Still Waters Resort

The boys had fun with the holiday bounce houses, and the putt-putt golf was right by our first-floor back porch. It’s a cute place with a lot to offer in summer, but there are a few things that need attention. The restaurants were pricey, so we went elsewhere to eat. We also had to buy a dish sponge because there wasn’t one, and our room had no dishwasher. We stayed seven days with my husband and two kids, leaving on Christmas Eve. Check-in wasn’t allowed until after 5, and by then it was dark while we tried to find our room. My VRBO reservation wasn’t on file. They said it had been canceled and booked through Expedia instead, and it took 45 minutes to get checked in. I’d avoid VRBO or Airbnb for this place. The weather warmed into the 70s, but our room stayed in the 80s. We asked someone to look at the AC and it never got fixed, so we slept with the back door open to cool off. They should allow check-in before 5, help guests whose AC isn’t working, and provide basic cleaning supplies if guests are expected to clean before leaving.

The thin walls made sleeping difficult. We could hear the upstairs and downstairs neighbors clearly, and the people above us stomped around all night. On the first night my three-year-old found an old peanut butter Ritz cracker and popcorn kernels tucked beside the bed. My in-laws were in another building and found trash by their bed too. We stayed in building J the first week of December with our toddler and grandparents. We’d booked a three-bedroom online in October, but at check-in learned it was actually two separate rooms joined by a connecting door. That felt misleading. The place has potential with a few changes, and our three-year-old liked the winter wonderland in the pavilion. Thirsty’s was open, but with it 30 degrees outside, they didn’t have mulled wine or a hot toddy. The bartender also didn’t know how to make an old fashioned. It was just okay, and we wouldn’t stay again.

We stayed twice. The first room was nice, and they offered us a package deal. On our second visit we did the timeshare presentation, which went well, but it just wasn’t the right time. We’d actually talked about getting a timeshare here sometime soon. They promised $150 for doing the presentation and said we’d have it before leaving. After several days and multiple conversations, including three times when they said they’d leave a message for management, it still hadn’t arrived. Two weeks later, we had to dispute the charge with our credit card company. I’d avoid them over the honesty and customer service on this.

We liked the pools, views, food, drinks, and amenities, and the place was clean and comfortable. The staff were kind and helpful, and taking the shuttle to Silver Dollar City saved us both money and a headache. We enjoyed the stay so much that we booked our next trip on the way out. Looking forward to trying the new indoor waterpark later this year!