Jeff

Hi kids<BR><BR>I am planning to use some of the millions of Marriott points that I have accummulated on a vacation in May. Currently, I have reservations in Aruba, but am wondering if I made the right choice. I haven't had a good beach vacation, so I was hoping for some guidance. My girlfriend are looking for a fun place with great beaches.<BR><BR>Thanks

x

Jeff,<BR>Forget about the Marriot on Grand Cayman. It no longer has a beach to speak of.

Jack

I would reconsider. Three Mariott properties on St, Thomas to choose from and an upgrade using points for the Ritz. Atmosphere on St. Thomas much better than Aruba (commercial) and you could easy go to the BVI's and St. John for the best beaches in the world!

Eve

ARUBA all the way! The Marriott on Aruba is a great resort and, of the three you mentioned, Aruba is the best vacation destination. The BEST beaches in the Caribbean (according to numerous travel magazines), great restaurants and nightlife. I like Grand Cayman as well. I've been to St. Thomas twice but prefer the other two. ENJOY!<BR>

Jeff

I'm starting to see that all 3 are good choices and that it's a matter of personal preferences. Any comments on the weather in May between these destinations?

JLC

Hi Jeff,<BR><BR>We are having the exact same dilemna with our Marriott points. This site makes ALL Marriott locations seem dumpy. We're leaning towards either Aruba, Jamaica or St. Thomas.

Frank

Marriotts aren't dumpy but dont' have the charm that an island hotel has. Aruba has a great windy beach and is very much like Miami Beach or anyother American resort location. Casinos, booze boats and buses, loads of timeshare people, fighting for huts on the beach early in the morning and no character at all. At least Jamaica and St. Thomas you get a feel for the warmth and atmosphere of the Islands and the Island people.

Dominique

Aruba Marriott is a dump!!!! Waaaay over-rated. Rooms are tacky,(and smelly...damp, foul odor...gross...) pool is crowded, food was bland, elevators did not work, staff from never-never land, room service was slow & food was cold.<BR>Couldn't wait to get out of there. The entire place needs to be refurbished if they want to call themselves a 5 star property. We were there in early<BR>January.

Jeff

I accumulate my Marriott points by spending about 2.5 years in Marriott hotels. So, unfortunately I am familiar with the qualitly. I am also staying in a Marriott regardless because IT IS FREE. <BR><BR>My question is on location and weather in May. I hear that Aruba is windy, but St. Thomas is in the hurricane belt and should be fairly rainy the end of May. Jamaica is out because of the poverty and crime issues there. The beaches are great, but I don't like all-inclusive and have no interest in dealing with the beggers.

Frank

May is not the rainy season in the caribbean. hurricanes will not be a factor in the usvi until fall when it is peak season and when you have to be watchful. do check the ritz. well worth the extra points and st johns and the british virgins are easily done from there for a few hours or a day.

susan

Aruba Marriott is an awesome resort. Whoever said that it was dumpy and they had horrible service is in my opinion wrong. <BR><BR>My husband and I have been to Aruba Marriott 3 times in the past two years. We had nothing but wonderful experiences. <BR><BR>They call Aruba "One Happy Island" and that statement fits them completely. They always greeted us with a smile, and if there was a problem of any kind, they were extremely accomodating. Good luck on your decision.

heather

I can't believe someone said that Aruba Marriott was dumpy either. My husband and I along with another couple went last June and it was an amazing hotel and vacation. Beautiful, clean, great service, great restaurant and incredible pool bar with waterfalls! I would definitely recommend it, and we plan to go back in the near future!!!

Brockfamily

What did you decide and how was it? I'm still trying to decide on family vacation between Aruba and Grand Cayman using Marriott points. Thanks.

Bud

The Morningstar Resort on St. Thomas is the best resort that Marriott has. I worked at Marriott's headquarters in Washington, D.C. and everyone there says it is the best one. I stayed there and would have to agree.

Jeff

Hello again<BR><BR>To give you all an update. I chose Aruba and just returned this weekend. Overall, I am very happy with the choice. I love the beach, so it is hard to be disappointed. The weather was great and the Marriott was nice. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. If I were paying and if all prices were comparable, I would choose the Hyatt though. We checked out the other hotels and the Hyatt was by far the nicest. The others (marriott, wyndham, radisson) were very comparable. The beach was excellent, on the side of the island where the high-rise hotels are there is no surf. You can get a raft and float in the ocean just like you do in your pool at home. The wind was not a nuisance and was actually appreciated. You don't sit in the sun sweating profusely because the breeze keeps you cool. Of course, we went in the "windy season" and it didn't bother us at all. My only disappointment was the water clarity at the beaches by the hotels. The water was very green and semi-clear. It wasn't the crystal clear water that I would've expected. I'm not sure if this is due to the water sports. All of the beach by the hotels is cordoned off in swim areas. Outside of these areas all of the jet ski, parasailing, waterskiing , etc. watersports take place and stir up the water. The restraunts were excellent and I got an awesome tan.<BR><BR>I haven't been to Grand Cayman or St. Thomas yet, but am ready to start planning the next vacation.

brittany21

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