Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks

Coming back from golf at the oaks after 18 holes on Wednesday to a 75-degree room was brutal. The AC only started when we came in, then took a while to cool things down. It was in the mid-80s outside that week, and the rooms got up to 75-76 degrees. I can only imagine how it feels later in summer when it’s 90-100 out. This is a big reason I’m less inclined to return. I’ve stayed here quite a few times with my family, and this time I was here with two of my sons. The room felt stuffy and hot. Apparently a thermostat sensor turns the AC on only when someone is in the room, so whenever we got back, it was 76 and stuffy. The air from the vent wasn’t very cool, either. I called the front desk twice and was told that was how it was supposed to work. Maintenance said it was working normally. After I complained a third time at 10:15 pm that the room was still 76 and not cooling down, the manager moved us to a two-bedroom suite at no extra charge. We had to move all our things at 11 pm, and nobody on staff apologized for the inconvenience. The new room was really nice, and its AC blew cold air, so it gradually cooled down, but it still had the thermostat sensor. Whoever thought that was a good idea needs their head examined.

The Sunday 5k was our favorite part of a wonderful three-day Memorial Day weekend with my kids, 11 and 9. It was really well done, with a great prize raffle at the end. The 5k was a big reason we picked this place, and we’re already looking forward to coming back next Memorial Day weekend to do it again. The pool, arcade, and food and drinks were so much fun too. Staff and housekeeping were awesome, and whenever we needed something, they made it happen. 10/10. Thanks for everything, we loved it all!

Parking was a problem, and the map they gave us was misleading. I was at a work conference with coworkers in different buildings, even though we rode together. I parked in the garage under the main lobby because my building was connected to the main one, then got off the elevator and couldn’t find my way. A couple of colleagues helped and suggested asking the concierge how to reach my room. The layout is confusing, the buildings are outdated, and mine didn’t have an elevator. It was a maze getting to the room. I appreciated the go carts, but wish someone had told me ahead of time I’d need rides to get around. I barely had money to tip them. When I went to shower, I felt like Buddy The Elf because the showerhead was below my head. Very outdated. At least I moved my car from the garage to somewhere a bit closer to my building, because on the last day of the conference the front desk DID NOT PICK UP THE PHONE. They missed out on a big tip that day. Their loss, I won’t be back, and neither will my coworkers. One coworker found bugs in her room and dealt with a stalker who claimed he was security and needed to get someone into their room. Another waited forever for her room to be ready, and another had almost no view, just a retaining wall. This place needs to get it together and do serious renovations in the off season. Good grief!

The restaurants on site were very good, and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. On May 5th, there was a dinner special with homemade salsa they recommended, and it was excellent. I was at Margaritaville for a conference and stayed in a clean, comfortable suite by the water. The first morning, our coffee pot wasn’t working properly, but they brought a replacement with extra cups and coffee within minutes. No problems and great service.