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Fairway Villas Question

tynian16

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Just had a couple questions about Fairway Villas and was hoping someone could help me out.

1) How easy is it to get to the beach from there and are there beaches with restrooms/changing facilities, etc?

2) How does the pool scene at Fairway compare to other places? i.e. Aruba, Orlando, etc.

3) Is there enough to do for a full week down there?

4) Are the best restaurant options in Atlantic City?

Thanks so much!
 

enma

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We only stayed there for 2 nights and that was enough. It was early June, the place was empty, weather cold and rainy. Did a day trip to Philadelphia, that was fun, and went to Atlantic City. Don't think I could stay there a whole week. Pool wasn't that big. Really depends what you are looking for. We had teenager boys with us and wasn't the ideal resort for us. The units were very nice though. I see you own in Aruba like we do. This is a far cry from Aruba :p
 
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Just had a couple questions about Fairway Villas and was hoping someone could help me out.

1) How easy is it to get to the beach from there and are there beaches with restrooms/changing facilities, etc?

2) How does the pool scene at Fairway compare to other places? i.e. Aruba, Orlando, etc.

3) Is there enough to do for a full week down there?

4) Are the best restaurant options in Atlantic City?

Thanks so much!

We stayed there a few years ago in early May, our first experience of a US MVCI so we didn't have anything to compare it to other than the European ones.

For the beach we went to Atlantic City......don't bother. It's dirty, run down and the water was predictably cold. Atlantic City itself didn't impress me one bit. We travelled further down to Ocean City and Cape May and the beaches there were better.

The pool is relatively small and certainly not comparable to other Marriott's.

There isn't much to do in the local area. We spent a couple of days in New York, a day in Philadelphia and trips to Cape May and the zoo there.

At the time we felt the resort was incomparable to the Spanish ones but we were there for a different type of holiday rather than a beach/pool one. Having experienced a number of other US resorts we also feel that Fairway Villas compares unfavourably with them as well. It's a pleasant enough resort but there's nothing that stands out about it and it's unlikely that we'll return to it.
 

LUVourMarriotts

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We've owned there since 2002. Since having our daughter, this location has changed from a mostly trader to a mostly use location. This upcoming year, we are not going back, and our 6.5 yo DD is upset that we won't be going for 4th of July this year. We traded to HHI again.

It is certainly true that the season for best usage is small at MFV. July & August are your best bets. Our favorite beach is Ocean City. When we go there, we usually head down in the morning and stay until late in the evening. We usually park at the beach in the lot between 5th & 6th streets. This is right at the boardwalk. There are restrooms up and down the boardwalk and tons of fun places to go and food to eat.

The pool is not usually very busy. One reason it is different is because they don't really have a bar similar to Aruba, Orlando locations. There is one, but very limited bar service, so you go into the building and get what you want. The pool is an odd shape.

Certainly enough to do for a whole week, depending on what you want to do. If you are looking for tons of super excitement at the resort all week, this isn't your place, but you can definitely find stuff to do around the area.
 

tynian16

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Thanks for the replies. I asked the question because we were looking for a cheaper, no airfare, relaxing trip this year as opposed to flying down to Aruba. I got a trade into Fairway in early August and am looking forward to exploring an area of NJ I don't normally go down to.
 

pedro47

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The resort is small but the timeshare units are kept up very well (unit rating between 8.0 & 8.5). The pool is very small, there was a tennis course onsite and a golf course onsite. If you do not gamble and do not want to drive into Atlantic City; do not go to this resort. It is a place for total R&R.

The places to eat around the resort are just average in my opinion. Would we go back. No!
 

tynian16

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I guess the people who don't like this resort don't like going to the beach because no one seems to mention it.
 

GrayFal

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I guess the people who don't like this resort don't like going to the beach because no one seems to mention it.

This is not a beach resort. It is a golf resort. You can go to the beach from there as someone posted above. Cape May is a great day trip. Long Beach Island is a 20 minute trip with beautiful beaches. Smithville is a fun shopping destination. There's are several parks and wildlife sanctuaries. You can whale watch in Atlantic City. You are in The Pine Barrens. There is a shopping outlet in Atlantic City. Lots of great restaurants. Old Homestead, The Palm, Wolfgang Puck, Il Mulino. Fun bay and beach front venues.

Contact the local tourist authority for more info.

You live in NJ.
NJ is not at all like Aruba.
Absecon is under 90 minutes from Jersey City.
So it will be very "New Jersey" like.
 

icydog

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This is not a beach resort. It is a golf resort. You can go to the beach from there as someone posted above. Cape May is a great day trip. Long Beach Island is a 20 minute trip with beautiful beaches. Smithville is a fun shopping destination. There's are several parks and wildlife sanctuaries. You can whale watch in Atlantic City. You are in The Pine Barrens. There is a shopping outlet in Atlantic City. Lots of great restaurants. Old Homestead, The Palm, Wolfgang Puck, Il Mulino. Fun bay and beach front venues.

Contact the local tourist authority for more info.

You live in NJ.
NJ is not at all like Aruba.
Absecon is under 90 minutes from Jersey City.
So it will be very "New Jersey" like.

I live in NJ and trade into the Fairways every summer. This year I'm going down for three weeks, one in July and two in August. I also frequently go down in the winter and Spring. For instance I have a week in April reserved and I went down this November as well. My daughter and her friends are going down at the end of January for the weekend. Everyone I take there loves it

The rooms have been completely refurbished with all new appliances and furniture, paint, bedding, pots, et al. Even the air-conditioning has been done over.

There's a new sprinkler park for the kids but the main pool IS very small. There's a gigantic indoor pool and the amazing Elizabeth Arden Mineral Water Spa pool (adults only). The kids seem to all play together. It's really quite charming. My 7 year old grandson loves it there.

There's a small grill that serves pool grub and a nice little coffee shop at the Arden pool. The market place is ridiculously small and a waste of money and time.

There's a big new Shoprite less than a mile away as well as a Starbucks, a very cheap liquor supermarket, and a very sweet ice cream parlor all in the vicinity of the Shoprite.

I love that I can drive 1.5 hours and escape central NJ. The piney's are a whole different world from here. I don't play golf or tennis but I still like the resort more than say, MGV.

You can't compare the Fairways to Aruba. It's much smaller, but for me that's okay. There's no problem with towels on chairs at 6am or fighting for shade. There's plenty of shade by the pool or in the picnic area

There's a great Greek restaurant right outside the resort. The best pancake house in NJ and the best clams and crabs at Osyster Creek.

The beach at Brigantine is very nice. Yes, it costs money but most NJ beaches cost money. If you want a free beach go to AC. I don't like that beach but my grown kids say it's fine for what it is.

The casinos are fun. There's great food inside the better casinos like Cesars or the Borgata. There's a nice outlet mall near the back of Cesar's too. The Borgata has the best air filtration system since AC still allows smoking, yuck!

You'll like the people you meet there in August. Almost all of them are NJ folks and you'll feel comfortable with them.

Don't compare the Fairways with Aruba. The resorts couldn't be more dissimilar. Each has its own reason d'ėtra. I love the place. I feel at home there. I can't wait to get there in April for my next trip down.
 

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I am surprised that more people haven't mentioned the best feature of Fairway Villas, namely that it is a very good golf resort. I compare it in that respect to Manor Club and Heritage Club, both of which have free golf for owners and exchangers. We don't golf so I don't know what type of golf deals they have at Fairway Villas. For me, Fairway Villas is well behind Manor Club but is a lot nicer resort than Heritage Club, although it is not one of the better MVCI resorts by a long shot.
 

BocaBoy

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There's a great Greek restaurant right outside the resort. The best pancake house in NJ and the best clams and crabs at Osyster Creek.
We will probably be spending a couple of nights in mid-February at Fairway Villas. What is this pancake house you are referring to and where is it?
 

dansimms

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I am a fan !

Two great golf courses and golf practice facilities that are first rate. Nice walking trail through the pine barrens. Brigantine beach is nice. We like going to Atlantic City once or twice during our stays. If you are in the Destination Program, the weekdays are very reasonably priced. Philadelphia is just over an hour. Cape May is a very nice Victorian Beach town, a little over an hour down the Parkway. There are quaint shops at Smithville, just down the road about 5 miles or so. Ocean City, NJ is a nice authentic beach town. Yes, we easily can enjoy the resort for a full week. If the weather doesn't cooperate, there is an Arden Spa, and a nice indoor pool / spa area. It is nice to not have to fly to a MVCI.......big savings for families.
 

mpizza

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:eek:
Just had a couple questions about Fairway Villas and was hoping someone could help me out.

1) How easy is it to get to the beach from there and are there beaches with restrooms/changing facilities, etc?

2) How does the pool scene at Fairway compare to other places? i.e. Aruba, Orlando, etc.

3) Is there enough to do for a full week down there?

4) Are the best restaurant options in Atlantic City?

Thanks so much!

1) Much variety on beaches within 20-40 minutes: Atlantic City if you want a beach bar vibe, Ocean City if you want a family Boardwalk vibe (it's a dry town), Brigantine if you like fishing, surfing or watching dolphins from your beach chair, Wildwood for a wide beach and Art Deco vibe (Oprah and Steadman's hang out), and Cape May for an old-fashion artsy vibe (fresh crepes rather than hot dogs).

2) One quiet adult (strictly enforced) pool with two hot tubs, one family pool (with kiddie water features), and one indoor pool.

3) I could spend the summer there ;) - there are lots of on-site planned activities. If you have young children, Smithville has paddle boats, the Cape May zoo is great and Storybook land is a fun afternoon. If no children, there is golf and spa on site, adult entertainment in AC, and the air show is usually held in August. And don't miss the huge Bass Pro Shop in AC, easy free entertainment with all types of sports equipment and lessons, etc.

4) Yes, there are great "name" restaurants are n AC, but there are numerous locally owned seafood, Italian, Greek, elegant (Rams Head Inn) and cutting-edge restaurants, also wineries.

LMK if you have any more questions.

Maria
 
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icydog

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We will probably be spending a couple of nights in mid-February at Fairway Villas. What is this pancake house you are referring to and where is it?

I'll find out and let you know. It's incredible. In season the wait is easily an hour to an hour and a half. They are moving up the street, towards the Fairways, to a bigger store this month. The one they're in is tiny but oh, those Strawberry Cheesecake pancakes, Banana Foster Pancakes, Peach or Apple Pie pancakes are to DIE FOR! Plan on bringing some back to the resort because the portions are gigantic but the prices are typical South Jersey. Much lower than I pay for restaurants in Central NJ.
 

Davey54321

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I think you are talking about...

Shea's Cafe & Bakery in Galloway? We havent been there in awhile but hearing the raves here will plan to go again....
 

icydog

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Shea's Cafe & Bakery in Galloway? We havent been there in awhile but hearing the raves here will plan to go again....

That's right, it's Shea's. The owners work the shop all the time. They make their own fillings with fresh fruit. My friends don't care for pancakes but love their Eggs Benedict. The owner who seats you is Lou. You get a 10% discount as a Fairways guest. By the way, many of the local restaurants give you 10% off or a free dessert or appetizer.

And you get a 10% discount on Spa services at the Elizabeth Arden Spa. I had my hair done as well as a Spa treatment last time I was down in November and I saved $20. I didn't even ask for it, I didn't remember, and Voilá there it was.

I personally think the resort is better run now that there's a new GM
 

icydog

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:eek:

1) Much variety on beaches within 20-40 minutes: Atlantic City if you want a beach bar vibe, Ocean City if you want a family Boardwalk vibe (it's a dry town), Brigantine if you like fishing, surfing or watching dolphins from your beach chair, Wildwood for a wide beach and Art Deco vibe (Oprah and Steadman's hang out), and Cape May for an old-fashion artsy vibe (fresh crepes rather than hot dogs).

2) One quiet adult (strictly enforced) pool with two hot tubs, one family pool (with kiddie water features), and one indoor pool.

3) I could spend the summer there ;) - there are lots of on-site planned activities. If you have young children, Smithville has paddle boats, the Cape May zoo is great and Storybook land is a fun afternoon. If no children, there is golf and spa on site, adult entertainment in AC, and the air show is usually held in August. And don't miss the huge Bass Pro Shop in AC, easy free entertainment with all types of sports equipment and lessons, etc.

4) Yes, there are great "name" restaurants are n AC, but there are numerous locally owned seafood, Italian, Greek, elegant (Rams Head Inn) and cutting-edge restaurants, also wineries.

LMK if you have any more questions.

Maria

Maria, I am going to try some of these places. I never saw paddle boats in Historic Smithville! Are they appropriate for an 8 year old or are they for small kids or toddlers? I guess I avoid the whole area in the summer and, in the winter, I'd never be looking for boats. Isn't there a mini golf in there as well?
 

budnj

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Sheas is a great place...

Shea's Cafe & Bakery in Galloway? We havent been there in awhile but hearing the raves here will plan to go again....

We just spent a few nights at MFV, went to Sheas, great food, very gracious owner. Found out they have call ahead seating ( after waiting around one hour!)
Also recommend Brigantine beaches, clean, quiet, easy trip from Absecon.
 

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Last time we went to Fairway Villas we drove right past Shea's and didn't go in because it looked like a marginal place. I will know better next time and be sure to find their new location. Thanks for the information.
 

LUVourMarriotts

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Shea's is absolutely a must stop. We go a few times each week we are there. The owner, Lou, is very nice and always remembers us, even though we go for one week a year.

Shea's has MOVED though. It used to be a few miles east of MFV on 9. Now, it is much closer, although the previous location was not far. They've built their own building, which is located at the Memorial park just a little bit west of MFV on 9. Lou told us they would be moving around October of '15.

I usually get the Cinnamon Bun pancakes, which are incredible, but somewhat heavy, due to the homemade cream they put on it. My wife loves the pumpkin pancakes. I've also had some of their benedict dishes, which were great. My favorite was a special the day I had it. It was shrimp & crab eggs benedict.
 

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Is the indoor pool open to children in case there is a rainy day? We, too, are looking to stay there for a week with 3 - 7 y.o. children. Thank you for the suggestions on what to do in the area.
 

dioxide45

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Is the indoor pool open to children in case there is a rainy day? We, too, are looking to stay there for a week with 3 - 7 y.o. children. Thank you for the suggestions on what to do in the area.

I get the impression that there is an Elizabeth Arden Mineral Water Spa pool that is indoors and adults only. It seems there is another regular indoor pool that is open to people of all ages.
 
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Cindala

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Is the indoor pool open to children in case there is a rainy day? We, too, are looking to stay there for a week with 3 - 7 y.o. children. Thank you for the suggestions on what to do in the area.

The indoor pool is large and yes is open to children. It is is the same building as the gym and Elizabeth Arden Spa and Cafe. There is an adults only mineral pool that is outside and next to the EA Spa.
The outdoors general pool is a short walk from this area and has the new Splash Zone for kids along with a small kids pool and larger adult pool. It is next to Mulligan's Grill.
We have traded in the past two summers, and are booked again for this July 4th week. There are a lot of activities for kids, and I have heard comments from guests saying this is the best resort for children's activities. If I can find my weekly newsletter from last year, I will detail some of the activities.
 
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GrayFal

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Well I guess the OP has gotten all the info they desired!
many of us here are MFV fans and really enjoy visiting the resort.

I hope you enjoy your stay!
 

Cindala

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Thanks for the replies. I asked the question because we were looking for a cheaper, no airfare, relaxing trip this year as opposed to flying down to Aruba. I got a trade into Fairway in early August and am looking forward to exploring an area of NJ I don't normally go down to.

This is exactly why we chose this resort the past two summers; less that 2 hours from our home, no stress or expense of airfare, relaxing and cost saving, it allowed us to do some home improvements and still have a vacation.

It is truly a quiet, relaxing resort surrounded by a beautiful golf course. Yes, there are activities and more noise around the pool area, but we chose a building further away. Our expectations were realistic. We knew this was not going to be like Aruba or Florida, but we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed our week. We brought our daughter/husband and grandson (5 months first trip), (17 months 2nd trip) and everyone had a great time.
We recognized many repeat guests from the previous year at the pool, who are very happy to vacation at this resort year after year. We ourselves are booked again for this July.:)

As our life situation changes and we are blessed with more and more grandchildren, our vacation needs change as well. Will we be back in 2017? Not sure as my husband wants to take a special vacation somewhere just the two of us. That is if we can pull ourselves away from the grandkids. But will we go back again? Absolutely.
 
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