I've always wanted to stay at this resort, now I c...

I've always wanted to stay at this resort, now I can officially share my thoughts.

For 2 nights I paid roughly $500. I can honestly say I wasn't that impressed.

The valet parking and concierge was great. The check-in was mediocre. The agent at the desk had zero personality and didn't smile once. Her demeanor was very robotic and dry. There was no welcome to Shephards, welcome to paradise or anything in between. She didn't ask if I had any questions, but made sure to notify me of the $500 fine that would be applied for any smoking in the room or on the balcony. Really Shephards!?? Even on the balcony??

For a resort with a private beach, there were just SO many rules! You couldn't take your own beverage glasses out to the beach side, so no Yeti cups, reusable Starbucks mugs etc. You couldn't bring your own beach chair, nor umbrella.

When I stay at the beach, I want to look out at God's magnificent work, I want to see miles of ocean, as far as the eye can see. Yet, on our private beach, my vision was met with an overpass and buildings. Yikes.

The cover bands playing at the tiki bar were fantastic, in between their sets, a DJ played mostly top 40 or hip-hop. The food was decent at the bar area, but the cleanliness was a joke. You often find a table littered with trash and filled ash trays.

I blew tons of money having to buy alcohol at the bar, unless I wanted to keep going back to the room. Security is everywhere, watching your every move. For the majority of the day they wouldn't even let us open the umbrellas at the tiki bar tables (not even sure why) security was so aggressive.

The Ocean Wave restaurant had a great Sunday brunch which includes Mimosas, food was outstanding. Service lovely. I unfortunately didn't get to try the dinner buffet. Breakfast brunch was priced at $29.95- reasonable with the selection offered and view.

I visited The Wave nightclub on Friday and Saturday. The music is mostly house, mixed with a little rave/top 40/ minimal hip-hop. I come from the Florida break-beats and trance era where DJ's were on turntables and blended beautifully into the next track. Not just abruptly change the tempo into the next song. Such a bad sound. I barely danced. Only positive there.... $5 patron shots upstairs and access to the beach right from the club steps-and you can get in the water, if you dare.

The rooms are tiny, beds ok comfortable, decor meh. Bathroom very small and outdated with the sliding doors, safety hazard for drunken nights in my opinion. Room service only for breakfast until 11am. Otherwise delivery or tiki bar options until the Ocean Flame is open for dinner.

The website really doesn't provide much information.

First and last time visitor. I've paid much less at resorts with less hype and received top notch service.

Sorry Shephards, but you guys need to change a few things. Too many restrictions for the price.