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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: DPD1968]
#46467
03/19/2015 08:07 AM
03/19/2015 08:07 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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If being able to walk out to both shopping and nightlife is at the top of the requirement list then IMO, Royal Islander LaPlage is about the best of the best. It meets your requirements, plus has lots of good dinner options within footsteps, is very well maintained, almost all units have a good ocean view and you can watch the planes come and go from your balcony.
If I was looking for a place to stay, this would be my first choice for sure and perhaps Royal Islander La Terrasse which is across the street from it would be my second choice since it also meets your requirements. The only drawback is that it is not directly ON THE BEACH, but merely footsteps away.
We have multiple weeks at the Towers and I adore it there but one of my prime reasons for loving it as I do is because it's well removed from everything and is blissfully peaceful and away from any and all hubbub yet still very conveniently situated. The downside of that is you have to drive almost everywhere but on SXM we don't find that to be a problem, but it definitely does NOT meet your prime needs.<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: DPD1968]
#46469
03/19/2015 08:21 AM
03/19/2015 08:21 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,740 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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Your choices are RI LaPlage or LaTarasse or Simpson Bay Resort. The others do not have good options for food and nightlife in walking distance. The first two are in Maho, which personally I don't like Maho. Looks like a little town to me. But there are lots of shopping, eating and nightlife opportunities there. Simpson Bay Resort is in the middle of Simpson Bay and there is a tonn of stuff to walk to from there. Not as many as Royal Palm, which would be my number one choice, but it wasn't on the list!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> SBR, there are a vast variety of rooms there, some with views, some with views of the back of another building! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Most of the units there now have been refurbished in the past couple of years and are lovely. If they could get a room at the Villas at Simpson Bay, they are the newest section, all ocean view and lovely. With regard to walking anywhere from SBR, disagree with the other poster, not dangerous to walk from there.
Carol Hill
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#46470
03/19/2015 08:29 AM
03/19/2015 08:29 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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Carol,
I know you enjoy that area and it does meet the requirements as far as shopping and nightlife, and while I don't know that I'd find the walking there to be 'dangerous' it's not nearly as convenient as the Royal Islander properties and the walks are generally a lot longer. Walking TO dinner is not usually a problem anywhere, but walking back could be problematic, particularly in some of the upper buildings......those hills could take on new proportions after a glass or two of wine with dinner. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I guess the problem for me is all the traffic in that area....I enjoy some of the restaurants but crossing that road can be treacherous! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: RonDon]
#46471
03/19/2015 08:56 AM
03/19/2015 08:56 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837 Florida
wilsonck
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Posts: 837
Florida
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RonDon said: not sure where La tarrace is located.
La Terrasse is across the street from La Plage.
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: pat]
#46473
03/19/2015 09:19 AM
03/19/2015 09:19 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,740 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 82,740
Central Florida!
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Pat--yes, there is the hill, that's why I prefer Royal Palm, but it wasn't on the list. You and I have gone over Maho versus Simpson Bay many times and I think we will agree to disagree on that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
Carol Hill
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#46474
03/19/2015 10:19 AM
03/19/2015 10:19 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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As we always do, Carol and that's okay.....that's what life's all about - different choices. And as the saying goes, if we all liked the same thing....
Personally, I still prefer the Towers over all the timeshares on the island simply because it's tucked away out of the mainstream without a lot of noise or traffic and that's exactly what deters a lot of people from staying there. Once again, if we all liked the same thing...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: DPD1968]
#46475
03/19/2015 10:21 AM
03/19/2015 10:21 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 679 Burlington, Ontario, Canada
JohnandBev
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Posts: 679
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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La Terrasse is across from La Plage. La Plage has it's own "beach" area, built up sand, lots of loungers around the pool and if lucky, sand on Maho Beach. La Terrasse has its own pool deck, but each building can only use there own pool area. Personally I'm happier with the La Plage pool area directly on the water. We like the Maho area, resto's, some shopping, walk to Mullet and easy driving to other area's J&B
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: Computerwise]
#46477
03/19/2015 10:37 AM
03/19/2015 10:37 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,740 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,740
Central Florida!
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Actually, in most of Simpson Bay, you don't hear planes taking off at all. Specifically at Simpson Bay Resort, which was one of the choices. At Royal Islander, I think one can hear planes there, but I don't really know.
Carol Hill
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: EdB]
#46479
03/19/2015 11:09 AM
03/19/2015 11:09 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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Ed,
One item of curiosity for me regarding Royal Islander, both LaPlage and LaTerrasse - where do you park and if you have to use the garage, is it free or do you have to pay to parkthere? That's the only thing I might not find too terrific about either of these locations.
And please don't get me wrong - I still think the Towers is the best place for ME but not everyone wants the serenity thing like we do. And again, one of the nice features about RILP is once you're inside the property you really wouldn't have a clue about the traffic in the area, right?
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: Computerwise]
#46480
03/19/2015 11:13 AM
03/19/2015 11:13 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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Computerwise said: Pat,
I am in total agreement with you. The Towers is tranquil, much more scenic. Beautiful pool and views from the condos. Nice to be able to walk the golf course or to Mullet Bay. Simpson Bay is way to noisy with all planes taking off.. We never found the noise to be an issue when we stayed in the Simpson Bay area - I just hate the busy atmosphere there, which reminds me too much of home but without the beach!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> But, Computerwise, Shhhhh, we don't want the Towers finer points to get out to too many people, do we? Let's keep it a secret as best we can.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: JohnandBev]
#46482
03/19/2015 11:36 AM
03/19/2015 11:36 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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TY - I was never sure how they worked that out. I'm kind of surprised they don't give 'owners' a free parking pass. That would be a very nice 'gimme' I'm thinking. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: JohnandBev]
#46483
03/19/2015 11:45 AM
03/19/2015 11:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837 Florida
wilsonck
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
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JohnandBev said: Parking is under the La Terrasse building. If staying at La Terrasse, you take the elavtor to "P". If at La Plage, you walk across the street to La Terrasse and take the elvator down 1 floor to the garage or take the stairs. When you check in you tell the desk you need parking. It's $5/day - $35 a week. You get a receipt of sorts showing your start and end dates and you leave it on the dash at night when parked. You get a card to swipe yourself in and out of the garage. There is security man at the exit / entrance J&B Parking is $30/week. At least it was last April when I stayed there. I'll be back there in May.
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: pat]
#46484
03/19/2015 11:53 AM
03/19/2015 11:53 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,740 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 82,740
Central Florida!
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Pat--yes, I never understood that, why 'owners' have to pay for parking there.
Carol Hill
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: DPD1968]
#46485
03/19/2015 12:37 PM
03/19/2015 12:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,303 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,303
Vancouver, WA
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RI La Plage, you could argue that it is the best run timeshare on the island and it fits the bill for what they are asking.
RI is not my favorite, prefer La Vista or Towers, but I would suggest this place with out hesitation.
I like the Simpson Bay area, but not a fan of Simpson Bay Resort unless you get the Villas in the new building.
Divi and Towers are nice, but both are a drive to any real hot spots for shopping or nightlife.
Cheers, Todd
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: pat]
#46486
03/19/2015 12:50 PM
03/19/2015 12:50 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,739 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,739
Auburn, WA
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pat said: TY - I was never sure how they worked that out. I'm kind of surprised they don't give 'owners' a free parking pass. That would be a very nice 'gimme' I'm thinking. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> That should be an automatic inclusion for even just staying there.
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#46487
03/19/2015 01:05 PM
03/19/2015 01:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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Don't think I agree with you at all, scuba. The people who actually pay the AMFs and particularly those who come every year should get them but there is a difference between owners and traders as far as I'm concerned. We stayed in a nice TS in Mexico way back when and they included certain perks that were NOT available to General TS trades or renters THAT WERE EXCLUSIVELY FOR OWNERS AND THEIR GUESTS. I thought it was a nice touch but then, I was a guest. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: sail2wind]
#46489
03/19/2015 01:42 PM
03/19/2015 01:42 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,740 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
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Posts: 82,740
Central Florida!
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No. As far as I know, Royal Islander is the only place that charges for parking.
Carol Hill
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: RonDon]
#46491
03/19/2015 07:34 PM
03/19/2015 07:34 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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Rosemary,
I don't know when you were there last but our quiet little rural 'once upon a time farm town' is no more. Federal Road is bumper to bumper from Danbury all the way through Brookfield right up to the Super 7 extension to New Milford and pulleeze.......don't get me going on I-84 traffic status. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: RonDon]
#46493
03/20/2015 12:35 AM
03/20/2015 12:35 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,267 Boynton Beach, FL
EdB
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Posts: 3,267
Boynton Beach, FL
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One seems to be forgetting that LaPlage has one of the cheapest maintenance fees on the island. Many of the guests there do not rent a car, since it is convenient to just about everything. The small charge for parking is ok with me....it pays for the security guard to watch over the cars, and that is fine with me! Of all the years of coming down, i have never heard any of the owners complain about the small parking fee. Funny, it seems like the only ones that ever complained are non owners who don't stay there.... Would rather pay for something that I use, than pay for something i don't.... If this helps keep the maintenance fees low, i will continue to gladly pay for parking. Underground, protected garage parking as far as i know, is only available at LaPlage/LaTerrace. that probably has something to do with the fee also.
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Re: Picking Timseshare for first visit
[Re: EdB]
#46495
03/20/2015 09:08 AM
03/20/2015 09:08 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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EdB said:Pat, parking is across the street UNDER LaTerrace. It is a manned gated parking garage. There is a weekly charge for parking. Once inside very rarely hear any noise. In fact, usually can sleep till around 9 or 10. Even the planes don't interfere with my sleep. The beauty of LaPlage is the choices of restaurants, shopping, or just about anything one would need is right out the front door. The convenience is GREAT. btw...met your daughter last week. Couldn't disagree with anything you've said in this post if I wanted to....I really do like almost everything about Royal Islander and you sure can't beat the views from the balconies. We were at a cocktail party in one of the large penthouse units and I almost hated to come in from the balcony. Not so sure I'd want to sleep in though and waste that much of my vacation time but vacations are all about what makes you happy, right. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> And yes, Kim did mention meeting you. She enjoyed her day at Royal Islander and hanging with Sheila and Sue and all and meeting so many great people there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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