We stayed at Ocatilla Biltmore over Memorial Day.
Pros:
1 - great grounds- beautiful
2 - restaurants are good
3 - pools are nice
Cons:
- pooljumpers everywhere - these nonpaying guests were smoking IN the pool and occupied a paid cabana without paying - kinda loud and very obvious from their conversation they were not paid guests. When I mention to lounge attendant was basically told nothing could be done about it - two times!!!! I don't understand that - I paid over $300 a night for an exclusive pool and people sneak in without paying and I am told "nothing could be done about it".
- We saw a young couple (non-Ocatilla residents) almost procreate in the pool. She truly was acting like a stripper and NO employee said or did a thing- and there were kids there- not to mention everyone else trying to enjoy their afternoon.
- No exclusivity for the Ocatilla pool. They didn't monitor who used the pool even though we paid extra for the exclusivity. Rumor around the pool was that due to the rush of Memorial Day, the resort opened up all pools to all guests. Then why did they market the exclusivity of the pool to us and we paid for it?
- With Ocatilla we were told we would have unlimited beer/wine in the Executive Lounge. Arrive to Ocatilla to find it is only from 5pm to line 8pm. And it wasn't just us that were basically misinformed. WE met at least four other couples/groups that were told the same thing or at least extended hours for the free unlimited beer and wine. Someone was misinforming numerous guests either on purpose or by mistake- either way, big mistake.
- The on duty manager comp'd us $120 to our room to make up for the above, but for the amount we were paying, that honestly didn't make too much of a difference. $120 bucks didn't make up for a ruined pool experience.
When I called to discuss with the manager later before posting this review (and I advised I would be posting this review), his assistant and I had a long discussion and she understood my issues and concerns. However, I still have not heard from the manager regarding these complaints.
It is a shame because it is a beautiful place that is worth checking out BUT DO NOT PAY FOR THE EXCLUSIVITY OF OCATILLA!
Thanks