Resort near a town?
Jun 7th, 2013, 05:19 AM
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Resort near a town?
I'm just starting to look for a place for a 4 to 5 day stay, or maybe a week mid February of next year for our first anniversary. We aren't sure which island and it is all mind boggling, frankly.
We aren't really big resort people, and tend to HATE those all inclusive places where you eat on site with chef prepared food every night. We'd rather wander off into town and eat at some colorful local spot. And we'd love poking around during the days in a town of a little size that isn't just cruise ship buying spots. And we're not really into spas, etc. Big family places are a turn off. Having a car or jeep for exploring an island could be fun, and sounds better than arranging a shuttle with a resort to specific places or organized tours. We do want beach front for just general relaxing perhaps on a nice balcony as well as the beach itself.
We aren't looking to take out a mortgage to pay for this -- something like a couple hundred dollars a night would be wonderful -- $1000 a night is a no-go.
So I guess I"m asking. Does this sort of thing ring a bell with anyone? Most resorts seem to be in the middle of nowhere rather than adjacent to a town. We're not even opposed to a nice condo or hotel with a room facing the ocean -- essentially within a town of some size. Castries, St. Lucia or Bridgetown, Barbados come to mind. I've even thought of somewhere around San Juan, Puerto Rico, which would also offer the easiest and cheapest flights for us.
We aren't really big resort people, and tend to HATE those all inclusive places where you eat on site with chef prepared food every night. We'd rather wander off into town and eat at some colorful local spot. And we'd love poking around during the days in a town of a little size that isn't just cruise ship buying spots. And we're not really into spas, etc. Big family places are a turn off. Having a car or jeep for exploring an island could be fun, and sounds better than arranging a shuttle with a resort to specific places or organized tours. We do want beach front for just general relaxing perhaps on a nice balcony as well as the beach itself.
We aren't looking to take out a mortgage to pay for this -- something like a couple hundred dollars a night would be wonderful -- $1000 a night is a no-go.
So I guess I"m asking. Does this sort of thing ring a bell with anyone? Most resorts seem to be in the middle of nowhere rather than adjacent to a town. We're not even opposed to a nice condo or hotel with a room facing the ocean -- essentially within a town of some size. Castries, St. Lucia or Bridgetown, Barbados come to mind. I've even thought of somewhere around San Juan, Puerto Rico, which would also offer the easiest and cheapest flights for us.
Jun 7th, 2013, 05:57 AM
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re Puerto Rico
1. Non of those All Inclusive that you mention here (+1)
2. Resort type hotels in San Juan look at Condado or Isla Verde Area - Plenty of restaurant choices and short taxi ride / drive to historic Old San Juan
3. San Juan is a decent base to explore the island by car
45mins to El Yunque Rainforest
60mins to east coast (Fajardo) for Bio Bay trip or ferry to the smaller Culebra or Vieques Islands
2 hours to west coast
1-2 hours to central region depending on where you are heading
4. Outside of San Juan you could look at the Rio Mar Resort in Rio Grande (close to El Yunque) or El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo - definitely need a car for these 2 options
Plenty to do around PR
Old San Juan has 2 forts, cathedral, old churches, open air plazas, great coffee shops, restaurants
El Yunque Rainforest for hiking (seaier trails to more demanding)
Plenty of adventure tours around the island - ziplining, river treking, caving and more
Snorkeling trips, diving, fishing
Great local food from roadside kiosks to 5 star dining
You could check out my site http://www.discoveringpuertorico.com for more info
hope that helps
1. Non of those All Inclusive that you mention here (+1)
2. Resort type hotels in San Juan look at Condado or Isla Verde Area - Plenty of restaurant choices and short taxi ride / drive to historic Old San Juan
3. San Juan is a decent base to explore the island by car
45mins to El Yunque Rainforest
60mins to east coast (Fajardo) for Bio Bay trip or ferry to the smaller Culebra or Vieques Islands
2 hours to west coast
1-2 hours to central region depending on where you are heading
4. Outside of San Juan you could look at the Rio Mar Resort in Rio Grande (close to El Yunque) or El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo - definitely need a car for these 2 options
Plenty to do around PR
Old San Juan has 2 forts, cathedral, old churches, open air plazas, great coffee shops, restaurants
El Yunque Rainforest for hiking (seaier trails to more demanding)
Plenty of adventure tours around the island - ziplining, river treking, caving and more
Snorkeling trips, diving, fishing
Great local food from roadside kiosks to 5 star dining
You could check out my site http://www.discoveringpuertorico.com for more info
hope that helps
Jun 7th, 2013, 05:58 AM
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First, February is the height of Peak Season in the Caribbean especially if you are traveling around President's Week (looks of families at that time) so you'll be paying the highest room rates of the year. That means a budget of "a couple of hundred a night" won't get you very much. You might have to up your room budget to a "few hundred a night" (think $350 to $600/night for mid-range accommodations).
St. Kitts comes close to what you are seeking - look at Timothy Beach Resort or renting a condo in the Frigate Bay area where you'll find plenty of restaurants, beach bars and a few shops within walking distance plus you'll be only about a 12 minute drive from the town of Basseterre. FYI - other than the 300 Marriott Resort on St. Kitts all of the other hotels, resorts, plantation Inns and condos are relatively small.
Also look at hotels in the Grand Case area of St. Martin. That island is quite built up but Grand Case is more like a sleepy little village. It fits your description to a "T".
Nevis may be just perfect for you. Quiet, even in peak season, you can find a variety of good restaurants, quaint shops in Charlestown, and lots of history. Oualie Beach Resort will be close to your price range as will Mount Nevis hotel and Hermitage Plantation.
St. Kitts comes close to what you are seeking - look at Timothy Beach Resort or renting a condo in the Frigate Bay area where you'll find plenty of restaurants, beach bars and a few shops within walking distance plus you'll be only about a 12 minute drive from the town of Basseterre. FYI - other than the 300 Marriott Resort on St. Kitts all of the other hotels, resorts, plantation Inns and condos are relatively small.
Also look at hotels in the Grand Case area of St. Martin. That island is quite built up but Grand Case is more like a sleepy little village. It fits your description to a "T".
Nevis may be just perfect for you. Quiet, even in peak season, you can find a variety of good restaurants, quaint shops in Charlestown, and lots of history. Oualie Beach Resort will be close to your price range as will Mount Nevis hotel and Hermitage Plantation.
Jun 7th, 2013, 06:52 AM
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Yes, of course it will be over President's weekend. What were we thinking when we got married on Feb. 16 (other than that we'd always have a long weekend then)?
But Timothy Bay is only $175 to $200 a night, and I'm seeing other suggestions that meet the budget just fine. Again, we're not looking for a 5 star resort, but prefer quaint. The problem with condos is that most are 2 or 3 bedrooms (such a waste for us and we don't even care about a kitchen) and most smaller ones appear to already be reserved that week.
St. Marten near Grand Case does look a lot like what I had in mind. And the idea of day trips to nearby islands is enticing as well.
Coqui, I've been a bit enchanted with Old San Juan ever since I spent a single day there waiting for a cruise some 30 years ago! I will pursue that, although admittedly Peter raises his eyebrows when I say "Puerto Rico", which doesn't sound like the idea of a remote and quaint island to him.
What does anyone know about Martinique, which has always inspired me, but have never been there. I understand while it's fairly built up, it is far less "touristy" built up than many places.
But Timothy Bay is only $175 to $200 a night, and I'm seeing other suggestions that meet the budget just fine. Again, we're not looking for a 5 star resort, but prefer quaint. The problem with condos is that most are 2 or 3 bedrooms (such a waste for us and we don't even care about a kitchen) and most smaller ones appear to already be reserved that week.
St. Marten near Grand Case does look a lot like what I had in mind. And the idea of day trips to nearby islands is enticing as well.
Coqui, I've been a bit enchanted with Old San Juan ever since I spent a single day there waiting for a cruise some 30 years ago! I will pursue that, although admittedly Peter raises his eyebrows when I say "Puerto Rico", which doesn't sound like the idea of a remote and quaint island to him.
What does anyone know about Martinique, which has always inspired me, but have never been there. I understand while it's fairly built up, it is far less "touristy" built up than many places.
Jun 7th, 2013, 07:38 AM
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For that budget, look at the Playa del Carmen area around 5th Avenue. Lots of non AI boutique hotels in and around 5th Avenue, which is blocks of pedestrian walkway with restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment.
We are looking a Puerto Rico for this year's vacation. Though we can find air and hotel in our basic budget, don't forgot about your food and drink budget. The cost for these in the hotels are beyond outrageous; ie beer $8, drinks $12, food $50 per person per plate. However, you can find better prices outside of the hotels and buy your drinks at the local Walgreens.
This is why we tend to stay in AI resorts. For example, we can stay at a small lux adult's only AI resort in Mexico for $2,500. For PR, we are looking at air and hotel for $2,300 and then another $1,000 for food and drinks. We are going in November, which is low season. In February, the prices will be much higher as well as the crowds.
The cost for any Caribbean destination is going to be 2 - 3 times more expensive than Mexico. Additionally, some of the Islands that you mentioned are far and remote from the US, so the cost of airfare will be more. I'm just mentioning this because of your very low budget in high season.
We are looking a Puerto Rico for this year's vacation. Though we can find air and hotel in our basic budget, don't forgot about your food and drink budget. The cost for these in the hotels are beyond outrageous; ie beer $8, drinks $12, food $50 per person per plate. However, you can find better prices outside of the hotels and buy your drinks at the local Walgreens.
This is why we tend to stay in AI resorts. For example, we can stay at a small lux adult's only AI resort in Mexico for $2,500. For PR, we are looking at air and hotel for $2,300 and then another $1,000 for food and drinks. We are going in November, which is low season. In February, the prices will be much higher as well as the crowds.
The cost for any Caribbean destination is going to be 2 - 3 times more expensive than Mexico. Additionally, some of the Islands that you mentioned are far and remote from the US, so the cost of airfare will be more. I'm just mentioning this because of your very low budget in high season.
Jun 7th, 2013, 07:51 AM
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"The cost for these in the hotels are beyond outrageous; ie beer $8, drinks $12, food $50 per person per plate."
Wow. I wish our weekly dinners out in the Northeast were that cheap -- beyond outrageous?. I can't remember the last time I had a dry Robroy which cost only $12 -- certainly not in NYC. Even when we go to a local BYOB, we rarely get out for less than $100 just for the food.
By the way, you need to consider our budget with a grain of salt. While I don't really like to pay $500 a night for the hotel -- spending that much on food and drink for one day (certainly a splurge) would be less bothersome to us. To each his own. But a week at $500 a night plus resort fees and taxes will be over $4000. That's a lot for us to spend for a nice clean room with a little atmosphere.
Wow. I wish our weekly dinners out in the Northeast were that cheap -- beyond outrageous?. I can't remember the last time I had a dry Robroy which cost only $12 -- certainly not in NYC. Even when we go to a local BYOB, we rarely get out for less than $100 just for the food.
By the way, you need to consider our budget with a grain of salt. While I don't really like to pay $500 a night for the hotel -- spending that much on food and drink for one day (certainly a splurge) would be less bothersome to us. To each his own. But a week at $500 a night plus resort fees and taxes will be over $4000. That's a lot for us to spend for a nice clean room with a little atmosphere.
Jun 7th, 2013, 07:55 AM
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I agree that Playa del Carmen might be ideal.
There's also Divi Heritage in Barbados (not fancy at all but might be within your budget and is at least within walking distance of Hole Town). There are also some less expensive places in the St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados, not walkable to Bridgetown but there's a bus, and they are walkable to myriad restaurants and nightspots, but Barbados as a whole is kind of expensive.
If you can fly from JFK, there are some small places in Samana, DR near Las Terranas, with a nice beach club just on the outskirts of town that's quite walkable. The AI resorts there are horrible, but there are nice (albeit very expensive) properties in the area. But only flights on JetBlue twice a week.
Also look at Curacao. Flights from EWR are expensive, but there are a couple of nice places to stay in town, and you can get to the beaches fairly easily.
There's also Divi Heritage in Barbados (not fancy at all but might be within your budget and is at least within walking distance of Hole Town). There are also some less expensive places in the St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados, not walkable to Bridgetown but there's a bus, and they are walkable to myriad restaurants and nightspots, but Barbados as a whole is kind of expensive.
If you can fly from JFK, there are some small places in Samana, DR near Las Terranas, with a nice beach club just on the outskirts of town that's quite walkable. The AI resorts there are horrible, but there are nice (albeit very expensive) properties in the area. But only flights on JetBlue twice a week.
Also look at Curacao. Flights from EWR are expensive, but there are a couple of nice places to stay in town, and you can get to the beaches fairly easily.
Jun 7th, 2013, 09:38 AM
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"Wow. I wish our weekly dinners out in the Northeast were that cheap"
I guess it all depends on where you live. In Texas, those prices are outrageous. Here, we get beer for $3.00, drinks for $6 to $8 and food for around $25 - to $35. That's where my prespective comes from. We find comparable prices in Mexico, which is just another reason when we frequent there. Glad I live here in a small town vs. a large city where prices are so much higher.
I agree with Curacao, if you can get there. We had to fly to Aruba on United and then switch to Insel air to get to Curacao. We stayed at the Lions Dive in a 2 bedroom apartment. They have regular hotel rooms also. It was just the 2 of us and we enjoyed the apartment with a full kitchen and dining room on the balcony. There are 3 restaurants on site and many more within walking distance. They have a daily free shuttle to a local grocery store if you want to use your kitchen. We did for breakfast and lunch and then ate dinner out. We don't really enjoy cooking on vacation, but you have to adapt to your environment and budget.
You might look at T & C also. There are several condo hotels on Grace Bay with kitchens. We stayed at the Sibonne, which is a very small boutique hotels; 26 rooms on one of the best sections of Grace Bay. The Alexandra would be a good choice also. You need a car there, so include that in your budget also.
I guess it all depends on where you live. In Texas, those prices are outrageous. Here, we get beer for $3.00, drinks for $6 to $8 and food for around $25 - to $35. That's where my prespective comes from. We find comparable prices in Mexico, which is just another reason when we frequent there. Glad I live here in a small town vs. a large city where prices are so much higher.
I agree with Curacao, if you can get there. We had to fly to Aruba on United and then switch to Insel air to get to Curacao. We stayed at the Lions Dive in a 2 bedroom apartment. They have regular hotel rooms also. It was just the 2 of us and we enjoyed the apartment with a full kitchen and dining room on the balcony. There are 3 restaurants on site and many more within walking distance. They have a daily free shuttle to a local grocery store if you want to use your kitchen. We did for breakfast and lunch and then ate dinner out. We don't really enjoy cooking on vacation, but you have to adapt to your environment and budget.
You might look at T & C also. There are several condo hotels on Grace Bay with kitchens. We stayed at the Sibonne, which is a very small boutique hotels; 26 rooms on one of the best sections of Grace Bay. The Alexandra would be a good choice also. You need a car there, so include that in your budget also.
Jun 7th, 2013, 11:18 AM
#9
I like the Puerto Rico idea best!! You just need to win over your sweetie.
I think Martinique sounds intriquing too.
While I'm usually big on recommending Mexico, I just don't see it for this request.
Negril Jamaica offers much of what you describe but I'm not comfortable sending gay people there quite honestly.
I think Martinique sounds intriquing too.
While I'm usually big on recommending Mexico, I just don't see it for this request.
Negril Jamaica offers much of what you describe but I'm not comfortable sending gay people there quite honestly.
Jun 7th, 2013, 11:40 AM
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Hmmm. Thinking about three or four nights at the ElConvento Hotel in Old San Juan and then three or four more at a Puerto Rican Beach Resort, maybe with a car. With US Air fares at about %500 for the week, and 3 1/2 hour nonstops each way from Philly at really good times -- that's a real bonus too!
Yea, Peter's been to Mexico a few times -- just not what we're looking for this trip.
But I'm still intriqued by Martinique. Just a little scared of a week being a little long for us at a single beach location in one of the other small islands.
Yea, Peter's been to Mexico a few times -- just not what we're looking for this trip.
But I'm still intriqued by Martinique. Just a little scared of a week being a little long for us at a single beach location in one of the other small islands.
Jun 7th, 2013, 02:40 PM
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Martinique is quite expensive. Consider the language barrier there as well unless you are fluent in French. Taxi's to and from anywhere are very expensive.
As stated in other responses, Grande Case would fit the bill. Look at a deluxe ocean front studio at Le Petit. This is a unique boutique hotel directly on the beach and steps away from fine dining and casual Lo Lo's (casual, delicious local flavor barbeque type places).
Le Petit rooms have been recently remodeled and are sleek, clean and inviting, Balconies are spacious and you can arrange to have a continental breakfast delivered daily. L" Esplanade is the sister hotel at the other end of the beach on a hill. This property is more expensive however each room has a fully stocked kitchen and there is a pool. Beach access is a short stroll down the path.
As stated in other responses, Grande Case would fit the bill. Look at a deluxe ocean front studio at Le Petit. This is a unique boutique hotel directly on the beach and steps away from fine dining and casual Lo Lo's (casual, delicious local flavor barbeque type places).
Le Petit rooms have been recently remodeled and are sleek, clean and inviting, Balconies are spacious and you can arrange to have a continental breakfast delivered daily. L" Esplanade is the sister hotel at the other end of the beach on a hill. This property is more expensive however each room has a fully stocked kitchen and there is a pool. Beach access is a short stroll down the path.
Jun 7th, 2013, 03:15 PM
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PR is not exactly quaint & the only island on the Caribbean I did not like. Hotel was fabulous, beach gorgeous but step outside the hotel it was not nice. El Yunque was a disappointment but then if you've been to African rain forests I guess it's to be expected.
Castries is not a particularly pleasant town, Bridgetown has some interesting sights but don't think it's what you are looking for. St George in Grenada is one of the nicest towns in the Caribbean IMO with hotels within easy reach.
Martinique & Guadeloupe are both my favourite islands, Trois Ilets in Martinique is touristy but you can walk around to find a restaurant, St Pierre is one of the quaintest towns I have seen, a kind of mini Pompeii, colourful market & French boutiques selling marseille soap, olive oil etc, quite chic. Landscape is beautiful, roads are excellent, no large hotels or AI. Les salines beach is beautiful white sand turquoise water with palm trees.
Castries is not a particularly pleasant town, Bridgetown has some interesting sights but don't think it's what you are looking for. St George in Grenada is one of the nicest towns in the Caribbean IMO with hotels within easy reach.
Martinique & Guadeloupe are both my favourite islands, Trois Ilets in Martinique is touristy but you can walk around to find a restaurant, St Pierre is one of the quaintest towns I have seen, a kind of mini Pompeii, colourful market & French boutiques selling marseille soap, olive oil etc, quite chic. Landscape is beautiful, roads are excellent, no large hotels or AI. Les salines beach is beautiful white sand turquoise water with palm trees.
Jun 7th, 2013, 03:56 PM
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When I read your post I immediately thought Grand Case on the French side of St. Martin. Yes, St. Martin is very developed but the French side is much quieter than the Dutch side. Grand Case is known for its restaurants and as Davenport1 pointed out the lovely boutique Le Petit Hotel is right there close to everything. It may be out of your budget since high season rates almost double but I think it would be perfect.
A nice thing about St. Martin is you can day-trip to Anguilla and St. Barts, both certainly worth a trip. Go to Anguilla for the beaches and to St. Barts for the people-watching and shopping, although you'll have plenty of shopping on St. Martin.
A nice thing about St. Martin is you can day-trip to Anguilla and St. Barts, both certainly worth a trip. Go to Anguilla for the beaches and to St. Barts for the people-watching and shopping, although you'll have plenty of shopping on St. Martin.
Jun 7th, 2013, 10:39 PM
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And it's a myth that you need to be fluent in French to go to Martinique. Do you need to be fluent in French to go to Paris or fluent in Russian to go to Moscow? People in the tourist industry speak English, alot of tourists on the French islands are not French but are from Italy or Germany, Swedes go to Guadeloupe. Alot of people that are in the tourist industry are from neighbouring English speaking islands. Yes a bit of school level French doesn't hurt but fluency is not necessary.
Expensive - well it is EURO but the hotels are not expensive very few really high end hotels & lots of restaurants for all budgets. There are several Grand Case type places all over the French islands. You can also stay in gite accommodation, if you are familiar with that.
Expensive - well it is EURO but the hotels are not expensive very few really high end hotels & lots of restaurants for all budgets. There are several Grand Case type places all over the French islands. You can also stay in gite accommodation, if you are familiar with that.
Jun 8th, 2013, 03:21 AM
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Thanks, Odin, for clearing that up. I know people have said you have to speak France to go to France. I don't, and have spent over a year there adding up all the times, and rarely if ever have I considered not speaking French an issue. So I was surprised it would be in Martinique.
Not into gites, don't even like B&Bs. Our own condo or apartment might be fine if beachfront, but probably most comfortable in a regular hotel.
But I'm going to do a little more looking at both Grand Case and at Martinique. It's become clear that Puerto Rico would be the cheapest and easiest (particularly with air fare). And I do feel there might be a little more variety there, but I'm still curious if one of the other islands would be more "exotic" and relaxing overall.
Incidentally, my only real Carribean experiences have been on a cruise many years ago with day stops in Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados, and of course St. Thomas (the type of place I'd MOST like to avoid on this trip) as well as San Juan, and Caracas.
I'd have to say St. Lucia was by far my favorite.
Not into gites, don't even like B&Bs. Our own condo or apartment might be fine if beachfront, but probably most comfortable in a regular hotel.
But I'm going to do a little more looking at both Grand Case and at Martinique. It's become clear that Puerto Rico would be the cheapest and easiest (particularly with air fare). And I do feel there might be a little more variety there, but I'm still curious if one of the other islands would be more "exotic" and relaxing overall.
Incidentally, my only real Carribean experiences have been on a cruise many years ago with day stops in Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados, and of course St. Thomas (the type of place I'd MOST like to avoid on this trip) as well as San Juan, and Caracas.
I'd have to say St. Lucia was by far my favorite.
Jun 8th, 2013, 05:01 PM
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Hi Patrick. I don't know if you saw this recent post where someone asked if there is anyplace else like Grand Case in the Caribbean. The post has some nice information on village areas that might be of interest to you:
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-caribbean.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-caribbean.cfm
Jun 9th, 2013, 03:38 AM
#20
Presidents week is peak week in Caribbean, while Grand Case ticks all your boxes, it doesn't tick one: budget. Expect $320-$450 nightly there plus tax during that week.
I know you don't expect 5 stars, at that budget that week you're going to get bottom of the line, basic and probably fairly rustic. On any island you choose. (so basically 1 star).
Playa Del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, both Mexico which you seem not to want to go, are really the only 2 that fit your budget in Feb.
Martinique will be closer to Grand Case budget at least.
Not to steer you back to Mexico, but it's the only place that fits your criteria, especially budget. The budget is so low that week that you really don't have many options.
Except for your budget, Grand Case area of St. Martin is exactly what you're looking for.
Martinique is in your budget, but make sure that just because you're in town and has water views might not have an actual beach close by (so you'd still need transportation) this is the case of many islands, it's hard to find both, beach and town in same area, usually it's one or the other except for the above mentioned. Same with Old San Juan, it's gorgeous, but you'll need a way to get to beaches (which is why you'd consider a split?)
I know you don't expect 5 stars, at that budget that week you're going to get bottom of the line, basic and probably fairly rustic. On any island you choose. (so basically 1 star).
Playa Del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, both Mexico which you seem not to want to go, are really the only 2 that fit your budget in Feb.
Martinique will be closer to Grand Case budget at least.
Not to steer you back to Mexico, but it's the only place that fits your criteria, especially budget. The budget is so low that week that you really don't have many options.
Except for your budget, Grand Case area of St. Martin is exactly what you're looking for.
Martinique is in your budget, but make sure that just because you're in town and has water views might not have an actual beach close by (so you'd still need transportation) this is the case of many islands, it's hard to find both, beach and town in same area, usually it's one or the other except for the above mentioned. Same with Old San Juan, it's gorgeous, but you'll need a way to get to beaches (which is why you'd consider a split?)
