Hi - I am heading to the Provo in Nov. Have been there twice before and always stayed at Ocean Club West. This time our two young (1 & 3) children, mother, brother & sis-in-law are coming. We are thinking about trying The Sands because of the more central location, kiddie pool, and a few other things.

I have called The Sands and read the info on their web site. I really don't understand the makeup of their 3 bdrms. I know at OCW, the 3 bdrm is really a 2 bdrm with a studio lockout. I am looking at the garden view 3 bedroom at The Sands. I have been told some don't really have a 3rd bedroom but rather a murphy bed coming out from the wall. I need to verify that there are in fact 3 separate bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. I would also like to know if there is more than one balcony. Any help from someone that knows or has been there would be EXTREMELY appreciated. Thank you in advance!

From my understanding there are two types of 3-bedroom units at the Sands. In building three, I think it would be as you described. Ask them about possible 3 bedrooms in other buildings. The one I saw, on the second floor of building 5, was a 2 bedroom with a studio lockout. When used together, through a connecting door, you would have the two bedroom, 2 bath unit and then the studio which is one room, but would give you an additional queen bed, another living room area, another bathroom (total 3) and another balcony, not to mention another little kitchen area. It was great. With the murphy bed arrangement unit you mentioned, I don't think there is another balcony or living room area. Ask reservations at the
Sands about this.

did they only tell you of the one kind of room configuration?

Well I did ask, and they just didn't explain things very well. Right now I am tempted to go to Ocean Club West just because I know exactly what to expect. They have floor plans posted on their web site whereas The Sands does not, nor will they fax me anything. Does anyone have feedback comparing the 3 bedroom units at both places?? I'd love to hear first hand. Thanks again for your help!!

I would ask the Sands to e-mail you a complete description of the 3 bedroom layout. There is nothing worse then booking a unit and not getting what you expected.

My personal feeling is if they are not willing to e-mail you info, I'd pick OCW.

we just finished spring break at the Sands (2 couples, 3 children) in a 3 bedroom oceanfront. Ours was a combo of really large,lovely 1 bedroom w/ 1 and 1/2 baths, with a 1bedroom lockout open for us. the lockout had a bedroom, full bath off of a hallway, and a "living room with mini-kitchen" which had a murphy bed & small sleep sofa.
I loved the Sands & have to say that of the 7 families from our area, all of us explored a bit and felt we were at the best possible spot. I hope to go back regularly. OCW may be great, too, but the staff, Hemingway's, the beach & amenities: superb.

I would say: ask for (in writing) just the info on number of full baths and a detailing of how many actual beds. (although sounds like you may have a strong preference for OCW?)