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Looking for resort with great pools

N

nanceetom

TUG Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
336
Reaction score
22
Location
Pittsford, NY
We're Marriott owners so II exchange. Because both my daughter in law and I are teachers in different states we never have the same spring break. Next April 2011, we finally do. My son has 3 boys ages 4,3,and 2. We're looking for a place with great pools and good for children in April. We take them to Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach during the summer so looking somewhere else. Anyone have favorites with great pools and neat facilities that would be good for adults as well as young children?
 
Crystal Shores at Marco Island had nice facilities for both adults and kids, and we were swimming there in the pools and ocean during the first week of November. We used a 3BR SurfWatch to exchange in; I'm not sure how much "power" a week needs to pull an exchange but I know the resort isn't sold out so there should be developer week inventory in the exchange pool.

Here's a thread with some pictures from our week.

Happy hunting!
 
SueDonJ: Would there be developer inventory in the exchange pool or would Marriott be renting them out as Hotel rooms (which generate a higher profit)?
 
We liked the pools at both the Marriott's Maui and KoOlina resorts
 
TheTimeTraveler said:
SueDonJ: Would there be developer inventory in the exchange pool or would Marriott be renting them out as Hotel rooms (which generate a higher profit)?
Click to expand...

Oh. Hmmm. I don't know. :eek: It seems that there are more opportunities for exchanges into non-sold out resorts, so I guess I've always just assumed that after a certain date developer inventory that hasn't been rented for cash might be given to II for exchanges and Getaways. Have no idea, though, really.
 
Spring break around Florida is really tough to plan for. Especially, if you need more than one unit. Snowbirds usually don't leave here until after Easter or at the end of the month when their leases expire. Canadians usually leave around May 1st. Timeshares are usually occupied by owners or renters.

There is an additional problem with Spring Break. I think you would want to avoid places that attract the partying unsupervised college students. Ft Lauderdale threw them out ten years ago but they still go to other Florida locations such as Panama Beach and Miami. Southwest Florida only has a Spring break problem with Ft. Myers Beach. Marco would be great but I think you'd be lucky to get a unit there.

One of the Orlando locations is probably the best bet. Ocean Pointe would also be good but I'm not sure of the availability. They have a nice beach and great pools. Lots of activites for kids there too.
 
Before we bought Marriott, we stayed at Sheraton Vistana in Orlando and thought the pools were very nice. The unit we had was a bit dated but not too bad. That was about 5 years ago however...I see both good and bad comments about that location here on TUG.

We also stayed at Hyatt Coconut Plantation in Bonita Springs and it was terrific with a lazy river; however I would think you would need a strong trader to get in there.
 
We love Aruba. A lot of families had little ones in floats enjoying the Lazy River at the Surf Club, and they have a great beach poolside sitting area, with sand and a lot of shade, which was great for families with young kids.
 
Even though the area is overbuilt, there are great pools for young children at the Orlando MVC resorts, especially Harbour Lake (thanks Dioxide45!) and the Palms (Imperial, Royal, and Sabal). A friend recently returned from a trip to Harbour Lake and her 4 yr. old son like the pools and miniature golf there better than going to the Disney parks. All of the Palms have access to the great pools (and glass evelvator through the roof) at the Marriott World Center resort. While Royal Palms 2nd bedrooms are a little smaller than newer resorts, they should be fine for your children. You will likely have less of a problem exchanging into Orlando in April than the other areas.
 
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Orlando would be great. We were at Grande Vista during April last year and it was wonderful, and quite warm. Access to the theme parks would be huge for young kids. Anything north of Orlando could be iffy.

Extreme southern Florida would be nice, too, but Orlando has the best range of possibilities.
 
Liki Tiki in Orlando has a water park in the resort.
Looked like fun for kids.

Bonnet Creek has a nice lazy river but it's not an II resort, I think.

World Golf Village has a great zero entry pool in St. Augustine. It's a bluegreen resort.
 
Superchief said:
Even though the area is overbuilt, there are great pools for young children at the Orlando MVC resorts, especially Harbour Pointe and the Palms (Imperial, Royal, and Sabal). A friend recently returned from a trip to Harbour Pointe and her 4 yr. old son like the pools and miniature golf there better than going to the Disney parks. All of the Palms have access to the great pools (and glass evelvator through the roof) at the Marriott World Center resort. While Royal Palms 2nd bedrooms are a little smaller than newer resorts, they should be fine for your children. You will likely have less of a problem exchanging into Orlando in April than the other areas.
Click to expand...

I think you mean to indicate Harbour Lake. Harbour Pointe is in HHI not Orlando.

jme said:
Orlando would be great. We were at Grande Vista during April last year and it was wonderful, and quite warm. Access to the theme parks would be huge for young kids. Anything north of Orlando could be iffy.

Extreme southern Florida would be nice, too, but Orlando has the best range of possibilities.
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I am likely biased; however, by far I think the best pools at the Marriott's we have visited has to be Grande Vista in Orlando. Six pools (all heated), six hot tubs split between four pool complex areas along with two pool bar/grills, an on site restaurant along with a new food court and ice cream shop set the amenities among the best in the Marriott system.
 
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Frenchman's Cove

nanceetom,
Pittsford... I was raised in Mendon (years ago). I am an owner at Frenchman's Cove in St Thomas USVI. It is a bit of a trip from Rochester but the pool is great, the beach is on a cove so the kids can play without the fear of waves. You also have access to the pools at Morningstar and Marriott Frenchman's Reef hotel.. A total of 4 pools if i remember correctly. You can rent a week for $1500 to $2000 for the 2 bedroom villas that sleep 6 with ease and 8 in pinch. It would cost about $500/person to get there by air. If you are looking for spring break with a guarantee of warm weather, St Thomas is the place. :D
 
You didn't specify a preferred location, so I'll throw in a west coast alternative. Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, Ca. is very family friendly and has nice adult amenities, too. MAZE activity center has daily activities for kids, and many family oriented activities, too. The slide pool is a big attraction, too.

Cheers!
 
Since you mentioned pools and little ones, I'd have to recommend Marriott Harbour Lake in Orlando. Our children had so much fun at the pools and kids' activities there, that they barely noticed we were in theme park heaven. We skipped two whole Disney days just to hang out at Harbour Lake pools. Just think of the money we saved!:banana:

Also, I'll put in a plug for the pool complex at Marriott Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, CA. It's not my favourite of the Palm Desert Marriotts, but it definitely wins in the family pool complex for smaller kids. It has a water slide plus shaded sand play area for little kids. It definitely has a better MAZE program than the Marriott Desert Villas I and II.
 
Here are my choices:Orlando,FL Grande Vista, Sheraton Vistana, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Sea World.
 
nanceetom said:
We're looking for a place with great pools and good for children in April. We take them to Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach during the summer so looking somewhere else. Anyone have favorites with great pools and neat facilities that would be good for adults as well as young children?
Click to expand...

I'd strongly recommend staying at Marriott's Canyon Villas in Phoenix where you get free use of all the JW Marriott facilities including their wonderful eleven acre swimming complex, complete with lazy river! We loved it!

Canyon Villas itself also has a nice main pool area and a kids only splash area!

April would be a perfect time to go as well.

Bill
 
Ocean Pointe

Can't beat Ocean Pointe/Singer Island/West Palm for kid friendly and wonderful swimming pools!!!!
Wesley
 
I vote Ocean Pointe because of your location and the warm weather. If you are willing to travel a bit farther, then you may consider AZ or CA locations.
 
Based on my personal experiences, I agree with the recommendations for Ocean Pointe and Canyon Villas for wonderful resorts with nice pools (and beach at OP). However, these may be difficult trades for spring, especially if you need two exchanges. Orlando should be an easier exchange, even if you have to stay in two different resorts. As noted below, there are several great MVC options in Orlando, and you never even need to leave the resorts.
 
Harborside Resort Atlantis (Starwood resort)

If you don't mind flying, I would recommend Atlantis (Harborside), Bahamas. II trade to Harborside during April is impossible, but I would try direct exchange with Starwood owner. Atlantis has many kind of pools and great waterpark. Both kids and adults will enjoy there.
 
I would pick Ocean Pointe for 3 reasons:

1. Great pools (a kids' pool (@ Sailfish building) plus 3 large pools one with "zero entry"(@ Kingfish building) which is perfect for little kids such as your son's)
2. Great beach
3. Easy air access to PBI

I own 2 platinum weeks @ Ocean Pointe so I am declaring my bias up front! April is my favorite time to be there b/c the ocean temperature is just perfect.

PM me if you want more info, nanceetom.

Smooth Air:cool:
 
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Thanks for all the great ideas. We (the grandparents) actually took our 2 and 3 year old grandsons to Ocean Pointe last April and loved it. Our son lives in Charlotte, so paying for 5 to fly now since all the kiddos will be over 2 could be an expense, but possibly doable.
If we got Atlantis, I know they would come up with the flying $$. Would an Aruba 2 bedroom platnium be a strong trade for Atlantis. We always put it down, but, of course, never get it.

We also love Canyon villas in phoenix. Years back we were at desert springs in Palm Desert. Any other Marriott or non-marriott good in CA?

As far as the palms, would you ever get a 3 bedroom if you own 2 bedrooms, and which would be better the Royal or Sable. That could be nice because you have access to the Marriott World hotel.

We've never seen Gran Vista, but it sounds nice also. Does anyone know anything about the Hyatt's in florida?
 
nanceetom said:
If we got Atlantis, I know they would come up with the flying $$. Would an Aruba 2 bedroom platnium be a strong trade for Atlantis. We always put it down, but, of course, never get it.

Does anyone know anything about the Hyatt's in florida?
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Atlantis won't happen because of the way Starwood handles deposites into Interval. They would never deposit such a high demand week.

Don't know about Hyatt but I would think they would also have limited availability because of internal trading and high demand for spring weeks.
 
nanceetom said:
If we got Atlantis, I know they would come up with the flying $$. Would an Aruba 2 bedroom platnium be a strong trade for Atlantis. We always put it down, but, of course, never get it.

We also love Canyon villas in phoenix. Years back we were at desert springs in Palm Desert. Any other Marriott or non-marriott good in CA?

We've never seen Gran Vista, but it sounds nice also. Does anyone know anything about the Hyatt's in florida?
Click to expand...

I just have been to Atlantis, and AirTran had $89 (one way) sale to Nassau, Bahamas. I know Charlotte, NC has non-stop flights to Nassau too.
If you own Aruba platinum season, try "direct exchange" with Starwood owner through TUG market place. Aruba has high demand, so there could be some starwood owners who are interested. I would not reply on II for trading to Atlantis though. Starwood never deposit high demand season for Harborside or St.John.

In CA, I love Four Seasons Aviara. It is near San Diego, and famous zoos and Lego Land are close. Beach is close too and Disneyland is about 2 hours drive. There are many things to do with kids in near by Four Seasons Aviara/San Diego area.
 
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