Deerhurst Resort

The outdoor activities are excellent, though expect to queue, and parking is free with plenty of spaces. It’s a great winter getaway. There’s a golf simulator now too, so bring your clubs. We were there for a winter weekend event, and the hotel feels much as it always has, in a good way. Our room was clean, but I was surprised there was no water or drinking glasses. The staff were very friendly. Food at lunch was a bit tricky. The pub’s hours seemed odd: with the place full on Saturday, it didn’t open until 11:30, and by 12:15 they still hadn’t served meals. The lobby bar was closed for lunch, and the other coffee shop didn’t have sandwiches or salads ready from its menu. That left Huntsville as the only option, so I’d bring snacks for the room. These were minor inconveniences.

The main issue was our room. Its decor was dated, which doesn’t bother me much, but the stained carpet and desk chair did, and the mattress sagged in the middle. That made sleep uncomfortable for both of us. I hope they renovate the rooms before I visit again, because I’d like to stay at Deerhurst another time. We were there for two nights. The setting is beautiful, the restaurants are very good, and service was excellent. Staff were friendly and helpful, and we tried the on-site escape rooms.

The location is lovely, but for about $350, this stay didn’t offer the value or service I expected from Deerhurst Resort. We weren’t properly told about the amenities, extra costs, activity hours or breakfast credit, and clearer information would have helped us plan. Breakfast was advertised as included, but it came with a limited credit that wasn’t clearly explained beforehand. Many items cost more than the credit, so we had to pay extra. The winter activity center closed at 5 PM, while check-in was around 4 PM, leaving very little time to do anything on our first day. We planned to try activities the next morning, but some weren’t available on Mondays. None of that was communicated in advance. The rooms felt very basic compared with other 4-star or 5-star hotels I’ve stayed in. There were no bathroom slippers, bathrobes, bottled water or even a kettle. Those small comforts would have made the visit more pleasant. Overall, the experience didn’t meet my expectations given the price and the resort’s reputation.

The shuttle between the off-site accommodation and main hotel was so handy. We parked the car and didn’t need to think about finding another spot or using it again until checkout. The snowy views were beautiful, with lots of activities and places to eat. There’s a choice of staying at the main hotel or nearby, and the shuttle makes both workable. We found plenty for the kids to do, as well as ways for adults to relax. It seems like a good option for a family trip, in summer or winter.