I was in Daytona Beach last week at Diamond's Daytona Beach Regency (just submitted a favorable review). This was my first stay here in a timeshare resort. Since most of these timeshares have not had reviews in forever, I decided to checkout a number of them to put on my "would or would not stay" list, especially since a lot of them sustained huricane damage a few years ago. I walked into the resorts I was interested in and asked the front desk if I could see an effic. as well as a 1 BR unit. I did not want to see the model and did not talk to the timeshare people. Everyone I went to was most accomodating. Either an employee took me to the rooms or they just gave me the keys. I basically just wanted to know if the rooms were clean and comfortable. Here are my results:
COVE ON ORMOND BEACH: Unfortunately, there was no one available to let me in a room, but the clerk did tell me that the North Tower was in the process of being renovated and should be complete by the end of this year or early next year. All units in this building were being renonvated. Based on that and the looks of the outside of the resort - it is on my list of "would trys".
THE GEORGIAN: I forgot to note why, but I wrote 'NO, NO, NO, NO" next to the resorts name on my list. But it would have been because of musty smell, dirty or run down units/furnishings, and/or horrible mattress.
CASA DEL MAR: I liked the efficiencies. The bed was comfortable and the unit was appealing and clean. The 1 BR had very inadequate lighting and the shower was yulk!
SUNRISE BEACH CLUB: This would depend on the unit. I don't know why the 2008 RCI book calls this a silver crown, the only amenities are a pool, whirlpool and the beach. Anyway, the parking is horrible adn a tight squeeze (would definately expect to get dings in your door panels from other cars). You need a key to get in the very, very small resort - otherwise you need to phone the "front desk" to let you in. Lobby/front desk is a small office - no real lobby. The resort is three floors and all rooms have outside entry like a motel. Real keys are used, not key cards. This resort had major huricane damage and has been nicely repaired. I went into two efficiencies and a 1 BR. The only problem I had with the rooms was that one of them on the first floor had a terrible musty odor. Obviously had not been sufficiently taken care of from hurricane water damage. If I could be guaranteed a room on the second floor that didn't have a musty smell, I would stay here.
AMERICANO BEACH LODGE: Looks dumpy from outside, hallways are very, very narrow and the rooms had a very, very obvious musty odor. I would DEFINATELY not stay here.
DAYTONA RESORT & CLUB: Small and not on the ocean (across the street from direct beach access), all units with balconies, some with ocean views. Units were exceptionally clean and comfortable. Not fancy, but I would DEFINATELY stay here.
I did not go into any of the ones at Daytona Beach Shores, maybe next time. Hope this helps some of you planning a trip to this area. I don't know about you, but I hate making trades into resorts that haven't had reviews in more than a year!
COVE ON ORMOND BEACH: Unfortunately, there was no one available to let me in a room, but the clerk did tell me that the North Tower was in the process of being renovated and should be complete by the end of this year or early next year. All units in this building were being renonvated. Based on that and the looks of the outside of the resort - it is on my list of "would trys".
THE GEORGIAN: I forgot to note why, but I wrote 'NO, NO, NO, NO" next to the resorts name on my list. But it would have been because of musty smell, dirty or run down units/furnishings, and/or horrible mattress.
CASA DEL MAR: I liked the efficiencies. The bed was comfortable and the unit was appealing and clean. The 1 BR had very inadequate lighting and the shower was yulk!
SUNRISE BEACH CLUB: This would depend on the unit. I don't know why the 2008 RCI book calls this a silver crown, the only amenities are a pool, whirlpool and the beach. Anyway, the parking is horrible adn a tight squeeze (would definately expect to get dings in your door panels from other cars). You need a key to get in the very, very small resort - otherwise you need to phone the "front desk" to let you in. Lobby/front desk is a small office - no real lobby. The resort is three floors and all rooms have outside entry like a motel. Real keys are used, not key cards. This resort had major huricane damage and has been nicely repaired. I went into two efficiencies and a 1 BR. The only problem I had with the rooms was that one of them on the first floor had a terrible musty odor. Obviously had not been sufficiently taken care of from hurricane water damage. If I could be guaranteed a room on the second floor that didn't have a musty smell, I would stay here.
AMERICANO BEACH LODGE: Looks dumpy from outside, hallways are very, very narrow and the rooms had a very, very obvious musty odor. I would DEFINATELY not stay here.
DAYTONA RESORT & CLUB: Small and not on the ocean (across the street from direct beach access), all units with balconies, some with ocean views. Units were exceptionally clean and comfortable. Not fancy, but I would DEFINATELY stay here.
I did not go into any of the ones at Daytona Beach Shores, maybe next time. Hope this helps some of you planning a trip to this area. I don't know about you, but I hate making trades into resorts that haven't had reviews in more than a year!