Via Roma Beach Resort & Resort Sixty-Six

[lighthouse freak]

I am looking at either of these places but can't find anything on them. If you have been to either or both of these places, I would love to hear what you have to say about them.

Thanks!
Wendy

 

[Hophop4]

We stayed at Resort Sixty-Six July 2005. It is a motel conversion T/S. Very small 2 story building. We had a one-bedroom unit on 2nd floor. It had full kitchen, king bed. Standard bathroom. Nothing fancy. Staff was very helpful. They came by every morning and emptied trash in each unit and asked if we needed anything. They did a mid week quick cleaning too. Has a small pool and hot tub and BBQ-gas grills which we used one night. Resort is right on the beach and they have lounge chairs you can use.
I have a few pics of the beach area and pool but forgot to take pics inside. It was during Hurricane Dennis that we were there and the water had red tide so we really didn't enjoy the week as much as we should have. Location was great.

The other resort we drove by but never been in. It is larger and much busier. It is also on the beach.

Hop's Pics: http://hophop4.shutterfly.com

 

[BocaBum99]

I haven't been to either of these resorts myself. But, I know owners of Via Roma who love it there.

Both of these resorts are Bluegreen Resorts.

Here are the resort websites for each of them:

Resort 66

Via Roma

 

[Sea Six]

We were at Resort 66 several years ago. We were on the second floor, which had a common balcony (walk-way) for all units. Pulled the drapes shut because we got tired of people looking in our windows. The beach was so narrow at high tide it was difficult to walk on. Then we got hit with red tide, and the smell of dead fish on the beach did us in, so we left early and went to Disney World. That's one area we don't plan on returning to.

 

[Hophop4]

We got hit with the red tide July 2005. I wonder if that is common for that area a lot. When were you there? No fault of the resort tho.

 

[LisaH]

I used to own week 51 at Via Roma in unit 14. We stopped by there once and took some pictures. It's a converted motel and everything is kind of outdated, but it's spacious and has a fully equipped kitchen. The beach-front pool also looked enticing. Unit 14 is beach front and the sands are sugar-white. It's a great trader with II. I sold it (with regret) to Pinnacle realty a few years later because someone really wanted that unit and that week so the realtor contacted me. Most of the owners in the ocean front units go there every year. The exchangers are mostly likely placed in the units across the street which has not much (if any) a view.

 

[Sea Six]

When were you there?

Summer of 1990 - we were on a mission to stay in as many Florida beach resorts as possible to decide where we wanted to live. We've stayed in just about every area, except for the panhandle and north of St Augustine.

 

[gretel]

I've stayed at Resort 66 twice, stayed in Via Roma twice and now own at Via Roma.

Resort 66 is a converted motel for sure. I've had the pleasure of exchanging into a one bedroom unit gulf front on the first floor and a one bedroom unit gulf front on the second floor. Other than these two units, I wouldn't consider staying there. You get what you exchange into so you can find out what you have before you confirm. Even with the view, I think there are better options on Anna Maria. Some people like the small resort feel and coziness. The beach was replenished last year so it is wide again. The gulf is incredible but the entire west coast does get hit with red tide sometimes (not just this area but from Tampa on down to Marco Island). Although the location is great, I can't recommend it.

Having stayed at Via Roma, I bought there a couple of years ago. The units are larger than 66, cleaner, and more airy. I own a unit that is last from the beach on the gulf side and still see glimpses of the water from the bedroom windows. Housekeeping brings fresh towels daily and empties garbages. Everyone that works there is friendly and accommodating. There are no planned activities other than your usual welcome breakfast/lunch. The beach is incredible! There are many wonderful restaurants in the area and a free trolley on the island. It is definitely a laid-back place with many things to do within driving distance (we take a day trip to Tampa or to Disney each year as well). Although it doesn't have the luxury of Orlando timeshares, for me it has everything I want... a clean, well-run resort with a killer location on a great beach.

If you get the opportunity to visit 4th of July, it is a huge party for two nights! Everybody brings chairs on the beach and sets off fireworks. There are also big fireworks displays put on by restaurants that you can see up and down the beach. On the weekend, the island has a parade that goes by the resort with the floats hurling beads, toys and candy at the kids. It is a fun way to enjoy the celebration without the hassle of crowds and lines.

BTW, another resort worth checking into is Umbrella Beach Resort. It is also on the island. It isn't gulf front but the units are very large two bedrooms and more luxurious than others. It is a very short walk to the beach (across the street). I have been able to exchange into Umbrella four times over the past few years!

 

[rapmarks]

I have stayed at via roma once and Resort 66 twice. We had the beach front unit at Resort 66 with a den last December. all the units have been redone, bathrooms redone, I enjoyed all my stays at the resorts, but would avoid the units at Via Roma which are across the street. theya re one bedroom with higher numbers.