This forum has been so helpful, we are taking our first trip to Turks and Caicos end of March we have a 4 year old and 8 year old. We are trying to decide where to stay. Although having a kids club may be nice, we probably would only use it maybe one day (so that isn't a deal breaker). We are considering the Sands Grace Bay, as it looks nice for kids. Our other consideration is the Regent Palms. More money, but many of the reviews talk about snobby crowds, see and be seen crowd, this is of no interest to us. Is it worth the extra money? Do the hotels provide beach toys, etc, and life vests for the pool (for our 4 year old)? I think the Sands had bike rentals do they have kids bikes and is it safe for them to ride around the area if we were going somewhere together?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Also if there are any must dos while we are there

no kids bikes.
Regent Palms, although "see and be seen crowd" is by no means snobby, actually quite gorgeous. Same developers as Sands.

Most hotels tend to have leftover beach toys for kids.

Outsiders can use the excellent kids club at Grace Bay Club, and the kids club at Veranda Resort too. I highly recommend both.

Can you give us a little more info? budget, tastes, what you like out of vacations?

Blamona, thanks for the response. I checked out your recent photos from Turks and Caicos what beautiful water! I'm glad you mentioned the kids can use the kids club at Grace Bay - having that as an option for a day would be nice.

I'm going through American Express Vacations to use some of our points, so I'd prefer a hotel from their list. With Airfare from Chicago, I'd like to be around 7,400 (which is what Regent is coming up) for 4 people, would also like a 1 bedroom (where bedroom is seperate).

We want a nice hotel with amenities, spa, nice beach, beach service, in walking distance to other restaurants, nice pools where kids are welcome (and not given dirty looks when they are playing in the pool, being kids). We plan on spending time away from resort also exploring (iguana island, the pony/horsebackriding for my 8 year old, etc.)

I'm glad you told me about the crowd at the Regent, it looks absolutely gorgeous, but that initially turned me off.

here were the hotels listed.
Ocean Bay
Ocean Bay West
Royal West Indies
The Sands
Regent Palms
Somerset (more than I wanted to pay but if it was outstanding may consider it)

Palms and Somerset are in a different league than the rest. Ocean Clubs are a little dated, RWI is a good bang for your buck but not the best mattresses, as is the Sands.

Of your list Sands and Palms are very family friendly. Palms a lot more upscale and better service than Sands. It has awesome bathrooms.

With 2 kids you need to have a 1 bedroom or larger, they also have full kitchens, makes it nice with snacks and drinks when you have kids.

Palms also includes breakfast, the others do not.

Click on my screen name to read my trip report on the regent palms. We took our then 3 year old and had the most wonderful vacation. The Regent palms is one of our favorite hotels and they are kid friendly without being kidcentric, and not snobby at all. It's not like the delano (south beach) in the carribean.