Hi All,
My wife are trying to get back to the Caribbean this summer. We have been to USVI/BVI and...(surprise)...would like to try a different island. Just from skimming all the helpful posts, seems like Anguilla or T&C would fit our needs. Just looking for that perfect beach with good snorkeling and an escape to island time. Of course we need all this to fall into our t-i-g-h-t budget. Any recommendations on moderately-priced hotels/resorts on these islands?

Cheers!
forrestg

Elodia's, Allamanda, Mandeariman, Shoal Bay Villas in Anguilla on Shoal Bay East which has snorkeling right off the beach. There are more than 80 restaurants, some reasonable, many not. You really need a car to eat reasonably, however.

If you provide more specifics about your budget and the amount of time you are planning to stay, you may get more useful feedback, but here are some general thoughts about T&C. The resorts that are usually considered "moderate" and are on Grace Bay beach are the following: Ocean Club/Ocean Club West, Royal West Indies, The Sands, the Alexandra, and Coral Gardens. Depending on your travel dates and length of stay, you should be able to stay at these places for $150 - 200/night. Don't forget that when rates are quoted on websites, they usually don't include the 10% service fee and 10% tax. Many of the resorts offer summer specials where the fifth and/or seventh nights are free.

In the budget category, the Comfort Suites (off the beach) is probably about $100/night. Sibonne is on the beach but might be a little cheaper than the other resorts mentioned above.

Although food is not cheap in T&C, there are some moderate options, and since many of the accommodations mentioned above are condo resorts with kitchens/kitchenettes, you can save some money by having some food/drinks on hand. You also can get by in T&C without a car since there are plenty of restaurants within easy walking or cab/shuttle distance.

T&C is great for what you want; I just returned from my first trip there about 10 days ago and will definitely go back soon!

For both islands You can also check out vrbo.com for rentals by condo and villa owners, and owners of timeshares in the Turks and Caicos at the Alexandra have a web site with rentals on alexandraresortowners.com
Hope this helps

On our "tight" budget for T & C, we chose the Sibonne. It was the least expensive hotel that was directly on Grace Bay. Very small and quite. 26 rooms, tiny pool, 1 very expensive resturant and bar. Sits on a fabulous section of Grace Bay. It's walking distance to Ports of Call and Salt Mills for other dining options. However, we regretted not renting a car.

I would definintly say T & C was one of our more expensive vacations and we budgeted hard. For "moderately" priced look at Aruba, Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Curacao, or Antigua.

thanks for the responses!
If we have a rental car for the stay, which island is better for driving around and discovering different/unique beaches? Anguilla or T&C? Is the trek from SXM over to Anguilla easy?

If you decide on T & C and you think Comfort Suites is in your radar....take a look at Island Club Townhouses. They are right next door and in my opinion a much better deal...for $800 [including taxes] you get a full townhouse [2bdrm & 1 1/2 bath] and a nice pool that is very private. They rent Sat to Sat so that might not work for you but we really found it perfect for us.

forrestg...if you wnat to rent a car and explore, Anguilla would be better. The island has so many beaches and uniquie spots to explore. I can't imangine not having a car on Anguilla. The ferry process is very painless...actually enjoyable. And Anguilla has some GREAT lower priced restaurants - Picante (only restaurant we have gone to twice during the same vacation), Tasty's, E's Oven. If you want a "nice" dinner or two out, I recommend Mangos and Blanchards.

Shariej...can you tell me a little more about the Ilsand Blub and your experience there? How are the rooms? Was the walk to the beach not a big deal? Are there chairs/umbrellas to use? How is the pool? Sorry for all the questions, I just rarely come across anyone who has stayed there! Also, do you have any photos you could post?

Thanks!