Plantation Resort on Crystal River

This is only about the manatee dive. It was a “chilly” day, but we were assured we'd be fine in our wetsuits. Kendra explained everything really well. The manatees were somewhat elusive, though she got us close to a few. At 63, I found the experience amazing!!!

The room was clean and spacious, and all the staff were friendly. Our river view was hard to enjoy, though, because the windows were damaged and had condensation between the panes. The grounds were mostly maintained, but didn't look much like the pictures. We picked this place over a nice VRBO because the website advertised restaurants and other amenities. On arrival, we learned the restaurants, spa, and tiki bar were all closed, and renovations after the fall '24 hurricane had shut every room wing but one. When I complained that the website gave a misleading picture, staff said they hear that often but can't change the wording or mention the missing amenities. That seems bizarre.

This place had a lot of character, and we'd come back if the stay had gone well. What they needed to do was be upfront from the start. We booked at Christmas as a gift for our kids: my son was excited for manatees, my daughter for the golf course. The listing showed golf, a full restaurant, and continental breakfast. Nothing said the property was under construction, or that the golf course and restaurant were closed. We waited well past check-in for a room. I watched other people get the same two-bed rooms for hours while I kept being told none were ready. When I raised it with the manager, she said there was an error or glitch in the system and finally got us into a room. Only one building was available. There was no restaurant or golf, and the “continental breakfast” was bagels, cereal, yogurt, and coffee. My receipt said $347, but I was charged $424. I requested a partial refund through Expedia; they contacted the hotel several times, but it refused compensation. The hotel said golf and the restaurant weren't included in the fee, and breakfast was served daily from 6 to 9. Some locals told me it was under new ownership and management. 0/10, don't recommend.

I had a great stay here in 2022, on my first trip to Crystal River. I enjoyed the tiki bar, fishing, and the other food services. I'm back in 2025 and saw all the awful reviews while looking through them. There are no bedbugs or bad service. They just closed three buildings for a full renovation. It's a great place for family and friends. Don't knock it till you try it!