| On a whole a great vacation |
| Hotel Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort |
User Rating:
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Wellington >
1 contribution(s) Canada |
| Sep, 2009
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Arrival: Aug 29 2009-Sep 5 2009
Travelled with my wife and 2 1/2 year old son, our first visit to Beaches/TCI. Carrier was Air Canada Vacations and began as a disaster, flight was delayed for over 2 hours and arrived at Beaches after 11 pm. It was a full flight and food at the departure lounge for my 2 year old was a challange. Luckily I packed some instant noodles and only had to get hot water. (Tim Hortons's was kind...the line up at Tim Hortons's was 30-40 minutes). Once arrived the airport transfers went smoothly. Beaches provided small vans that took 2 families at a time and there was no waiting. Once at Beaches (Stayed at the French Village) checking in was smooth and our luggage was delivered just as quick. Of course,nutrition was a priority and fortunately while all the regular restuarants were closed...Bobby D's was open 24 hours and provided a reasonably good meal. At night it seemed to be a MAZE to get there, but in reality the resort facilities were very close and central. Beaches has 3 villag!
es/sections..the older French Village, the Caribbean Village and the new Italian section. There is a Water Park for different ages, a lazy river, Spa and Gym and off course the beach...Grace Bay. Sand was perfect white and torquoise blue with little ripples.
Rooms:
The French Village though the oldest was comfortable and located at the back end of the resort. The Caribbean Village and Italian Village are closer to the beach and are adajacent respectively to the west and east side of the French Village. Our room had the usual double beds, fridge and dressers and TV. It was clean and housekeeping was excellent. We never seem to run out of towels. We were tucked in every night and fresh towels were provided again. There was no walk out balcony except a balconette. The French Section was in the form of a large C, all overlooking a large swimming pool. There is one elevator and the building has 3 floors and almost all are connected by a passage way. There were no mosquitoes here or in the Caribbean Village. (Italian Section however harbored a few critters) Only problem in the French Village was with rain..water always covered the passage ways and drainage was inadequate.
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Restaurants and Bars:
Food was no problem with 15-16 restuarants and Bobby D's open 24 hours. Each Village had a Buffet for breakfast/lunch and dinner (French-Giuseppi's, Caribbean-Reflections and Italian-Mario's} The best was Mario's for meals (there are to entrances to Mario's. The side entrance was next to Gordon's Pizzeria and no steps to go up and down and certainly easier with a baby stroller). Bye the Sea (restuarant) provided caribbean choices and was spicer. Schooner's was my other choice..a la carte. The staff here was superb and kept my 2 year old occupied with crayons and even took him for a stroll while we ate. Engelo was perfect with kids. The Cricketer's Pub is worth mentioning..lover their Fish and Chips. Arizona serves a good Jerk chicken all day (Beach Grill) The bad side...coffee was a challange everywhere. The BEST coffee...served at Cafe de Paris..laite/cappucino and deserts to die for. At closing time (10pm) most deserts were gone. The staff af the Cafe were super.The Suchi!
i Bar was interesting and good for the novice. Food on a whole was good but tend to lack depth. Presentation was good. Deserts at Beaches/Sandals still remain the best of all the Caribbean Resorts (Paradisus-Melia chain and Iberostar in comparison). The bars are everywhere and bartenders were very capable)
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
Grace Beach..one word...PERFECT. No sea weeds, clear torquoise water and little ripples safe for my 2 year old. Beach chairs were abundant and shade was sufficient. The usual BEACH CHAIR HOGS are here too...so be warned. Unlike other resorts..most guests wake up late (probably due to kids) Pools and grounds are clean and well kept.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
Lots of children activites..Sesamee St characters. Club Sesame was great. Air conditioned with a shallow kid pool adajacent. They provided care from birth to 24 months and up. Better still..will baby sit till 10 pm at no charge. The close between 5-6pm and reopen after 6pm. There is Chocolate Extravaganza on Monday nights (try the Chocolate Martini's), A Sesame street Parade and a Beach Party (If you like Suckling Pig...there is only one roasted..so be early).Did not go on tours.
Other Comments:
On a whole a great vacation. Good food and staff. Beautiful Beach and resort. Coffee needs to be improved.
Email: WPWthillca@aol.com
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