Using vacation points for a nice relaxing vacation with most of our time spent at the pool, beach and doing activities like snorkeling.

We have enough Marriott or Hilton points and would stay at one of those properties on either island.

Had originally picked the Curacao Hilton (before we started checking Marriott) but got concerned after reading reviews here. The reviews on Tripadvisor for that hotel are relatively favorable but here they are decidely mixed. Is the Hilton that awful? I'm more concerned about the beach and pool than the looks of the building or room.

Or would St Kitts be better? Has anyone been to both? Which did you prefer? We have had a lot of experience in the Caribbean so there isn't a lot I can compare things to.

Thanks!

Here is some recent replies to the same question.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=5

At the end my message should've said that we don't have a lot of experience in the Caribbean.

and CW, I couldn't see what post you were referring to but I think it might be the one regarding the St Kitts v Curacao Marriott. That was helpful (as I think we've decided on Curacao), but I am also curious about opinions on the Hilton. I would prefer to use those points (I accumulate them much quicker) and hold on to my Marriott points. I am not sure if I would regret choosing the Hilton over the Marriott.

Sid,

Yes, that was the post I was referring to (St. Kitts v. Curacao Marriott).

Sorry, I've been to St. Kitts but never to Curacao. I'm sure someone with experience will chime in.

CW

Sid: Hi. The Hilton is not awful at all. It is definitely not on par with the Marriott though. I'm amazed at the mostly raving reviews on Trip Advisor because the Hilton is just a 3-star in my opinion. It is however a great value. Clean hotel/room, 1 especially nice beach (there are 2 there) and a GREAT pool.
Do a search for my screen name and you will find my Curacao trip report. We stayed at the Hilton and went to the Marriott for dinner one night. I compared both hotels. I've included a link with our pictures in my trip report posting. Let me know if you have any questions after you read my report.
I have not been to St. Kitts yet.

Hi Sid,
As I stated earlier, I think Curacao is the better choice for you and I would go with the Marriott. It's just a better quality hotel. The Hilton is cheaper and it has two private sandy beaches, but you're asking us what we would do. So that's my answer.

Agree with previous poster, go with Curacao Marriott, it's a great use of your points because it is only a level 5 resort for points so you get more time for your points that at St. Kitts which is a 6. Much nicer overall than the Hilton, more upscale, nicer and larger beach, some people say the Hilton pool is nicer but I didn't think so. I thought the Curacao Marriott was a great value and I actually paid for my room!

I stayed at the Marriott St Kitts shortly after it opened. It was so new that I spent $89 a night (versus points) and because I was Platinum, I was upgraded to the two room suite (had kids in tow). But to answer your question, if you want a decent beach, then St Kitts is NOT the choice. The beach suffers from large rocks and virtually no soft, powdery sand. The hotel was fabulous and the pools were a hit with the kids, but service was generally poor (maybe because they were so new). I can't comment on Curacao, but that is my next destination. I am still platinum with Marriot and diamond with Hilton, so I would appreciate your comparison.

For more information on St. Kitts an excellent website is www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com

The water at the Marriott can be rough, but if walk down the street South Frigate Bay is very calm. (Caribbean Side as apposed to the Atlantic)

Been to Curacao...would not go back. Dirty!smoggy, human fieces on public beach, people were not very friendily to Americans. I've been to many islands but was very disappointed with that one! (stayed at Breezes)