Where to Stay at CBR and Why...

[MissMagnolia]

I would love to hear responses from those who have stayed at CBR. Which building did you stay in, did you like it and why.

I am sure some of this information is on the CBR frequently asked question thread, but it is so long and overwhelming to go through. We are staying at CBR in January for the first time with myself, DH, DS-3 years old, DD-7 months old, MIL, and friends with a 3-year-old.

Thanks all!

 

[kc26]

Hi,
We just stayed at the CBR in Nov. for our first time and loved it. We stayed in Jamaica 4513. It was a corner room with a view of a patio with benches and a table where we ate breakfast and had a lot of greenery. The bridge to was located so close to us so we didn't have to go very far to get to main pool. Just a 5 min walk. We only took the bus once b/c we had a car to get around but i thought it was kinda far away and took kinda long. We went all around the resort, i guess we were one of the first stops. All in all i would definately stay at CBR again.A very pretty resort.

 

[safetymom]

The CBR FAQ has lots of good information about room locations. Trinidad North and Martinique are close to the food court and main pool. Starting in 2004 they will be preferred villages and it will cost extra to stay there.

 

[TLinden16]

I don't know what location to tell you to stay in, but I'd suggest avoiding Trinidad South if you plan on using the main pool and the food court. We stayed there a few years ago, and it was a 15 minute walk from our room to the pool and food court. I was miserable way out there!

Karen

 

[SeaSpray]

We've stayed in Martinique building #25 twice and found this to be an excellent location. Close to bus stop, food court/main pool, and close to the Martinique's quiet pool. Also there's a sandy beach with hammocks and chairs right there.

From what I've read, there is going to be an additional price for the Martinque section of CBR, they're calling it "preferred location" or something like that. Personally, I think it's worth the extra $$, but some people may not think so.

If you don't like the idea of paying extra for location, then I recommend Jamaica which is directly across the lake from the food court/main pool area.

Happy planning! CBR is a gorgeous resort!!!

P.S. I just want to say that sometimes people think they should shy away from Martinique because it's close to the food court building and main pool. There's no reason at all for this because the food court is INSIDE, and the main pool is on the other side of the building from where Martinique is. Both times I've stayed there it's been VERY quiet and serene. Of course, if you have people in ANY of the areas who are loud and noisy, that could interrupt the peacefulness of the resort.

 

[solotraveler]

Aruba 5403!!!

Absolutely perfect location-- steps to the bus stop, village pool and beach. It IS a hike to the main building areas, but I really never minded at all!! I actually ENJOYED walking across Parrot Cay every morning for breakfast.

This particular room overlooking a really pretty garden area which really kept the Carribbean theme.

No wonder it's my favorite of all the resorts I've stayed in!

Enjoy your trip!
Solotraveler

 

[daannzzz]

I was in Martinique next to Barbados at the beach. It was a decent location but I found Martinique to be the least pretty of the villages. If you wan to be close it is good as is Trinidad North. I think Jamaica is the most beautiful and seems like a more expensive resort than the other villages.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

In October I stayed at CBR and was pretty concerned I would get Trinidad South. I was on a solo trip and Trinidad South looked so isolating and far from everything, and I really rather stay somewhere more "happening". On a solo trip, the last thing I wanted was walking alone for long distances to remote locations!

Well, of course, at check-in I was promptly given Trinidad South building #36. I usually don't mind a long walk, but this village was a decent distance from everything. So most of the time, I took my car to the food court in the morning, ate breakfast, then used the Old Port Royale bus stop for everything.

Fortunately, there were plenty of other people in Trinidad South so it wasn't very isolating after all. Building 36 was near the bus stop and pool, and I had the best mousekeeper ever! So it worked out fine. But I think I would have enjoyed another village better, but never seems to be my luck.

<img src="http://home.att.net/~disneysue/hugsmall3.gif">

 

[safetymom]

Just an FYI, if they tell you at check in that you are assigned to Trinidad South you could ask for another location. The CM's at CBR are very eager to please.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Safetymom said:

Just an FYI, if they tell you at check in that you are assigned to Trinidad South you could ask for another location. The CM's at CBR are very eager to please.

Well funny thing is, I sorta did - at check-in when the CM showed me the CBR map and told me my room was in Trinidad South - I said something like "Awww, I read that it's so far from everything ....." but the CM said my building in Trinidad South was one of the closest to the pool and bus stop, and it should be fine. I got the impression she was not going to offer to switch me. I am pretty used to having remote locations as I had an AP rate, so I sighed and accepted my fate.

Fortunately, it turned out fine staying at Trinidad South but I just think things looked more lively elsewhere!

<img src="http://home.att.net/~disneysue/hugsmall3.gif">

 

[safetymom]

Next time try suggesting the village that you would like. I am sure the cast member didn't get that you didn't want to be there. When I hear that they want to put me in Barbados or somewhere I don't want to be I just say don't you have anything in Martinique or Trinidad North? I always get a room in that village. I don't fax ahead of time either.

 

[franw]

Definitely request the building you want when you make your reservation. I also faxed my request a couple days ahead. If you find you aren't being located anywhere near where you requested, I'd hold my ground an ask the CM to please see if they could place you somewhere closer. If you can afford it, pay the premium to stay at Martinique if you want to be closer to the action. Last month I was in Martinique, Bldg. 25, Room 2555. It was just about perfect. I'd gladly pay the extra money to stay there again. We have grown so used to staying in Martinique that the couple of times they have had to put us somewhere else, it felt like we were in a different resort. Nice, but not the same. Also, the earlier you arrive to check in, the better chance you have of them being able to move you. We have on a couple of occasions moved into our preferred location on the second day.