Shades of Green

[networkpro]

http://www.shadesofgreen.org/rooms.htm

There are only three room types. Standard, and two different suite arrangements. Most rooms are standard so the suites book up faster. What you pay is based on your current or retired pay grade. It's more quiet than any other hotel on property with the largest standard rooms and as an added bonus, the patrons for the most part have a sense of decorum from years of service.

 

[a2grafix]

as an added bonus, the patrons for the most part have a sense of decorum from years of service.

You can say that again. It's like you are on the base but no one is in uniform -- except the employees. All the hotel guests are respectful of one another and the staff. We all have a common bond.

As for the resort itself, I agree it's like a country club resort with a Disney gift shop. It feels secluded and it doesn't scream Disney. The Exchange shop is tax free as well. It has a Class Six (liquor, spirits, wine, beer) and I have been told that if you are sponsoring someone as a guest you don't have to show your military ID all the time, except when your guest is purchasing liquor. The Exchange is twice as big as it once was.

I sponsored my family in a July 4th trip and between the 10 of us I secured 3 rooms. I am an E-6 technical sergeant so my room rate was $95 a night, and the other two rooms were about $120 a night. Found out that Shades restructured rank and pricing and I don't have to pay more now that I am promoted. Now, when I get promoted to E-7 master sergeant, I will be in a higher room rack rate bracket. Can't complain -- two queen beds, hide-a-bed sofa, table and chairs and a balcony or patio (if first floor).

If you want to expand on your experience, Shades has their own spa and they have zumba and yoga classes.

You will love it. Enjoy your stay!

 

[Figgy1]

The first time we stayed - 2000, when my husband was a staff sergeant and we had a decent room with a sitting area, bathroom, and patio doors then opened onto the smaller pool towards the main lobby (it was surrounded by a a hedge and nice and quiet).

We were there again when he was a new officer (2LT)... Same style room facing koi pond.

The last time we stayed there, 2009, my husband was Captain. We had the same room layout as before, 2nd floor and it overlooked the large pool further away from the main lobby. We paid more for the same thing and I didn't feel the quality was better (the first time we stayed it was a better room). I understand paying more based on rank - it's only fair... But as far as rooms being better - they seemed all the same to me.

He's now a Major and will retire in April - I'm wondering what retirees pay? We've since rented houses the last 2 times we've been to the area - you can't beat the value with a pool home rental. (We usually go off season).

We also usually rent a house or condo. We were already booked for our next trip when we found out we could add 3 nights to our stay, so we decided to add 3 nights at SOG for a chance of pace. They will be 3 open to close commando days to knock off most of our to do list. When we get to the condo we'll take things at a slower pace. That's the plan, but with teens you never know.

 

[networkpro]

We use to stay at GF or Yacht Club in concierge (lets just say that my remuneration outside of the military for my technical skills is greater), but its too crazy with the pushy people and their Disney death march itineraries. I'm on vacation and don't like being confrontational but will at the drop of a hat if provoked, so we opt for SoG and its clientele as its a controlled access resort. Great place to unplug and relax. The dollars we don't spend on accommodations easily pay for all table service dining and APs.