Thanks Cindy, but you must know by now that I am always an informed consumer!!!
I knew where the unit was at Gulf Tides, which we dropped to take Sandpiper, and what unit we were getting at Sandpiper. After calling RCI, I go to resort websites and look at the site diagrams. Then I call the resort for a final confirmation.
We have 203 at Sandpiper, and know exactly what it is, a side-gulf-view, not a gulf-front view. But we can sit on the lanai and see the Gulf and there is a gulf-view out the livingroom patio doors onto the lanai.
I have also already approved by site the gas grills, hot tub, and picnic area.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the site said the unit is 1500 square feet. We can cram ourselves into that.
At Gulf Tides we were unit 204, I think, on the beach side of the road. That was good enough for us.
I called ahead for Jenny's Girls Week Out to Nashville, where they are heading right now, and got their Fairfield unit assigned beforehand.
We know what unit we are in at all of our exchanges for the next two years, except for one resort. It's a shame the consumer can't be this informed at all resorts.
Reciprocity is a great thing.
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Yeah, I knew about the cabanas, too, that they are just the little blue ones to break that cold and nasty wind of January, and that is why I said that the other cabanas referred to in this thread are really special ones.
But, let's see, if you had a cabana every day, for six days, the one at Sandpiper is close to $500 less expensive. That could buy you quite a few beverages.
Vodo said:
Hey Jim -
I think you'll enjoy the Sandpiper. We surely did. Find out from RCI what unit you're confirmed into. They stick with those assignments, so it's very unlikely to change. If it ends in a 1 or a 2, you'll be Gulf-front. Otherwise, you'll be on the side of the building with no beach view. We had probably the worst unit in the resort as far as views are concerned (206), and we still had a great time. The Sandpiper isn't the least bit fancy, but it's very well maintained, and the units are spacious and nicely equipped. And that Siesta Key sand - oh, my!
I'm a little sorry to report that the cabanas aren't really what I would consider a cabana. They're those little blue domed umbrella-type things that just provide partial shade to the upper part of the body. In the warm weather months, everyone rents the standard umbrellas instead because the cabanas are just too hot (not enough air circulation). Whichever one you rent, the resort sets them up at 7:30 in the morning and takes them down at the end of the day (which is early during turtle season). They're tagged with your name and once placed are returned to the same spot each day.
Once I've sorted through my summer pictures, I'll e-mail you some low-res shots of the Sandpiper unit interiors.
Cindy
As of right now, the West Village consists of everything other than River Island. So that basically means, the North Village and also East Village.