The wife and I spent a pleasant six days in February 2019. This after a having enjoyed a stay here for several days a couple years past. We had happened then upon the rather out of the way Inn serendipitously. We had thought of it as a visit to a place out of the gracious past, but still well maintained.
We enjoyed our visit this time again. Enough has been said of the beautiful grounds. The architecture and layout, while not huge, was quite beautiful. The accounts of the two golf courses is generally quite positive, as evident in other reviews.
So we have some very good things about the Inn. Then there are aspects that have garnered mixed reviews that are a bit confusing, but perhaps come down to expectations or perspective.
For example, the pool and surrounding area might be viewed as cozy and charming or small and unexciting in comparison to some new resorts.
Then the food offerings and various restaurants was discussed. My opinion was that the food was universally good. The questions generally raised seemed to be related to cost. The other common theme, was that the Inn might perhaps have been taking advantage of its relative isolation. Although there is the very good Boondocks Restaurant just a few miles away, and nicely situated on the lake that borders Howey in the Hills. Whose several mile Lakefront Road is worth a drive or walk.
So the food offerings, ambiance of restaurants, which btw offered outdoor seating under the starlight, (insects permitting) are generally felt to be good, but with probably legitimate questions re price.
Another issue raised by some reviewers, was service in general. Our experience was very much positive, whether it be front desk, housekeeping, groundskeepers, wait- and bar staff. Now perhaps it has to do with how I try to approach folks. I come from the South. That is all I shall say about that. Folks respond best to positivity and praise. And we found much to praise. Our room and bathroom were kept very clean. The grounds and plantings seemed to me to show the extra bit of work that shows care.
Now we shall mention the workout room. Yes you will need to get to the golf clubhouse. But it is respectably large. More so than the average hotel for sure.
Now we return to the room. We had a room with two very comfortable queen beds. Pillows great. Actual room size was about that of a modern day hotel. Bathroom not large, albeit nicely redone. Only one sink. Really not better than an average hotel. No refrigerator or microwave. One might view that cynically. One must head in the direction of the overpriced restaurants if hunger arises.
WHAT IS THE GENERAL SUMMARY THAT SEEMS MOST ACCURATE?
This is an older facility. It has beautiful grounds and golf courses. The layout of the public areas and pool area are charming. The restaurants have great atmosphere, good and service but are a bit expensive. The rooms we have seen are updated despite their relatively small size. A question that has been raised, is whether the Inn really a full fledged resort that for example deserves the cost of a resort fee; something I have always look at as obvious profit taking and a bit misleading.
MYTAKEAWAY:
This place is not perfect, but unique and charming enough that the wife and I ignored the negatives. The room was large enough. The pool was fine. The food was worth it, especially as we also traveled to Mount Dora and other nearby places some of the time, thanks to offerings on Trip Advisor.
We also did not and would not have paid the full price of maybe $240. We paid under $200 a day with tax and all. At that price the place looks a whole lot better than a typical chain hotel, even if the latter might offer somewhat larger rooms and bathrooms and a lame free breakfast.
THE MISSION INN MAYBE IS NOT TO BE MISSED AT THE RIGHT PRICE.
No in some ways it can’t compete with a Ritz or fancy resort. That costs $300 and up. But at under $200 it is someplace special. Should it get rid of the annoying resort fee? Charge a bit less for food? Have free refrigerators in rooms? They will decide.
I believe overall the Inn is likely is doing the best it can financially.
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