Grande Ocean

[disneymom1]

We are looking forward to staying at Grande Ocean in a few weeks! First time staying at this TUG favorite. So excited!

Any room request suggestions? Which buildings have been recently updated? Which have good views? We are ocean side and are 2 adults traveling with our 11 year old twins.

2nd bedroom - 2 queen beds or a single king? Washer/dryer full size or smaller size?

Does GO have refillable soda mugs available for purchase?

Grocery store recommendations?

Looking forward to biking the trails at Sea Pines. How much are bike rentals from Marriott? Do we need to bring bike locks?

All advice GREATLY appreciated!

 

[Phillie]

lots of great information here

Hi,
There is a lot of great information on this forum if you search for grande ocean. There is an entire thread just dedicated to the restaurants (http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211351&page=6). The north side of the complex was just refurbished. South is still to be done. The south has two pools and the north one with a kind of lagoon feeling. Yes almost all of the second bedrooms have two twins and the master is a king. A full size washer and dyer are near the entrance door across from the second bedroom and second bathroom. I don't know about soda as we don't drink it. There is the dolphin grill where you can eat lunch or an early dinner on the south side. Of course there is the famous pool bar jims too with the new deck (http://www.poolbarjims.com/pbj.html). As for groceries there are many and everyone has their own opinion. We tend to go to Krogers but that is just us. You can rent bikes directly from Grande Ocean under the Sea Horse building and they will give you a pass for sea pines. We will be there August 14 to 28. I have two boys (13 and 10). See you there.

 

[lweverett]

For your twins, I would prefer the south end as it overlooks the main pool and even lower floors will have a view. The north end has an adult pool and a lot of trees that will block the views from all but highest floors. We stayed in the south end last December and furniture and fixtures were fine.

 

[aka Julie]

When you rent bikes from Marriott they provide a lock and there are bike racks placed around the property to store them.

 

[GreenTea]

I was there early in the spring. Bikes were $30 for the week and locks were provided. Baskets as well if you want one. Racks are under each building.

The closest grocery is a Bi-Lo. Its fine. Nothing special but you'll get what you need there.

Most of the second bedrooms have 2 queens, but some do have a queen and, I think, also a sofa bed. Not many are like that but call to request the 2 queens if you definitely want them.

I had a full size washer and dryer. My room had been renovated. I'm not sure if they previously had stackable units or not.

 

[jont]

There are lots of grocery stores on HHi to fit every taste and budget. The already suggested BiLo is off Pope Ave and is the closest. Be sure to check out Kenny B's next door. There is also a Harris Teeter and a Publix close to the Main Gate for Sea Pines, off Greenwood. Further up 278 is a Kroger(best wine selection on the Island) a Fresh Market and I think a Whole Foods also opened up. The Kroger and the WF are within the Shelter Cove Town Center. All are pretty convient to GO. There are also others further out 278 just before the Cross island parkway split

 

[BocaBoy]

For a grocery store we thought Harris Tweeter was very good.

 

[Fasttr]

2nd bedroom - 2 queen beds or a single king?

Yes almost all of the second bedrooms have two twins and the master is a king.

Most of the second bedrooms have 2 queens, but some do have a queen and, I think, also a sofa bed. Not many are like that but call to request the 2 queens if you definitely want them

According to the owners letter that the GM puts out each year, 88% of the villa's have a 2nd BR with 2 Queens and 12% have a 2nd BR with a Queen and a sleeper sofa.

As GreenTea said, best to call ahead if you have a specific need for the 2nd BR to assure the best opportunity to get what fits your needs.

 

[Fasttr]

For a grocery store we thought Harris Tweeter was very good.

This sounds like a Frankensteinian combination of a sports jacket, a social media app and a pharmacy/grocery store.

 

[JIMinNC]

This sounds like a Frankensteinian combination of a sports jacket, a social media app and a pharmacy/grocery store.

The real name is Harris Teeter.

It's a Charlotte-based grocery chain that now operates as a subsidiary of Kroger Corp.

 

[jeffwill]

Go to Harris Teeter on Monday for their pizza special. You'll be surprised at how GOOD they are. Usually $12.99, the Monday price is $7.99.

With kids---get a couple. Great for a quick lunch between pool/beach time.

 

[disneymom1]

Hi,
There is a lot of great information on this forum if you search for grande ocean. There is an entire thread just dedicated to the restaurants (http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211351&page=6). The north side of the complex was just refurbished. South is still to be done. The south has two pools and the north one with a kind of lagoon feeling. Yes almost all of the second bedrooms have two twins and the master is a king. A full size washer and dyer are near the entrance door across from the second bedroom and second bathroom. I don't know about soda as we don't drink it. There is the dolphin grill where you can eat lunch or an early dinner on the south side. Of course there is the famous pool bar jims too with the new deck (http://www.poolbarjims.com/pbj.html). As for groceries there are many and everyone has their own opinion. We tend to go to Krogers but that is just us. You can rent bikes directly from Grande Ocean under the Sea Horse building and they will give you a pass for sea pines. We will be there August 14 to 28. I have two boys (13 and 10). See you there.

Thanks! We will be sure to check out Pool Bar Jims! New deck looks very nice! Thanks for the link to the websites. Enjoyed Pool Bar Jim's website. The recommended restaurant list is so helpful.

We are checking in Sat Aug 22. My twins(boy/girl) are 11 and would love to meet your boys! I'll send you a PM when we arrive. Maybe the kids could meet at the pool.

 

[disneymom1]

There are lots of grocery stores on HHi to fit every taste and budget. The already suggested BiLo is off Pope Ave and is the closest. Be sure to check out Kenny B's next door. There is also a Harris Teeter and a Publix close to the Main Gate for Sea Pines, off Greenwood. Further up 278 is a Kroger(best wine selection on the Island) a Fresh Market and I think a Whole Foods also opened up. The Kroger and the WF are within the Shelter Cove Town Center. All are pretty convient to GO. There are also others further out 278 just before the Cross island parkway split

Thanks! Sounds like a good variety of grocery store. What type of a store is Kenny B's?

 

[disneymom1]

Go to Harris Teeter on Monday for their pizza special. You'll be surprised at how GOOD they are. Usually $12.99, the Monday price is $7.99.

With kids---get a couple. Great for a quick lunch between pool/beach time.

Thank you! Looks like Monday will be Harris Teeter pizza day! Kids LOVE pizza!

 

[ilene13]

Thanks! Sounds like a good variety of grocery store. What type of a store is Kenny B's?

It's not, it's a restaurant that has New Orleans style food.