Homosassa Riverside Resort, Homosassa

The location was great for this Halloween weekend. Like most of Homosassa it is very "Old Florida" feeling. We knew when we checked in that the less expensive rooms were fair and needed updating but they seemed to be better than the other lodging choices in the area. The staff was polite and very helpful. (even let us use linen to make our toga costumes for the local parties). The room was clean. It felt like a campground atmosphere and we enjoyed the Monkey Bar and The Shed (we didn't need to drive anywhere). The most delicious Stone Crabs came from Shelly's Seafood (just 1 block away-Try the FLOATERS for a great deal on Stone Crab). We even rented a boat on the property for $50/including gas. I felt that we got a great deal on everything-It was like going back in time. Friendly people everywhere!! We live in Orlando and craved a relaxing weekend away and this was perfect! Our inspiration to go to Homosassa was Margarita Grill (we went everyday)...They have yummy Margaritas and the BEST house salad dressing to die for!! Homosassa is a quiet little place in Florida to go to when you need some time away...We will be back in a couple weeks for the seafood festival.

The location is pure real Florida. The newer rooms on the water cost more, as they are condo like the older rooms in the back half are well older rooms. The quirkiness of the resort with Monkey Island, the upstairs Bar inside and out are a true Florida find.

The one bedroom "suite" was inadequate in that the bathroom was horribly small and dirty, king bed uncomfortable, front patio ok if you like seeing every other guest on the second floor as well, no privacy at all. The restaurant is decorated and marketed as seafood house but the dozen crabs I was served were to laugh at (or cry at if you LOVE blue crabs) because the crabs served were so small they should have been thrown back into the gulf, they were overcooked, and the meat was slimy and mushy. The crab and artichoke dip was heavy on cream and artichoke, I couldn't taste crab, and there was so much thick gooey melted cheese, it was disgusting and inappropriate for a crab/artichoke dip. Oh yeah, the chef thought that serving with tortialla chips might cover up the real taste I guess. Overall, it was a horrible, wasted, and forget me not experience. People that would enjoy this place would not have high expectations. It feels like more like a below average motel than a resort.

I liked that it was close to the manatee boat launch, but the room was really shabby and smelly, like old mold and dirt. The trim around the bathroom door was cracked and fell off when I touched it. I would bet that the place hasn't been remodeled since the 1950s or whenever it was built. It definitely wasn't worth $100. It was maybe a $50 room. Then they charged us an extra $50 because we checked out of the room late. And they didn't warn me, they just did it. I had no idea that we were even late until I looked at my bank statement. The staff does not seem to be trained in customer service. Furthermore, I regret that I left the maid a $5 tip because I felt sorry for her. Because in reality, the room was not clean and she did not deserve a tip. The attached restaurant is, on the contrary, quite satisfactory. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and the monkeys were very cute.

Everything was great. Easy to access other places in the area. Off the beaten track. I don't usually go back to the same place twice, but this is an exception.

We enjoyed the large suite. The pool was nice. We rented a boat and swam with the manatees. They have a monkey island and you can eat at Monkey Cafe and watch the little guys. The kids loved it, and want to go back.

The room was comfortable and clean. The people were as nice and friendly as you will find anywhere. The atmosphere is great and there is plenty to see and do. we are planning to go back this spring.