[ 2013 ] "Hidden Gem" resorts

[DAman]

Casa de la Playa in La Jolla.

Southern CA coast at its best. I can watch fishing boats in the morning off the coast while I have my coffee and sunsets in the afternoon. Yes it has no activities, no parking, no pool but when I get there it's no problem. The beach is just across a quiet residential street from it.

I can walk everywhere I want to go(well just about-I can't walk to a Padres game) including shopping and great restaurants. I love summer in La Jolla/San Diego(ok-I like the rest of the year there too).

 

[Krteczech]

I agree with Whispering Woods being a gem. There is one other resort that I consider being a gem, Cottages de Lonvilliers, St Martin. My teen daughter' opinion is very different due to "isolated" location of both.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Some people are missing the "hidden gem" concept of this forum.
Marriotts, HGVC's, Wyndham, DVC-- definitely gems....not exactly hidden.

Pine Acres in Pacific Grove, CA. It's a quaint resort with a woodsy feel, small town. You can walk to town for breakfast and a cup of coffee. It's about a block away from the lighthouse, 2 blocks from the coast. Deer, racoons... monarch butterflies!
The coastline is rugged and gorgeous! One bedroom units are nice for a couple. The 2 bd units are the best-- plenty of room for family with a huge L-shaped couch and fireplace... very comfortable.

Love the town of Pacific Grove. It's my favorite locale to stay in the Monterey area. In our earlier days DW and I stayed regularly at those beautiful old style 1950's motels in the area, where each room is actually a little building by itself behind the main office. Saw the "Miracle On Ice" hockey game while staying at the Butterfly Lodge in Monterey.

 

[npey]

Some people are missing the "hidden gem" concept of this forum. Marriotts, HGVC's, Wyndham, DVC-- definitely gems....not exactly hidden.

I think some of the gold rated "hidden gems" mentioned are really difficult, if not impossible, to be confirmed to for some of us. Their gold ratings surely give us a hint of their desirability, so they are not exactly "hidden". Hidden gems should refer to those resorts that, in spite of not being gold rated or rated at all, provide an exceptional experience.

 

[Elan]

Some people are missing the "hidden gem" concept of this forum.
Marriotts, HGVC's, Wyndham, DVC-- definitely gems....not exactly hidden.

My thought as well.

 

[dundey]

If you like to ski, Bolton Valley resort in VT.
All units are right accross the street from the lifts, as close to ski in / ski out as it gets!

This small resort also have miles of rated cross country and snow shoe trails and is close to Burlington, VT for dinner and shopping.

VERY under rated ski resort, with night skiing to boot!! And close enough to Stowe / Smuggs if you want to ski another mountain while there.

The units are not luxury, but this place rocks!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Some people are missing the "hidden gem" concept of this forum.

I think some of the gold rated "hidden gems" mentioned are really difficult, if not impossible, to be confirmed to for some of us. Their gold ratings surely give us a hint of their desirability, so they are not exactly "hidden". Hidden gems should refer to those resorts that, in spite of not being gold rated or rated at all, provide an exceptional experience.

My thought as well.

As the OP, my thoughts as well.

This is not about "undervalued gems"; it's "hidden gems".

 

[Luvstotravel]

If you like to ski, Bolton Valley resort in VT.
All units are right accross the street from the lifts, as close to ski in / ski out as it gets!

This small resort also have miles of rated cross country and snow shoe trails and is close to Burlington, VT for dinner and shopping.

VERY under rated ski resort, with night skiing to boot!! And close enough to Stowe / Smuggs if you want to ski another mountain while there.

The units are not luxury, but this place rocks!

I've never skied there, but visited it this summer while we were at Smuggler's Notch.

This place is for dedicated skiers, all right! Not much else to do there. I'd love a ski week here.

 

[LynnW]

It seems a lot of you like Whispering Woods but I see there is Whispering Woods and Whispering Woods 11. What is the difference between the two?
We are trying to plan a trip to Oregon for next Sept and are looking for a week in Seaside which could be difficult but a second week at Whispering Woods sounds great. Another hidden gem in Oregon is Stoneridge Townhomes in Sunriver.

Lynn

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

It seems a lot of you like Whispering Woods but I see there is Whispering Woods and Whispering Woods 11. What is the difference between the two?
We are trying to plan a trip to Oregon for next Sept and are looking for a week in Seaside which could be difficult but a second week at Whispering Woods sounds great. Another hidden gem in Oregon is Stoneridge Townhomes in Sunriver.

Lynn

The resort was built in two phases. The floor plans are different, but there isn't any real difference in quality or amenities. One possibly significant difference is that the WWII units are built on two levels, with outside stairways and no elevator for the second floor units. I believe all of the WWI units are ground level.

September is a very good time to visit. The western slopes of the Cascade mountains at that elevation are a temperate rain forest, and during rain season it can rain. A lot. Of course, that's what makes the area so green and lush.

WW also is a wonderful location for day trips to Columbia River Gorge, and to Washington and Oregon wine country. Hood River, OR, particularly has a largen collection of tasting rooms, and isn't as pretentious (or expensive) as Yamhill.

 

[sue1947]

It seems a lot of you like Whispering Woods but I see there is Whispering Woods and Whispering Woods 11. What is the difference between the two?
We are trying to plan a trip to Oregon for next Sept and are looking for a week in Seaside which could be difficult but a second week at Whispering Woods sounds great. Another hidden gem in Oregon is Stoneridge Townhomes in Sunriver.

Lynn

Just to add to Steve's post:
I was there in mid-Oct and really enjoyed it. I chatted with the folks at the front desk on which units are in which exchange system and it boils down to:
Most of the Interval weeks are in WWII (the Shell inventory) with lots of stairs and most of the RCI weeks are WWI which are townhomes. There are a few exceptions, but this gives you a good idea.

I really liked this resort. It seems to me the way a resort should be run. Nothing fancy but comfortable with money spent on things that matter. They have VERY comfortable mattresses and excellent soundproofing (we couldn't hear the new baby next door, for instance) so I don't care if the appliances are not stainless steel or the closet doors are a little scuffed up.

Sue

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Just to add to Steve's post:
I was there in mid-Oct and really enjoyed it. I chatted with the folks at the front desk on which units are in which exchange system and it boils down to:
Most of the Interval weeks are in WWII (the Shell inventory) with lots of stairs and most of the RCI weeks are WWI which are townhomes. There are a few exceptions, but this gives you a good idea.

I really liked this resort. It seems to me the way a resort should be run. Nothing fancy but comfortable with money spent on things that matter. They have VERY comfortable mattresses and excellent soundproofing (we couldn't hear the new baby next door, for instance) so I don't care if the appliances are not stainless steel or the closet doors are a little scuffed up.

Sue

And because it's also in VRI there is often good availability through TPI.

Every time we have stayed there we have rented using VRI VacationTyme.

 

[elaine]

thanks for the Casa de la Playa in La Jolla tip. I am going to put that one on my search, as well. We will likely be so busy that pools, etc. won't matter. Elaine

 

[LynnW]

Just to add to Steve's post:
I was there in mid-Oct and really enjoyed it. I chatted with the folks at the front desk on which units are in which exchange system and it boils down to:
Most of the Interval weeks are in WWII (the Shell inventory) with lots of stairs and most of the RCI weeks are WWI which are townhomes. There are a few exceptions, but this gives you a good idea.

I really liked this resort. It seems to me the way a resort should be run. Nothing fancy but comfortable with money spent on things that matter. They have VERY comfortable mattresses and excellent soundproofing (we couldn't hear the new baby next door, for instance) so I don't care if the appliances are not stainless steel or the closet doors are a little scuffed up.

Sue

Thanks for the replies. I'm seeing availability for both phases with RCI Points but have to wait a couple of days for the check in date I want.

Lynn

 

[scotlass]

Melfort Village & La Vista

I know I am biased, but we have loved Melfort Village on the West Coast of Scotland for more than 25 years...never exchange it any more as we go every summer. Very peaceful on a salt water loch but with access to the islands out of Oban. The drive from Glasgow/Edinburgh itself is breathtaking.

We also love La Vista in St. Maarten. It's also very quiet but fantastic ocean views and near to restaurants, grocery stores, shopping. That's another that we don't trade.

I consider both to be hidden gems.

 

[travelplus]

The Ridge Tahoe is a Hidden Gem in my opinion. We are owners there and are treated so well. In fact I called to make my reservation today for 2014 and in 2 minutes I got the week I wanted in a 2 bedroom Cascades. Then I called Interval to exchange our Marriott Desert Springs Villas 2 for a 2 bedroom at The Ridge. Called back The Ridge reservations and told them about the next week and was able to get the same unit we had for the past 2 years(plus one time on Bonus Time) for both weeks.

We love being at the top of the hill especially during Memorial Day when the crowds are at the bottom. We love the free BlueGo Shuttle service for busy weekends like Memorial Day Weekend.

The features at this resort are of a high class resort and Club. I love The Cascades because we are so close to the Knoll Pool just up to the top level and across an enclosed bridge and up the stairs. The main Clubhouse and Pool is just a 5 minute walk. There is also a shuttle that takes you around the resort. You can even access the Tahoe Rim Trail(Part of the Pacific Crest Trail from behind Nagle Building 10).

There is also Day Use as well should you not be able to get in at The Ridge and your resort does not have proper gym or pool facilities.

In the Unit they have Sleep Number Beds, a large living room with sofas 2 bathrooms one with a Jacuzzi Tub and the Lock Off Unit has such a large bathroom with a separate shower and tub.

The couch in the lockoff unit is also very comfortable to sit on to watch T.V.

The manager here is friendly and they are on site unlike other large properties. The Management Company sits right on property and have been very helpful.

We love their banana bread that they bake on site and leave in the unit before we arrive.

The Deli on site has great prices for Breakfast Items. We love the views from the resort and breathing the fresh mountain air.

What's more there is a Private Gondola that connects with the Heavenly Valley Gondola plus a ski shuttle in the winter. There are also free ski lockers located next to the garage which doubles up as golf lockers in the Summer.

It's a true gem and I would exchange here over other places in Tahoe.

 

[Krystyna]

2 favorites in the UK

Sutton Hall Club nr York (England) small number of units but all have been refurbished to a high level and the staff are delightful and efficient. This is a great base to get to the east coast of Yorkshire; then day trips round the Yorkshire Moors and Dales. We have even been up really early and had a great day in the Lake District, though next yr will be renting a self contained cottage on a farm to the east side of the Lake District.

Stouts Hill Club...what a hidden gem, we bought resale but this will be last one to go ! Well run, small number of units set in fantastic grounds. I did a review yrs ago but it is still in great shape. Family have rented thru us and all agree with our assessments. The Cotswolds area of England is full of houses to visit/gardens...close to Bath. Superb staff.

We still own at Hilton Craigendarroch (Scotland) for the moment...but it's a large timeshare area. Wonderful countryside to explore and the Hotel part is now converting their hotel units to 'timeshare suites'....

Exchanged into Barnsdale Country Club (England) and Hilton Coylumbridge (Scotland) for 2014. Although Barnsdale is a large resort/hotel..I feel this could be a hidden gem. Will do TUG reports on both.

Krystyna/Richard

 

[channimal]

Rangeley Lake Resort in Rangeley Maine. 2-3br Log cabins... by the lake.. perfect site for leaf-peeping in the fall.. hiking in summer... canoeing... and the views are picture perfect.

 

[lalahe]

Anyone have any new hidden gems they have visited recently? I'm always looking for cool places to add to my list of "should visit"

 

[chriskre]

Anyone have any new hidden gems they have visited recently? I'm always looking for cool places to add to my list of "should visit"

Recently stayed at Coconut Mallory in Key West.
Nice little resort rarely seen in the exchange companies.

Also, Enchanted Isle which is my favorite beach timeshare.
Nothing fancy but a fabulous beach and nice staff.

Beach Club I in Ft. Myers, all gulf/oceanfront units.

 

[JohnPaul]

Swan Mountain Resort - Dillon, CO

In my view this one truly meets the hidden gem mark.

This is an independent timeshare on the outskirts of Dillon, CO. As we are skiers with Epic Passes from Vail Resorts we love that it is 5 minutes from Keystone, 15 minutes from Arapahoe, 20 minutes from Breckenridge, 30 minutes from Vail and 45 minutes from Beaver Creek.

Location alone would not make it a hidden gem. It is the most well supplied timeshare I have ever stayed in. A unit that sleeps 6 will have at least 12 plates, cups, silverware, etc. It will also have napkins, aluminum foil, all kinds of pots and pans and serving dishes. Need a crock pot - just ask!!

Some units have gas fireplaces and some have wood burning. Wood is supplied in unending quantities.

There is one carport slot per unit which is wonderful in Colorado in the winter.

Units are a bit dated in decor but very clean and in good condition. Formica - not granite and white appliances - not stainless.

We use RCI points to trade in every year. The clubhouse has an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor spas, tennis courts. The staff could not be more friendly.

Most units are 1 or 2 bedroom units (although one version of 2 bedroom has a loft and 3 bathroom sleeping 8 comfortably.)

As the buildings are all 3 stories (with a loft in the third floor unit) you may be in for some stairs.

There is one unit that is an anomoly. It is one half of a duplex. Four bedrooms and 4 baths. Sleeps up to 12. Hot tub and sauna in the unit. Garage for one car.

We will be in that unit again next week with friends totalling about 10 people.

 

[andex]

cool thread!

 

[Garnet]

Tahoe Beach and Ski

Just read the thread-surprised Tahoe Beach and Ski isn't on it. Mostly studios and 1 bedrooms (most partial kitchens, a few full kitchens). Right on Lake Tahoe-they have their own huge beach-volleyball pit (sand), kids playground, fun activities (for a smaller resort they do a great job). Well managed and very homey. We bought an OEY (even though we have 3 kids) hoping to go with either just the kids, or when a kid or two are visiting Grandma/Grandpa-I like it that much.

 

[eal]

I hesitate to post this because I don't mind if the resort remains "hidden", but we absolutely love the cabins at Glacier Wilderness Resort in Montana.

 

[Egret1986]

I guess someone else found my hidden gem and just had to have it for himself.

Golden Strand Ocean Villas in Sunny Isles. I'm sure "The Donald" will take a wrecking ball to it and I'll never be able to afford to stay in this area of South Florida's Riviera again. TUG Brian just shared the news in another thread.