The Waterfront Inn — Hotel in The Villages

Our stay at Waterfront Inn started out unintentionally as we were in the Villages to settle my fiances parents estate, he also recently had his gallbladder removed so a timeout was much needed. We chose this location because it was close to what we needed to handle and I thought it would be a good fit for him to regroup, reflect and relax a little. This hotel and it's staff absolutely did not disappoint us, everything was perfect. We were able to walk to many things as we were steps away from Sumter Landing and if you want to rent a golf cart its just steps away. Jon Hawkins at Village Golf Cars was great, ask for him and he will take care of you. Our room had a beautiful lake view with a balcony and rocking chair that was perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery. The staff was friendly and so personal they made us feel very welcomed. Nina was very accommodating at check in and Meagan was absolutely wonderful as well when I thought I might have to take my boyfriend to urgent care, she offered help and quickly printed out directions for me. It was only 9 mins away. Plus Rick, I believe that was his name always made sure everything was running smoothly and constantly greeted everyone with a smile. At night Hunter was helpful too with information, Arnold and another gentleman were constantly on the move, they kept everything clean and running. The mechanic also was quick to take of things Everyone there was so accommodating and wanted to take care of any issues, hats off to the maintenance team they keep everything up and running, the cleaning staff, kitchen staff, desk staff everyone! The saltwater pool was also beautiful and the crew that comes in to clean it late at night do a fabulous job, the gentleman brushing the walls doesn't miss a spot. The restaurant offers great food and is steps away from the pool and again that staff was very friendly, April took great care of us. The servers also would circle the pool offering ice water which I thought was a step above making sure we were all hydrated. There is plenty of free parking so no worry there either. We saw trucks, U-Hauls, golf carts and some beautiful spots cars parked there, a good mix just like the people.I did however feel bad for the smokers outside, they are pushed off to a corner where hot air was being pushed out from the generators. The rest of the front porch area has nice fans and furniture to sit and relax on. They have a washer and dryer on the fourth floor which was great because of this being an unexpected stay we were able to wash our clothes. And Jelena at the front desk I abolutely adored, she helped me with the computer and printer when I needed to gather information and as we chit chatted she offered some insightful knowledge on gallbladder issues that have been very helpful for my fiance. As he was processing his loss, resting and recovering the staff made me feel like family. They were all looking out for us. They even handed Bill a beautiful sympathy card a bunch of them had signed. They also offer ice on every floor which was super convenient. I really liked what they had to offer by the front check in desk as well. They had snacks, juice, soda, beer, wine and water. However keep in mind there are no alcohol sales after midnight. They have frozen meals you can microwave, ice cream and a few selections prepared and boxed from the restaurant available. They offer coffee and tea and a daily newspaper too. The outside boardwalk was also great for a stroll you can step out the back doors of the hotel into the boardwalk and have a nice stroll along the lake up to the Lighthouse Point and Grill or stop at the square to check out the entertainment. I wish I could remember everyones name to thank them all. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a hotel with a great location, wonderful staff and very chil...

** Uodate on previous review: My husband and I returned to the Calypso Restaurant at the Waterfront Inn after being invited by the food and beverage manager to try to turn around bad experience previously. Tammy was our server this time and she did an excellent job in greeting us, seating us, and serving us. She checked in often and was always there with a smile and a very helpful and professional attitude. I got the filet mignon, and although it wasn’t a perfect medium temperature, it was very tender and Delicious! My husband got the short ribs with grits and also loved it! As always, the view from outside was gorgeous, the breeze was delightful, and our drinks were great. My filthy martini was perfect! I would give a five star rating, but in consideration of my first review, I couldn’t do that. But thank you very much for a lovely evening and we will be going back again!

I have been looking forward to dining at the Waterfront Inn Calypso Restaurant for a long time. I went this evening with my sister and sister-in-law and we’re sat at a beautiful table outside overlooking the lake. The setting and music were lovely and that is where it ended. Our reservation was for 7:45 PM. We were one of three tables yet the service was very slow. Our waitress April was quick to bring us water and take our drink order but it took a good 15 minutes at least to get the drinks which were watered down, not cold and pricey. We ordered an appetizer to share and 3 entrées. They all came out at the same time after waiting a half an hour. I mentioned this to April and she said, “oh, the kitchen is backed up so they just sent everything out at once” and walked away. My sister‘s grilled grouper sandwich was very dry and she asked the only waiter in the area if it was supposed to come with sauce, he didn’t know. He said I’ll find out. He came back a few minutes later and said, “no the sauce is sautéed in the pan when they grill the grouper so that’s it” and walked away. He never offered any remedy. When April came back, my sister mentioned that she wasn’t happy with the grouper and she did offer some tartar sauce which made it a little more palatable. The fries were mediocre at best. I ordered the Curry Chicken Roti, which came with Naan instead of the Roti- very disappointing . It was meh. My sister-in-laws Coconut Shrimp were ok. The icing on the cake was when the waiter that had dismissed my sister and her dry grouper sandwich came back with plastic cups said, “we’re closing- you have to pour any of your remaining cocktails into these plastic cups. I have to take all the glasses off the table”. I’ve never heard of such a thing in my life! Imagine waiting 15 minutes for your $18 cocktail to be rushed to finish it or pour it into a cheap plastic cup!! The reason it took so long for us to finish our meals and cocktails is because the wait was so long - now you are rushing us to clear the table? They never offered us dessert or anything. They dropped the checks and went inside. We waited to pay and no one came. We figured we would pay inside but they locked the door so we had to walk around to pay. We asked to talk to the manager who came out to speak with us. She was a pleasant young woman, but all she did was smile, nod, and say thank you. No explanation, no offer of anything to make amends and basically dismissed us. We will not be going back and I suggest if go, sit outside and only order a beer or a glass of wine- I hope at...

Terrible experience In 08 of september, me and my fiance decided to rent a room in "The Waterfront Inn", to shelter ourselfs during the hurricane Irma. In the day of checkout we decided to stay two more nights. We went to the lobby at 6a.m. and talked to a attendant who said they were having no shows and cancellations and gave us the permition to do it, and we should wait for her call at our bedroom. For our surprise, by the time we went downstairs at 10p.m. for breakfast, the hotel attendent changed her mind and informed us that they are all sold out and without any room for us during the hurricane. We got so stressed with the hotel, that we decided to leave the city. We went upstairs and prepared ourselfs to checkout. By the time we go tto the lobby, the manager called us and explained the situation... He took on the error of the hotel administration, and host us in the same room. In the middle of negotiation, the manager decided to gave us a discount for all the stress and problems, and deal with us 2 nights for 158,00 dollars + taxes (my fiance asked if it was correct the price of 158,00 dollars for both nights, and the manager said: Yes, for both nights!) We sign the report delivered from the hotel's system (picture 1), and decided to stay at the hotel. In the other day we checked our credit card account and discover that they charged 344,44 dollars. We tough this was an error of the system and decided to talk with the same manager, and for our second badly surprise the manager told us that the charge was correct. When we tried to explain the situation he got up, held my arm, and start to scream with us. My fiance starts to cry, because she felt so stressed and disappointed with the situation... In the end of the discussion the manager print ANOTHER report (picture 4) with OTHERS RATES, what confirm that their system and the manager are wrong, and said for us: "If you do not agree with this, you can take your things and leave the hotel" - a few hours before the hurricane hit the place we are and with all hotels solded out.

We are completely stressed and disappointed with the administration and education of the hotel. We are only staying because we do not have any other place to go and the hurricane is very close. Honestly, if we could leave, we think we would feel more comfortable and looked after in a shelter with volunteers than with this payed service that could only disrespect and stress us in this hard situation we are...