Barony Beach - Pics of new pool area at Garden Units

[aka Julie]

Everything looks great. Is the garden pool heated?

No, unfortunately. Since we own silver season, all these improvements mean very little to us since it's usually too cold to go swimming when we're there (and we own garden units). Paying for it with our MF, but can't take advantage of the pool improvements. Guess we'll have to be content with just looking at it.

 

[tschwa2]

That's too bad. We like to go to HHI during Spring break and since exchangers usually end up in Garden view, I thought this would be ideal. Oh well. At least the grilling area looks nice too.

 

[aka Julie]

That's too bad. We like to go to HHI during Spring break and since exchangers usually end up in Garden view, I thought this would be ideal. Oh well. At least the grilling area looks nice too.

The outside pool by the check-in building is heated. It also houses the Marketplace, spa, exercise room, and an indoor pool. It's about a 1-2 minute walk from the gardenview buildings depending on which one you are located.

 

[Kelly&Sean]

Has the waterslide opened yet?

 

[Whirl]

Has the waterslide opened yet?

Looks like it, founds this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0BDrmk8jgc
It's not the best video (shaky) but you can definitely see the slide well.

 

[MTUSA]

We were there last week and the waterslide is now open mid-morning till 5pm with a lifeguard. The new upgrades really enhance the overall property. Great new bar/grill structure by the ocean pool with covered open air tables and bar seating. Lots of oceanside guests were making the trek over to the gardenside for the new waterslide and kid's water feature areas. The new gardenside pavilion is beautiful with gas grills, tables, HDTVs, ping pong, and foosball. Also there are more scheduled activities on the gardenside now including live music and firepit smores on various days. Very nice enhancements!

 

[Whirl]

We were there last week and the waterslide is now open mid-morning till 5pm with a lifeguard. The new upgrades really enhance the overall property. Great new bar/grill structure by the ocean pool with covered open air tables and bar seating. Lots of oceanside guests were making the trek over to the gardenside for the new waterslide and kid's water feature areas. The new gardenside pavilion is beautiful with gas grills, tables, HDTVs, ping pong, and foosball. Also there are more scheduled activities on the gardenside now including live music and firepit smores on various days. Very nice enhancements!

The more I hear, the more bummed I am that we are not going to go there this year. Thanks for the reports!

 

[jazzeah]

we are going there starting July 6. Does anyone have a map of the property? I want to request ocean view but probably not get it

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

we are going there starting July 6. Does anyone have a map of the property? I want to request ocean view but probably not get it

Oceanview at Barony is the same as tree view. I'm confident you'll get that, lol.

Enjoy your stay there



.

 

[Whirl]

we are going there starting July 6. Does anyone have a map of the property? I want to request ocean view but probably not get it

Technically, there is no "ocean view" designation at Barony.....just OCEANSIDE, as deeded, but referred to as COURTYARD VIEW on the Marriott website.

Otherwise, there is OCEANFRONT and GARDEN, as you probably know.

 

[SueDonJ]

Technically, there is no "ocean view" designation at Barony.....just OCEANSIDE, as deeded, but referred to as COURTYARD VIEW on the Marriott website.

Otherwise, there is OCEANFRONT and GARDEN, as you probably know.

+1

We were at SurfWatch last week and took a walk up to Barony - the whole place looks FANTASTIC! What great improvements they've made to both pool areas! Can't wait for our trip in September, I think Don's already picked out his new favorite bar stool for the MLB day games that week.

 

[jme]

changes...

Walked over the various Barony improvements a couple days ago, and they are quite nice. Especially like the new Bar & Grill at oceanfront area of phase II (oceanside/oceanfront). Already a crowded and popular place......there were only a few available chairs at the counter......nice TV's, great vibe. Food smelled great.

The Garden section re-make includes a unique twist for Marriott-------a sand area around the major pool (in-between bldgs and pool), upon which sits all the chaise lounge chairs to simulate a beachside sunning area. That's pretty cool. Might make the pool bottom a bit more sandy, we'll have to see what guests say about that. Didn't notice foot showers, but they're probably there.

Altho I like the total Garden section re-make with the great zero-entry pool, kids' pool/play area, slide, grill/fireplace, fire pit, etc., to me it makes the whole area seem much smaller, since all of that was forced in. Of course, that was inevitable when you add so much. I'm glad they added the various features, but it seems a lot less "open" and airy than before. Given the option, I'd still pick the new changes, though. Just sayin'.

Nice job Marriott!!! It's great to know that ongoing improvements have always been a major part of each and every resort in the system.

 

[jme]

New poolside experiment at Barony Garden section

I decided to post a few pics of what I think are, imho, the defining changes to the poolside experience at the Barony Garden section which were not addressed in previous photos. To my knowledge, the changes are unique to the Marriott resorts in that the "beach sand experience" (my words) is being installed in an attempt to simulate what that section is missing, i.e., proximity to the ocean.

If you'll notice, the plentiful number of chaise lounge chairs are all sitting on beach sand, and it's immediately adjacent to the buildings, and separates the buildings from the pool. That's a first, and I find it a fascinating concept. Some may find that sufficient enough to skip the walk to the ocean. Doubtful, maybe, but still pretty original. At least it's an enhancement that gets some sand between your toes in an otherwise somewhat-removed location.

 

[Whirl]

hmmm. can't say i am thrilled about the sand at the pool. love the beach, but i hate tracking sand about when its time to leave the beach. thanks for the great shots, though.