I'm going to be extremely fair in my review and explain all details and why. I know many people…read morelove this place, and I was so excited to go here but I need to be very honest in the ways they can improve and why 3 stars and not 5 stars from us.
The booking and check in process was smooth and easy. The front staff were very friendly on the phone and in person. They walked us around to show us the grounds. Our room was exactly as we expected so no surprise there. It was ready when we arrived, clean and stocked with the basics (towel, soap). We didn't have high expectations for a new/updated room as the photos are exactly how the room was. No fancy frills but clean and absolutely fine to stay in. The beds are not that comfortable but fine. The wall paper in farm house 6 was peeling a bit and wear and tear around the unit was present but we did expect the room to be outdated and didn't have any issues over all with the room.
The main reason for our 3 star is really based on food, amenities, and grounds. As for food, do not have high expectations as it's very basic. I would rate it 2 at best, but it's all inclusive and does feed the mass groups. Our waitress the first night was awful, we didn't eat for almost an hour. She told us she was rusty and not ready for the groups yet. Little weird, but I guess she was being honest. The other night/day team were much better and more competent. One odd thing we did notice, food is not in abundance when it's put out for guests to grab. Once something runs out, it runs out. I'm all for not wasting food, that's very important but we noticed often food would run out (cookies, appetizers, and other items to grab-go). For example, the cocktail adults evening, majority of the finger appetizers ran out. Another night, they had watermelon for dessert and it ran out. Ultimately, we can't say we didn't eat, we did, some items just would run out and that was it in terms of offerings. Another concern was the indoor pool, it was freezing. Like unable to swim at all -cold- cold. I would think summer time the pools outside are much better, but we didn't try those as it was too early in the season (April). The toys on the main lawn near the sand pit and volleyball area are all broken and worn out. One of the swings broken and missing. The kiddie barn is broken where the kids play. The boats near the lake are all broken and dingy. I understand this place is more about family legacy and farm life, which yes is special, but most things I found are falling apart around the main lawn area especially. Just in general, broken or not cared for. I am not expecting anything to be brand new or perfect but they're run down.
We did most of the kid events and the play doh was all dried out and the crafts very limited. We felt there could've been a few more kid friendly events going on (maybe a movie, more crafts, outdoor music/games, outdoor events). The activity staff seemed really uninterested when it came to many of the events too which was unfortunate. Rather than really engage the kids they often stood around. These are the main reasons for our 3 star review. The concept and legacy idea for families is awesome, but the upkeep just isn't there and not as much engagement as we hoped. I love being outdoors, and for my kids to enjoy their time outside and farm life but they need to clean up a bit here. A few things we did love, to be fair and honest, the farm animals, Pony Ride, Easter egg hunt, and magic show. They were fun and engaging. Also, my kids absolutely loved trying to get eggs from the Hens (despite the limited number, but that's not East Hill's fault, that's just kiddos who claim them all and run away before others get a chance to grab one from the Hens).
I also had a massage, that's not East Hill, but their outside vendor they use in their main lobby. It wasn't very good. The lady was nice but the chair massage was not relaxing or enjoyable. She barely massaged me. I wouldn't recommend spending $20 on this add on.
This spot has so much incredible potential if they just maintained it better. Such special memories for families to create here. I get leaving the rooms nostalgic and maybe the farm areas, but the grounds, toys, arts and crafts and a few other areas could use some upkeep. Unfortunately that's why this is only a 3 star from our family.
