HGVC Marco Island: Substandard & Overflow

[Ron98GT]

So, wonder if anybody had a chance to read these posts regarding the HGVC properties on Marco Island, specifically Eagles Nest and the Charter Club. Apparently the HGVC properties are substandard properites and are only used as overflow when people can't book at the Marriott TS or other properties on Marco Island. Am I missing something? Are they really Motel 8 (6) TS's? Are they really that bad? I didn't think so

HGVC, like in many parts of the world, owns no purpose built properties on Marco Island.

The Charter Club and Eagles Nest are HGVC "Managed" properties and are sub-standard in resort Quality and amenities IMHO.

Those two properties are referred to on the Island as "Overflow" facilities when customers cant book Marriott.

Now with the Marriott expansion and reflagging into a JW property, Eagles Nest will surely cement its position as a bottom feeder on the Island.

FT

I think they are substandard as compared to other properties on the Island.

I don't need to look and speculate at Trip Advisor because I have stayed at all of these properties. I live close enough to visit the island daily if desired and know the history of the properties and the Island.

Both the Charter Club and Eagles Nest are older properties which offer little amenities as compared to other options on the Island.

Neither property has dedicated Dinning facilities so Charter Club guests go over to Stilts at Crystal Shores and Eagles Nest folks can go over to the Marriott for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if desired.

The pools at both facilities are also old, small, and in need of refurbishment. The tennis courts are is similar condition.

The kids love the water slides, game rooms, and Pizza from Pazzi's at Marriott. Both Marriott properties offer dedicated kids programs. None of which are even remotely offered at those other older properties you mentioned.

If Charter Club and Eagles Nest folks want massages, again they go over to the Marriott for a world class SPA. If the Charter Club and Eagles Nest guests want to Golf, again they go to the Rockery or Hammocks Bay facilities managed again by Marriott.

The Marriott properties also have dedicated pool and beach cabanas with table and beach bar service offered. Charter Club and Eagles nest offer nothing remotely similar. Oh, and if you want to rent a kayak, sailboat, or jet ski at Charter Club/Eagles Nest, guess what? they go to the Marriott to book it along with other tours/excursions.

Comparing Marriott to Charter Club/Eagles nest on Marco Island is a joke! Its like comparing Ritz Carlton to Motel 8.

FT

 

[PigsDad]

HGVC's Marco Island properties are definitely older, smaller and don't have all the amenities as the larger HGVC or Marriott resorts, but I would hardly classify them as "Motel 8" properties. We own at Surf Club (which is smaller and older than Eagles Nest), and we love it there. Most of the rooms are ocean front (only a few rooms are ocean view), the tennis courts are in great shape, and while the pool is indeed small, the resort is small -- there is plenty of room for everyone.

We have walked down to Eagles Nest (just a block or two away), and everything there is just as nice and a bit newer.

FractionalTraveler seems to ding these resorts for not having large pool areas, restaurants, spas, beach services, kids programs, etc. But these are small resorts -- someone looking for the big resort feel would be disappointed. I guess it is highly dependent on what your expectations are as to if you would like the resort or not.

But "Motel 8"? Talk about hyperbole.

Kurt

 

[Talent312]

Having been to Marco on many occasions -- starting when there were no resorts, just a wide open beach -- I concur with Kurt's observations and would add: The major amenity which these resorts have is this: The sandy beach and and the gentle Gulf surf. IMHO, there is no need for any other.
.

 

[PigsDad]

Having been to Marco on many occasions -- starting when there were no resorts, just a wide open beach -- I concur with Kurt's observations and would add: The major amenity which these resorts have is this: The sandy beach and and the gentle Gulf surf. IMHO, there is no need for any other.
.

Excellent point. We spend most of our time on the beach -- I really don't care if there is an on-site restaurant, waterslide, etc. The view from our top-floor ocean-front balcony ain't bad either!

Kurt

 

[elaine]

we are big resort, fancy pool people--usually only Marriotts, HGVC, DVC, etc. We got a spring break 2Br exchange to HGVC Surf Club last year. I saw it was old, etc. and thought, "well, we lucked out with an RCI exchange, we'll make the best of it."
We LOVED Surf Club! The rooms was very nice, huge balconies, great pool area, even if it was small, plenty of shade, no grabbing deck chairs at 7am! Great staff--We left our kids' raincoats in a drawer. I sent them a check for postage and Julie at the front desk went on her lunch hour to mail them to me. We would exchange there again in a heartbeat.

 

[Bxian]

We also are big, fancy resort people-have been privileged to get numerous suite upgrades at amazing hotels via Hyatt and Hilton status. Yet we bought a week at the Charter Club and loved it so much that we bought a second week.

Every unit at the Charter Club has a view of the Gulf and wide, sweeping balconies. We have observed that many of the Marriott units have side views of...the Charter Club and another neighboring building.

We split our dinners between dining out on Marco Island and in Naples as well as dining in at our home away from home. The huge gas grill of the Charter Club produce some of the best steak dinners that I have ever had (and I have been to numerous upscale steakhouses). Yes, we go to Stilts for a drink sometimes-but we also will toast the sunset with our own well-chosen wine on a balcony that is much higher up.

The units are well-maintained and comfortable, with big screen TVs in the living room, a nice wet bar and granite counter tops. There is no Wolf range or SubZero refrigerator, but how often do you find yourself staring at kitchen appliances on vacation?

There is no on-site spa or restaurant-but there are many within a reasonable driving distance. If you are looking for relaxation and amazing views, the Charter Club is the place to find it. I've toured the units at Eagle's Nest and have gotten a similar positive impression.

 

[heckingbottom]

Some Better than Others?

We stayed at Club Regency on Marco in 2013 having visited in previous years prior to owning HGV. It was actually our first experience of HGV and we were perfectly happy with the accommodaton, the facilities (pool etc) and the locality (plenty of bars and restaurants within easy reach). We love Marco.

Having said this, we did spend our second week in Orlando at International Drive and appreciate the difference between the trus HGV resorts and the affiliates. Given our very limited experience, the true resorts are much better quality.