sboemia

My husband and I are hoping to travel to Turks for our anniversary in July. We are trying to decide between the following hotels: The Palms, The Regent Grand, Seven Stars Resort, Sands at Grace Bay, Grand View on Grace bay or Ocean Club West. We have never been here before so we would love some suggestions. We love a lot of beach area with updated amenities. Nice pool, not a lot of children. The fewer the children, the better Let me know your thoughts.

KristinC

Hello Sboemia,
I just returned from 2 weeks of site inspections in Turks and Caicos! Each property you listed does offer a different "vibe." If you are looking to enjoy a quieter, less family oriented property with a great pool and outdoor lounge area, I would look more closely at The Palms and Regent Grand. Have you considered the Gansevoort? I'd be happy to lay out further differences for you. Message me if you can! Kristin

WWK

We go to Turks often, and are visiting again in a few months. July is prime time for family vacations, so it's likely you'll find lots of kids at almost any resort you pick. Plus, T&C has gotten increasingly popular over the last few years, since it's a quick hop from the East Coast, and has gorgeous weather!

A property you didn't mention on your list is West Bay Club, and the only reason I'm bringing it up, is that it has a really wide section of beach right in front of the hotel. Not true of some other properties on Grace Bay.

BTW, I'm not a fan of The Gansevoort, although if you like super trendy places and club music piped in 24/7 while you're relaxing at the pool, you might not mind it. Just not my thing at all.

sboemia

Kristin and WWK,
Thanks for your reply. I do need to know about the vibe Yes, I want quieter less family to no family Ha! Want great pool and easy access to a large beach. I don't want club music piped in 24/7. I like music, I like excitement, but I want to visit that type of atmosphere, not sleep there.

I looked at West Bay Club and like it! I guess I just forgot to put on my list.

The most important thing Is that the hotel be directly on the beach! and the Jr.suite must have a large balcony to relax on!

If any of the hotels don't meet these two qualities, please let me know immediately.

We are currently leaning towards The Palms; Seven Stars and West Bay. Please give me your opinions on these 3.

sboemia

One more thing. We are both 53 and are so excited to get in that water! It's our favorite type, blue with no waves and white sand!

sboemia

My pricing is
The Palms - Garden view $449
Seven Stars - Garden View $483
West Bay - Garden View $300

Is it worth it to stay at West Bay and spent the extra money on food and activities? Or are the other resorts worth the little extra cash for the ambiance?

Or do we get the oceanview at West Bay for $465?

Decisions, Decisions

blamona

ocean view at west by club

WWK

Have stayed at West Bay Club many times. Hands down, best choice from your list. The beach there is one of the best hotel beaches on Grace Bay. Rooms are gorgeous, though watch out for the studios! Definitely spring for higher category - oceanview- room.

WWK

A couple of things to add/ask: Will you have a car? West Bay is only in walking distance of two restaurants, SOMEWHERE CAFE and the restaurant(s) at The Gansevoort next door. There is a restaurant on site, but it's not great.

Taxis are very expensive on Provo. About $12-15 per person round trip to most restaurants, more if you make a stop at the grocery store, etc.

Also: Although the beach is one of the nicest on Grace Bay, the pool is more for a dip than actual swimming. If you must have a pool, you'll have to look at the other properties on your list.

sboemia

Hmmm, I respect your opinion. I was leaning towards The Palms first and West Bay second. The Palms looks more new, is it? Does the Palms have as nice of a beach as West bay? the beach is really important. We haven't been on a vacation in about 4 years. I had lost my job and things were tight. Now I have a great job and we want to go and have a great time. We are not trying to be too budget minded because we haven't gone anywhere in so long! Let me know what you would do.

blamona

West bay club is newer

Palms has a completely different look

Both are upscale and gorgeous, just different, but I think you can't go wrong with any choice on island, not a bad place to stay

Same long beach, but again just different personalities of it

I would pick whichever beachfront property, not garden view, and base on that

With both you need car rental, there are some others closer in the hub just as gorgeous

WWK

The pool ( infinity, I think) is much nicer at The Palms.

I haven't seen the beach in front of The Palms. But it would be hard to beat the really wide uncrowded section of beach in front of West Bay.

Oceanfront rooms are swoon-worthy at West Bay.

But for either property, you will need a car unless you don't mind splurging on very expensive taxis everywhere!

IF you're OK with a narrower stretch of beachfront and don't want to get a car, check out oceanfront jr. suites at SEVEN STARS.

I did a tour recently for an online mag, and they are gorgeous. The property is within walking distance of GRACEWAY GOURMET, COCO BISTRO, CAICOS CAFE, BELLA LUNA, and much of downtown Provo.

It has a big swimming pool and huge health club, spa.

Food is hit or miss.

The only reason I didn't mention it before was because it attracts a lot of families, and the beach is not as nice as at West Bay. But, it is quite central.

So you need to think about what's most important on your "wish list." Good luck!

sboemia

Thanks all! Your input is so much appreciated. From everything I have read I am going to go with West Bay and get the ocean view room. And the rental car! Where do I call to book that? What should I expect to pay per day. Would love your input again Thanks1

WWK

Call Grace Bay rentals for the car. Have fun!

WWK

A last heads-up: Ocean view and ocean front rooms at West Bay are not the same. Ocean front is straight on ocean. Ocean view could be through trees, low floor, etc. None of this may matter to you since the beach is steps away, but something to consider just in case.

sboemia

WWK, thanks for the heads up on "ocean front" vs "ocean view"
it matters Especially if they are going to charge me more.

WWK

sboemia,

I would specifically ask for a floor above ground level. We supposedly had ocean front our first visit, but the bedroom faced directly into the pedestrian walkway.

Caribzack

I would stay at The Palms...beautiful resort, excellent location to walk to many dining options ( as well as on site Parallel 23 which is excellent) Great staff & beautiful ocean view pool.

WWK

FYI: Grace Bay Rentals will arrange drop off and pick up of the rental car. We've used other companies in the past, none too successfully! Will be renting with Grace Bay again in a few months.

brubenow

I vote the Palms. Gorgeous hotel. Best part of the beach.