River Ranch RV Resort — Hotel in Hillcrest Heights

A very unique experience, but very disappointing for a Westgate Property. I arrived on a Sunday, which I did not realize meant the Saloon was closed, so that left only the Smokehouse and general store for food and beverages- and even more disappointingwas the fact that the Smokehouse only had 2 servers, so Sunday dinner was crazy, they needed at least 2 more Servers so they could have seated at least half capacity instead of about 10%. Check in was at 4pm, and most activities that were actually open for Sunday closed at 4pm. So we basically just drove around on a golf cart for entertainment - cart cost $75/day and are first come first served. The pool was very lacking and the size and style of a Motel 6 pool, and was the only one for the non-owner guests. We did squeeze in some archery before check in because we arrived a little early. The bow and arrows were in terrible condition, the fletching was half missing on the arrows, damaged strings on bows. The room was pretty clean, but very dark and depressing, which was unfortunate due to the fact that there was not much to do other than sit in our room- wifi will cost extra btw. We ended up driving over 30 minutes to Lake Wales to get dinner because at 7pm there was still a 45min-1hour wait at the Smokehouse. The bed was comfortable but loud, every movement sounded like it was going to fall apart. The best part was on our way out leaving, - we were not going to deal with any more time and money spent at this Resort. As you leave the main lodge and front desk building there was a pasture full of cattle, they looked very majestic in the foggy morning light. Had it not been for that and the clean room I would have given 1 star. I will not be returning to this Resort and suggest if you consider going, to go on a Friday/Saturday when things are open. I've heard the...

I don't usually write bad reviews, but in this case, I'll make an exception. It makes absolutely no sense to book this resort for a one-night spot. You're not allowed in until 4 p.m., and all activities end at 5 p.m. Until you're checked in, you can't do anything except settle in. You don't get any fishing equipment, and the hayride, cowboy adventure, or anything similar is no longer available. You get a few notes from a friendly receptionist, but the information is quiet and vague. The only thing we can look forward to is the outdoor cinema, which is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. We're going to the cinema, and the film starts 1:05 later. Tomorrow we'd have to leave the RV park again at 10 a.m., which theoretically wouldn't allow us to use any of the services offered. A bit unsatisfactory for the price. As a gesture of goodwill, we're allowed to stay until noon. They advertise a lot of adventures here, but you have to pay a lot to use anything. The hayride is advertised as free in the brochure and on the website, but it's not offered every day. I was only offered one ride at the reception two days after arrival for an additional charge, including food. The Cowboy Fun Adventure costs $20 per child (for RV parking guests). Parents pay the same. Toddlers under 4 feet tall aren't allowed to participate in 1/3 of the activities. What kind of pricing is this? I'm giving it 2 stars because the staff seem very friendly and the Wi-Fi works very well. The toilets are so-so... Too bad...I just imagined something different.It seems as if you are being lured with things that are not...

We rented from an individual owner in River Ranch, NOT through westgate. Westgate is a greedy organization that gets no stars from me. The 2 star review is not for the O'Reilly family that owns the lot we were on at the end of the canal. Very nice location. They would have gotten 4 stars from me. We went to purchase rodeo tix on a weds at the strong suggestion of employees at the swamp buggy ride and restaurant, because it "almost always sells out." Went to buy them and was shunned because we weren't westgate customers. They sell to their customers first, and we didn't get to buy tix until 5pm, the night of the rodeo. So our money wasn't good enough. The general store is very understaffed. One girl was making coffees for a dozen people waiting a long time. Another register clerk wasn't helping at all. We suggested she go help, and she said "I don't know how to do any of that, they haven't taught me." The groans from the rest of us was quite audible. We won't be back, because westgate makes it difficult for RR renters and owners. Its politics and money, and I can get my fill of that elsewhere that isn't 35 mins from emergency services or shopping. Everything at westgate is expensive. And they've been promising a giraffe and wildlife exhibit for what we are told is 3yrs and counting, but they can't afford what it takes to build that safari out. They won't get our money again. Sorry O'Reilly family. We loved your site, but we don't like being shunned...