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Re: Any recent visits?

[Q=jeanw69] We just got back from Ron Jon and here's our view. If you are used to any resort that is four star or better, you'll hate the place. The arcade smelled like a bowling alley, the tennis courts are pooirly maintained, and you have to kick off skate boarders, its seems to draw middle America with rude manners, etc. The rooms have a faint smell of smoking residue, and we heard this from many. Already seem dated. Don't expect the main resort to be "right on the beach". It is about a 1/4 mile walk to the beach, and often better to take their shuttle. It was truly like a average Wisconsin Dells older water park hotel, with the benefit of beach. Truly, the beach is the best place. While it says the place is four years old, we heard rumor it was a converted hotel, cuz it looks like a patched 15 year old property. The area is not great cuz you are in the port area with huge warehouses, etc. Not pretty setting for sure. Is it the worst...no, but don't expect the best either. I truly think there needs to be another RCI category that is better than Gold Crown, cuz I would not have rated this place Gold Crown. We were more than happy to leave a day early and head back to our Hilton Grand Vacation club in Orlando. (Highlight of our trip was the shuttle launch...not Ron Jon....way over sold on the concept and don't be fooled by the labeling...Stay in Orlando and take day trips to Cocoa Beach...this area really is stuck in the old Florida, and is cheezy and sleezy....lots of trailer parks.)[/Q] Obviously everyone is going to view things differently but I have to say that the harsh criticism of the resort and the area is wayyyy off base. I am guessing that this guest had different expectations of this property and didn't do their research before staying there. You will not find a better beachfront family resort in Florida...even compared to Disney Vero Beach (we've stayed there). This area is old Florida, yes, and for those who are not wanting Miami or Daytona you will find that things are pretty peaceful in the area compared to the those other areas. Ron Jon is also definitely not a converted hotel/motel and doesn't even resemble one! We saw it being built! We've also stayed in a Hilton timeshare before and would say that both are very comparable in quality. Ron Jon just surpasses many resorts in the amenities they offer.