We visited the club when it was very hot and, no doubt, the slow season, so we had the elegant outdoor pool to ourselves. I WISH I had tried the spa, because it was beautiful. The food at Cielo was to die for. As I wrote at the time, as we were eating our delicious meal, after almost every bite of which I was compelled to remark, "Ooh" or "Ahh," I thought I wouldn't want to be a restaurant reviewer and eat like this all the time. It might harden me to the wonder of it. I had velvety corn soup, pumpkin ravioli and turbot with micro greens. Dessert was chocolate mousse with a candied raspberry. The raspberry was possibly the piece de resistance of the whole thing, if you ask me. It was a plump fresh berry apparently dipped in sugar syrup that instantly hardened around it,cooking the raspberry an ever-so-little bit, so that it tasted simultaneously just-picked and like raspberry pudding . Then, the waiter brought us tiny parfait glasses with mango puree topped with tapioca and a still-warm cinnamon donut the size of a grape. The chef sent it out, he said. THEN the waiter popped back to the table and said the chef (Angela Hartnett)would like us to try some homemade marshmallows flavored with lavender and mint and candied popcorn as a tribute to the fun things people do in the summer. Or something like that.

I recently stayed at the resort for an extended weekend. Had a fantastic time. Love the beautiful courtyards and historic architecture. The staff was extremely nice and always helpful.

I had a great dinner at Lucca. The lamb was wonderful.
I would highly recommend a stay at the resort.

My family has stayed at the Boca Raton Resort for the last 30 yrs; but our last stay was our last. Since "BLACKSTONE" has taken over management everything is downhill. The rooms are sloopy, the beautiful food that they use to have is like a Diner; most likely because they treat their employees like slaves. They are fortunate Florida does not have unions for Resort workers. I spoke to several employees during our stay, their hours and wages have been cut, while the upper crust take all the profits. No pride left, look how the top Chefs have left, and all the new restaurants are privately run. SHAME on you Blackstone, all those 25 year olds that are making these decisions have ruined a landmark. People, do not waste your money, stay somewhere else.
Bob from Boston

I was here for a conference in June and stayed in the old part of the hotel. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually thought my room was quite nice. I liked the old feel and it was very clean and nice, perhaps it was a recently remodelled room?

I checked in and went to the bar for a glass of wine and a bite. I was too late for food, but did get my glass of wine...it was $15. Ok, fine, it's a resort, I get it, and I don't need alcohol, right? The next morning I went to get a diet coke from the espresso/cafe place and noticed it was $4.50. I understand a mark-up....but really? $4.50 for a diet coke??? It was water for me the rest of the time.

I also couldn't get the "free internet" to work in my room and had to sit in the lobby with my laptop in order to check my email.

I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful and the grounds were pleasant. If I had a lot of money lying around I might return for a spa/relaxation type visit, but I wouldn't recommend it if you want an affordable vacation.