Smuggler's Cove Beach Resort — Hotel in Brandenton Beach

This was a horrible experience right from the beginning in that the so called "bed" which was part of our accommodations pulled out from the wall!! It was like sleeping on coiled wires and was broken on both ends. We had no choice but to sleep there because we arrived after office hours. The next day, first thing, we reported this to the front desk, so we were relocated to the second floor only to the sounds of drilling, beating and banging on the room beside us as apparently a remodel was underway. Again, another fine so called bed was best described as a larger, more intense size of coiled wires not to mention when you moved, it sounded like someone was crinkling papers!! Almost like a plastic mattress!! We again complained, only this time the lady was so kind to inform me that I was obviously "picky" about my sleeping arrangements!! Who wouldn't be after paying this kind of money, however, because we booked through an agency, no one would take responsibility. After the rental company and the onsite "powers that be" conferred with each other, it was decided that nothing could be done. Really!!! The next day, however, I did decide to share and deliver to the front desk one of the three huge roach bugs (as big as a half dollar) that we found in our room during our 6 night stay. We are still here because we could not afford to go elsewhere and they continue to refuse to do anything about any of this. The same lady at the desk who told me I was too picky about my bed, informed me that it was "unfortunate" we found bugs in our room and she would have someone spray. They've never showed!!! This is a pathetic place to stay, please don't even consider staying here. The only good thing about this facility is the backyard area behind the facility, which is very nice and clean and well maintained, much more so then the place where you lay your heads at night!!! I should've pitched a...

The location is great, the beach is very nice. The unit was okay - I did not pay much for the week, so I wasn't expecting a "resort". Some of the unit oddities: There are no blackout curtains. You have flimsy blinds that have the light blaring in your face as soon as the sun comes up. The person sleeping on the pull-out couch will also have to contend with the outdoor lights in the hallway at night. This is obviously a well-known annoyance by the management, as you can see that people have desperately hung up towels and blankets over their doors to get some rest. Yes, the bathroom is tiny, and the place is certainly no "resort". The kitchen was fine with dishes and pots and pans. The soaps and paper products are of the absolute lowest quality. My air filter looks filthy. There is no elevator, so be prepared to haul all of your stuff up a flight of stairs. Other than those annoyances, it was fine for a week. Lower your expectations on this one and...

We checked in early and our room was ready, unit 207 on 2nd floor with a view of the bay and garden area. I was a bit worried about this one because google has it listed as a 2 star hotel, RCI says gold crown. I would rate this one as a silver crown. It is an older resort there are actually 3 resorgarden at the ts there the penthouse, the gulf and the smugglers cove. The pool area was clean and well kept but a bit small for the size of the 3 resorts. The garden area had plenty of tables and places to sit and enjoy as well as grills to use. The beach was the best part they do have plenty of lounges for use the water was crystal clear. Unfortunately we had to leave on day 3 because of a hurricane but we will be looking for availability to return. there are places to eat nearby as well as a publix and a free shuttle bus to take you all...