I've read some mixed reviews on Beaches resorts so wanted to post a separate question. Are planning a trip with kids for next Jan. and like the idea of an AI. Having been to one other AI in the Dominican Republic with less than mediocre food and a sense of "all 'round cheesiness" is this something that most people have found to be true with the Beaches Resorts? I know we'll likely have to give up some of the luxury with a toddler in tow, but for our one vacation a year, I'd really love to find the best AI that doesn't break the bank completely. Aruba was our first choice, but after much research, I'm finding the cost to be too much. Any other ideas are most appreciated -- or, some candid responses from those who've been to Beaches. Mainly, is food decent (doesn't have to be great), are rooms nice? Is the resort clean? Is the pool great? Thank you!

Beaches and AI's in general get a mixed bag of reviews. Seems people either like them or hate them.

I personally have only been to one AI (usually like to explore instead). But hubby and I just wanted a relaxing vacation 2years ago and chose T&C. Then got a deal at Beaches. It was off season in May and not overcrowded. We have no children but still chose this resort and were not disappointed. The accomodations were fine. We booked a deluxe and were upgraded to a suite in a casida. Not luxury but nice.

The food was good. Loved the French Restaurant and the upscale dining room (can't remember name). Arizona was good for ribs and chicken at dinner and great for burgers and suck at lunch. We like the Italian resturant and the seafood restuarant too. Again food was good and hot and plentiful, not gormet

They got great childrens programs. Go have fun.

what a type. obviously I meant and such. Hehehe lots of people with tell you the place sucks. I didn't mean too.

PS. found the bartender and waiters and our own personal "butler" very nice and very helpful. The booze was top shelf (dh drank dewers scotch and I drank absolut).

We stayed at the Beaches Negril resort & found it ok. Our kids were older so the resort didn't have much for their age. The food was ok- sort of a step above a tropical Shoney's. Some of it was really good & some just ok. From what I have read that is typical at their resorts. Try going to www.tropictravelonline.com & check their forum. They have one for the Beaches resorts.

We loved Beaches T&C, and like KarenL we traveled without children. It is a very kid friendly resort. Food was good, room was clean, staff was very friendly, resort was beautiful, ocean also beautiful, all pools were great. We are returning to Beaches on Sunday.

Now, my only concern for you is the time of year you are planning to go. I am afraid that January will be windy, and the water may be cold and choppy. Even the water in the pools may be real chilly. Like KarenL, we go to T&C in May (wonderful weather then).

I believe the really negative reports you read come from people who are next to impossible to please where ever they go. If you enjoyed your stay at the AI in DR I see no reason why you wouldn't love Beaches T&C. Go have fun!!!!

Thank you! Especially LUVVACATION. I didn't realize weather would be an issue this time of year. Is February any better or is it better just to wait until April or May? If so, we may have to scrap all plans and stay in a total dump in Aruba!
Thanks again all!

Personally I wouldn't go to Provo in Jan. or Feb., but I admit that I like my water pretty warm. Some people can tolerate it a bit cooler.

You've received a lot of good feedback from our forum users. I'd just add one more thing. The AIs in Mexico (particularly in Cozumel and the Riviera Maya) tend to get better reviews from many posters than those on Caribbean islands. But I personally know several families (some with pretty high expectations) who've gone to Beaches Turks & Caicos over the past few years and loved it. I've never stayed or visited there myself. The point about winter temperatures in Provo are well-taken. The Turks & Caicos are just south of the Bahamas and lie completely outside the warm waters of the Caribbean, so the water and air temperatures a bit cooler than those in the Caribbean proper.

Hi Syd 1. From what I have gleaned from friends and acquaintences who have gone to Beaches there always seems to be a bit of disappointment. I like AI's with kids, I think that they are the way to go. No hassle, no figuring out where to eat, they have kids clubs which are great so you and your partner can have a bit of time and you can really focus on having quality time for your family. Having said that, the thing about Beaches is that for what it costs the return is a disappointment. I know a family of four that spent in excess of $7000 on Beaches. They didn't have any complaints about the kids clubs or the beach, but the food was uninspiring and any sense of "luxury" was absent. I perceived that their feeling was for 7000 they could have had a much nicer experience elsewhere. I would be interested in how many of Beaches customers are repeats. I hope this helps you. It seemed applicable because you mentioned "luxury".

I completely disagree with Wills about the food at Beaches (T&C location). But I understand and respect his opinions and those of his friends. We enjoyed all our meals there, and found a good selection to choose from. If people can't find something to eat at that resort, I think they'd better stay home and cook for themselves. This is my opinion, of course, and others are welcome to there's. I am a repeat customer to Beaches T&C.

As for the weather, I would wait for the spring (preferably May). We want the water and air temp to be warmer, and I'm afraid February would still be too cool for us. The wind is probably still an issue in the winter months.

Thanks so much to everyone. I can't tell you how helpful this is. I think we will wait 'til May and find something else to do locally with the kids in the colder months. I appreciate all the great suggestions!
syd

syd1, you are very welcome. I believe that your family will have a wonderful time when you go to Beaches T&C (especially if you wait til May).

I am running around the house trying to get everything ready for our trip there on Sunday, but I couldn't resist dropping in on the message board to see what's going on. It's all part of the excitement I guess. I really have my work cut out for me this year, because the day after we come back we will be having a graduation party for our daughter who just fininshed at the U of MD (we are very proud of her). So I need to get as much preparation for the party done that I possibly can before we leave BWI at 6 am Sunday. Take care.

If I won a trip here I would give it away. Beaches is the worst stretch of beach that we saw on Provo - wall to wall people and dirty!
The facility itself is not much better. Very crowded and not the cleanest place we've ever toured.
I guess some families "enjoy" the all inclusive aspects and the camp-like atmosphere but it certainly would not suit my family's tastes.

TG: I am very interested to know when you went to Beaches, and what kind of trash do you mean (human deposited or sea deposited). We experienced the very opposite of your findings. The resort was very well maintained and clean. There were a few plastic cups near the beach chairs, but it was not a trash covered, dirty beach by any means.

I can only agree that the beach may be very busy, and chairs on the beach can be hard to come by. So many people put their belongs on the chairs and disappear from sight. Yes, it is also true that the beach is more narrow in front of Beaches, but we can thank hurricanes for that. The fact that it was very crowded is proof that it is a popular place.

AI resorts are a real winner for me personally because they take all the guess work out of traveling far away from home. In addition, they make it much easier to budget for; you know the cost of your vacation before you lock the front door behind you. My pockets aren't loaded with cash, so I love that aspect of AI.

congrats to your daughter, LuvVacation! And have a great time at Beaches --

I agree with TG, walked by there (T & C) a couple of times in March, did not stay there,thank goodness and the beach was packed. It looked like the Jersey shore in summer or cruise ship deck. Beach chairs just lined up right next to each other -wall to wall people. If you don't mind sitting almost touching the next group of people and risk they are loud (lots of groups/kids there) Often read people have to get up at 6-7 AM to get beach chair. That is not my idea of quiet, relaxing vacation. The beach also is more narrower there than alot of the rest of beach. We walked down from Sands and beach did not compare. Sands beach is great. If you go when it is not as crowded, maybe it would be tolerable. Also read that many people feel food is not worth all the $$$ they charge. Also have heard they overbook and bump people to other resort.

I've never been to Beaches, but have been to other AI's. I just have a comment about the food mentioned above.

Food is a very opinionated subject. Remember, McDonalds & Burger King have built empires on cheap crummy food. No, I'm not saying that all AI's have cheap crummy food, but their reputation of "average" food is well deserved no matter what AI you stay at.

My wife & I no longer stay at AI's simply because of the food factor.

I have stayed at Beaches Turks Caicos. I think the overall quality of the food is comparable to a Friday's or Chili's. The Japanese restaurant was good and fun. My children loved Beaches, however, I did not think it was a good value. I enjoyed my vacation there but I think there are better AI options for the money. I recommend the Iberostar chain in Playa del Carmen Mexico.