Benjamin E.
Yelp
I was here on business for the week and the service here is very good.
From the airport, it's a 30 to 45 min depending upon the time and day. My flight was an evening flight (7:30pm) and I t took me 29min from the Airport and $45. If you plan to come here via your own means of transportation, there is Valet service available. However, if you are like many who are coming to attend the conference and staying on the property, there is a complimentary shuttle services into town, and when in town all local transportation is free (The benefits of being a Township.)
Great service all round, from the friendly guest service staff at the front desk, to the servers at the Conference hall; All the resort personnel are very accommodating and professional.
Going to the conference hall every morning, and being greeted with the smell of fresh hot coffee all throughout the building was amazing. Great spread of breakfast items and all done very well, with servers constantly refilling and refreshing the items. Additionally, There was no shortage of fresh coffee or water no matter where you went. Every morning there is Hot coffee in the Lobby and cold bottle water by the Valet post. (Just be friendly and ask the Valet attendant for a bottle and they will be more than happy to give you one). In the afternoon the lobby coffee is replaced with Iced Lemonade for you to enjoy.
Currently the restaurants on the property are under renovation, with the exception of the, "Back Table Kitchen + Bar". There is another restaurant on the 2nd floor in the Conference Center called, "Tavern on the Trails" which has an amazing view of the the golf course and over looks the Driving Range. The service from both locations is outstanding, the staff are attentive, friendly, and well informed on the menu and the daily specials.
(notice: Tavern on the Trails can not accept room charges. Be sure to bring your wallet.)
Because of the great weather on the week I was there, I took advantage of eating the majority of my lunches at the "Back Table Kitchen + Bar". This location has seating outside with a great view of the pond and golf course. BONUS POINTS for the service. My server is a Red Sox fan and loves Big Papi. She took the time to ask where I was from and we got to talking. Additionally she remembered me, so everyday when I came in, she would know that I would want an Ice Tea to start with.
The meals were very good. On my first day I had the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich on Texas Toast (They are not joking when that say, "Things are bigger in Texas"). I actually had to think as to how I was going to eat this thing. It was delicious, the chicken was crispy and juicy and the house special sauce was a perfect zing, heat, and sweet. While having my meal, Chef Rick stopped by my table to introduce himself and ask how I was enjoying the meal. I'm very impressed with the consideration and his openness to feed back.
The next meal I had here was the BBQ Brisket Sandwich which was also a great sandwich served on Texas Toast as well. The BBQ was sweet with a slight smoke and never over powered with mesquite. The brisket was so soft and broke apart easily.
Unfortunately my third meal did not quite hit the mark. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles and I can say that the Waffle was very good. The pecans added a nice texture and sweetness to the dish. However, the chicken was not crispy. I was expecting something like the chicken I had in their sandwich, with a crunchy crust and juicy meat on the inside. Instead the skin felt soggy and didn't have that, crunch. Otherwise the Chicken was delicious, just not the texture I was expecting.
The Pool area is currently under renovation. Additionally the pool restaurant and bar, "Cool Water Bar & Grill" is also closed for renovation. However, I saw some people restocking the bar and I asked when they would be open. The manager, Peyton informed me that they will be opening Next week (March, 10...This Friday) She told me that they have a new system they just installed this year, where guests will be able to order from their servers at their beach chairs via an ipad and the drinks and food will come straight out. Very excited to see this work and interested in coming back with the family to enjoy this pool.
There is also renovations being done to the rooms and hallway areas. I was staying in the 5000s building and was having issues with slow internet. Many times I would have to go to the lobby to take my video meetings. Although this was some what inconvenient, it did get me out of my room and enjoy the fire place in the lobby and also the fire pits out along the pond. It was nice sitting in the large comfy lawn chairs by an open fire while working.
All in all it was a good experience. I'm hoping I can find a chance to come back and experience this resort when all the renovations are done and it's fully operational.