Any recommendations for Gold Crown Caribbean resorts on the beach?

[AKLFan3]

I am in the process of researching RCI Gold Crown beach and spa resorts for a possible vacation from December 11-16 or December 18-23. I traded into a RCI Gold Crown resort many years ago using a different timeshare and was disappointed with the quality of the room. I also have been reading tripadvisor reviews of various resorts such as the Occidental Grand Aruba, Divi Village Golf and Beach resort, and Royal Islander. While there are some positive reviews, there are also some extremely negative reviews describing roaches, grungy bathrooms, etc.

Can anyone recommend a Gold Crown resort anywhere in the Caribbean that is right on the beach? Preferably with a spa? Thanks for all of your responses. If anyone has pictures, that would be great as well!

 

[Dean]

I am in the process of researching RCI Gold Crown beach and spa resorts for a possible vacation from December 11-16 or December 18-23. I traded into a RCI Gold Crown resort many years ago using a different timeshare and was disappointed with the quality of the room. I also have been reading tripadvisor reviews of various resorts such as the Occidental Grand Aruba, Divi Village Golf and Beach resort, and Royal Islander. While there are some positive reviews, there are also some extremely negative reviews describing roaches, grungy bathrooms, etc.

Can anyone recommend a Gold Crown resort anywhere in the Caribbean that is right on the beach? Preferably with a spa? Thanks for all of your responses. If anyone has pictures, that would be great as well!

I will not list any AI (all inclusive) options because I would not travel to them for most locations and situations. Likely I will not list the Yacht options. After that the list is pretty short realizing they all are below the level of DVC.

Aruba - Playa Linda, Costa Linda NOT Occidental
St. Marteen - none
Cayman's - Morritt's Grand
Barbados - Bougainvillea, Maybe Crane Residences

That's really about it. There are other places I'd stay at but not using DVC. However, we are resort oriented people over destination oriented but in reality, we want both to be top notch. For someone who has their heart set on a given area, there are other resorts you might consider.

 

[AKLFan3]

Aruba - Playa Linda, Costa Linda NOT Occidental
St. Marteen - none
Cayman's - Morritt's Grand
Barbados - Bougainvillea, Maybe Crane Residences

That's really about it. There are other places I'd stay at but not using DVC. However, we are resort oriented people over destination oriented but in reality, we want both to be top notch. For someone who has their heart set on a given area, there are other resorts you might consider.

Thanks for the information Dean! I was actually considering Morritt's at Grand Cayman but then I read some bad reviews. Someone stated that they charge for electricity. No idea if that is accurate, I have never heard of such a thing. I will put it back on my list as a place to consider. Is there anything about Morritt's that you disliked when you were there?

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the information Dean! I was actually considering Morritt's at Grand Cayman but then I read some bad reviews. Someone stated that they charge for electricity. No idea if that is accurate, I have never heard of such a thing. I will put it back on my list as a place to consider. Is there anything about Morritt's that you disliked when you were there?

I called DVC today to ask about Playa Linda. Sadly, it is booked. I will have to call back to ask if there is availability at Costa Linda.

A lot of places charge for AC or a supplement for various things. DVC does the same sort of thing in the form of the extra $95 fee to exchange in. There are daily taxes in Aruba, HI and other places charged as well. Please be aware there are NO resorts on the DVC RCI list that are truly up to DVC standards that don't have other flaws (like AI). Overall you're likely better off trying the independent exchange companies for Marriott's and Westin's esp. Or just rent your points and then rent what you want. If you're limiting yourself to 5 nights only, I would not go to the Caribbean plus you're limiting your choices far too much. Most resorts are only available in 7 day increments, including those that are listed as points resorts.