Help! Where to go for weekend?

[LIFERBABE]

Ok, Im down to the wire and I need your help.

We are staying at BCV and SSR and in between we were going to do a weekend at the beach.

I have $100 in Marriott Bonus Bucks and $200 in Marriott Cheques.

We have never stayed in a non Disney Hotel in Florida and Im at my wit's end trying to decide where to go.

Is there a really nice Marriott (Preferably JW or Renaissance) on a really nice beach location within 3-5 hours of WDW?

We can't do VB because they were booked. Our dates are 6/11-12.

Im looking at the Marriott website, but I need real experiences.

Thanks
Crystal

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have been researching our next year's June vacation, DVC and then somewhere using DH's Marriott points. This is what I've come up with.
We intend to use DH's Marriott points at Hutchinson Island. I have read good things about Ft. Pierce Inlet state park, regarding a wonderful beach experience.

Again, this is "on paper." We are going to VB over Memorial Day weekend, and if we have the time, we will go and see the resort in person.

Maybe someone has first hand experience.

Bobbi

 

[DeeDeeDis]

We've spent some time down at and around St. Petersburg Beach the Clearwater Beach area and i always thought it was really nice there.
Its just past Tampa, about 2 1/2 hours south of WDW if i remember correctly. I enjoyed it more than the east coast which i thought was a little too commmercial, busy. I quess i was looking for some down time after WDW.

Actually maybe spending the weekend there in August between our dvc reservations.

Have a great trip

 

[wdwstar]

we stayed on st. pete beach at the Sirarrta, i dont know if there is a marriott.
the beachs on the gulf side are much better then the atlantic, plus the drive is only about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.