HH vs Vero Beach

[Terri730]

We visited Vero resort on the way to palm springs airport. We stopped there and walked the grounds. From what I saw there really isn't much to do. Beautiful grounds but very small and I was taken back that you had to rent the chairs on the beach for the week. We were considering HH with our teenage girls. Vero had one restaurant on premises. Does HH have more than one? I really could not see myself spending a week at Vero unless it was just hubby and I on a relaxing vacation. I really think the kids would be bored there. Am I missing something? Is there more to do in HH?? Can anyone compare the 2?

 

[Starr W.]

We visited Vero resort on the way to palm springs airport. We stopped there and walked the grounds. From what I saw there really isn't much to do. Beautiful grounds but very small and I was taken back that you had to rent the chairs on the beach for the week. We were considering HH with our teenage girls. Vero had one restaurant on premises. Does HH have more than one? I really could not see myself spending a week at Vero unless it was just hubby and I on a relaxing vacation. I really think the kids would be bored there. Am I missing something? Is there more to do in HH?? Can anyone compare the 2?

It's been years since I've been to HHI, so really can't comment on that. I'm not sure DVC was even built then, stayed at Marriott's Barony Beach or the Westin Hotel. I don't like the beach there, but that's my opinion.

We own at Vero, we stop and buy chairs/umbrella to use for the week. I'll see if anyone is coming after us here on DIS that might want our stuff or find someone at the pool who want it. I've done the samething on other message boards when we've gone to Hawaii and Myrtle Beach.

My boys 14/9 love VB. But they are beach guys, buy them each a boogie board and they are as happy as clams. We go at Spring Break and for them it's a time to "slug" from school. Since it's a small resort, I let them have the run of it, want to go back to the villa to grab a snack and watch tv go for it.

Always a bunch of other kids when we are there.

Eldest one did a few of the teen programs, the younger one goes for the crafts, unbirthday party and the kids night out program.

There are some nice places to eat in Vero Beach, plus others in Sebastian that we go to.

VB reminds me of how FL was when I was a kid and use to go to Sanibel Island. Small, quiet, not in the middle of everything.

 

[DVCconvert]

Also, VB actually has 4 places to eat.
TONS of activities at the resort each day too.
Haven't been to HHI, but from what I understand there are no sit down eateries there.

I'd suggest you search and read the threads on both resorts to learn more about them from folks who know them the best.

HTH

 

[RobDoc]

HH has no onsite restaurants. There is a snack bar at both the resort and the Beach House though.

The HH resort is on it's own private island, but there are 6 restaurants within a 5 minute walk from the resort. You can see all 6 right from the resort too. There are also close to 300 restaurants within a 15 minute drive of the resort and there are DVC discounts at a number of these.

The Beach House is located about a mile from the resort. The resort is located on an island in Broad Creek which is a tidal marsh with a wide variety of wildlife including dolphin, manatee, sea otter and even more birds including osprey. Broad Creek is almost a mile wide where the resort is located.

Transportation to/from the Beach House is provided by the resort and you and also walk, bike or drive there. The Beach has a very shallow drop off and at low tide it is about 50 yards wide and you can wade out another 40 yards and still be in shallow water. There are lots of sand dollars and starfish around at low tide. VB has much bigger drop off with some rip currents and much narrower beach.

HH has a wonderful recreation staff with activities planned for all age groups - including adults.

In the sumer months, there are fireworks every Tuesday evening, displayed right behind the resort. This is sponsored by the local merchants at Shelter Cove - where the 6 restaurants are located as well as a number of boutique shops. There is also a performing arts center within walking distance.

Both resorts are great. VB does have onsite dining, but we don't consider a 5 minute walk or 10 minute drive to be an inconvenience considering the variety of choices available at HH. The recreational programs are wonderful and we have enjoyed seeing our grandkids have fun as well as enjoying the adult programs ourselves.

You can't go wrong with either option!

 

[MinnieGi]

Our family loves HHI!!! So much to do at the resort and on the island! While the DVC resort does not have a sit-down place, it does not need one as HHI has hundreds of awesome restaurants all over the island and none of them are very far away!

 

[minnierealtor]

We have been at both resorts with our teenage DD. She likes HHI better than Vero because the beach is wider and has less of a drop off. HHI is very self contained but she can ride her bike to the beach house. She has met many nice kids over the 9 years we have been going for spring break. At the times we have been at Vero there didn't seem to be as many teens but I think she did meet a few. Both are great resorts but our favorite and DD's is HHI.

 

[downontheBW]

Although our kids are grown so our visits have been just my DH and me, I'll offer a generic opinion. DVC at VB and HH seem quite similar in that they offer family beach vacations. While there are lots of activities for kids, I look at these resorts as relaxing - very different from commando-mode at the parks.

I would think that some teens would love it and some would be bored; some teenage girls don't seem to be happy unless they're at the mall.

HH is in a busier area with other resorts and restaurants a short walk away - it doesn't need it's own restaurant. VB is more isolated. Your expectations need to be set for a slower pace.

If you're not sure, I'd suggest a few days stay to try it out before committing to a full week.

 

[kadaten]

We've stayed at both HH and VB and actually prefer VB!

While they're both nice, we really like having the on-site restaurant options. When we choose to go to VB or HH, we are intentionally going for a slow paced vacation. We stay DVC for the room size, NOT for the kitchen.....(I barely cook at home...there's no way I'm cooking on vacation! )....so the on-site food options are a must for us.

While HH does have 100's of restaurants within 15 minutes, and yes 6 within a 5-10 minute walk, I still prefer the on-site convenience of those at VB. The Green Cabin Room at VB on a cold New Year's Eve or New Year's Day is one of my favorite memories.....we snagged the table by the fireplace, as well as both the tall, leather wing-back chairs. Kids grabbed a couple of barrel chairs from nearby tables. We ordered lunch snacks, drinks, snacks, drinks, dinner snacks.....and played board games and cards, and watched football all day.

This year we couldn't get into VB so went to HH instead....and had to jump in the car every time we were hungry....and most places are closed on New Year's Day! Didn't love getting in the car twice a day....I was there to relax, not to drive all over creation...that's what I do at home!

That said, both resorts are great. I prefer VB having the beach right there, not a van-ride away, but the beach at HH is much wider. Both have good activities staffs, both had great CMs....

Have fun, where ever you choose!

 

[Mississippian]

We visited Vero resort on the way to palm springs airport. We stopped there and walked the grounds. From what I saw there really isn't much to do. Beautiful grounds but very small and I was taken back that you had to rent the chairs on the beach for the week. We were considering HH with our teenage girls. Vero had one restaurant on premises. Does HH have more than one? I really could not see myself spending a week at Vero unless it was just hubby and I on a relaxing vacation. I really think the kids would be bored there. Am I missing something? Is there more to do in HH?? Can anyone compare the 2?

My family loves Vero. In addition to Shutters, there is Sonya's, which is open Thursday through Sunday. It is more of a Signature quality restaurant. There is also the Green Cabin Room bar and counter service at the pool.

I would just buy or bring a couple of chairs. My kids found lots to do there. They enjoyed the beach, the pool, putt-putt, the arcade and several organized activities.

You can take the tunnel under the highway and there are numerous picnic spots around a small lake. We enjoyed this. We also did a fair amount of cooking.

I think we stayed once for three nights, another time for four. We were not bored, but for us four night might be tops. But I can see how many people would be very happy to spend a week at Vero while a few might be bored after two nights.

What I would suggest is that if you really have doubts, just book a two-night stay and arrive early on your first day so you will have at least two full days. There is plenty to keep you busy for two days, and you may find you love the place.

p.s. Bring kites for the kids. There usually is a lot of wind off the ocean, and this is a lot of fun.