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Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
#91699
03/27/2016 01:11 AM
03/27/2016 01:11 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,284 Boynton Beach, FL
EdB
OP
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,284
Boynton Beach, FL
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Been here now for two weeks, and decided it was time to post my observations of the ''new'' project. I was surprised to see how much work, and improvements have been made. We all saw pictures of the sterile units as they were being constructed, but actually seeing them in person has been quite totally different. None of the units have kept the ridiculous vinyl roof on their units. Most have put on wooden roofs, which do a much better job to keep the sun out and provide a much better shade for the patrons. The units are set back more from the beach, and was really surprised to see how much beach space each of them have. The wall does add quite a bit of protection against a rising ocean...and the units seem to be constructed a lot better than the pictures appeared. They do appear that they can withstand a wind and surf, much more than the previous ones did. The sterile look that we all complained about during construction is basically gone....since most have customized their restaurants with wooden roofs, and some privacy shades on the sides. The restaurants all are very clean, new, and modern. The bathrooms are nice...clean and a good size. The owners are spending money making them look more ''authentic''. Natalie from Aloha has even gone and painted the beach side of her restaurant the same color blue she has always used...even though from the parking lot is a purple building Sun Beach Clubber made their interior look like a very upscale restaurant, by doing a nice job ''enclosing'' their place with a wooden privacy fence, and did a great job decorating their place to look like a very upscale place. The decks all seem to be a good size...and they all can accomodate some tables inside also. The kitchens appear to be a good size...and a few of the kitchen staff i chatted with, seem to be enjoying the new digs. Of course, i still have trouble going by there, and not seeing Cheryl's smiling face there. So far Ethnic, Orange Fever and not sure of the others are not ready...but one (not sure which one) has spent a lot of time working on their space. Parking is still a zoo, with cars parked all over the place...Some things won't change. So far so good...even though have noticed a slight price increase on chair rentals and food pricing...but that is to be expected. Just looks like the people working there are thrilled to be back...and of course, we all are thrilled to have em back!!!!!!!
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: EdB]
#91700
03/27/2016 08:31 AM
03/27/2016 08:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Thanks for your observations. I always thought the 'cookie cutter' comments from some did not take into consideration that people would customize their buildings, once they occupied them. Those stupid 'sail' coverings never were going to work, except in some architect's mind. I am surprised though that parking remains an issue, as I thought that there seemed to be much more parking than before. Based on how much they are paying for rent, as many people have said, prices had to go up..
Carol Hill
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: EdB]
#91707
04/01/2016 07:14 AM
04/01/2016 07:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 391 San Antonio
sumbeach
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 391
San Antonio
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This is our first trip to experience all the "music". As Ed said, the booming bass, which we could hear all the way to our condo, was very annoying. At least one of the weekend days, Pedro's had a very loud DJ. It reminded me of the old commercials on the Caribbean, where everyone was dancing (?) And singing (?)"Hot, hot, hot". The funny thing was, there were only about a dozen people at Pedros. Oh well, only three more days, WILL enjoy regardless of the distractions.
Dan
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: NakedAsAJaybird]
#91709
04/01/2016 08:58 AM
04/01/2016 08:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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This has long been our experience, too. Easter is the long weekend that many on the island live for all year round and they sure do celebrate it in a big way. Not my way, but then, not MY island.
My best suggestion to those who don't get it is DEAL WITH IT and be glad it's done for another year but next year, if returning for the Easter weekend, plan accordingly and think about rescheduling your trip if it's that objectionable.
We hear the music all weekend at our timeshare....it is what it is and not worth whining about, IMHO. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: pat]
#91710
04/01/2016 10:02 AM
04/01/2016 10:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 391 San Antonio
sumbeach
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 391
San Antonio
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Sorry Pat, re-read this thread and didn't really see anyone whining, just stating their thoughts, which I thought was the reason for a forum to begin with. As stated many times we will not all agree all the time, IMHO.
Dan
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: sumbeach]
#91711
04/01/2016 11:39 AM
04/01/2016 11:39 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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sumbeach said: Sorry Pat, re-read this thread and didn't really see anyone whining, just stating their thoughts, which I thought was the reason for a forum to begin with. As stated many times we will not all agree all the time, IMHO. Sorry, Dan, I certainly didn't mean to imply you specifically were whining about the music but there are those who post here that frequently did and my comment was a generalization. I forgot there are those who take each of these comments totally to heart. My apologies to you. I whine about things, too, but I accept the island is what it is and deal with it, whether I like the particular issue or not................... but I still whine on occasion, too! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by pat; 04/01/2016 11:44 AM.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: pat]
#91712
04/01/2016 05:13 PM
04/01/2016 05:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 391 San Antonio
sumbeach
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 391
San Antonio
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Pat, no apology needed! I too realize we are guests of whichever island we visit, and the people that bug me the most are us. I'm often reminded of the required reading when I was in high school, "The Ugly American", and thankfully we are not all that way. I have always enjoyed reading your insightful posts since I joined this site.. Dan
Dan
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#91716
04/04/2016 11:08 AM
04/04/2016 11:08 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
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Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Coco has done that for years--they charge for chairs AND don't let you bring your own snacks or drinks. That's why we haven't been in there in years. Guess we won't be going to Sun Clubber either.
Carol Hill
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: mort]
#91724
04/04/2016 12:24 PM
04/04/2016 12:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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I remember you telling me that, couldn't remember who it was who did that. We will definitely NOT be going there. That kind of attitude will make lots of enemies. Hopefully the other restaurants can get some kind of a compromise with the Collectivite and get open and run them out of business. ...or, they will change their ways once there is more competition. Either way, I won't be going there.
Carol Hill
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: oldog]
#91730
04/04/2016 03:20 PM
04/04/2016 03:20 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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Well, gee, oldog, I guess I'm classless then. And I will continue to classless at places other than Sun Beach Clubber and Coco.
Carol Hill
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: EdB]
#91732
04/04/2016 03:47 PM
04/04/2016 03:47 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882 Arizona
marybeth
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Traveler
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Posts: 882
Arizona
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They really insist you have to eat their food to use their chairs? Our lunch at Sun Clubber was also excellent, but their food was not on the inexpensive side & I don't always want to eat lunch on the beach if we've had a big breakfast. And if using their restaurant means you have to buy your drinks from them I won't be renting their chairs either. Way too bad cuz I really liked their food.
MB
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Re: Personal opinion of the ''new'' Orient Beach
[Re: EdB]
#91736
04/04/2016 05:38 PM
04/04/2016 05:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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As far as on Orient, I'm not aware of anyone else that gives free umbrellas other than Palm Beach. BUT!!! Very few of them prevented you from bringing your own drinks. There's a big difference to me between EATING somewhere, versus being required to drink only their drinks. For places other than Orient, I know that Dreams and Karakter both provide free chairs if you eat and/or drink.
Carol Hill
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