Beach Place Towers or Ocean Pointe

[laurac260]

At BeachPlace there's no need to drive late at night through unsafe slums to get a good upscale meal...or to sit alone at 10 p.m. in a bar watching football on tv. jMHO, biased of course as I own at BeachPlace and go there every year. 100 steps to the huge CVS next door to the Ritz.

Brian

He's right, there's no need to drive thru unsafe slums at Beachplace. You can WALK right past the unsafe areas!

 

[Quilter]

I have the week of 12/11-12/18/2010 at Beach Place Towers and the week of 12/30-1/6/2011 at Ocean Pointe. Traded for both; don't ask why. Both are two bedrooms. We are an older couple. One needs to be canceled. Which one? Your thoughts requested.

Thanks.

I'm a fan of Ocean Pointe. Won't go into the reasons we don't like BPT since the yin yang of both resorts has already been pretty thoroughly discussed.

What I wanted to point out are the dates you have both resorts reserved. We've been to Ocean Pointe several times during the Christmas/New Years break. The last December trip we had 1 day of sunshine. On the other December vacations we generally had cool temps and wind and would have the cabana guys rig up beach chairs sheltered by a tilted umbrella. This past year was especially cold. When we got there in late February there was lots of grousing from those who began their vacations in January about how cold it had been. If you look at temp. averages for the area you will see Dec. and Jan. are the lowest.

Personally, I'm done with December trips to Florida.

Think about what you'd like to do if you have cool temps and lots of clouds. Maybe that will help you decide which resort will work best for you.

p.s. I've also been at our place in Chicago this past week with Lollapalooza and the filming of Transformers 3.

 

[Steve A]

Quilter:

My folks retired to Florida from New Jersey many years ago so I am familiar with the iffy nature of December weather in Florida. But no matter how cold it will be there it will not be as cold as Wisconsin in December.

Is there a significant difference in the weather between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale that time of year?

 

[notfes53]

A view from across the pond - we first looked at BPT on a touring vacation when our children were in their teens, before we'd bought our first timeshare. We'd used Priceline to nab a few heavily discounted nights at Marriott Harbour Beach in Ft Lauderdale and were driving past it a few times whilst we were there. If BPT had been our first experience of timeshare, I'm not sure we'd have purchased! We made our first ts purchase in Grande Vista

Since our children stopped wanted to holiday with us (except when we go to Thailand) we've exchanged (Florida Club) into BPT on a couple of occasions and even paid to stay there once on a last-minute quick trip because it is located in such a buzzy area. As a base for touring and shopping (e.g. Sawgrass Mills etc) as well as venturing further afield down towards Miami - it is very well situated, and convenient for flights if your arrival point is MIA.

Thinking about our 2011 options I've been drawn towards OP for all the attributes mentioned above, and because we'll probably be less interested in shopping and high-end dining (credit crunch) and more interested in relaxing on our next USA trip. We'll probably fly into Orlando too, and although the difference in driving mileage will be negligible compared to Ft Lauderdale, it's on the right side!

Good luck with whatever you choose, but we'll opt for OP next time as we fancy a change and a bit of peace and quiet.

 

[Quilter]

Quilter:

My folks retired to Florida from New Jersey many years ago so I am familiar with the iffy nature of December weather in Florida. But no matter how cold it will be there it will not be as cold as Wisconsin in December.

Is there a significant difference in the weather between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale that time of year?

Steve, being from a similar climate I understand how December weather is a relative matter. I only made my post so you were forewarned. Those vacation surprises mess with my head .

Looking at weather.com averages it doesn't look much different between West Palm and Ft. Lauderdale. In Florida (and generally everywhere else) I've found you have to travel 3-5 hours north or south to get a difference in temps. For example, in Michigan for every 4 hours north we recede about a month in the Spring. My lilacs bloom in May but Mackinac's bloom in June. When I'm coming home from OP in the Spring I can catch the early Spring blooms all the way back to Michigan by staying in Hilton Head for a couple weeks and then moving on to Williamsburg. Wonderful for a Spring junkie like me. I get back home just in time for the first burst of bloom.

I also checked Key West to see the difference--that may be something to think about for another trip. Next February we're using a travel package (saving miles for another trip) to stay at the Key West Beachside Marriott for a week before we begin our March stay at OP. It will be our first time to Key West.

 

[pwrshift]

Quilter:

Is there a significant difference in the weather between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale that time of year?

There really isn't much temperature difference between WPB and FL as they are only about an hour's drive apart. There is, however, quite a difference between Orlando and LAUD/WPB in the off season (Jan-Feb) as I believe the Tropic of Cancer line cuts through Stuart, FL and does make a difference the further you go south into the tropical zone.

Last Feb when I was in Fort Lauderdale the weather was terrible, unusually so, with jacket and sweater evenings most of the mid-Feb to mid-Mar time I was there. I've been going to Fort Lauderdale at this time of year for over 30 years now and won't soon forget 2010. Weird weather for sure this year...so 2011 is certain to be better.

Brian

 

[Smooth Air]

notfes53, would it be possible for you to fly to PBI ( Palm Beach International) instead of Orlando? PBI is only 20 minutes from Ocean Pointe!

 

[pwrshift]

I assume he's coming on an international flight which probably limits him to Miami and orlando .. Not sure if Ft Laud has international. Plus I've noticed that flights to WPB usually have a bigger premium than at the other three.

Brian

 

[dioxide45]

There really isn't much temperature difference between WPB and FL as they are only about an hour's drive apart. There is, however, quite a difference between Orlando and LAUD/WPB in the off season (Jan-Feb) as I believe the Tropic of Cancer line cuts through Stuart, FL and does make a difference the further you go south into the tropical zone.

Last Feb when I was in Fort Lauderdale the weather was terrible, unusually so, with jacket and sweater evenings most of the mid-Feb to mid-Mar time I was there. I've been going to Fort Lauderdale at this time of year for over 30 years now and won't soon forget 2010. Weird weather for sure this year...so 2011 is certain to be better.

Brian

Actually the Tropic of Cancer is farther south than both cities. It either runs through or just a little north of Cuba. So neither are in the tropical zone.

 

[Quilter]

It doesn't even need a name but there is definitely an invisible weather line just below Orlando that makes a difference between it and southern Florida.

 

[Steve A]

Urggg!!! Too much information. We still can't decide.

 

[kjd]

Definition of subtropics from Wikipedia: (Probably too much information)

"The subtropics are the geographical and climatical zone of the Earth immediately north and south of the tropical zone, which is bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, at latitudes 23.5°N and 23.5°S. The term "subtropical" describes the climatic region found adjacent to the tropics, usually between 20 and 40 degrees of latitude in both hemispheres."

Palm Beach lies at 26.7 degrees north while Ft Lauderdale is at 26.12. Hardly a significant difference in climate. Both PB and FLL have subtropical monsoon climates. Two real seasons instead of four. Wet season beginning about May and Dry season beginning about December. January is the coldest month average high is 75 and average low is 57. Coldest recorded temperature in Palm Beach was 24 degrees in 1894.

As per the previous posts the lifestyle of either resort is probably a more important consideration than any differences in weather. One is more laid back and the other is more city-like. I've found the immediate area surrounding OP to not be a problem. After that, I don't know. The TUG reviews of each property are probably the best way to make a comparison IMO.

 

[laurac260]

Urggg!!! Too much information. We still can't decide.

Try this one: From noon on, the building at beachplace towers totally eclipses the pool. If you want to sit by the pool in total shade, you might enjoy it. If you want to get any sun by or in the pool in the afternoon, forget it.

or, people talk about the nightlife and multimillion dollar yachts. They forget to mention the shacks and pawn shops. The area around BPT is rather dirty. So is the beach. The beach is right on a busy road. In fact, I would not call it a beach, I would call it a strip of dirty sand that happens to come between a busy street and the ocean.

We picked BPT back in December because someone told us you don't want to go to the Ocean Point because of the proximity to Riviera Beach. That area has developed quite a bad reputation. Last year we were looking at inexpensive condos in florida. Lots of awesome deals to be found in Riviera Beach. A realtor steered me HEAVILY away from that area.

Well, I think we should have taken our chances and tried Ocean Point. Didn't like a thing about BPT or the surrounding areas.

 

[Quilter]

Riviera Beach gets lots of ink whenever OP is mentioned. Steve, if I was to compare it to something in Chicago I would pick the south side. We take the Skyway to Stoney Island, past Jackson Park to LSD when we arrive. If it's after 10 p.m. we think twice and possibly skip Stoney Island and stay on 90 to 94. Another comparison, I was up and down Clinton and Canal this past week to get to Union Station many times during daylight. Then the other night it was past 9 and I was coming back from the south loop Whole Foods and picked Canal. Not as comfortable as in the day. I'd probably skip that route next time and use Roosevelt to Michigan or Columbus. That's what you do when you're at OP. Blue Heron is fine in the day, at night you probably go PGA.

So, for a whole week at OP how many times do you think you'll need to go east/west on Blue Heron after dark? The fact is you may never need that route after dark.

In the day we often use Blue Heron to get to Military, Congress and US 1.

Here's another comparison. Would you like to spend a week vacationing on Navy Pier or Millenium Park? The greenery and landscaping on the OP property is very relaxing.

Grator Gator is a nearby grocery. Not fancy but the locals use it and they carry Boar's Head deli products.

One of our routines is to get up in the morning, walk through Palm Beach Shores, over the Blue Heron bridge (look for starfish in the water below), possibly stop for something cold at the marina that's connected to the large condo on the other side or the bridge, return via Sailfish Marina and the inlet park/walkway. Nice way to start the day. The inlet is also very nice at sunset.

There's a restaurant -- Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill just the other side of the brige that gets good reviews. From the same dock you can catch a water taxi to Peanut Island for a fun outing. This is something we haven't done yet but is on my list of things to do: http://www.pbmm.org/Page1.htm#Schedule


Actually Oceana Palms is located in Riviera Beach

 

[pwrshift]

Urggg!!! Too much information. We still can't decide.

Only you can make that decision Steve as you know which appeals to you more - a very upscale hi rise city beach area or a very nice (but disjointed) sleepy beach resort in a run down residential area. One has swarms of kids and the other has mostly adults.

The weather will be the same in both places, but if it's too chilly to enjoy the beach or pool you'll have museums, live theatre, great restaurants, movie theatres, shopping, etc. all just a few minutes from BP. Some people in this tread, especially OP owners, live in the past when it comes to accepting how upscale the BP area now is, compared to the old wet tee shirt days in the movies. I miss those days. Even in today's economy there are now condos on either side of BP selling for millions of dollars.

http://www.sunny.org/webcam/

Here's a site link which outlines what you can do in Lauderdale, and note that it shows a live view of the actual beachfront in front of BP...and you can see that the one-way traffic is seldom a problem.

I don't think there's a webcam of the OP area for obvious reasons. I have never forgotten my first visit to OP just after they finished the first 2 buildings. I drove north up the road a couple of minutes to the little public beach area which was swarming with motorcycle gangs, and one guy kicked the side of my car as I passed by. I haven't been a fan of the area ever since. No joke.

The good natured barbs we Tuggers and guests toss back and forth have confused you. They are hugely different resorts and you'll enjoy either one. Be sure to let us know which one you select.

Brian

 

[Quilter]

This person has given a pretty good picture album of the OP area:

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8299692

 

[dougp26364]

Urggg!!! Too much information. We still can't decide.

I really don't think there's such a thing as a wrong decision between these two. The major differences seem to be one is more metropolitan with many things within walking distance and fewer resort amenities and the other is a little more remote, requiring a rental car just to go to a major grocery store but, it's right on the beach and has more amenities on the resort grounds. One suite's us better than the other but, if we went to the other I'm sure we'd feel right at home and have a great time.

Flip a coin, let fate decide and then don't look back or worry another second about it.

 

[jimf41]

There's only one way to settle this dispute. A contest. OP has a bowling team, complete with cheerleaders. I suggest a winner take all match in the Platinum season (that's when our best bowlers are there). Do you guys at BP even have a bowling team? If not you better form one if you want bragging rights. Maybe we can get somebody from Oceana Palms to oversee the contest.

 

[davemy]

OMG THATS FUNNY!!!!:rofl:

 

[Steve A]

My head is bursting!!!

"I'm so confused."-- Vinnie Barbarino

 

[Steve A]

Strong lean now to Ft. Lauderdale although we don't have to make a decision for several months.

 

[Steve A]

Strong lean now to Ft. Lauderdale although we don't have to make a decision for several months.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

 

[DanR]

In fact, I would not call it a beach, I would call it a strip of dirty sand that happens to come between a busy street and the ocean.

http://www.sunny.org/webcam/

Can't wait.........I'll be at this dirty strip of sand next month.:whoopie:

 

[Quilter]

Steve, I don't understand the strategy of waiting to cancel. You said you'd get full use of the trade for a year. Can you explain?

You could fill in the missing days with a 5 day point certificate at The Resort on Singer Island or see about changing the first week you have for something that matches up with the one for New Year's and stay a both places. Then you'd be a "go to" expert 3 weeks would do a lot to relieve the stress from those jobs.

 

[mas]

http://www.sunny.org/webcam/

Can't wait.........I'll be at this dirty strip of sand next month.:whoopie:

I think the default cam is located at Beach Place Market.