Hi flydaddy,
There are horror stories about every school no matter where it is I'm afraid. I've chosen to go State side for my hour build and CPL because although the cost saving after flights, accom etc isn't that great anymore the weather will probably be much better than in the UK. I did my PPL in Florida last year and you can stay in a flat near the airfield and live, eat, drink and breath flying for however many weeks you are there and get it all done in a short time compared to the UK.
It's all a trade-off really, depends on your own personal circumstances....
Good Luck,
Biscuit