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Dawn Beach Club #197545
06/13/2019 04:44 PM
06/13/2019 04:44 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
First timers to SXM in mid-November.
We are booking a room at the newly rebuilt Westin and wondered if there are any restaurants or shops in the area or if we will need a drive everywhere?
Any insights that you are willing to share are very much appreciated.
Cheers!

SXM Sponsors
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197546
06/13/2019 04:48 PM
06/13/2019 04:48 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
you will need a car without a doubt.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: EdB] #197547
06/13/2019 04:56 PM
06/13/2019 04:56 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Thank you EdB. So there is really nothing in the proximity of Westin - this is good to know!

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197548
06/13/2019 04:56 PM
06/13/2019 04:56 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Sorry, the Westin is going to be open by November this year??? The hotel??? I don't think so. Maybe the timeshares at the Westin, Coral Beach Club, I think it's called??


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: Carol_Hill] #197549
06/13/2019 05:08 PM
06/13/2019 05:08 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Hi Carol - I surely hope so. Westin Dawn Beach Club Resort is the unit address.
We are renting in building A from an owner that was there in March and spoke with the DBC service agent. Both said that units have been renting since late Spring. They said they are still working on building C & D. We realize that they are still recovering in the area, so we werent sure what is operational and what isnt.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197555
06/13/2019 06:14 PM
06/13/2019 06:14 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
I'm not that familiar with the area, but the timeshare section is open. The hotel is not, and apparently they are not even working on the hotel.


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197558
06/13/2019 06:43 PM
06/13/2019 06:43 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
You'll need a car or be prepared to spend a lot on taxi service.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197560
06/13/2019 06:51 PM
06/13/2019 06:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
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LBI2SXM  Offline
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L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
If I were you, I would find a hotel elsewhere. Dawn Beach is not the best and the area is quite secluded. You will really need a car.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197562
06/13/2019 07:07 PM
06/13/2019 07:07 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Mikel Offline
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Mikel  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
When we were at the nearby Oyster Bay Beach resort last winter, the Dawn Beach Club had reopened. I know the pool and pool bar were open and I believe the they were working to open the snack bar. Nothing at the hotel was open so there nearest restaurant or convenience store would be a mile or so away. You should defiantly plan on having a car.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197564
06/13/2019 07:15 PM
06/13/2019 07:15 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Thank you all! Happy to rent a car - gives me reason to explore smile
Any preferred car rental agency’s?

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: LBI2SXM] #197568
06/13/2019 08:24 PM
06/13/2019 08:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
.. not to mention the definite possibility of lots of seaweed there... I would look elsewhere.


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197569
06/13/2019 08:25 PM
06/13/2019 08:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
I have always used Hertz SXM for my rentals. One of the only rental agencies that includes the free liability insurance in their quote along with a free GPS to use.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: SXMScubaman] #197575
06/13/2019 09:05 PM
06/13/2019 09:05 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 721
B
bran Offline
Traveler
bran  Offline
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B
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 721
Price SXM if you don’t mind for one week?

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: bran] #197576
06/13/2019 09:16 PM
06/13/2019 09:16 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
I got a corolla for 175 a week this last May. All taxes and insurance included.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197579
06/13/2019 09:55 PM
06/13/2019 09:55 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 721
B
bran Offline
Traveler
bran  Offline
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B
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 721
That’s darn good. I managed $435.00 for three weeks but without liability. Gold star acct or just a great price for being a regular?

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: bran] #197580
06/13/2019 10:07 PM
06/13/2019 10:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Line price but I am a regular.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197590
06/14/2019 07:21 AM
06/14/2019 07:21 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline
Traveler
Tom  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Best advice is to consider car rental sponsors of this board, and get a quote that includes all fees, taxes, liability insurance rates, etc.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197591
06/14/2019 07:58 AM
06/14/2019 07:58 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
B
bonsie Offline
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bonsie  Offline
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B
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
We were on the island a week ago staying at OBBR. We drove over the hill to the Westin and was told by the security person that the resort has only opened to the timeshare owners. He also told us that he had no idea when the resort would be ready for the public to rent a room. You might want to call the resort directly before booking thru a vacation site. If you are renting from a timeshare owner then you might be ok. it is 15 minute drive to Phillipsburg and a 30 min. drive to orient Beach because of road construction.

Last edited by bonsie; 06/14/2019 08:03 AM. Reason: more info
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: bonsie] #197593
06/14/2019 08:12 AM
06/14/2019 08:12 AM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Thank you Bonsie. We are renting through an owner and I spoke with DBC onsite so it appears to be legit but I’ll definitely look closer before finalizing.
Since you were just there, can you speak to the seaweed situation at Dawn Beach? I hadn’t really thought about it, but honestly we were pretty disappointed the last time we travelled and the seaweed overan the beaches - the odor on the beaches was pretty bad.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: Carol_Hill] #197594
06/14/2019 08:14 AM
06/14/2019 08:14 AM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Thanks Carol. I hadn’t thought about it but it’s definitely an issue.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: Tom] #197595
06/14/2019 08:15 AM
06/14/2019 08:15 AM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Great idea! I certainly will. Thank you!

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197598
06/14/2019 08:46 AM
06/14/2019 08:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
NewView--Not sure when you're going, but the seaweed situation at Dawn Beach has been pretty bad fairly continuously for the past year. I personally wouldn't risk it, for my vacation.


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: Carol_Hill] #197601
06/14/2019 08:54 AM
06/14/2019 08:54 AM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Wow ok I seriously appreciate knowing that. The timeshare owner only showed pics from March without it and of course it never came to mind so I’ll be calling her and canceling and looking elsewhere for sure. I’m glad I found this forum.
Thank you!!

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197617
06/14/2019 12:38 PM
06/14/2019 12:38 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
Traveler
LBI2SXM  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
Have no idea who you are renting from but be aware, she may tell you there is none in the area so she can rent it out.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197619
06/14/2019 01:03 PM
06/14/2019 01:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 679
Arizona
Az_Guy Offline
Traveler
Az_Guy  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 679
Arizona
We always use Unity Car Rental. Michael (owner) is super nice.


~~ Once you've slept on an island, you'll never be the same. ~~
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197620
06/14/2019 01:20 PM
06/14/2019 01:20 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 236
Near Chattanooga, Tn.
M
MORWAVES Offline
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MORWAVES  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 236
Near Chattanooga, Tn.
Have used leisure car rental last 2 or 3 times on island. Just rented today for 2 weeks for 270.00 + 20. for liability. Your credit card should cover collision insurance. Mine does.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: LBI2SXM] #197627
06/14/2019 03:00 PM
06/14/2019 03:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
LBI2SXM I believe you are correct. We are rethinking our plans.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197628
06/14/2019 03:01 PM
06/14/2019 03:01 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
AZ_Guy & MORWAVES - Thank you for the references. I'll check them both out once we decide where we are staying.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197631
06/14/2019 04:08 PM
06/14/2019 04:08 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
We drove by Dawn Beach today. No WAY I would stay there right now. LOTS of seaweed around, lots of derelict boats there.. Took some pictures, which will try to post at some point.


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197640
06/14/2019 06:23 PM
06/14/2019 06:23 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,461
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
Traveler
sxmmartini  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,461
Vermont
I would stay there.., it is a lovely part of the island. A car is a must and there are restaurants including OBBR.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: sxmmartini] #197651
06/14/2019 08:34 PM
06/14/2019 08:34 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Sorry, Martini, I understand you are invested in that area, but no freaking way I would stay there right now. Seaweed, stink from seaweed, way far away from most anything on the island.


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197655
06/14/2019 09:18 PM
06/14/2019 09:18 PM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
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N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
I truly appreciate hearing everyone's input on this location. When we do visit the island, we will be sure to take a daytrip to see Dawn Beach. Hopefully by then the sargassum has moved out and we spend a beautiful day on Dawn Beach. I've seen pictures from several villas in the area from early this Spring and it looks amazing, but it sounds like the current beach situation is very sad.
Once again, thank you all for making our trip to SXM wonderful.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: NewView10] #197662
06/15/2019 07:28 AM
06/15/2019 07:28 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
B
bonsie Offline
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bonsie  Offline
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B
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
The seaweed in front of the Westin was very clean. As you work you way towards OBBR, the seaweed was present and not as clean as the Westin beach.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: bonsie] #197665
06/15/2019 07:54 AM
06/15/2019 07:54 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
bonsie--are you talking about now? We couldn't see the beach in front of the Westin, but that whole area is COVERED with seaweed in the water yesterday. I took some pictures that I will post eventually.


Carol Hill
Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: bonsie] #197668
06/15/2019 09:04 AM
06/15/2019 09:04 AM
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
N
NewView10 Offline OP
Traveler
NewView10  Offline OP
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
MN
Thank you bonsie. That's really good to know.

Re: Dawn Beach Club [Re: Carol_Hill] #197702
06/15/2019 05:42 PM
06/15/2019 05:42 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
B
bonsie Offline
Traveler
bonsie  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
I was talking about 10 days ago don't know what its like today.


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