GSW is the only place I will go on Vacation. I work all year and every spring my family and I spend a week or two at Grand Shores. I would never think of staying anywhere else. We like to relax and enjoy the time finally get to spend with each other. Everyone says it is not the ritz well you are right it is ten times better. All of the wonderful staff and friends we have met over the years is due to the atmosphere at GSW. I can tell you there is no better place to enjoy the weather than GSW from the nightly grilling sessions to the quiet beautiful beach. We are there during spring break each year and you would never know it in this quaint low key resort. Thank you Bobby!

As I write this review for Trip Advisor on Feb 9, 2012, we are two months away from our third stay at GSW.
Our first stay was in 2004. Wife, kids, sister-in-law and I hopped in the van and drove 24hrs straight from Toronto. When we got here we were not disappointed. 2nd floor overlooking the pool and ocean was great. For a family on a budget, $600 for a week in sunny hot Florida was a godsend. No, its not the Hilton, but I did not expect it to be. I'm also not paying $200/night!
In 2011, came back with ALL of the Out-Laws. Again, had a terrific time for the money...even with the Out-laws(they're Scottish). Clean, comfortable, great pool and hot tub area and other guests and the staff were great!
One of the staff happily took us out on the "cat" sailboat free of charge...tipped him a 10-spot and all were happy! Dont listen to the other whiners...the staff are great!!
Many thanks to Patty Dellane who always seems to find us a room. This year in 2012 we are staying in one of the efficiencies with the Murphy bed. Im sure it will be a bit tight, but so what? We're paying $395 for the week!!!
Still cant figure out why its so inexpensive! Stayed at many other places that were good but very expensive. Even motels not on the beach on the other side of Gulf Blvd are twice as expensive!
If you have a young family and on a budget, this is the place to stay.
If I ever buy a timeshare, this is where I'll buy.
Thanks Grand Shores West, see you soon!!!

Tom from Toronto

My parents-in-law have owned the timeshare penthouse unit at GSW for almost 20 years . My first visit was in back in 2004 and we have been back several times. We either jointly stayed at the penthouse or in a one-bedroom pool-facing on the 1st floor. The location of the GSW is unbeatable right on the beach.The sunsets are breathtaking. The GSW is also one of the only low-built places in the neighborhood with a cozy, homy atmosphere

I do agree with people that the rooms are in general need of a makeover. Whereas the penthouse is well maintained and has been renovated and refurbished over the years, most of the smaller units are still in its original stage. That said, the place is always clean and the service staff are doing their upmost to make everyone feel at home and welcome.

Overall, a place that many people, including us, are calling their home away from home. We hope that the building managers are hearing the feedback that has been given and investing the maintenance funds in the right spots.

Location is wonderful, rooms are small, staff was unfriendly to teenagers. Could definately use some updating in rooms.