Marriott Ocean Pointe

[GregT]

All,

I've not been to this property and I'm trying to develop fall back options if Hawaii remains under quarantine during our June weeks (June 13-27). We are looking for warm water, scuba diving, and an open state. The TUG reviews are somewhat helpful and are positive. I've searched TUG threads and been able to glean some differences between Ocean Pointe and other Florida properties, and also some local knowledge on which building to avoid (KingFish).

I am holding (with DC Points) a 3BR OF for 6 nights in mid-June and would appreciate any TUG perspective on the resort amenities, walkable restaurants and the beach experience. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Best,

Greg

 

[normab]

If you are traveling sans young ones, I recommend cobia or pompano buildings as they are by the adult pool. It is not a small pool either, just a bit quieter. It’s also near the fitness center (that I don’t use...lol). There are entrances to the beach on both the north and south portions of the resort..

If you can get a higher floor facing south in the pompano building, you can sit on the verandah and watch boats coming in and out from the intercoastal, including the small cruise ships that do 2 night Bahamas cruises. We enjoy that even though a lot of people complain about the pink building next door... if you get the other buildings, higher floor is important because you can see both the ocean and the city side from most units and you are not directly above the parking.

There are several walkable restaurants along the road that are part of other hotels/ timeshares, we haven’t been so I can’t recommend. We always go to Johnny LongBoats which is a 5 minute walk, it is very casual, with very good seafood, and fun drinks if you like buckets .

Some things to do if bored. If you end up at Ocean Pointe, there is a turtle sanctuary in Jupiter that we like to visit. The docents are great and give you lots of info on what they do there. If you like sea turtles this worth a visit. We also visited the Henry Flagler House in Palm Beach, a wonderful museum that details how the rich lived in the gilded age. If you go ask for the handsets and do the self tour.

We don’t own at Ocean Pointe but we have gone there a lot now that we live in FL. We always enjoy ourselves there.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

If you are traveling sans young ones, I recommend cobia or pompano buildings as they are by the adult pool. It is not a small pool either, just a bit quieter. It’s also near the fitness center (that I don’t use...lol). There are entrances to the beach on both the north and south portions of the resort..

If you can get a higher floor facing south in the pompano building, you can sit on the verandah and watch boats coming in and out from the intercoastal, including the small cruise ships that do 2 night Bahamas cruises. We enjoy that even though a lot of people complain about the pink building next door... if you get the other buildings, higher floor is important because you can see both the ocean and the city side from most units and you are not directly above the parking.

There are several walkable restaurants along the road that are part of other hotels/ timeshares, we haven’t been so I can’t recommend. We always go to Johnny LongBoats which is a 5 minute walk, it is very casual, with very good seafood, and fun drinks if you like buckets .

Some things to do if bored. If you end up at Ocean Pointe, there is a turtle sanctuary in Jupiter that we like to visit. The docents are great and give you lots of info on what they do there. If you like sea turtles this worth a visit. We also visited the Henry Flagler House in Palm Beach, a wonderful museum that details how the rich lived in the gilded age. If you go ask for the handsets and do the self tour.

We don’t own at Ocean Pointe but we have gone there a lot now that we live in FL. We always enjoy ourselves there.

Nice reply. Just keep in mind that the pink building next to the Pompano Building is no longer pink; it is now white and doesn't look as offensive as it once did.




.

 

[normab]

Oh that’s funny, I didn’t notice, the color never bothered me, but maybe others hated the 1950s vibe.....my issue was just that if you were on a low floor it blocked the view!

 

[mjm1]

Greg we traded in there a number of years ago and enjoyed the experience. It was in November, so we didn’t go in the ocean, but we enjoyed walks on the beach. Unfortunately I don’t recall the restaurants.

We enjoyed driving down to Ft Lauderdale and enjoyed walking around there. The yachts on the inner waterway were something to see. We also visited the Flagler House in Palm Beach and enjoyed it. Overall we had a nice time.

I hope you are able to make your planned trip to Hawaii, but this sounds like a good back up plan.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[littlestar]

I called Ocean Pointe because my daughter is supposed to check in a few weeks from now. Not all buildings are open right now. Some are shuttered from what the front desk told me.

 

[Big Matt]

Ocean point is in a residential area with low rise hotels on the beach and the homes on the parallel roads back from that. There is not a lot to do there other than the beach. The resort footprint is very large in terms of beach frontage. Because it is at the end of the road, you won't have a big influx of people using the beach. As noted there are some restaurants right up the street and also at the Marina. Johnny Long Boards is one of several restaurants in a strip mall that is at the large public beach park and access. There is a big surf shop and some other stores including a coffee/bagel shop. You have to drive back across the bridge for groceries and there is a Costco about 15 minutes away. It's a great resort, but the area is somewhat boring IMO (which may be just what some people want).

 

[Pompey Family]

Our family enjoyed the resort, the kids liked the pools (the guitarist who came once a week, of whom we had to endure twice, plays by one of the pools one one of the days and plays mediocre music very loud was very off putting), the staff put on a lot of activities for the kids. We didn't spend much time on the beach, I'm a bit averse going into murky water that may contain marine life I don't want to encounter, but as we prefer being in the pool it didn't bother us.

I agree with others that there is very little to do in the area. We won a boat trip around the local Jupiter area to look for manatee's (didn't see any) during one of the resort presentations and we were given a tour of the exclusive multi $million celebrity houses if that sort of thing interests you.

We weren't impressed with any of the restaurants in the area, either within walking distance or a short drive up to the more 'exclusive' area of West Palm Beach.

The closest supermarket that I found was a good sized Publix just across from the bridge over the waterway.

Personally I wouldn't make the long journey from the UK to stay there again but I may consider it if I was within reasonable travelling distance.

 

[Superchief]

All,

I've not been to this property and I'm trying to develop fall back options if Hawaii remains under quarantine during our June weeks (June 13-27). We are looking for warm water, scuba diving, and an open state. The TUG reviews are somewhat helpful and are positive. I've searched TUG threads and been able to glean some differences between Ocean Pointe and other Florida properties, and also some local knowledge on which building to avoid (KingFish).

I am holding (with DC Points) a 3BR OF for 6 nights in mid-June and would appreciate any TUG perspective on the resort amenities, walkable restaurants and the beach experience. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Best,

Greg

If I recall, I think you have already been to Crystal Shores. I would recommend it over Ocean Pointe for most of the things you are seeking. It has warmer water and a nicer beach. There are more restaurants nearby and the Everglades are a short drive. I think it is a nicer resort with the recent additions, and Ocean Pointe is likely to have more construction going on at this time. Have you checked 3BR availability there?

 

[dioxide45]

I am not thinking that the diving in and around this area of Florida are going to be very good. I know people go snorkeling and perhaps there is some diving, but you aren't going to find anything like you will see in Hawaii. As mentioned, Ocean Pointe is in a residential area though there are a few restaurants near by. If they are open, they may have limited capacity. Getting take out may be the better option anyway. Other than the few restaurants within a 15 minute walk, just about ever other restaurant will be about a 10-15 minute drive. Palm Beach Gardens has a lot of great restaurants.

A bigger concern would be the airline industries ability to get you from CA to Florida. There are likely some flights, but can you rely on them to not cancel at the last minute?

 

[Superchief]

I am not thinking that the diving in and around this area of Florida are going to be very good. I know people go snorkeling and perhaps there is some diving, but you aren't going to find anything like you will see in Hawaii. As mentioned, Ocean Pointe is in a residential area though there are a few restaurants near by. If they are open, they may have limited capacity. Getting take out may be the better option anyway. Other than the few restaurants within a 15 minute walk, just about ever other restaurant will be about a 10-15 minute drive. Palm Beach Gardens has a lot of great restaurants.

A bigger concern would be the airline industries ability to get you from CA to Florida. There are likely some flights, but can you rely on them to not cancel at the last minute?

You would likely have to drive to Key Largo in order to do some diving. Pennekamp Park has some nice reefs and clear water. I think the drive from Singer Island would be similar distance as from Marco Island. The water near Singer Island can be very clear at times, but I'm not aware of any diving attractions in the area. Deep sea fishing is good because the gulf stream is only about 1 mile offshore. We previously enjoyed several successful fishing trips, but it has gotten very expensive and the weather was uncooperative during our recent visits.

 

[dioxide45]

You would likely have to drive to Key Largo in order to do some diving. Pennekamp Park has some nice reefs and clear water. I think the drive from Singer Island would be similar distance as from Marco Island. The water near Singer Island can be very clear at times, but I'm not aware of any diving attractions in the area. Deep sea fishing is good because the gulf stream is only about 1 mile offshore. We previously enjoyed several successful fishing trips, but it has gotten very expensive and the weather was uncooperative during our recent visits.

I agree about the fishing. Some great charters and even group trips are available at the small marina across the bridge. I am not sure what is really available out of Sailfish Marina.

 

[Superchief]

I agree about the fishing. Some great charters and even group trips are available at the small marina across the bridge. I am not sure what is really available out of Sailfish Marina.

Bill Marriott Jr was a frequent visitor to Ocean Point in its early years because he loved deep sea fishing. The concierge at that time recommended his favorite fishing captain/boat and my brother fished with them several times. He had very enjoyable and successful fishing trips.

Added: 'Reel Intense' was the name of the boat we frequently used that had been recommended.

 

[buzglyd]

Awesome fishing. Not sure about diving. You’re close to Ft.Lauderdale which is fun. get a day pass for the water taxi and cruise up and down the inter coastal and look at amazing yachts and homes. I grabbed an Oceana Palms with an AC.

We love Ft. Lauderdale but this will be our first time in the Palm Beach area. Also, you could snag a few nights at the HGVC Miami Beach property to add to the trip.

 

[Superchief]

I forgot that I had this link to a webcam of Ocean Point Beach area

Palm Beach Inlet Webcam - HTML5 Mobile Slideshow

video-monitoring.com

 

[Hobee]

We were at Ocean Pointe the 1st week of March using DC points. It was our first visit to the resort and area. We did not get our villa preference but were placed on the 3rd floor of Dolphin. It was a 3 bedroom oceanfront and turned out to be quite nice. We were high enough to to clear the grounds and see the ocean. One day we drove north about 35 minutes to Blowing Rock Nature Preserve which had some excellent interpretive nature trails. On the way back we had a terrific meal with great outdoor ambiance at Guanabanas.

 

[hangloose]

All,

I've not been to this property and I'm trying to develop fall back options if Hawaii remains under quarantine during our June weeks (June 13-27). We are looking for warm water, scuba diving, and an open state. The TUG reviews are somewhat helpful and are positive. I've searched TUG threads and been able to glean some differences between Ocean Pointe and other Florida properties, and also some local knowledge on which building to avoid (KingFish).I am holding (with DC Points) a 3BR OF for 6 nights in mid-June and would appreciate any TUG perspective on the resort amenities, walkable restaurants and the beach experience. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Best,
Greg

Greg,

People tend to fall into one of two buckets after visiting Ocean Pointe.
- "I love and will return consistently" OR
- "I did not like and will never return"

We personally love Ocean Pointe. It has a very family & friends based atmosphere, something for everyone. Many owners return over and over. I believe it has one of the highest owner occupancies within MVCI. Maui Ocean Club, Ko Olina and Ocean Pointe are our 3 favorites! All different, but all feel like home.

At Ocean Pointe, the resort grounds are vast and widespread with a lot of amenities (pools, spas, games, fitness, volleyball, put put golf, plenty of beachfront, inlet views, walking distance to the harbor to sail, etc, etc). The resort is not short on amenties/activities. We find the beachfront wonderful. Although, it is not really a snorkeling/scuba diving beachfront. Excellent fishing off shore. The 'moods' of the ocean at Ocean Pointe are different than anywhere else I've been. It makes the OF villa view fun from the balcony.

At Ocean Pointe, the villas are a normal MVCI quality, nothing great but not bad. Comparable to most MVCI FL resorts, with the exceptions being Ocean Palms, Crystal Shores (Marco), and Lakeshore (Orlando) which are slightly newer and a bit more upscale. Quality of villas at Ocean Pointe would be lower than the Hawaiian resorts (which you are used to). If you want a high rise with high quality villas and don't care about a larger resort footprint/amenities onsite, go with Oceana Palms. It is walkable from Ocean Pointe along the beach about 1 mile North. You will pass the Ritz Carlton along the way also. The expansive lanai at Ocean Palms is awesome! If you want a truly 'Beachwalk' FL experience...choose Beachplace Towers in Fort Lauderdale. Again, villas are so so...and very few amenities (single small pool)...but tons of restaurants, nightlife and a fantastic boardwalk along the beach. It's urban location, while odd at first, does grow on you in Ft Laud.

We own a 3BR OF at Ocean Pointe. It will not compare to your MOC 3BR or our MKO 3BR, but is sufficient. The views from OF villas are fantastic if you get above 2nd/3rd floor. Ocean Pointe buildings are not high rise and I believe top floor is 7. In the past couple years, the resort cleared out a lot of trees to improve OF views from the lower floors. While I miss the lushness of the trees, it did improve the OF view. Our biggest complaint with the Ocean Pointe 3BR....is the master shower is tiny (smallest we have ever seen in any MVCI)...and the third bedroom is small and off to the side with two beds (twin?). Not my favorite 3BR floorplan. As far as building location, we prefer Sailfish. It is closer to the larger family pool (kids, main activities, etc). A little further back from the water than the other buildings, but not too far. Our second choice would be Pompano, closer to the adult pool but could overlook the pink condo building next door (I hear it's being painted non pink). Kingfish is separated from the main resort by the 'pink building', but can have great views. The OF views may however be of the inlet also...vs true ocean. Still..not a bad view. Fun to watch the ships come in through Fort Worth inlet. We do not prefer Kingfish, but many do.

Within the Palm Beach area, there is a lot to do...but you will need a car and will need to get off property as there is not a lot to walk to from Ocean Pointe. A few so so restaurants/shops within talking distance....but nothing like Kaanapali. Sailfish marina is nice. It is walkable to the restaurant and you can take boats out from there. The Palm Beach areas itself has very high income locations and also very low income locations. You will likely see both if you drive around. McArthur state park is a nice location a few miles North, Manatee lagoon not too far, peanut island (interesting history), loggerhead marine park, etc. Plenty of high end shopping/restaurants in West Palm on Fort Worth Ave, if that is of interest to any of your party.

June is not high season. Weather will be nice, likely hot (and humid) with potential for afternoon storms. At the start of hurricane season, so just be aware.

Hope this helps. Enjoy!

 

[jont]

Greg

put me in the "I love and will return consistently" bucket. If fact, we were supposed to have and extended family get together this July until several folks backed out due to Covid. Im still trying to convince my wife the we should go.

Its not the nicest or most modern resort we have been to but my family considers this one of our favorites. we love the large footprint with multiple pools which kind or reminds me of Grand Ocean. The only drawback we feel is there is not much in walking distance since it is in that its located in a residential district. There is however plenty to to within driving distance. There are plenty of water sports and fishing at the marina over the bridge. There are numerous restaurants in West Palm Beach and Palm beach Gardens and Jupiter. You can drive a little more and visit, Lake Worth, Delray Beach and Boca Raton, all of which have nice downtowns. with plenty of eating and shopping options. the drive on A1A down from Palm beach to boca and points south is very scenic. You can also head down to Miami for the day and check out the arts district, Coral Gables, Coconut grove, Calle Ocho and of course Miami Beach. June will be hot and humid but the hurricane season does not really gear up until late summer. good luck with your decision

 

[dioxide45]

If it is just the four of you traveling and your two kids are okay sleeping in the same bedroom, then Oceana Palms is a good option. The 2BR units there have two beds in the second bedroom. The benefit of the 3BR units at Ocean Pointe is that they are all oceanfront, but using DC points, it should be easy to book a 2BR OF unit at Oceana Palms in mid June given the current travel climate.

Oceana Palms is certainly a smaller footprint with not as many onsite activities, but most resorts aren't holding activities at the moment and many amenities are closed. Oddly, I noticed that https://hub.vacationclub.com/resort-updates/ indicates that the mini golf is closed at Oceana Palms (I didn't think they had one) but it doesn't list it as closed or open at Ocean Pointe (I know they have one.

Given the current travel environment, I would go for quality of room vs quality of the overall onsite resort and amenities sinch much of it may be closed or not operating. The villas at Oceana Palms with their huge balconies are great. The balconies at Ocean Pointe are subpar in my opinion. As mentioned before, Ocean Pointe and Oceana Palms are only about a mile apart. You just wouldn't be able to walk to Sailfish Marina from Oceana Palms. Though you could still drive there pretty quickly. Just be careful if you do and even when driving to Ocean Pointe, the police patrol the residential streets that are around Ocean Pointe. I got stopped for apparently running a stop sign. So no California stops for you!

 

[Superchief]

Given the current travel environment, I would go for quality of room vs quality of the overall onsite resort and amenities sinch much of it may be closed or not operating. The villas at Oceana Palms with their huge balconies are great. The balconies at Ocean Pointe are subpar in my opinion. As mentioned before, Ocean Pointe and Oceana Palms are only about a mile apart. You just wouldn't be able to walk to Sailfish Marina from Oceana Palms. Though you could still drive there pretty quickly. Just be careful if you do and even when driving to Ocean Pointe, the police patrol the residential streets that are around Ocean Pointe. I got stopped for apparently running a stop sign. So no California stops for you!

The pool area is smaller at Oceana Palms and there are fewer lounges located in sunny areas, but the beach is much nicer and wider. Complimentary self-service lounge chairs are provided on the beach at Oceana Palms and there is plenty of space to provide social distancing. All beach chairs at Ocean Pointe need to be rented from the beach vendor. I have found the food and drinks to be better at the Palms and prices seem to be more reasonable. There are several good restaurants on PGA Blvd and in Jupiter which are about 15 minute drive North. Hopefully the beach, pools, and fitness centers will be open in June.

 

[dioxide45]

The pool area is smaller at Oceana Palms and there are fewer lounges located in sunny areas, but the beach is much nicer and wider. Complimentary self-service lounge chairs are provided on the beach at Oceana Palms and there is plenty of space to provide social distancing. All beach chairs at Ocean Pointe need to be rented from the beach vendor. I have found the food and drinks to be better at the Palms and prices seem to be more reasonable. There are several good restaurants on PGA Blvd and in Jupiter which are about 15 minute drive North. Hopefully the beach, pools, and fitness centers will be open in June.

The pools are open now at both resorts. No beach service at Oceana Palms. So they may not have those free chairs available for people to use.

 

[ilene13]

Just remember Palm Beach County is still shut down. We live in Sarasota and although some things are open here, I would not rush to Florida. Our virus numbers and deaths have been going up daily!

 

[pedro47]

We liked Ocean Pointe. Our three bedrooms villas was very nice . We booked OP after a ten days cruise to the Caribbean Islands. Our villa had a master bedroom, full kitchen , a nice living room overlooking the pool area and the beach. The second bedroom villas had a mini kitchen, a king or queensize bed and it own balcony and the third villas was like a studio. If my memory is correct. Each villa had it own entry door way to their villa. That was great because my God Daughter and her girlfriend was in the studio unit and they liked to explore the nightlife in Orlando.

We loved their pools and the fact you could walk to the beach. It is in a residential area. That was a nice seafood restaurant near located on a fishing dock. The seafood was fresh, the service was good and the menu price was moderate price IMO.
To us OP was laid back. If you want night life or to party. This is not the resort to select. IMHO. There is charter fishing boat near by and a day charter boat trip to the Caribbean. A Shopping center is near by for the ladies.

Ocean Pointe is older than Ocean Palms. Ocean Palms is liked a highrise Condo overlooking the ocean.

Coming from California, I would look at Marriott`s Orlando resorts or Marriott's Crystal Shores resort, IMHO.

 

[JW]

I did not read all the replies but several downplayed the scuba diving. Not Hawaii quality but there are several dive shops with a 5 minute drive of OP. The diving is decent and typically a good drift dive from south to north. Diving is actually one of the key water activities in this area of Florida. Check out the dive shops though to see if they are open and also to get a better idea of dive sites.

Key Largo is a 2+ hour drive from OP.

Here is a description from June 2019 on one dive - Loggerhead sea turtles, Unicorn file fish, and Scorpion fish on Flower Gardens! Large Lemon shark, Trumpet fish, and Goliath grouper on 6th Window!

 

[GregT]

All,

We are confirmed for Ocean Pointe in June and then are continuing up to Grande Vista to go to the Universal Studios parks. We will see how those go in the COVID world.

it’s just Jack and me because the ladies need to stay back for various reasons. I took an Interval trade and now have a 2BR Ocean Side. Is there a room recommendation that TUGgers can suggest?

Please advise and thanks!

Best,

Greg