Eagle's Nest Beach Resort, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club — Hotel in Marco Island

A review of my recent stay at the Eagle Nest Resort, Marco Island, Florida. This was an exchange from our property on Key West.

Checked in: July 22, 2022 I give this resort only a One Star out of Five.

My wife and I looked forward to visiting Marco Island and the Eagles Nest. This was our first time staying in this area. The resort itself is very nice. grounds and building are well kept, although dated in some areas. The rooms were clean, and the staff were very courteous.

So why the poor review? This property is NOT handicap friendly. Both my wife and myself are in our late 70s and have trouble walking. I have a spinal problem, and my wife must use a cane because of a cancer issue. I purposely called the resort after the original booking, and again just prior to the move in date. I wanted to confirm the walking distance to the beach. We do enjoy the beach, but I was concerned about our ability to walk the property. Both times after explaining my concerns, I was assured it was just a “short walk”. After we arrived and checked in, I found out the “short walk” was the equivalent of two football fields. (Verified by google maps.) Half the distance was through a long cobblestone courtyard with several short stairways to the pool area, and the other was across a vast beach area to the shore where chairs and umbrellas were available. We actually tried walking to the pool area using the walkway stairs, but couldn’t chance going any farther onto the beach. After check-in, I mentioned our concerns to the woman managing the elevator crowds, but was told nothing can be arranged, even if we were willing to pay for special accommodations.

I could have made a different resort selection if only the staff member called was above board and open about the walking. The only two attractions to this resort are the pool and beach. For those that can easily walk, the property is great. For us, we had virtually nothing to do but stay in our room, so we left after two days and headed home.

On other issues, the resort has two elevators, one of which has been out-of-order for a long time since January. Prior to coming, we were made aware of this issue, but were told it would be repaired by June 2022. We are now going into August. Being aware of the problem, and actually experiencing it are two different things. Check-in was tedious since only a few new guest and carts could fit on the elevator at one time. The wait time for the elevators was in many cases over 10 minutes each time. Only one elevator for 70 units on 10 floors, we all tried to have patience. There were no places to sit while waiting for our next turn on the elevator. The daily experience was frustrating and back breaking.

Another issue are the large 6 inch metal plates that go across the sliding balcony door. Understandably they’re there to prevent rainwater from coming into the unit. There are no caution signs on the glass, nor any notices. Our first day there going onto the balcony focused on the ocean view, I almost fell tripping over the plate. This is a serious tripping hazard.

Finally, only 3 handicap parking spaces available in the lot. One was so covered by shrubs and bushes, it was impossible to use. My wife and I are fairly mobile, but considered this resort a real challenge....

We have been owners at Eagle's Nest for close to 20 years. I have seen over the past few years the quality of service and the appearance of the units decline. This year was the last straw - we will be banking our points and going elsewhere from now on. The check in has been changed to a little table in the entrance (after a grilling by a security guard as you enter - I get it - we all want security but this is a bit overboard) - I mentioned that this was a different set up and the young man said "yeah it's to get everyone checked in faster" - really friendly and welcoming ha! Then we arrived in our unit to find that housekeeping (who was lounging around in the lower lobby by the elevators) had apparently felt inclined to leave the bathrooms dirty with toothpaste etc all over the sinks. I called the front desk and asked to be moved and if there were open units - he said yes but couldn't move us to them????? So housekeeping was sent up to bleach our bathrooms. The master bedroom hasn't changed since we started coming and I was freezing all night - not wanting to use the crummy bedspread or blankets that were tied up with strings and obviously not washed. I bought my own blanket at Walmart the next day. Today I decided to stop at the "NEW" snack bar to get some lunch on the way back from the beach - was told that he would be right with me - 10 minutes later and after he served one employee - I left and went up to the room. Seriously.....I am extremely disappointed. My family has many great memories of time spent in the summers at Eagle's Nest and our children made life long friends - Hilton needs to do something about the conditions and the service as it is sad to see things...

35 years and counting! Beautiful, newly renovated facilities with more activities and the addition of the Pool Pub serving excellent casual lunches and beer on tap and margaritas keep Eagle's Nest relevant. Best place to bring kids for easy waves, sugar sand beach and tons of sea shells, manatees and dolphins. The pool could be bigger and I wish those occasional hurricanes could leave the palm trees alone for more natural shade! Honestly can't wait for next year and we just got back! Slow, easygoing family oriented place. Not a lot of night life but you can go to Miami for that! Close to the Everglades, 1/2 day's drive to Orlando, Key West and 30 minutes to busy Ft Myers. Airport in Ft Myers is fantastically small and easy to navigate. If you're looking to unwind and enjoy the beach without feeling pressured to dress up or look polished the whole Vaca, Eagle's Nest is perfect. Being able to cook for yourself either in your fully equipped kitchen or using the grills downstairs, or going out for fabulous seafood or Italian is a great option. We do a combination so we can put money towards deep sea fishing, jet skiing, parasailing and sunset yacht tours. We have been coming here for literally 35 years and love it every time. We go at the end of May/beginning of June. This is a great time because kids are out of school, the "busy" season is over at Marco (snowbirds have gone north) but it's still not too hot and not too many bugs! Lots of lounge chairs with umbrellas to rent on the beach (worth it to rent them for the week). Definitely need shade. Bring clothes for professional sunset photos too. Hope you enjoy it as...