travelin

My parents will be vacationing at the Marriott Ocean Pointe. Can they take a cab from the airport or Amtrak train station? Is it necessary to rent a car to go out for restaurants and shopping or are there places within walking distance from the resort? Also want to be sure it is safe for them to walk around in the evening. What places should they be sure to visit while there? How is the beach for swimming? I've heard there is construction at the resort but all amenities/facilities should be available. Are there shops or restaurants on the resort?
Thanks for any feedback or suggestions.

Paul

There have been many posts on this resort in the past, so be sure and do a text search for more/better ideas.

That being said, your parents will certainly need and want a car while staying at the resort. There are only a handful of restaurants close-by. They will also want groceries and (hopefully) do a little sightseeing, so a car is needed for that too. I would imagine a cab fare be PBI to the resort would be at least $75, and maybe closer to $100.

The resort is on the southernmost tip of Singer Island. It is actually in the town of Palm Beach Shores, which your folks will see makes it unique unto itself. The streets are very safe and traffic is restricted to 25 MPH - with most cars driving even slower. (There is not much traffic at all in this sleepy section of the island.)

The beach is EXCELLENT - they will love it. The pools are also superior. There is a small sundries store on the premise, but that is about it. The Sailfish Marina is a must do - and walking distance. There is a casino cruise that I found fun - I didn't play even a nickel, but had fun at the pool, the ride, the sun deck (a day trip, although evening is also offered), and a decent meal.

Of course, a trip to the area must include a drive to Worth Avenue. The shops are truly unique. I like the restaurants "Ta Boo" and another called "Max & Eddies." Also stop by The Breakers hotel and walk through it. It is quite the place! Have them walk through the rose garden and watch for the 100�s of green parrots flying around outside. It�s a wonderful stroll. Their gardens are lovely!

Paul

On Thursday nights, Pescatore on Clematis is a great place to dine. There are bands downtown at the city plaza on Thursday nights - the downfall is that the Sailfish Marina is also fun on Thursday nights - bands play there, and there art shows too. There is also a Tommy Bahamas restaurant right across from where the bands play. They could catch an early dinner downtown West Palm, see the action, and still have time to enjoy the fun back at the Sailfish Marina by their resort.

Catch a free ride from downtown to CityPlace (also downtown West Palm). Shops, fountains, restaurants, etc abound in this huge outdoor complex. It is near the Trump towers. There is also a big new movie theater in case they are interested in that sort of thing.

If they like antiques, they could search out Antiques Row (I believe on Dixie � just past the bridge entrances to Palm Beach proper), which has had several big articles about it in Architectural Digest.

There is also an ice cream store directly across from the interactive fountain downtown West Palm that has been on the "Top 10 Bathrooms" on the travel channel. I know, sounds kind of dumb, but it is a fun nostalgic ice cream shop just the same. The bathroom doors are "plasma" and, well, too difficult to explain. I wish I could remember the name of the place - a great stop when strolling around downtown West Palm. They could ask anyone in the area and they would know the name.

One last place I would like to recommend is a place right under the Blue Heron Bridge called "The Crabpot." VERY casual, but dining outside right on the water. Believe it or not, order their country-fried shrimp. I eat at this place every visit to the area and have always had fun. The shrimp are the best I have ever tasted - which I finally just ordered on my last visit.

I hope your parents have a blast on their vacation. They are visiting one of my favorite places on the Atlantic. There is also an excellent state park on the island called McArthur's Park. Back in the 70's it was nude sunbathing - now it is just a very raw and natural beach (not the people! hahaha). They also have a neat museum of sorts there that tells of the area, ocean, and terrain.

Happy Trails,
Paul

mclaurie

I'm not familiar with the Marriott on Singer Island but I have stayed at the Holiday Inn there. Ironically, when we arrived, we discovered they were under construction (we were not told this when making reservations). Travelin, it was awful. The jack hammers started early in the morning so we couldn't sleep. You had to step over debris to get to the beach, the regular breakfast room was closed so we had to dine in a makeshift area without windows. The saving grace for us was we were only there for 2 days in the midst of a bigger trip but I felt awful for those who had waited all year for their big vacation.

When we first arrived & saw the chaos, we were offered a big discount on our room rate & decided to try to stay elsewhere but every place else was booked. The beach there is fabulous & there were a few restaurants nearby but Paul makes it sound like the Marriott is not exactly at the same section as the other hotels.
I would suggest asking lots more questions before letting them go. What's the construction? What's open & what's closed? etc.

If they want to stay at a Marriott where they don't need a car, I would suggest the one in Delray beach. That's really in a downtown area with lots of restaurants within walking & it's supposed to be lovely.

I agree if they stay in Singer Island they should have a car. Hope this helps.

amh4598

Just got back from Singer Island. They will definitely need a car. W. Palm Beach is under construction ( sidewalks and all).Allow plenty of time for travel.