.
Seattle, WA
11/26/2011
Having never been to the San Juan Islands, my wife and I went up over Thanksgiving because of an amazingly priced Groupon-like deal. $200 for a upstairs lodge room (queen bed, jetted tub, great porch over looking the lake, fireplace, plus a bottle of bubbly, $100 toward the Bluff Restaurant (at Friday Harbor House) and breakfast in the morning).
It was pretty much what we were imaging: very quiet (it *was* a holiday during the off-season, right?!), very warm (we hung close to the fireplace in the great room and our room), and well worth the price for what we were looking for (a quiet getaway for a day and a half).
Another thing that we loved about the Lodge was the bar stocked with nearly 2 dozen bottles of wine that you could charge to your room... that didn't seem too marked up in price. Perfect for lounging around.
Two cons that I will mention (hence why 4 stars, not 5): the breakfast was rather ho-hum. Coffee, cold cereal, warm oatmeal, automatic-conveyer belt pancakes (which actually were hilarious to make), toasted bagels/english muffins, and fruit and yogurt. Enough to fill you up, but nothing special. Second, really minor: the room was really minimally decorated. One framed piece of art was on the wall. That was it for decor. Again, not huge and not really a problem, just kinda odd.
On the whole: a good place to land, especially in this off-season. -
Review from Kevin C.
Maple Valley, WA
10/7/2011 7 photos
My wife and I were visiting family on Friday Harbor and because their house was packed, we needed somewhere to stay. We looked at the Lakedale Resort and thought it looked nice and that we'd give it a try. Although the rate was extremely expensive, we figured it was due to the weekend and because the room was nice and had a fireplace and jacuzzi soaking tub. Big mistake...
We arrived at the lodge late and because the staff couldn't be bothered we actually had to find our keys hidden in an envelope in the lobby, not the most fun thing to be doing @ 11pm after a long day spent with family....
The first thing I did was start the tub running, I wanted a long hot soak with the jets turned on. The tub was large so I left it running BEFORE I got in and watched TV with my wife for a bit. I am so glad I did...
Imagine my surprise when I get back to the tub and IT'S FILLED WITH PUTRID GREEN, VISCOUS OOZE. I would have said water but this was slightly thicker and had weird bits of sediment in it that I hoped was mud but frankly I had no idea since it also smelled terrible and soon stank up the whole bathroom. I could not figure out what was going on, I thought it might be a problem with the tub. No such luck. I filled up the sinks in the room and they also filled with the nasty smelling green muck.
Check the pictures attached to this review. You have to see what I am talking about for yourself....
This is like something you see in a horror movie, like The Blob, so naturally I tried calling the staff. No response. I was tempted to start banging on doors and trying to rouse any sleeping managers but I was exhausted and we went to bed. Luckily we had some bottled waters with us that we could drink.
In the morning I went down to the front desk when it opened and complained. The woman down there, who claimed to be married to the owner or manager, told me that nothing was wrong with the water and that they extensively filtered it as it came from the "lake." At this point, since it was daytime, I took a look outside and saw more clearly what the "lake" looked like. It was basically a swamp with stagnant water and muddy ground lining the whole thing. That explained everything.
The woman tried to deny anything was wrong and said the water was perfectly safe. I showed her some pictures from my phone and also told her the water was sitting upstairs and she could come take a look at it herself, right away.
We went to breakfast while they "evaluated" the ooze in our room. I euphemistically call this breakfast because it was cold cereal, cold hard boiled eggs, some cold fruit and some bread products, all fix it yourself style. We were also afraid to eat anything made with the water (or ooze) such as the only hot item they had there--instant oatmeal and a hot pot of ooze to make it with. It felt like we were staying at a Motel 6, definitely not an "upscale hotel." I took some pictures to illustrate this. For the huge price tag of this place, I expected a menu and a chef, or at least some hot entrees served buffet style. What a joke. We could have had a better breakfast at the grocery store.
Breakfast was eerie, as only one other guest came to it. We wondered why the place was so empty on a holiday weekend.
After breakfast was over we decided to check out and go find some running water where we could bathe and brush our teeth.
The woman at the desk told us she went to the room and saw the ooze for herself. She agreed it was unacceptable and that something was seriously wrong. That was good. Here come the bad parts:
She tried telling us that although it was "unacceptable" that the water was safe to bathe in or even drink. I decided to call her bluff. I walked back upstairs to the room and filled a glass with water and brought it to her. I asked her to drink it right there. She refused.
She offered us a 50% discount on the room.
The price for this place was enormous, and they had jacked it up due to the holiday rate as well. The price even at 50% was still outrageous for a room WITH NO SANITARY RUNNING WATER. I was about ready to start shouting and then she realized how upset we were and pulled out a large gift-box (wrapped, so we could not see inside). She told us that there were "premium" Aveeno amenities inside and that it was to make up for our awful experience. My wife likes Aveeno a lot so we took the box and left.
As a final insult, the woman told me she was sorry that "you are your friend had such an awful time there." My friend?! It was my wife! Our wedding rings were plainly visible and we had referenced each other as husband and wife several times to her face! I cannot believe the sheer idiocy this woman displayed... did she think we were both married and having an affair?
Outside in the car we opened up the box and discovered one tiny, SAMPLE, thimble-sized Aveeno product and two large plastic jars of the basic oap and shampoo that the hotel uses, WHICH WE COULD HAVE TAKEN FROM THE ROOM OURSELVES. -
Review from Meghan B.
Gig Harbor, WA
9/7/2010
We stayed two nights in a "standard" campsite. Over the phone I asked if she had a favorite spot and #88 really is great. We were in a quiet location away from the screaming kids (it was labor day weekend) right on the lake. The downsides: they said they'd send an email for my reservation and when I didn't get one a few days later I gave them another call. I'm used to people spelling my name wrong (Meghan) so I was ok with not getting an email. We went over the reservation again and the woman said she'd send it. I got a call Friday night (Our reservation was for Saturday) asking where we were. But they quickly fixed that with no problem.
The only major problem was that the showers were token operated and we were given no warning. When we went to the general store for tokens in the morning we were told they were out because the machines hadn't been emptied all weekend and the manager was MIA. Finally got tokens about an hour after we first asked. ($2. for a five minute shower). -
Review from Travis K.
Seattle, WA
8/17/2010
Yep, five stars.
There were a variety of camping spots, some right on the lake, some up in the trees as well as some other options like a vintage airstream trailer.
The general store had everything you could want/need. Wed-Sun they have evening activities geared for kids and pancake breakfast. The bathrooms with pay showers were clean and all of our interaction with the staff was pleasant. -
Review from Nancy B.
Slickpoo, ID
11/10/2007
I love the San Juan Islands. You probably wouldn't like them. The desolation, being in the rainshadow, all that fresh air. Eww. And you would especially hate this place. What's to like?
The amazing lodge with it's rustic rooms, big fluffy beds, fireplaces, mile high ceilings, jetted tubs and view of the lake? Totally sucks it. Really obnoxiously beautiful. I just threw up in my mouth a little bit thinking about it. Yetch. Staying here was akin to having needles repeatedly stuck into my eyeballs.
Yeah - you should probably just stay away.
Needles in the eyeballs.
Seriously.Listed in: Out of Area
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Review from Ian B.
7/5/2009
A group of friends and I went camping here, and we had a great time.
I would have to say that this was possibly the best camping trip I've ever had. Spacious campsites allowed us to meet other campers who were more than willing to share their food in a short notice potluck. Amazing tomales and carne asada...by the luck of God!!!
In addition, there's an opportunity for volleyball, boating on the lakes, and exploring the downtown of Friday Harbor (just a short drive away). When you leave this place, you will be looking forward to coming back...and you might even want to make it an annual event. What could be better than camping in the Friday Harbor area with close friends? -
Review from Mackenzie B.
Seattle, WA
7/24/2009
This is a great place to stay on the island. The bathrooms were clean in comparison to other campgrounds. Shower tokens must be purchased at a premium for $2 from the gift shop which I thought was a bit of a rip..
Everything was splendid until our last night of a 3 night stay. By Sunday, the garbage started piling up and the smell was a bit raunchy. Since most of the campers had left, we thought that it would be extra quiet.. Guess again! Some rowdy drunks decided to park at the site next to us and they didn't even have a tent nor did they bother to pay for the site. What made it worse was in the morning when the Security guard decided to harass us for parking our van in the road near the end of our dead-end street. What a jerk! We knew for a fact that nobody was in that space and that it would be empty for the following day and we certainly didn't want more party animals showing up to spoil our solitude.
We'll still go back however, if you see a Security guard, make sure you don't get in their way! -
Review from Carol C.
Sequim, WA
9/23/2011
We stayed in one of the six log cabins, #2. Quite charming and wonderfully located. Great deal of privacy from the other cabins. The brochure for the cabins stated that there was a TV/DVD, and to our dismay discovered that it was really just a DVD, no TV as in TV! Also no Internet service in the cabins, only in the main lodge. Would give the lodge 5 stars, except for these omissions. We think that for $400/night, guests should have TV and Internet. Except for the lake house, which is about $600/night, the cabins are the most expensive lodgings on the resort property.
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Review from Erin M.
9/16/2008 2 photos
This is a review for the Lakedale camping:
I was really pleased at how friendly & helpful the entire Lakedale staff was for our visit last weekend. Because it was the end of the summer season, the campground was at low capacity and we were able to set up our tent anywhere on a large grass field. It was a beautiful area, right on a lake and with apple trees.
The only complaint is that there was a busy road right across the river, so we could hear cars all night long. So much for "desolate wilderness experience", right? I mean, sure, car camping is supposed to be somewhat urban... but still. I wish they had warned us about that, because other parts of the campground are much quieter in that sense.
Otherwise, a nice place to camp- $30/night, fire pits, shower facility, and camp store.Listed in: San Juan Island Style
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Review from Captain K.
Seattle, WA
9/4/2011
Don't let them book you into spot #105. What they didn't tell me over the phone was that it's right next to 4 port a potties and a big pile where they dump all the ashes and leftover fire pit stuff each week. One kid I heard this weekend when walking past it and said "look daddy, a landfill!". Also, I realize there are bees around in the summer but this spot is right next to a bunch of bushes and marsh area and every morning when we woke up it was attack of the killer bees. We got stung a few times, which gets old quick. I can't really speak for any other spots but I'll never book this one again.
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Review from Katrena M.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
Really meant my expectations. Great camping sites and clean bathrooms, accomodating to families, sites spaced well apart. A very beautiful setting and perfect location to seeing all of the sites.
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Review from Ronnie J.
New Orleans, LA
5/20/2011
Just spent two great nights at the lodge. Can't imagine staying in Friday Harbor compared to this gem between two (or maybe three) lakes.
Pros--
Staff and management could not have been more accommodating.
Updated fireplace rooms very comfortable and squeaky clean.
Great views from the lodge; private balcony facing the lake.
Close to town.
Wireless internet access (if you just have to have it!)
Cons--
Very few, maybe the complimentary lodge breakfast was a little boring but not something that I really cared about
We'll be back. Worth every penny. -
Review from Jane L.
Bainbridge Island, WA
6/19/2009
Loved the canvas cabins - so fab. Queen size bed was super comfy and warm (and I thought I might need to bring a sleeping bag - as if!). The cabins have wood floors, bed, a sofa, table, chairs, outdoor patio area. They are deluxe. And the bathrooms and showers were tiled and very clean - not your average campground that's for sure.
Staff was super. Our cabin was ready early so they let us drop our luggage off early. Huge help as we were on bikes. The Lodge with it's deck overlooking the lake is definitely worth a look-see and a nice place to sit back with a glass of wine and contemplate life.
As for breakfast - we were expecting something to match the deluxe quality of our cabins - not so. I'd recommend bringing a JetBoil to make coffee if you're an early riser (coffee/breakfast isn't ready until 8am) or just going out for breakfast. -
Review from JM G.
Eastside, WA
8/2/2011
Inexpensive if camping. I camped, and it was a GREAT place for the family. VERY nice staff, great amenities, and so forth. If going to San Juna Island and you have your own camping gear, this is a cush and inexpensive way to go. Will go back if ever visiting the island again.
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Review from Susanna L.
Portland, OR
10/4/2010
My husband and I just returned from two nights at Lakedale this weekend.
It's a beautiful spot and very peaceful there on the lake.
We stayed in one of the lodge rooms on the ground level. They are nice large rooms with a fireplace and huge bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and they've got decks (shared with neighboring guests) that go out toward the lake.
Pros:
~Location - the resort winds around the three lovely lakes and is off in the countryside of San Juan Island.
~The rooms: Nicely appointed, plenty of space to stretch out and the fireplace is a nice touch on a rainy day
Cons:
~The downstairs lodge rooms, where we stayed, hear rather a lot of the upstairs rooms - footsteps toing and froing, and the plumbing.
~The bathroom soaps and shampoos etc are sort of bolted to the wall in their holders (are they afraid that their guests paying $200 and up a night are going to make off with the shower gel?!) It makes for rather an awkward bath if you haven't brought your own soap, since they're bolted at the standing-for-the-shower height.
~The bedding could definitely be a little better quality.
Undecided:
I like a good breakfast to be included in my stay somewhere nice. It's a bit of a splurge for us to do this and we want to feel like we're getting a treat, all round. I do feel that a nice hotel/inn ought to provide a really good breakfast, made to order, or at least with a lot of choice, buffet style, especially in this sort of price range.
The breakfast isn't *bad* as continental breakfasts go - hard boiled eggs, cereals, do-it-yourself waffles, a little fruit, toast, but it still left us a bit cold and was a disappointment, frankly. What if you like eggs, but not hard boiled? What if you'd rather have some fresh, local berries instead of (presumably) canned pineapple? What if you prefer whole grain over processed wheat bagels, or greek yogurt over the sugary 'low fat' kind (I'll tell you what: you go into town and buy some to have with breakfast the next day!)
I know, I know, I'm picky - but I want a bit more out this sort of price range.
All in all, we had a very nice time and enjoyed ourselves, but I think I might try somewhere else next time. -
Review from T L.
Seattle, WA
8/8/2011
I loved this place. We rented the Canvas Cabins which was roughly the same cost as staying in a hotel. The campsites looked great, but can't speak to those. Great set up, the cabins were well appointed and comfortable, we had a great view of one of the lakes. Breakfast is included in the cost of the Canvas Cabin rental. The kids loved it. A ton to do (boating, fishing, swimming, hiking- centrally located between Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor, tie-dying t-shirts at the general store). Overall a great experience, the staff was very helpful, friendly and accommodating. This could be an annual trip for us!
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Review from Laura A.
Seattle, WA
7/23/2011
We saw the cover of Sunset magazine with one of Lakedale's canvas tents and booked two nights. The canvas tent was as pictured and very nice; right on the lake; very comfortable bed, and a nice, continental breakfast. Overall a good experience, it's just overpriced. With taxes, we paid around $150, and still needed tokens for the shower. They give a certain amount to start, but if you want a longer shower, buy more tokens. The bathrooms are very average for a campground, and no electrical outlets in the canvas tents.
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Review from katharine b.
Bellevue, WA
12/10/2010
We were told that our reservation was "Two bedrrom, queen beds, two bathrooms with a sitting area that had a couch." Perfect for 4 adults. Upon arrival we were shocked that they had old double beds, a wicker loveseat and a chair. Four of us could not sit to watch a movie in our room. They only had one key for the four of us. The next morning after having no sleep due to an old lumpy mattress, I complained. They moved us into two rooms. We had paid for 3 nights and left after the 2nd night. When I sent the email that I had received confirming our reservation to the manager he offered a one night refund. When my statement came they kept 85.00 per person on that first room. Why would they adverise a two bedroom room and then charge for 2 more people?
The four of us felt totally ripped off and would not go back. -
Review from Kristin S.
Redmond, WA
9/28/2008
This review is about our "Glamping" experience in the Canvas Cabins only. I was given a tour of the Lodge, which is off-limits to anyone not staying in one of its rooms. It was very nice and quiet (no kids allowed).
The glamorous camping takes place on the other side of the resort, in the new canvas cabins. The canvas cabins themselves are really lovely and well-appointed, just like the pictures on the website. Ours was right on the lake, with a nice view of the Lodge.
However, to call our experience "glamorous camping" is a huge stretch. I'm convinced nobody from Sunset magazine or Evening Magazine actually spent the night here before including Lakedale in their 'glamping' features.
We arrived on a Thursday in late July 2008, with 2 other families who we were traveling with, who were also staying in the canvas cabins. We were a bit surprised to find out how far away the bathroom facilities were, but otherwise were pleased with the setup.
Later that day arrived a HUGE group of teenagers who were on a biking trip with some kind of camp organization. This would not have been a problem at all, if the entire campground didn't have to share that one small central restroom and shower facility. On Friday morning @ 7AM, when I took my 4-year old to use the bathroom, I counted 22 people in the women's bathroom. The 3 showers were in use, with others waiting in line for them, and all 3 sinks were being used by teenage girls washing their hair in them to avoid paying for a shower. YUCK!!! As for the toilets, only 2 of the 3 were working during the 3 days we were there. There was always a line to use them, no matter the time of day or night. They were cleaned each afternoon, but with all the people using them, they didn't stay clean for long.
On Saturday night, a big bus full of Boy Scouts and their dads pulled in, and set up camp immediately adjacent to the restrooms. Oh well, I thought, at least they wouldn't be competing for use of the women's facilities! -
Review from Chelsea L.
Portland, OR
8/9/2010
I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at Lakedale Resort for my long weekend of camping and enjoying San Juan Island. The lakes are very calming and a flock of tiny adorable birds appeared one morning. The campsites were beautiful and paying a little extra to be on the lake front was worth it, even though our site was relatively small considering we had two tents and two cars to fit into it. There is a general store which has good hours and is convenient for ice and firewood, but expensive. All the people at the resort are very friendly and we were even greeted by a deer eating grass along the path to check in which was a lucky surprise. The drawback is the bathroom. One. For all the campers to use and includes only three toilets. Every morning the bathroom was filled with people scrambling for space. My camp site wasn't too far away, but for some campers, it was a bit of a walk to the facilities. There were also a total of five token operated showers which I really appreciated, although the water can go cold when you go during peak shower times.
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Review from t m.
San Jose, CA
9/5/2010
We wanted an outdoor experience with glam camp amenities like a comfortable bed, screened windows, tables and chairs, outdoor fire pit, nice view. This place was perfect. Canvas tent (perfect condition) on the lakeshore, and just water and trees on three sides. Family atmosphere (there were small kids in nearby tents) but not so close as to bother us. Staff very friendly, and the lake setting was worth tons of photos. The lodge is within walking distance but only went into it twice to look at the lake from its deck and to use AC to charge a battery. Bathrooms/ showers basic but clean. Bought firewood and had campfire each night, BBQ one night. In the forest but only 5-10 minutes to go into Friday Harbor. Ask for tent nearest the water. Campground and lodge itself also looked great.
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Review from Konstance C.
Jefferson, WA
8/12/2009
We reserved two of the log cabins in March for a family reunion in August. From the web site we expected a clean and trouble-free experience for our two families. We did not want to camp, just to enjoy the resort acreage. The Roche Harbor condos had been our first choice but they were already booked. We were surprised by the rudeness at the reception desk. We were even more surprised by all the dust bunnies, spider webs, non-functioning gas fireplace, 2 out of four non-functioning electric stove burners, very slow-draining bathroom sink, loose toilet seats, incomplete inventory of kitchen utensils, etc. All of this and the charge was $372./night. We have stayed at a number of hotels with kitchen facilities. This was the worst experience. We reported the sink problem right after checking in and never received any response. There was no maid service for the 3 nights we were there.
I think this might be an O.K. place to stay if you are going as a camper and perhaps the hotel lodge rooms might be O.K. -- but I would definitely not recommend staying in the log cabins as the company treats them as if you were renting a tent cabin -- ie., no service and little maintenance.
When one is paying $372./night I think you can expect a clean, well-maintained facility. These log cabins were not and we felt cheated. -
Review from Gina C.
Portland, OR
7/18/2010
If we had been camping here this would likely be a five star review. Instead we rented a room in the main lodge and thus this review. From the moment we checked in the staff rubbed me the wrong way. We felt they were rude and unaccomodating. The room was fairly expensive and upon walking in I was dissappointed. We were assigned a room right off of the lobby. It did not feel private nor was it quite. When we asked about upgrading again rude and unaccomodating. The deck is nice but not great, especially when you have a room like ours which opens up to the main public deck and families are traipsing back and forth 2 feet from the bed. This place doesn't have a gym, nor bikes to borrow. Which would seem a no-brainer. In fact, anything you need must be purchased from the general store. I needed an ice pack for my ankle and had to BUY a large sack of ice. There is a bar in the lobby but they don't serve drinks. But of course you can buy bottles of wine. A nice touch would have been to offer a glass of wine to those staying in the lodge around the cocktail hour. Other complaints, room L1 is so loud it's almost comical. On the upside, they had great bath products, Molton brown, but no hair conditioner. The tv had the most basic of channel's and was tiny. We contiplated watching a movie but came to the conclusion we'd have to watch it on our laptop. My husband enjoyed the continental breakfast. There is also no cell phone service but there was wifi in the lobby and room, not so much on the deck. Our room was not cleaned though I let the front desk staff know we were leaving and the we would like the room cleaned. Said ok but didn't happen. The room should cost $139, not $250. At $139 you would feel the price is commensurate with the experience, but at $250, you feel ripped off.
