Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Experiences: What Players are Saying About Almost Heaven Mini Golf
Almost Heaven Mini Golf in Davis, West Virginia, consistently receives a 3.6-star rating, suggesting a generally positive experience tempered by some frustrating inconsistencies. While many visitors praise the course itself, recurring themes of operational issues and customer service concerns emerge from recent reviews. The course, located at 6526 Appalachian Hwy, boasts fairly extensive hours – open daily from 11 AM, closing between 9 PM and 11 PM depending on the day of the week (reachable at (304) 866-4166) – but actually getting to play appears to be a gamble for some.
Here’s a breakdown of common sentiments:
- The Good: Players repeatedly highlight the course’s condition, describing it as “new” and “well-maintained.” Hole 9, featuring a unique river-through-the-course element, is a particularly popular feature. The variety of obstacles and water features contribute to an enjoyable experience, especially for children.
- The Concerning: A significant number of reviews point to issues with adhering to posted hours. Patrons report finding the course unexpectedly closed, even during listed open times. One reviewer detailed attempting to play on two consecutive nights, only to be turned away once due to a recent rain shower and again because it appears the staff wasn't ready to open.
- The Pricey Surprise: Several customers were upset by the undisclosed pricing. A $31.50 charge for a round caught one family off guard, feeling it was excessive, especially when compared to the cost of a beach visit.
- Customer Service Concerns: Rudeness from staff is a recurring complaint. One visitor recounts a distinctly unpleasant interaction, feeling unwelcome and insulted by an employee's comments. Others note inconsistent levels of assistance – while some experienced kind and helpful staff, others did not.
Course Details and Playability: Is It Worth the Putt?
Almost Heaven Mini Golf centers around a contemporary design, lacking a strong overarching theme, though it doesn’t appear to detract significantly from enjoyment. The course’s biggest draw is arguably its playability. Reviewers consistently acknowledge that the challenges are fun, and the layout works.
| Feature | Rating (Based on Reviews) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Excellent | Described as “new,” “well-maintained,” and generally appealing. |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Offers “trick shots” and interesting obstacles, suitable for families. |
| Uniqueness | Good | Hole 9’s river feature is a standout attraction. |
| Theming | Fair | Lacks a cohesive, elaborate theme, but not a major drawback. |
| Shade/Comfort | Poor | Minimal shade available; can be uncomfortable on hot days. |
The course, while fun, could benefit from the addition of shade structures. Spending time under the direct sun, particularly during peak hours, can detract from the playing experience. It’s a fairly standard length miniature golf course, and many patrons have commented on the playability of each hole.
Staff Interactions: Hits and Misses
The quality of customer service at Almost Heaven Mini Golf is highly variable, emerging as a critical point of contention. While some visitors experienced genuinely positive interactions, others report being treated rudely or encountering frustrating situations due to staffing issues.
Consider these perspectives:
"My granddaughter and I visited today and had a wonderful time... The attendant was kind enough to open a little early... He also gave us some tips and helped get one of the balls out of the water."
This illustrates the best of what Almost Heaven Mini Golf’s staff can offer: helpful, accommodating, and attentive. However, this experience is considerably different from:
"One of the females said to the other one that I was going to close it today. She stated 'just let them golf.' She was very rude. I will never go there again."
This review paints a picture of dismissive and unwelcoming behavior, leading a repeat customer to vow never to return. There appear to be issues with consistency; a friendly face one day doesn’t guarantee the same treatment the next. The reported lack of staff, contributing to inconsistent opening hours, likely exacerbates these problems, potentially placing undue stress on the employees present.
Operational Quirks and Practical Advice for Visitors
Beyond the course and customer service, reviews uncover a recurring theme of operational inconsistencies that can impact a visitor’s experience. Here are key takeaways and tips for prospective golfers:
- Confirm Opening Hours: Always call ahead ((304) 866-4166) to verify the course is open, even if it falls within the posted hours. Expect potential closures due to staffing or recent weather.
- Inquire About Pricing: Before starting a round, specifically ask about the cost. The lack of displayed pricing is a major point of frustration for some. Be prepared for a price of $31.50 as of recent reports.
- Bring Sun Protection: The course offers minimal shade; sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are highly recommended, especially during warmer months.
- Manage Expectations: While the course itself is well-regarded, be prepared for potential issues with staffing and inconsistent service.
- Consider Alternatives: If the course is closed or you encounter a negative initial impression, Canaan Valley offers other recreational activities in the area.