Coconut Plantation and Ian - updates

[GTLINZ]

DAHNTAHN - thank you so much for the updates! It is so nice to have a Tugger there who can get and will share info. Great details on what most everyone wanted to know about for upcoming stays.

The lazy river and beach do not seem like a surprise - it takes a lot of equipment to run the lazy river and the beach took the brunt of the storm. I am holding my breath on the lower pools and hoping they are indeed open this Saturday (or by the 2nd week of Nov). With those open, and the Veranda open for food and drinks, and the workout room open we should have a great stay.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

Interesting that our subdivision has had television service since three days after the hurricane, and I haven’t seen anyone on next door sire complaining of lack of service. live five miles away

@rapmarks I might have to look at buying in your complex vs Naples, when we come down next year, your place has held up well during the hurricane, and I'm so happy for you.

 

[Forddriver]

I am a Hyatt Owner .... but also an owner of a non-Hyatt resort. I currently have a reservation at Coconut Plantation in early December through an Interval International trade of the non Hyatt property. I got concerned when seeing that they weren't excepting II trades but only taking Hyatt owners and Hyatt trades. I called them today and they confirmed we WILL have a unit for our December arrival. Hopefully the person I spoke to had the correct information and that we don't fly to Fort Myers and find we have no condo. Are there others that secured their reservation through an Interval International exchange?

 

[rapmarks]

@rapmarks I might have to look at buying in your complex vs Naples, when we come down next year, your place has held up well during the hurricane, and I'm so happy for you.

We switched to Hotwire for tv and internet. Entire community

 

[GTLINZ]

I am a Hyatt Owner .... but also an owner of a non-Hyatt resort. I currently have a reservation at Coconut Plantation in early December through an Interval International trade of the non Hyatt property. I got concerned when seeing that they weren't excepting II trades but only taking Hyatt owners and Hyatt trades. I called them today and they confirmed we WILL have a unit for our December arrival. Hopefully the person I spoke to had the correct information and that we don't fly to Fort Myers and find we have no condo. Are there others that secured their reservation through an Interval International exchange?

I believe the OP was given the CURRENT state of the resort and passed that on to us. They are not officially open until 11/1 but currently have some guests there on Hyatt reservations. So I would think if they confirmed you still have a reservation in Dec that you are good to go - understanding that some services will still likely not be available.

I have had II reservations cancelled after a hurricane- they are likely the first to be cancelled- so my guess is that your confirmation is a good sign but I would keep checking. It is still a fluid situation.

 

[Quinte]

Thanks for the updates. Having someone reporting on the ground is so helpful. Looking forward to our Christmas trip.

 

[GTLINZ]

Oh geez - now past my check in date ....

I have confirmed i have the option to go since i have an HRC reservation. I will just have to monitor the amenities.

ATTENTION: Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation has suspended rental operations due to effects of Hurricane Ian and is tentatively expected to resume rental operations on November 8th, 2022. Cancellation fees are waived for stays from now through November 15, 2022. Any deposits and prepayments for cancelled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, please contact us.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

We switched to Hotwire for tv and internet. Entire community

that sounds like the way to go

 

[dahntahn]

Oh geez - now past my check in date ....

I have confirmed i have the option to go since i have an HRC reservation. I will just have to monitor the amenities.

ATTENTION: Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation has suspended rental operations due to effects of Hurricane Ian and is tentatively expected to resume rental operations on November 8th, 2022. Cancellation fees are waived for stays from now through November 15, 2022. Any deposits and prepayments for cancelled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, please contact us.

They have filled the main lower pool and have to wait for water quality to be tested today. Pump for the other lower pool has arrived and should go in today, so they should be opened this week. We are checking out now so hopefully another Tugger will be able to keep info flowing. We have had an enjoyable stay except for the midges ["no see ums"] are around due to moisture in low lying areas. They are spraying for them, but I would bring deet if visiting soon.

 

[dahntahn]

Attended the annual meeting of owners. There will be a one time hurricane damage charge of $ 300 added to the maintenance fee for next year, making the average maintenance fee per week around $ 1990. That covers the insurance deductible for the repairs. The board was able to keep the extra charge this low by deferring some of the previously planned reserve projects for next year.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

They have filled the main lower pool and have to wait for water quality to be tested today. Pump for the other lower pool has arrived and should go in today, so they should be opened this week. We are checking out now so hopefully another Tugger will be able to keep info flowing. We have had an enjoyable stay except for the midges ["no see ums"] are around due to moisture in low lying areas. They are spraying for them, but I would bring deet if visiting soon.

Thanks so much for the update, I know have hope that I will be able to keep my March 2023 reservation..

 

[GTLINZ]

They have filled the main lower pool and have to wait for water quality to be tested today. Pump for the other lower pool has arrived and should go in today, so they should be opened this week. We are checking out now so hopefully another Tugger will be able to keep info flowing. We have had an enjoyable stay except for the midges ["no see ums"] are around due to moisture in low lying areas. They are spraying for them, but I would bring deet if visiting soon.

Sounds promising. Not sure if we have a tugger there this week but I will post the following week. We are only there 4 days between visiting relatives and friends.

Hoping they get the no see ums under control !

 

[melroseman]

We check in on the 5th and can update with any new information after that. I called a couple of days ago, and the CSR downplayed the opening of the lower pools, so I'm glad to hear they may be close to actually opening. I expect and hope the remaining 2 buildings will open in the next couple of weeks and the Veranda's hours may increase. We were told no breakfast service yet (just coffee), and closing at 5:00pm.

I guess that except for the absence of the lazy river and any hotel amenities the experience will be near normal. I'll watch for the amount of disruption caused by any construction or repairs.

 

[GTLINZ]

I guess that except for the absence of the lazy river and any hotel amenities the experience will be near normal. I'll watch for the amount of disruption caused by any construction or repairs.

The hotel is scheduled to open on the 7th but not sure if the shuttle will be running or if they will waive parking... the website does mention most pools open and food service. It may be an option.

With the report of Big Hickory Island being rearranged and the report of pumps needed for the CP lazy river, i would expect it will take months before anything could happen. I would think the beach is even longer term as the likely have to dredge and rebuild docks. I hope both they and the partners want to restore it.

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-regency-coconut-point-resort-and-spa/naprn

STILL UNDER REPAIR: Lazyriver, adventure pool, water slides, Big Hickory Island. The hotel suspended normal hotel operations due to effects of Hurricane Ian and tentatively plans to reopen on November 7th, 2022. If you have questions regarding cancellation fees, any deposits or prepayments for cancelled stays, including prepaid rates, please call (888) 848-9496 or internationally (402) 952-1131.

Open starting November 7: Guestrooms, meeting spaces, chipping and putting green, family rock climbing wall, Stillwater Spa and Salon services. F&B: Tanglewood Restaurant, Cool Beans Marketplace, Mangroves Lounge and Terrace. Pool: lap pool, hot tub and waterfall pool, poolside food and beverage options.

 

[BillsFan]

Thanks so much for all the updates! They have been very reassuring to us. We check in November 12 for 3 weeks, so I can update after that. It sounds like very good progress is being made - impressive!

 

[GTLINZ]

Slipping again.... And the status website below does not mention anything about the lagoon pools being opened yet.
https://hub.hyattresidenceclub.com/...dence-club-bonita-springs-coconut-plantation/

From https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/f...-club-bonita-springs-coconut-plantation/napsh
ATTENTION: Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation has suspended rental operations due to effects of Hurricane Ian and is tentatively expected to resume rental operations on November 15th, 2022. Cancellation fees are waived for stays from now through November 14, 2022. Any deposits and prepayments for cancelled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, please contact us.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

Slipping again.... And the status website below does not mention anything about the lagoon pools being opened yet.
https://hub.hyattresidenceclub.com/...dence-club-bonita-springs-coconut-plantation/

From https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/f...-club-bonita-springs-coconut-plantation/napsh
ATTENTION: Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation has suspended rental operations due to effects of Hurricane Ian and is tentatively expected to resume rental operations on November 15th, 2022. Cancellation fees are waived for stays from now through November 14, 2022. Any deposits and prepayments for cancelled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, please contact us.

Thanks for the update, I think it will probably be awhile till all of the clean up and restorations are completed.

 

[BillsFan]

Slipping again.... And the status website below does not mention anything about the lagoon pools being opened yet.
https://hub.hyattresidenceclub.com/...dence-club-bonita-springs-coconut-plantation/

From https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/f...-club-bonita-springs-coconut-plantation/napsh
ATTENTION: Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation has suspended rental operations due to effects of Hurricane Ian and is tentatively expected to resume rental operations on November 15th, 2022. Cancellation fees are waived for stays from now through November 14, 2022. Any deposits and prepayments for cancelled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, please contact us.

I'm sure they will be doing their best - if they have manpower and parts - to reopen the pools, and hopefully more, by Thanksgiving.

 

[GTLINZ]

Just called and got the front desk. They are saying they want the entire "lower deck" ready before they open it. I am not sure if that means when you consider they have 2 main pools, the kiddie pool, waterfalls, a tiki hut, hot tubs, bathrooms and a lazy river.

No estimate on opening. Really bummed and considering cancelling. I suspect that you cannot expect definite answers until they officially open - which is currently Nov 15th. Just the larger lagoon pool would work for me but it feels like they are not worried about the guests before the 15th.

Hopefully Melroseman will have some good news on the 5th - we may or may not check in the next day.

 

[melroseman]

Just called and got the front desk. They are saying they want the entire "lower deck" ready before they open it. I am not sure if that means when you consider they have 2 main pools, the kiddie pool, waterfalls, a tiki hut, hot tubs, bathrooms and a lazy river.

No estimate on opening. Really bummed and considering cancelling. I suspect that you cannot expect definite answers until they officially open - which is currently Nov 15th. Just the larger lagoon pool would work for me but it feels like they are not worried about the guests before the 15th.

Hopefully Melroseman will have some good news on the 5th - we may or may not check in the next day.

Of course I'll update when I get settled there. I also called the front desk, and they were understandably not willing to comment definitively on times to reopen. or maybe they just aren't sure yet. And the front desk CSRs only know what they're told. But it seems pretty clear that the lazy river will be closed for a while, so hopefully the opening of the lower pools is not dependent on the opening of the lazy river.

 

[melroseman]

Of course I'll update when I get settled there. I also called the front desk, and they were understandably not willing to comment definitively on times to reopen. or maybe they just aren't sure yet. And the front desk CSRs only know what they're told. But it seems pretty clear that the lazy river will be closed for a while, so hopefully the opening of the lower pools is not dependent on the opening of the lazy river.

We're here. A little more problematic than I thought it would be, probably in large part from lack of staff. Lagoon pool has water in it but no word on when it might open yet. Second lower pool and lazy river empty. Very few people here; maybe 20 at the only pool. Cable is wonky but working in bldg 4, elevator ok today but they warned us about them. Nowhere outside your room to get coffee until at least 9 at the veranda. Closes at 5, one hour happy hour. The toilet needed repair first day (apparently that's a flood issue) but they were here quick. Restaurants in the area are fine. Haven't been to Fort Myers yet.
Updat meeting tomorrow. More after that.

 

[GTLINZ]

We are here also and did get to eat dinner before 5 at the Veranda after check in. Access to the lower pool area is blocked and I get the impression that it will not be open anytime soon. They did say 20 people checked in yesterday so the numbers may be growing slightly - but the top pool is open and we will see if the hotel does open tomorrow. I may ping them Tuesday about possible access to their waterfall pool if they are open.

 

[GTLINZ]

Update below - please note that the opening date did not change but the cancellation fees are now waived thru the end of the 2022.

This makes me believe that the amenities status will not change anytime soon and they are providing an out for anyone not ok with the limited amenities.

On a personal note I asked the CSR who checked me in if where they lived was affected and found out that they lost their home. We met multiple couples at the Veranda and most were happy to be there but another couple was frustrated with everything closing early. We are happy to be here and will enjoy and adjust.

ATTENTION: Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation is expected to reopen operations on November 15, 2022 with limited amenities/services due to the effects of Hurricane Ian. Cancellation fees are waived for stays through December 31, 2022. Any deposits and prepayments for cancelled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded within 10 business days.

 

[amycurl]

Perspective--glad that you have it, @GTLINZ.

Can you imagine complaining to someone at the front desk because the restaurant closes at 5 pm to SOMEONE WHO LOST THEIR ENTIRE HOME AND STILL SHOWS UP FOR WORK? I.....just can't with some people.

 

[GTLINZ]

I was fortunate to be able to speak to what I suspect is the maintenance supervisor about the lower pools.

- the pump they got last weekend for the 2nd pool was the wrong one.
- they basically have had to rewire the entire lower deck. He said they will fix one thing and try to turn things on then find out what needs to be addressed next.

So i think the update Dahntahn got about the lower pools was overly optimistic and they are simply working thru issues as they arrive.

Other interesting info he shared:
- most of the outside locks are broken due to salt water in high winds. I think a lot of the room locks were affected also. The short entry gate over by Verandas does not work but you can reach over and use the handle. They have propped open the other entrance to the upper pool.
- the water was high enough as some point for peak splashes to get a bit of water on some of the lanais - but not into any rooms.
- the clubhouse is basically at the same height as the building first floors.

So this was very close to being so much worse.

Abby at Verandas said they were trying to get some live entertainment in by the upper pool - possibly today and/or Wednesday - which would liven the place up a bit.

And nice to meet you, Melroseman !