Plantation on Crystal River an Ascend Hotel Collec

The rooms were filthy, and housekeeping never showed up even though we asked several times after the front desk repeatedly told us service was by request. The front desk staff seemed short-handed, with guests constantly harassing them. When I asked for a manager, they were always "busy." This place was HORRIBLE. Never again, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. DO NOT STAY HERE.

The location is great, and housekeeping was the most helpful, but the hotel is run down and under renovation after the hurricane. We and our friends were locked out of our rooms many times because the locks were broken. They should fix those instead of painting fences. The front desk staff were rude, unhelpful, and argumentative, and management should replace them. They clearly aren't happy. We are executive members at several hotel groups. Ascend pulled out of here, and I see why. The pool was empty, and a young staff member, Cam, asked for our room number, then gave a poor excuse for needing it. Guests should come first and always be right. Heather was extremely rude; I have no idea why she works there. I'd avoid this hotel at all costs. There are much better, nicer options.

The place has tons of character, and I'd come back if the stay had gone well. All they had to do was be upfront. I booked it for Christmas as a gift for my children: my son wanted to see manatees and my daughter was excited about the golf course. The listing showed a golf course, a full restaurant, and continental breakfast. After we arrived, we waited well past check-in while I watched other people get the same two-bed rooms I was told weren't ready. I finally raised it with the manager, who said there was an error or glitch in the system, then got us a room. Only then did I find out that construction was underway, with just one building available, no restaurant, and no golf. 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 the hotel refused any compensation. They said golf and the restaurant weren't included in the fee, and that breakfast was served daily from 6-9. Nothing about the construction or closures had been disclosed before booking. Some locals told me it was under new ownership and management. 0/10, do not recommend.

We stayed for several days in April 2026. The room was clean, but sparsely furnished, with just one chair and no table or desk. Hurricane Helen caused a lot of damage, and they're working hard to bring the place back to its former glory, but there's still plenty to do. The pool is open, though the restaurant and tiki bar aren't, and the spa is closed too. I wish we'd known before booking that most amenities were unavailable. They're not there yet.