Watercolor Inn vs Seaside Honeymoon Cottage

[pebeverly]

I am looking for some input on a critical decision related to booking our honeymoon in September. We booked four nights at the Watercolor Inn even after reading numerous questionable reviews. Now we are torn between whether or not this was a wise choice. We like the idea of the 'resort' amenities but we are not wild about paying $25 a day and not being able to guarantee getting beach chairs or bikes. I also have heard that the staff is not very seasoned at this resort, which was evident when we had a booking snafu that the hotel seemed unwilling to change until pressured.

We have looked into the honeymoon cottages at Seaside and they seem great.

We are not dead set on a serviced facility and are open to new ideas.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ItzKatzTime]

pebeverly!!!

We have catered many wedding dinners and/or honeymoon dinners in the cottages at Seaside. I have never heard a bad review from any honeymooning couple. They have all loved being right there on the beach and enjoyed the amenities that staying in Seaside offers.

As for the WaterColor Inn I have no experience with anyone staying there, but I'm sure someone will let you know on this thread! Good Luck and Welcome to SoWal!

Having lived here quite some time I think I would prefer Seaside for my honeymoon, but that could just be a comfort call on my part.....like an old shoe.:roll:

Kat

 

[pebeverly]

Thanks! I figured that this was the place to get some good input on the situation!

 

[native]

Seaside has been in existence for some 25 years and is like the other member said, comfortable like an old shoe. I think if you stay at Watrercolor you will find yourself spending alot of time at Seaside. And the bike issue can be resolved by calling Big Daddy's Bikes. I am sure they will dleiver your bikes. I am not sure about the chair issue. The honeymoon cottages are lovely at Seaside, although they are not gulf front, i am almost sure you have a gulf view from the second floor. Waterclolor is a more commercial version of Seaside, sans the charm. I don't care for copycats.

 

[scooterbug44]

I haven't stayed at the Watercolor Inn (love their restaurant though), but I have stayed in the Seaside Cottages. I would always choose to stay at the cottages because I prefer a small oceanfront cottage (I think honeymoon are oceanfront, anniversary are oceanfront adjacent) to a hotel room and Seaside to Watercolor (the developer's version of seaside).

The general amenities will be very similar as the two are only 10 minutes apart by foot and maybe 5 by car. In both locations you will be within walking distance of great restaurants (Bud & Alley's, Fish Out of Water), morning coffee, and the beach, but Seaside is just funkier and on a more human scale and you will end up spending more time there.

 

[Scooter]

My husband and I stayed at the Seaside cottages for our 20th anniversary in December. The cottages are absolutely amazing. The views are to die for. I have never stayed at Watercolor, but would highly recommend the Seaside cottages. Be careful which one you rent though. Ask if there is any construction going on next to any of the cottages. Have a wonderful anniversary!

 

[LeBoeuf]

No question -- Book a Honeymoon Cottage at Seaside (if one is available). You will always have a special place you can return to for your anniversary (or any other special day).

Good luck and congratulations!!!!

 

[WLD]

You won't have any trouble getting WaterColor bikes or beach chairs and having the Beach Club pool to yourselves in September. WaterColor is very quiet in September(after Labor Day) , as it caters to families and they'll be back in school. For the same reason, the staff will be the 'seasoned' vets, and the temporary summer workers will be gone.

Seaside is always hoppin'

If you're looking for outdoor-related things to do (biking, walking, boating, fishing, tennis, golf, pools, etc.) WaterColor can't be beat. If you're more interested in private time in your room and shopping--then it's the Seaside Cottages. Good restaurants both places and you can walk to all of them, regardless of where you stay.

You can't go wrong with either place.

Have fun!

 

[scooterbug44]

I forgot until I saw the last post - major selling point (maybe not so much on your honeymoon unless you both golf) if you stay at the Watercolor Inn you can play golf at Camp Creek golf course. I think it's the nicest course around because it doesn't have houses around it, just nature and it's a ghost town since they privatized it.

 

[Franny]

Our family and friends have stayed at the WC Inn and have nothing but praise for the service and ammenties. We actually love the resort, all the pools, walking to the restaurants, bike paths and most of all the beautiful landscaping.. As mentioned before September will be quiet and a great time to visit. Happy honeymooning wherever you decide to stay!