DH and I just returned from a week of beautiful sun and sand at VB. This was our third trip there and honestly, it just gets better each time.
Since we weren't going to Orlando this time, we flew into Melbourne. Flight schedules were pretty good on Delta for us and we arrived around 3:30 pm. Our luggage arrived quickly, the Hertz folks were ready for us and we grabbed our car and were on our way. Decided we'd take the scenic route and used A1A to get to the resort. The drive was lovely, not much traffic. We couldn't believe some of the homes that are being built -- if we ever win lotto.....
We arrived at the resort around 5 -- I was nervous about our room since the "room ready" policy. We requested non smoking (medical) and top floor when we made the ressie at 7 months out. We were in a 1 bedroom, 1443 - nonsmoking and top floor. While building 14 isn't our favorite, we were thrilled that both our requests were met. Room was in good shape, missing dish washing stuff, but a quick call to housekeeping fixed that. Later in the week our air conditioning stopped working - on a Saturday night. We were a little concerned -- we knew the resort was nearly full and knew there wasn't anywhere else they could put us if it couldn't be fixed then. Maintenance was great and found the problem quickly (loose wire).
The beach is looking great -- new boardwalk and stairs are in place as well as the gated access to and from the beach. On the weekend we did see some folks who were "hanging out" waiting to tailgate through, but overall this is a big improvement. We didn't use the pool this time (a first!!) so can't really comment on whether many crashers made their way in. Pool area looked great as well -- looks like they have added more tables and umbrellas to the area.
We stuck to a strenuous schedule each day - after breakfast we'd walk the beach for about an hour, then pack up the cooler with lunch and snacks and head for the beach. Waves were huge a few days and very powerful -- ripped DH's prescription goggles right off on our last day. After a full day of sun, sand, surf and snoozing we'd head back to the room to get neat and pretty for dinner. Dinners at Shutters were wonderful - we had fish every night and it was always cooked perfectly.
We did venture off property one day in search of a bookstore -- there's a great one on Indian River Blvd -- Vero Beach Book Stop. It's an independent store and had a great selection. Cross the bridge at Beachland, turn left and go straight .... at second light take a right and then an immediate right into shopping area.
We had an 8 am flight out of Melbourne so we were on the road around 5:30. We decided to go route 1 to see what that would be like. Drive again was very easy and we were surprised that it was 4 lane the entire way. Had no problems at the airport, returned the car, checked in and got through security quickly. We will definitely use Melbourne again if we're not going to Orlando.
We had a wonderful time - we're always amazed at how quickly we relax at Vero-- each time we go we say we'll catch a baseball game, go to the botanical garden, etc. But, we get there and have a really hard time leaving the resort -- maybe next year.....
Since we weren't going to Orlando this time, we flew into Melbourne. Flight schedules were pretty good on Delta for us and we arrived around 3:30 pm. Our luggage arrived quickly, the Hertz folks were ready for us and we grabbed our car and were on our way. Decided we'd take the scenic route and used A1A to get to the resort. The drive was lovely, not much traffic. We couldn't believe some of the homes that are being built -- if we ever win lotto.....
We arrived at the resort around 5 -- I was nervous about our room since the "room ready" policy. We requested non smoking (medical) and top floor when we made the ressie at 7 months out. We were in a 1 bedroom, 1443 - nonsmoking and top floor. While building 14 isn't our favorite, we were thrilled that both our requests were met. Room was in good shape, missing dish washing stuff, but a quick call to housekeeping fixed that. Later in the week our air conditioning stopped working - on a Saturday night. We were a little concerned -- we knew the resort was nearly full and knew there wasn't anywhere else they could put us if it couldn't be fixed then. Maintenance was great and found the problem quickly (loose wire).
The beach is looking great -- new boardwalk and stairs are in place as well as the gated access to and from the beach. On the weekend we did see some folks who were "hanging out" waiting to tailgate through, but overall this is a big improvement. We didn't use the pool this time (a first!!) so can't really comment on whether many crashers made their way in. Pool area looked great as well -- looks like they have added more tables and umbrellas to the area.
We stuck to a strenuous schedule each day - after breakfast we'd walk the beach for about an hour, then pack up the cooler with lunch and snacks and head for the beach. Waves were huge a few days and very powerful -- ripped DH's prescription goggles right off on our last day. After a full day of sun, sand, surf and snoozing we'd head back to the room to get neat and pretty for dinner. Dinners at Shutters were wonderful - we had fish every night and it was always cooked perfectly.
We did venture off property one day in search of a bookstore -- there's a great one on Indian River Blvd -- Vero Beach Book Stop. It's an independent store and had a great selection. Cross the bridge at Beachland, turn left and go straight .... at second light take a right and then an immediate right into shopping area.
We had an 8 am flight out of Melbourne so we were on the road around 5:30. We decided to go route 1 to see what that would be like. Drive again was very easy and we were surprised that it was 4 lane the entire way. Had no problems at the airport, returned the car, checked in and got through security quickly. We will definitely use Melbourne again if we're not going to Orlando.
We had a wonderful time - we're always amazed at how quickly we relax at Vero-- each time we go we say we'll catch a baseball game, go to the botanical garden, etc. But, we get there and have a really hard time leaving the resort -- maybe next year.....
