Honeymoon! Need some recommendations!
Mar 12, 2010, 6:00 pm
#151
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 699
I am in this EXACT same situation, honeymoon, looking for all-inclusive Caribbean hotel with a lot of points to spend.
Sadly the one hotel they took out of this package is no longer an option (Aruba) so I can't contribute but look forward to responses as well!
Sadly the one hotel they took out of this package is no longer an option (Aruba) so I can't contribute but look forward to responses as well!
Mar 12, 2010, 6:24 pm
#153
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PWM, BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Plat, Accor Plat+++
Posts: 850
Are you doing the AI because you have extra points and want to spend them, or do you want to save money eating all three meals onsite ? If your an ex-chef and foodie then I don't see how the food is going to be that exciting (or good) for you.
Now if you are going to do the AI because you have a lot of extra points and will eat breakfast and lunch there and then maybe eat dinner offsite, I can see that. Even then you will be saving good money. It also depends a little bit on where you end up going. Some of those resorts are a little more off the beaten track while some are very close to the action. Some islands are known to have better cuisine then others.
If I was going to Los Suenos or St Kitts, then I might do AI because I don't believe there is too much within walking distance, however, the Grand Cayman Marriott is very close to many (and good) restaurants.
So I guess my advice is to maybe narrow down to a couple of islands based on your other needs and then if you have the extra points and want to make AI the deciding factor, then call/email around. They should be able to provide you what is included.
We have been to the GCM Marriott a couple of times and love it. Great snorkeling right off the beach. Nice staff, recently renovated and close to a lot of things. Have not been to any others, but going to Curacao in Oct.
Cheers.
Now if you are going to do the AI because you have a lot of extra points and will eat breakfast and lunch there and then maybe eat dinner offsite, I can see that. Even then you will be saving good money. It also depends a little bit on where you end up going. Some of those resorts are a little more off the beaten track while some are very close to the action. Some islands are known to have better cuisine then others.
If I was going to Los Suenos or St Kitts, then I might do AI because I don't believe there is too much within walking distance, however, the Grand Cayman Marriott is very close to many (and good) restaurants.
So I guess my advice is to maybe narrow down to a couple of islands based on your other needs and then if you have the extra points and want to make AI the deciding factor, then call/email around. They should be able to provide you what is included.
We have been to the GCM Marriott a couple of times and love it. Great snorkeling right off the beach. Nice staff, recently renovated and close to a lot of things. Have not been to any others, but going to Curacao in Oct.
Cheers.
Mar 13, 2010, 7:26 am
#154
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott Rewards Platinum, American Airlines Gold
Posts: 17
Thanks for the reply, PWMFlyer19.
Yes, I do have a lot of points and 'spending' them to enjoy our Honeymoon that much more isn't a consideration, as I have over 900K+. That's what non-stop travel when employed by one of the Big 4 will do to you over a few years.
I guess what I meant to say when I said I was a 'foodie' was that the food will matter to me, so options - and quality - are important. So I'm probably going to lean towards any of the seven that have multiple options/places for dinners. And since we're saving up for a house, 'spending' 90K/110K points sure beats the amount we'd spend on meals and drinks.
So the food is important, but we also want to make sure that there's enough to do in the area of the hotel. It would be so much less of a concern if we were Honeymooning in Paris, or London, or New York, as there is a ton to do in any one of those cities. With a resort in the Caribbean, we're limited to swimming, snorkeling/scuba, lounging, etc. Options serving as a distraction would be ideal, but like I said in my initial post, it's tough to pick those out from the limited info on each Marriott site.
Which is why I've gone to the experts with the feet on the ground.
Yes, I do have a lot of points and 'spending' them to enjoy our Honeymoon that much more isn't a consideration, as I have over 900K+. That's what non-stop travel when employed by one of the Big 4 will do to you over a few years.
I guess what I meant to say when I said I was a 'foodie' was that the food will matter to me, so options - and quality - are important. So I'm probably going to lean towards any of the seven that have multiple options/places for dinners. And since we're saving up for a house, 'spending' 90K/110K points sure beats the amount we'd spend on meals and drinks.
So the food is important, but we also want to make sure that there's enough to do in the area of the hotel. It would be so much less of a concern if we were Honeymooning in Paris, or London, or New York, as there is a ton to do in any one of those cities. With a resort in the Caribbean, we're limited to swimming, snorkeling/scuba, lounging, etc. Options serving as a distraction would be ideal, but like I said in my initial post, it's tough to pick those out from the limited info on each Marriott site.
Which is why I've gone to the experts with the feet on the ground.
Mar 13, 2010, 8:14 am
#155
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
I have no experience with the AI but I have been to 3 of the locations you mentioned so I will try and add something that might be of help in your decision making.
The Grand Cayman Marriott only has one nice restaurant as I recall so getting the AI here will quickly become repetitive and might be a real bore. There are many good restaurants within walking distance of this hotel so I would definitely suggest that you venture out and experience those.
Also, the one restaurant there had a Pirates Night which is their big event for the week but may not be included in the AI; therefore you would be shut out on that night. Definitely something to confirm if you decide to go here.
The St Kitts Marriott has several good restaurants on-site and I think you would find some nice dining options there. Be aware that every restaurant is not open every night so it is vital to plan ahead so that you are not shut out. (This location did send us an email before we arrived giving us some dining choices, which was nice. I will tell you, as an aside, that I emailed the concierge a week before our arrival and told them we were not only celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary but also my husbands and my 50th birthdays...all of which is true...and as Platinums/Lifetime Golds we received absolutely NO acknowledgment of these events, nor an upgrade. Not complaining; I just want you to know OUR experience since you are planning a honeymoon.)
There is only one restaurant at the St. Kitts Marriott that serves breakfast but they do have table service, buffet and waffles and omelettes made to order.
There are several great informal restaurants near the St Kitts Marriott that you could walk to (meaning beachside spots with $10 buffet of local food and $5 drinks from a plastic cup) as well as several upscale restaurants a cab drive away.
We found drinks all over St. Kitts to be quite reasonable (pretty much $5 everywhere) and loved the fact that the Marriott pool had a great happy hour from 4-6p daily with drinks ranging from $2-3.
The CasaMagna Cancun hotel is great and has some nice dining venues. I'd be interested to know if the AI also includes the JW resort next door, as they also have some great restaurants and that would be a tipping point for me if you could eat there on the AI as well.
Speaking of the JW Cancun, if you have points to burn, why not consider the JW with the Club 91 option? That might meet all your needs and would still allow you to venture off site if you want (there is a restaurant across the street in Cancun named Puerto Madera that is excellent, as well as many other dining options within walking distance and a great bus system that can get you anywhere you want quickly, efficiently and cheaply.)
Hope this helps somewhat. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
The Grand Cayman Marriott only has one nice restaurant as I recall so getting the AI here will quickly become repetitive and might be a real bore. There are many good restaurants within walking distance of this hotel so I would definitely suggest that you venture out and experience those.
Also, the one restaurant there had a Pirates Night which is their big event for the week but may not be included in the AI; therefore you would be shut out on that night. Definitely something to confirm if you decide to go here.
The St Kitts Marriott has several good restaurants on-site and I think you would find some nice dining options there. Be aware that every restaurant is not open every night so it is vital to plan ahead so that you are not shut out. (This location did send us an email before we arrived giving us some dining choices, which was nice. I will tell you, as an aside, that I emailed the concierge a week before our arrival and told them we were not only celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary but also my husbands and my 50th birthdays...all of which is true...and as Platinums/Lifetime Golds we received absolutely NO acknowledgment of these events, nor an upgrade. Not complaining; I just want you to know OUR experience since you are planning a honeymoon.)
There is only one restaurant at the St. Kitts Marriott that serves breakfast but they do have table service, buffet and waffles and omelettes made to order.
There are several great informal restaurants near the St Kitts Marriott that you could walk to (meaning beachside spots with $10 buffet of local food and $5 drinks from a plastic cup) as well as several upscale restaurants a cab drive away.
We found drinks all over St. Kitts to be quite reasonable (pretty much $5 everywhere) and loved the fact that the Marriott pool had a great happy hour from 4-6p daily with drinks ranging from $2-3.
The CasaMagna Cancun hotel is great and has some nice dining venues. I'd be interested to know if the AI also includes the JW resort next door, as they also have some great restaurants and that would be a tipping point for me if you could eat there on the AI as well.
Speaking of the JW Cancun, if you have points to burn, why not consider the JW with the Club 91 option? That might meet all your needs and would still allow you to venture off site if you want (there is a restaurant across the street in Cancun named Puerto Madera that is excellent, as well as many other dining options within walking distance and a great bus system that can get you anywhere you want quickly, efficiently and cheaply.)
Hope this helps somewhat. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Mar 13, 2010, 10:13 am
#158
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: AAMM & PLT; UA Gold, DL Silver, Marriott LT Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold Club
Posts: 1,591
Speaking of the JW Cancun, if you have points to burn, why not consider the JW with the Club 91 option? That might meet all your needs and would still allow you to venture off site if you want (there is a restaurant across the street in Cancun named Puerto Madera that is excellent, as well as many other dining options within walking distance and a great bus system that can get you anywhere you want quickly, efficiently and cheaply.)
.
Mar 13, 2010, 11:01 am
#159
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
Special Benefits
* This room features Club lounge access
* Open: Sun-Sat
* Complimentary food:
* - Hot buffet breakfast
* - midday snack
* - afternoon tea
* - hors d'oeuvres
* - dessert
* - late night snack
* Complimentary Cocktails
* Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
* Business services, for a fee
* Five daily food and beverage presentations.
* Transportation and pre-arrival planning.
* Very personalized level of service.
Mar 13, 2010, 2:21 pm
#160
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Mesilla, NM
Programs: DL DM 4.7 MM MQM Marriott Ambassador Lifetime Titanium AA CK
Posts: 2,714
If Diving is important
My vote is for Curacao. I am heading back with my wife in Jan. The diving is far better in our opinion than Cayman, but the food at the Marriott is just fair for foodie standards. Diving in Cancun is not good at all nor in Puerto Rico given the amount of rain. Curacao has some wonderful restaurants and is an interesting island. If you go be sure to take the Mermaid to Klein Curacao. Well worth the day!
Mar 13, 2010, 2:42 pm
#161
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 120
It's not AI, but I would highly recommend using points for the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman or St. Thomas. If the hotels are in pointsavers, it is one of the best deals.
http://www.marriott.com/rewards/usep...otelpart.mi#54
http://www.marriott.com/rewards/ritz...PointSavers.mi
I'd also second the gift card idea vs AI. Elite members can get a $1,000 card for 135,000 points.
http://www.marriott.com/rewards/usep...otelpart.mi#54
http://www.marriott.com/rewards/ritz...PointSavers.mi
I'd also second the gift card idea vs AI. Elite members can get a $1,000 card for 135,000 points.
Mar 13, 2010, 5:17 pm
#162
Join Date: May 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC E50 MM, WJ Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 3,082
Having stayed at several of the hotels the OP mentioned. For an All inclusive package with a location where there is lots to do, I would recommend the Casa Magna in Cancun. The AI option gives you four dining options, although Champions is a sports bar it's still a different option. I have found all other three restaurants to be quite good. Sasi Thai has a great ambiance and excellent food IMHO.
If you have been to Cancun before, there is plenty to do around during the day and you have the strip at night for additional restaurants, bars, shopping, etc.
Also, there is limited entertainment in the lobby most evenings if you just want to chill out. I have always found the staff to be excellent at both the CM and the JW so you would be in good stead at either. Club 91 at the JW is limited in my opinions and who wants to spend all their time eating in the same place if you are interested in saving money for a house.
Good Luck Choosing, I will be back at the CM in a month Apr 17-23 and again June 26-July 10 for summer vacation.
If you have been to Cancun before, there is plenty to do around during the day and you have the strip at night for additional restaurants, bars, shopping, etc.
Also, there is limited entertainment in the lobby most evenings if you just want to chill out. I have always found the staff to be excellent at both the CM and the JW so you would be in good stead at either. Club 91 at the JW is limited in my opinions and who wants to spend all their time eating in the same place if you are interested in saving money for a house.
Good Luck Choosing, I will be back at the CM in a month Apr 17-23 and again June 26-July 10 for summer vacation.
Mar 14, 2010, 6:50 pm
#163
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott Rewards Platinum, American Airlines Gold
Posts: 17
Thanks to everyone that's responded so far. You've given me lots to think about, including a new option of going to *any* Marriott and simply exercising the gift cheque option - 135K points for $1000.00; which sounds like a fantastic plan. Staying at a Ritz is a close second, but given that there are several moving parts (air miles not included), we're going to play the wait-and-see approach.
I don't mean to hijack my own thread, but we're currently looking at the 'Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino'. What is this 'Tradewinds' I am reading about. Does that replace the Concierge Lounge that I've come to know and love? As a Platinum, will I be granted access to this lounge?
I don't mean to hijack my own thread, but we're currently looking at the 'Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino'. What is this 'Tradewinds' I am reading about. Does that replace the Concierge Lounge that I've come to know and love? As a Platinum, will I be granted access to this lounge?
Mar 14, 2010, 7:24 pm
#164
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
http://www.tradewindsclubaruba.com/
http://www.tradewinds.arubamarriott....erview-22.html
Last edited by flyerwife; Mar 14, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Mar 15, 2010, 11:53 am
#165
Suspended
Join Date: May 2003
Location: NYC
Programs: United 1K, HHonors Gold, MR Gold
Posts: 1,628
Mr Canuck and I stayed at the Marriott in Curacao about a year and a half ago. We liked our stay; the diving was really nice and the onsite dive shop was good to deal with (and we got MR points for our diving). We weren't on an AI plan. We ate a number of lunches and a few dinners at the hotel. There was nothing wrong with the food but it certainly wasn't great or even memorable. The pub had the best food (for pub food). There are a number of good dining options on the island, so we went out most nights.