The experience was just not good, especially for what they are charging. And calling this place a "resort" is doing a LOT. You're basically sitting on the side of a busy road in Buckhead with nothing shielding you from the traffic, noise, or street atmosphere. There was no music outside, no lush landscaping, no flowers in the pots -- not even fake ones! Nothing about it felt like a resort. The whole outdoor area just felt lazy and unfinished.
Then there's the parking. Valet is $30 and self-parking is also $20, so basically... pick how you'd like to pay your $20. It just feels like another money grab on top of an already overpriced experience.
And the "fire show"?? It lasted maybe a minute. The woman came running past us so fast I honestly thought she was on fire. It was silly, poorly presented, and I was more distracted by the holes in her stockings than impressed by the performance. If you're going to advertise an experience, PRESENT an experience.
The outdoor dining situation was even worse. The people sitting next to us literally moved their chairs because of the ants. Instead of addressing the bug problem properly, the waitress started spraying Zevo bug spray all over their table and chairs while we were sitting right next to them eating. The smell and spray were all down our throats. Who wants to eat dinner while bug spray is being sprayed beside their food? For a place selling a "resort" atmosphere, how about professionally treating the outdoor area for bugs?
Our server was actually very sweet -- honestly, she should take her talents elsewhere because this place is giving NOTHING. The staff overall were pleasant, so my issue is not with them. It's the experience and what management is charging people for it.
The drinks were another disappointment. A $16 margarita tasted like Kirkland bottled margarita mix poured into a small glass. I know because I drink Kirkland at home! And there is absolutely nothing wrong with Kirkland -- except when I'm paying $16 for one small drink and expecting a crafted cocktail. No real presentation, no garnish, nothing special. Just basic liquor in a cup.
The empanadas were actually decent and tasty. The chips and dips? Subpar. The queso was extremely thick and goopy, and the guacamole was dark, old-looking and definitely did not taste freshly made.
And then there's the automatic 20% gratuity for ALL parties, regardless of party size. It was just my husband and me and 20% was automatically added. We were told anything we tipped above that would go directly to our server, and we did add more because we believe in taking care of good servers. But between the prices, $20 parking, automatic 20% gratuity and mediocre food/drinks/ambiance, it feels like they are squeezing every possible dollar out of the customer without delivering an experience that justifies it.
We came here because of the reviews and the gorgeous photos on the website -- and I will absolutely give them kudos for those pictures because they are AMAZING. Unfortunately, the actual experience did not remotely live up to them. It felt like false advertising.
Maybe my expectations are higher than some, but when you charge premium prices and market yourself as a "resort," then give me a premium experience. Give me ambiance. Give me landscaping. Give me music. Give me good cocktails. Give me fresh food. Give me something besides traffic noise, ants, bug spray and a one-minute fire show.
People need to stop handing out five-star reviews just because a place photographs well. For my money, I expect more.
Overpriced, underwhelming, and definitely not giving "resort." read more