Juldie

I want to take advantage of my office shut down between Christmas and New Years even though its so much busier everywhere and more expensive. I would like to use Marriott points for at least part of my vacation. I would like to know if anyone has a favorite Marriott property in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and even Costa Rica and Belize.

My preference is for the Marriott to not be huge and like a cement city. i know they are all fairly similar but if there are any that are more boutique in style, smaller and maybe some unique attributes of uniqueness and character. I am open to hearing any of the properties you were very impressed with and of course I would want the island location to be wonderful. By the way, I don't want Aruba or DR.

sassy_cat

Here's a similar recent thread with some responses for you to consider

http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-caribbean.cfm

Bear in mind that Marriott hotels sometimes charge a points premium over the holidays (maybe if a standard room is unavailable).

The Marriott website is a very good resource for research too (lots of pictures). You might want to check if any are actually available on points for your dates and consider the cost of airfare too.

Carib_Ian

I really liked the Grand Cayman Marriott -- it was in a great location and the staff were terrific.

The Curacao Marriott is also very pretty but the pool area is on the small side.

I would not recommend the St. Kitts Marriott or the Aruba Marriott for the reasons you said (the St. Kitts Marriott is big and boxy, the Aruba Marriott is like a mob scene...people elbow to elbow.

Knowing

I think the key to visiting a Marriott is the one in Curacao. I am just expressing what I believe myself. The truth is we are tempted to go back next winter as we have frinds that have not yet been to Curacao and are very interested in going. We loved the pool area and never found it to be crowded.

Juldie

Thanks, I have never before looked into Curacao. From my initial quick look the island looks beautiful and interesting. Tonight I will spend time more thoroughly. A quick look at flights - yikes that time of year. I will also check out the Marriott at Grand Cayaman.