I did a ppl in Long Beach CA in 2000, really enjoyed it, made some good friends and had the holiday of a lifetime! Then returned to the same place to do some hour building last summer.
I had no qualms UKFT when doing my PPL, though have met a few who have done, as some of these prior posts suggest.
Do not trust implicitly what people say to you over the phone when selling you a PPL or other training from such a distance, until you have it in writing and it is absolutely clear to you. At least, definitely don't pay-up until then!
The accommodation was well priced and the general location in terms of flying and other attractions (if you have time) was excellent.
I think the golden rule here is don't pay up untill you are certain of what you are getting, in writing. Also if you choose to do any extras (e.g. night rating/IMC etc) make sure you have a quote IN WRITING first.
Good luck making up your mind!