I stayed a couple nights at this new resort last week (Mon. 6/8-Wed. 6/10) in a two bedroom. I just wanted to add my comments to what has been said (I agree with most).
I reserved two nights in a two bedroom through Open Season, to cap off a long weekend at HGVC SeaWorld in a 3-Bedroom Penthouse. I had a couple guests leave and I wanted to check out the new place so I decided to move (the additional point savings didn't hurt either
). The contrast was interesting, as it was my first time staying in a Penthouse at SeaWorld (Wonderful!! I can't wait until they are renovated).
The Parc Soleil is impressive; it has a "real hotel" resort feel to it, mainly because the high-rise setting, beautiful (and air-conditioned!) hallways, and fast-but-whisper quiet elevators.
The units are gorgeously appointed, with nice touches and details (I like the french doors from the bedroom to the living room). The bathtub has a real "wow" factor with no faucet visible; the water drops from the ceiling! I had a 2-Bedroom lock-off on the 14th floor; there are apparently dedicated 2-Bedrooms as well.
I agree that the dining table is oddly placed, and I don't like the lack of island or protruding counter; there is a noticeable lack of counter space and the whole kitchen/dining area seems small, almost cramped.
The balcony is extra large (the entire width of the unit) and very nice, but what bothers me (probably the single most annoying design flaw IMHO) is that there is NO door from the bedroom out to the balcony! Even though the same balcony runs right outside the bedroom window. And to make it even more annoying, the bedroom windows go all the way to the floor and are made to "look" like french doors! They just don't open!?
There is only one building open right now, the second looks close to being finished, but is not occupied yet. In a real surprise, I was amazed to find three floors of indoor parking at the base of each building. I think this is probably to make sure the horrible parking situation at the Tuscay (I'tnl Drive) property isn't repeated. While it doesn't appear that there is enough indoor parking for the entire building, combined with the outdoor lots I'm sure there should be enough for all guests when the resort is completed. Covered parking in the Florida sun is especially nice in the summer months!
Overall, there are seven buildings planned... so this will be a big place! There is a giant spread of property surrounding the resort as well, I'm guessing there is a plan for some huge shopping/dining/entertainment developement eventually. I can't wait!
One note about the units which was mentioned several times by the staff (all of whom were very nice): there is NO difference in size between the "Penthouse" units and the other categories; they are only located on the 15th floor. I had a "standard" 2-Bedroom and it was on the 14th floor! And it had a nice view of the pool (I might have been upgraded as the resort did not seem full). So, I wouldn't think the extra point/cost would be worth it at all.
Finally, I wanted to mention one thing that REALLY bothered me (but was not really the fault of the resort). I had a 2-Bedroom lock-off (units 11417, 11419), and I was disgusted to discover upon walking into the lock-off Studio unit that it had already been
SMOKED in!!
I mean, come on!! This place has only been open 2 weeks and someone has the almost incomprehesible inconsideration and gall to ruin one of the studios already with that stench??? As an HGVC owner, it especially angers me. I could not believe it, and not only was I mad, I was embarassed because I had invited guests who were to stay there. They said it was fine and did not complain, but I had to fight the urge to request another unit for them.
Upon check-out, I informed the front desk and they apologized and said they would try to clean out and deodorize the unit. We both agreed that it was unbelievable and probably an owner/member as well.
Otherwise, it was a nice stay at a great new property and I look forward to going back.