The Plantation is easily the largest golf resort in the area and is surrounded by Kings Bay and a nature preserve. A long, tree-lined driveway leads to a grand entrance with white columns and green shutters. The lobby has a cozy feel, with a contemporary chandelier and modern furniture in blues and reds. Manatee-themed artwork covers the walls and a spiral staircase and bright windows add to the elegance. A pineapple fountain feature decorates the outdoor area and there is plenty of seating along with a gazebo.

The elegant on-site spa, Spa Bleu, features dark hardwood floors, a chandelier, and a small tan seating area. Some treatment rooms also have fireplaces. The polished West 82° Bar & Grill features recessed lighting, wood chairs with green pads, and knotty pine floors. The 19th Hole Bar & Grill has a golf-themed carpet and green leather banquet chairs inside, and an outdoor seating area with green metal chairs and tables. The most relaxed common area is the poolside Tiki Bar showcasing colorful umbrellas, Tiki- and surfing-themed decorations, a flat-screen TV, and a white-and-green tile bar.

The Plantation on Crystal River is in a residential area with several restaurants within walking distance. Crystal River Watersports Marina and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park are a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the Crystal River Archaeological State Park is 15 minutes away. Chassahowitzka Wildlife Reserve, Weeki Wachee Springs, and Citrus County Speedway are all a half-hour drive away, while Ocala International Airport takes 45 minutes. Both the Tampa International Airport and the Orlando International Airport are well over an hour away.

Pale earth tones and nature artwork cover the walls in the homey rooms with dark-wood furniture, tan carpet, and green-and-white bed runners with curtains to match. All rooms come with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Two-story Villas have a loft layout and include kitchens with full-sized refrigerators and microwaves, but they are removed from the central area of the property. Some rooms have nice views of the water or the golf course; others have patio areas with seating. Bathrooms are plain but attractive enough, with walk-in showers, large granite countertops, and Bath & Body Works toiletries. Rooms are pleasant overall, but there have been some complaints of musty smells and noise emanating from the hallways. 

There are lots of activities available at the on-site Crystal River Adventure Center, including daily manatee tours where guests can swim with the animals. Pontoons, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent and guests can dock their own vessels at the hotel’s slips. Tie-ups and trailer storage facilities are also available. Other activities include fishing, scalloping, birding, horseshoes, croquet, and shuffleboard, along with tennis and volleyball. The 27-hole golf course designed by Mark Mahannah is accompanied by the smaller Lagoon’s Course and Championship Course, and The Original Golf School offers on-course golf lessons with pro teachers.

The Plantation also features an outdoor lagoon-style pool and a hot tub in a pleasant area surrounded by plants and lounge chairs. The adjacent Tiki Bar serves sandwiches, chicken wings, burgers, and cocktails while the West 82° Bar & Grill is more upscale, with classic Floridian cuisine and a bar with small plates and cocktails. The golf course-facing 19th Hole Bar & Grill has burgers, hotdog, sandwiches, and cocktails.

The hotel's elegant full-service spa, Spa Bleu, offers facials, a Vichy shower, massages, mani/pedis, and a hair salon. There's also a 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment and a business center with an ATM, a printer, and a computer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's plenty of free on-site parking.