Considering a VB resale. Are there other FL beach timeshares I should consider?

[lisareniff]

I very much would like to buy a VB resale, but am forced to wait until we get done with our home remodeling to see how much money is left in the bank. Waiting is probably a good thing, at the very least until we have our family vacation in Feb. We would get a smallish (150pt) contract mainly to stay in a Beach Cottage every other year or so.

While I wait, I was wondering if there are any other timeshares on the Florida coast that I shoud consider? I really haven't looked at any timeshares other then DVC but maybe I should before we go any farther with VB. Previously we would rent a house the village of Captiva in the late winter/spring and really enjoyed our time there, but renting a house does get expensive (especially when you want beachfront! LOL!) I have a fondness for the Gulf coast.

Things we value:
On a nice sand beach.
Possible beach view.
Quality construction and furishings.
Architecturally interesting buildings; could be small bunglows or larger multi-unit buildings (definately not a highrise)
Caring professional staff.
A pool.
A restaurant. (not necessary but nice)
prefer less developed areas (if there really are any!)
Enjoy taking life slow on vacation - not a lot of activities needed.
Flexibility in the time it's used (that's why we are thinking of VB instead of Captiva)
Warm in Feb. - South of Orlando

Can anyone think of a timeshare or two that might work for us?

 

[Dean]

There are many choices. Marriott's Ocean Pointe seems to be a good fit for your situation but there are many others you may want to consider. Go to TUG2.net and do research there.

 

[lisareniff]

I actually joined TUG this morning! It has been fun surfing around. It is still hard get a good feel for the resorts from pictures and unknown reviewers.

I had passed by Ocean Point during my surfing earlier because it looked too much like a highrise. I guess 7 stories isn't too bad. It has gotten good reviews and the room pics look good.

Does anyone know of any good TS for us on the gulf side?

 

[wvalx]

Lisa,

Check out Hilton Grand Vacations' affiliates (captiva, sanibel, marco islands). They got hit hard by the hurricanes last year, but I think most are back online now. I have never stayed at the Gulf side ones, but I stayed at Plantations Beach Club on the Atlantic side which I enjoyed, and the Gulf side ones get high mark's from tuggers.

http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/ownership/resorts.html

Dave

 

[dvc_john]

I agree with the suggestion to check out the HGVC affiliates on the gulf coast. (I own at 3 resorts there). The Sanibel resorts have all re-opened. The Captiva resorts are not scheduled to re-open until at least January. The Marco Island resorts were unaffected by Charley in 2004, but are currently closed due to Wilma in 2005. Hopefully they will re-open soon.
Also, Hyatt has a terrific resort in Bonita Springs, next to a Hyatt hotel. It is really a nice resort, but isn't directly on the beach, but rather a golf course. They do have a private beach though, with free boat transportation to the beach. But its not quite as convenient as being directly on the beach.