Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach — Attraction in Pine Mountain

Review Title: Unacceptable Experience at Callaway Gardens - Proceed with Caution

I feel compelled to share a distressing experience my family and I encountered at Callaway Gardens (17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822) during what was intended to be a joyous celebration of our 19-year wedding anniversary. We arrived on Sunday, May 5th, and checked out on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024.

On the evening of May 6th, around 8:45 PM, we decided to enjoy some quality family time at the pool. However, we were abruptly kicked out by a security guard who mistakenly believed that the pool closed at 9 PM instead of its actual closing time of 10 PM. His behavior was not only unprofessional but also humiliating; he yelled at us like we were criminals, all while other guests watched from their balconies.

After we hastily exited the pool area (believing we violated the resorts rules) we noticed the same security guard opening the gate for another family (just moments after we went back to our room) allowing them to enter without any issue. This inconsistency in treatment raised serious concerns, particularly given that my family—comprised of myself, my wife, and our daughter—are African-Americans, while the security guard is a white male. It felt as though his actions were discriminatory, leaving us feeling marginalized and disrespected.

We promptly approached the management to report the incident, and they acknowledged that the security guard had acted in error by ejecting us from the pool. The initial staff member we spoke to showed a lack of sensitivity and understanding regarding our concerns.

The next morning, we checked out and were assured that the head manager, "Tiffonee Young" would reach out to us to discuss the matter. After several days without communication, we took the initiative to email Tiffonee, expressing the emotional impact this incident had on our family, particularly on my 10-year-old daughter, who was deeply affected.

When we finally received a response from Tiffonee, it was evident that she was dismissive of our concerns. Her apology felt insincere and lacked the genuine understanding we had hoped for. It appeared as though she was attempting to brush off the incident, expecting us to forget about it and move on. This lack of accountability from management was incredibly disappointing!

In 2024, acts of discrimination like this should not be tolerated, and it is disheartening to see such behavior occurring,,,, even in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Our experience at Callaway Gardens was overshadowed by unprofessional conduct from security staff and a management team that seemed indifferent to our concerns. We hope sharing our story prompts management to reevaluate their policies and training to prevent others from facing similar situations in the...

Ouch - @ $40/pp for 7/4 ‘extravaganza weekend’ working bathrooms would have been nice. The East Beach bathrooms were closed for renovations with likely one of the busiest beach days of the season. Port-a-potties are steamy with no toilet paper. The showers are also out of order along with the bathrooms. The line for the only working bathroom on the beach was insane.

Bar service was unable to manage the bar. Asked Jeff while sitting AT THR BAR if we could get a drink or had to get in line and he said he didn’t know. The guy behind the bar said he didn’t know who to serve and he didn’t make the rules! Patrons sitting at the bar for service, but they didn’t know who to serve. On a busy weekend it seems as though you’d staff a service line for customers walking up, and someone to serve patrons at the bar. Five employees behind the bar but no sense of order or how to manage a line.

The beach area was nice. Sand was clean and seemed to be freshly raked. Decent distance out to the swim rope so a sizable area to get in and cool off.

For as much as they promote the weekend you’d think they’d be better prepared with a bar team since you can’t bring anything from outside, and someone to ensure the full port-a-potties at least had...

Entered and was told..part of scenic drive closed so instead of a one way..today was a 2 way drive. However, after going to Discovery and Butterfly centers no roads were marked as..OK to use as 2 way..instead signs stated..do not enter. At least a dozen cars were aimlessly looking for a way back to entrance to get to Pumpkin area since the inner gate was closed. 30 minutes later we decided to use the 'do not enter..authorized personnel only' road..which was Scenic Dr back to entrance. Took Trolley up to corn maze and the MAP of that area was on the 'exit' side instead of entrance side to the maze area.. When we asked to see it..was told no.. and the reason was because others may follow. I was as polite as i could be.. told them shouldn't be a problem especially since it would have taken one garbage sack covering the..do not enter.. sign by Discovery Center and another one That said.. two way today... and now this map is located on the exit side of the maze area. Someone needs to do better planning. We finally went back to pumpkin area and just left. Best things were the Bird of Prey show... and Butterfly exhibit. We came to learn and relax but that...