Turnberry Isle Resort, Florida
 

Hi y'all.
We may have a chance to go to Turnberry Isle for the last week of December. I've read the reviews and it sounds great. Has anyone been there? What can you tell me about it? It's a much pricier place than we'd usually stay at but it's sort of a gift. Is it very posh? Are there dress codes in the hotel and on the golf courses? I understand that gratuities are included but should I tip on top of that and if so, approximately how much for valet, bellboy, waitstaff, spa services, etc. Are meals included? We're generally 3-star hotel types of travellers -- are we going to find this a snobby sort of place? Anything you can tell will be helpful. Also, should we bother renting a car or will it be cheaper (considering car rental, gas and hotel parking)to just take cabs wherever we want to go (restaurants, shopping, movies, etc. -- this is just a relaxing sort of vacation, not a museum and historic site sort). Also, does the resort have a shuttle from the airport? Thanks so much -- I appreciate your help!

what the heck...nobody?

Where is this place? I live in Florida and don't know. Can you give us a hint?

Turnberry in Avventura, between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale? If that's the one you are talking about, I was there for a conference in June several years ago and it was lovely, but not posh or stuffy. It was the first place I ever encountered the "daily resort fee" (or whatever they call it) in lieu of tips. I learned of it only when the doorman refused my tip as I got out of my taxi. As I recall, it was about $8 and it worked out to just about as much as I would have handed out in ones and fives (maid, porter, person who fills your ice bucket because there's no self-serve ice machine). Spa services are additional (I didn't use any), so I would tip there as I would for massage, etc., at home.
My only complaint abour the place was the lack of a coffeemaker in the room, a feature I expect in business class hotels.
I did not rent a car because I was just there for two nights, with meetings all day. Taxi to and from Ft. Lauderdale airport cost as much as about 3-4 days' car rental would have been, so I think a car would be worthwhile for convenience at not great expense over using taxis.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Turnberry!! I have been there 3 times (each time for business, but had a lot of free time for fun activities, too). It is a beautiful resort and not stuffy at all. Like a PP said, they actually REFUSE additional tips, so no need to worry about that. The service is outstanding--I never had to ask for anything twice (and rarely had to ask for anything at all).

I don't think you would need a rental car. There is golf, tennis, pool, and spa right on property. In addition, they have a private "beach club" with a free shuttle to get you there. The beach club has a pool, snack area, and beach service (towels and chairs). They also have shuttles to the marina if you wanted to rent a boat for fishing or whatnot. There is a HUGE mall pretty much across the street from the front entrance, so you can do a lot of shopping there. (It's walking distance, but they also offer a shuttle). If you wanted to go further out, I believe the Bal Harbor shops aren't too far away in a cab.

Meals are not usually included, but there is a restaurant there that is pretty good. I would also recommend visitin Chef Allen's for a fancy meal one night--best food and atmosphere!! It's less than 5 minutes away.

I can not recommend this place highly enough. I really enjoyed my stays there and I wish I could go back on my own--someday I will!

Excellent -- thank you! Yes, it is near Aventura but I don't know the Miami area at all so that's as much location information as I have. Good to know about the tipping policy and that the staff doesn't expect 'extras'. I guess I was concerned that we'd be snubbed in our JC Penney golf- and pool-wear!

That must be quite an expensive cab ride from the airport. Do you know if there's a parking fee at the resort? Are there nice restaurants (outside the ones in the mall) within walking distance?

I can add another excellent recomendation for TurnBerry. I was there a few years back on a weeklong business trip and it was one of the finest resorts I have ever stayed at. Teh amenities are beyond compare. I can not give any local knowledge as we stayed on site for most of the time. You will not be sorry if you choose Turnberry.

I do not remember all the details--since my visit was only for two days, indoors, about 5 years ago--but I'm thinking it was maybe $40 each way for taxi, and that one could get weekly car rentals for the equivalent of $25/day.
I walked once to the shopping center, and the area is great for fitness walking, but if I were going to be there for more than 2 or 3 days I'd probably feel the need to explore outside the resort, and I'd want a car for that. If you enjoy resorts generally, you'd probably find all you want at Turnberry and not need a car.

Why don't you rent a car and just take it back early if you think you won't need it? Car rental is usually cheap in Florida.

It sounds nice!