The Sands -vs- Coral Gardens
 

Trying to decide before booking between the 2. Does any one know how far apart they are?<BR>Interested in the snorkeling right in front of Coral Gardens, but like the property at The Sands better...<BR>Any suggesions?

Eddie,<BR>One of the reasons we chose the Sands was as you cited, we liked the looks of the property better. (I also got a much better deal on a package there :)<BR>We were extremely pleased with our stay and plan to return.<BR>(I have though, very rarely heard anything negative about CG, so I'm sure you'd be very happy there as well.)

Nancy,<BR>Do you know the distance between the two?

They're roughly in the same area of the island but too far to walk between. (In my opinion :)<BR>We drove it in just a couple of minutes, and you could probably get there via bikes in about 5.

Are there bike rentals at the hotels? Aprox. cost?<BR><BR>Do you know if there is snorkeling in front of The Sands?

There is no snorkeling in front of the Sands. It's just blue water and white sand.<BR>I think bikes are complimentary at the Sands, but we had a car, so I am not sure.

Eddie. Its customary to thank people on the board when they spend time helping you. Why do some people on here post the same question over and over and keep topping it or ask someone lots of questions and never give a proper thank you? At least say thanks in advance for help if you don't want to post just a thank you. People on here are unpaid and are trying to help others. Is a simple thank you to much to ask for?

Wait a minute, I just got back from a meeting that lasted an hour. Give me a chance to say thank-you. I am not a rude person.<BR><BR>Why is it people on here want to just go and read other peoples threads and just make bad comments on them...get a life!

You're welcome Eddie :)<BR>I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter where you choose to stay, and be sure to try out some of the rests. that serve local food (Where It's At, Mackies, Smokey's, Bugaloo's)as well as some of the others.<BR>For a small island, Provo is filled with very good places to eat.

Nancy,<BR>Again - thank you! :)<BR><BR>From the time I wrote the last post and now, I have booked my va-k and booked The Sands. I went to their website, and yes, they have the bikes comp. So that works for us. Because it is not that we were soley interested in just snorkeling in front of the hotel, wanted to do snorkleing trips - just thought it would be nice to wake up and just go. Well now it is going to be wake up, ride and snorkel ;)<BR><BR>I heard the restaurants are supposed to be good. We are so looking forward to geoing...the countdown now begins - 14 more weeks!<BR><BR>I am living on the east coast - so having a tropical vacation planned helps you get thourgh the winter!<BR><BR>Regards,

Stay at the Sands!!! We stayed there an loved it. And we absolutely walked to Coral Gardens to snorkel - took about 20 minutes I think.<BR><BR>The problem with staying at Coral Gardens is that everyone goes there to snorkel, so the beach is really crowded. An additionally, it's right next door to Beaches which is just ridiculously crowded. Yuck! At the sands there were times when we had the whole beach to ourselves, literally. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.

Michelle is dead on. The walk from Sibonne (about 2 minutes from the Sands) to Coral Garden reef area took me about 30-40 minutes (I am a slow walker).<BR>The beach in front of the Sands is very quiet. But because of its proximity to Beaches, the beach in front of Coral Gardens can be busy. If snorkeling was the number 1 consideration, I would pick Coral Gardens but if it isn't - The Sands is a better choice.

You've made the right choice Eddie.<BR>You will love the Sands and Provo.<BR>The people there are so warm and friendly, and there is night life to be found if you are willing to be a bit intrepid and go to local places.<BR>We enjoyed Sodax - a new sports bar with bands out in the parking lot occasionally, Friday night a local band plays at Calico Jacks, and we also went to a crazy disco that is open until the wee hours. I think it was called Club 2000? We went with a rasta mon named Coffee we met at Calico Jack's. The music was so loud we could not talk, but we could sure dance!<BR>We stopped by the Allegro casino, but found it to be a bit grubby so did not stay. <BR>I'm in NC, and we're expecting 1-3 inches of snow starting in a couple of hours, so I am wishing for Caribbean blue skies and waters myself.<BR>Have a great time!