HHI or VB

[Pooh's Pixie]

We are just thinking about a late summer trip to relax...maybe either VB or HHI. We have 3 kids; they will be DS8, DS6, DD3. Any votes on which we should go to? What are the highlights of each place that you've experienced? We are mainly looking to relax at the beach, pool, resort, but with the possibility of some side trips if we get bored or have bad weather...Thanks!
(And yes, we did just get back from WDW/SSR last week !!! )

 

[Doctor P]

It will be more of a question as to where you can get a reservation, IMHO. HH tends to book pretty solid prior to the 7 month mark, with not much left in the summer for nonowners during much of the summer.

 

[ccw]

Love HH but did not care for VB. Both would be better off season than in the summer(late spring/early fall if no hurricanes on the way!). HH gets mighty congested during the summer months.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Okay, I understand they might be hard to get. But just for reference, what do people like about each resort? Which one has a better beach?

 

[ccw]

It has been a few years since we were at Vero but have been to HH many, many times (sometimes at DVC there but also have stayed at very nice non-Disney properties). I thouhgt that HH had the better beach, hands down...because at high tide, Vero didn't have ANY beach. But I think they have replenished the beach at Vero so that might not still be a concern. Vero was nice but I thought it was little boring..my husband loved it for that very reason (So, even within ONE family, you'll get differing opinions!) We ate at a couple of good Vero restaurants (concierge suggested) but, again, nothing really extraordinary. The bar on the second floor of the Inn was delightful...nice ocean view and a wonderful place to have a drink at sunset. HH appeals to me more because the shopping and dining in the area seem more affordable (not cheap but not so ritzy as Vero), I love the marshes and the pier at HH, and the Beach House is awesome, too. The whole island is designed to be very biker friendsly. There are bike paths literally from one end of the island to the other! A big plus for me is that I can drive to HH in about 5 hours but the only really practical way for me to get to Vero is to fly, so then Vero becomes a lot more expensive for us as a family than HH. My all time favorite beach area is Wild Dunes near Charleston but I guess that is OT and taboo to mention. Have fun wherever you decide to vacation!

 

[scootert]

Everyone has a different idea of what vacations should be. For us, we want to get away from the world and relax and that means lots of time on the beach - walking, enjoying the sun, swimming and yes, the occasional snooze.

We've been to both HH and Vero and prefer Vero. The resort at Vero is on the beach -- this is very important to us. At HH you either take a shuttle, drive, or brave the traffic and bike or walk. We were at HH during a slow time and there was still lots of traffic - can't imagine what it would be like in busy times.

We enjoy the on site restaurants at Vero very much. We enjoy fresh fish and Shutters always has something interesting in that category. HH doesn't have a full service restaurant on site, so you definitely have to go off property for a sit down dinner. HH has some extraordinary restaurants in the area, but we really didn't like going off property all the time - it's that traffic thing again.

Both resorts have some great activities for children and excursions. We did a kayaking (sp??) trip at HH and enjoyed it very much.

Both resorts are really wonderful, but for us it's Vero.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Thanks for your insights. Both sounds very appealing in their own way. I guess I'll have to do a little more research...I like the fact that Vero sounds quiet but at the same time I don't want to be too bored. Anyone else?!
(And thanks for the tip about Wild Dunes!)

 

[nezy]

My question is more on the bugs and heat at each resort during the summer.
Is the marsh at HH too buggy in the summer?
I have been in the Spring and fall to HH and it is beautiful. I figure Vero is right on the ocean so it may be a little less buggy due to ocean breeze.

Point is are the bugs enought to keep you from going, or just something you deal with?

 

[Halle]

We've been to both resorts and loved each. Downside of VB the nee sum bugs and the fact that there is not a lifeguard on the beach. There is a lifeguard on the beach at HH. Huge waves at VB, small waves at HH. You'll have a great time at either.

 

[gracelrm]

We have been to both VB & HH with three kids who at one time were close in age to yours - Pooh's Pixie. We loved both resorts. There were as many positives at one resort as there were at the other for us. I truly do not believe you can go wrong at either place. I like VB for being right on the beach and having on-site restaurants. HH has lots to see and do and so many terrific restaurants off property. It truly comes down to personal preference. We have had very relaxing vacations at both places, but I will say we've never stayed more than 4 nights at either place. Not that we wouldn't like to stay longer - it just hasn't worked into our scheudule to stay longer. My kids vote for HH, because they really love the ability to bike around the area; but they also keep asking "when can we go back to VB?" Good luck deciding!

 

[dis-happy]

Don't forget to add Hurricane Season into the equation. If you are going in late summer, your chances of having to evacuate from Vero is far more likely than from HH. Food for thought...

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Good point...nasty thought. We are still thinking whether it's even a possibility to go...I will factor hurricanes in!

 

[scootert]

Hurricanes happen -- while the last few years have seen FL taking the brunt, you are also at risk at HH. If it's late summer, I'd be sure and purchase travel insurance in case you have to cancel

 

[WDWNewbie]

Are the no-see-ums a problem in Vero all year round or just in the summer?

We're headed to Vero in March!