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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127296
04/14/2017 02:10 PM
04/14/2017 02:10 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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If it were ME, I'd choose Simpson Bay Resort. You are in the heart of Simpson Bay, with tons of great restaurants close by, a decent beach there at SBR, but close to Mullet Bay Beach and Simpson Bay Beach. All of the units at SBR have been renovated within the past couple of years. Not sure about OBBR. I know some of the units there are renovated, but I don't think all have been. I am not partial to Oyster Bay, because there is not much right there in Oyster Pond that I am that interested in, and while there are a few restaurants there, there are many more, close to SBR, as well as casinos and nightlife. I am not fond of driving that road to OBBR at night, as there are large ditches by the side of the road. OBBR is closer to Orient than SBR though.
Carol Hill
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127298
04/14/2017 02:47 PM
04/14/2017 02:47 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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Honestly, do not put too much stock in Trip Advisor reviews. They can be swayed by many different things. And as I said, SBR just finished a major renovation of all rooms in the resort and so older reviews could be still there from before the renovation.
Water temperature in December is definitely cooler than in summer. That time of year could be a problem with what they call the Christmas winds. It's often pretty windy around that time, so it could feel cooler because of that. As between those weeks, 12/9 to 12/16 would probably be less crowded on island than the week after. The weather should be about the same for both weeks.
Oh, and I forgot to say--welcome!!
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 04/14/2017 02:49 PM.
Carol Hill
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127299
04/14/2017 03:14 PM
04/14/2017 03:14 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,750 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,750
Ohio
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I would go with Simpson Bay Resort and Marina.
J.D.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#127301
04/14/2017 03:19 PM
04/14/2017 03:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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Me, too. From December on we often read comments about people staying on Orient and Dawn beaches having to flee to the Simpson Bay/Mullet Beaches due to the Christmas winds. I read about sand ablation and being 'pelted' by the sand but since we generally prefer Mullet and Simpson we've not had the experience personally. Besides which, there really are a lot more restaurants that are convenient to the Simpson Bay Resort. My daughter stayed there in March before her timeshare week started and thoroughly enjoyed the location and the fact there was so much they could do without having to drive to do it.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127302
04/14/2017 03:44 PM
04/14/2017 03:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,160 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,160
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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I would definitely choose the Simpson Bay Resort as well. Oyster Pond area is fine, but a lot more isolated if you want a quiet area. I have stayed in both areas and I much prefer being close to good restaurants and beaches in the Simpson Bay area. I like the Orient Beach area too and often travel for the beach there during the day.As Carol said Trip Advisor does not always give accurate reviews so beware of that.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127304
04/14/2017 04:26 PM
04/14/2017 04:26 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562 Long Island, NY
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY
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Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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Dawn Beach is right next to OBBR, not a long walk at all. There are a few places to eat. I think it would be much quieter at night.
SBR has it's own man made beach if you do not feel like leaving the resort. One problem you may have is the walk back up the hill from the beach to the A, B or C buildings. I am sure you don't know where on the resort you will be. We used to own there when it was Pelican Resort and we were in the C building. At the end of a long beach day, the walk up that hill can be tough.
That being said, I would still choose SBR. There is much more to do in the area. Many more restaurants. And you are renting a car so getting to the many prettier beaches SXM has to offer we be an option.
Just my own 2 cents. Whichever you choose, enjoy your stay. Have Fun
Rick and Grace
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127305
04/14/2017 04:27 PM
04/14/2017 04:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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bbfg,
Regardless of where you stay there will be pluses and minuses to almost all choices. And yes, Simpson Bay Resort does have its own beach. I think the trade offs are part of the process.
The reason so many opt for the Simpson Bay Resort is obviously because of its convenience to so many things many of us want/need to make our vacations more enjoyable. But these are some of the reasons people will say the same thing about the Dawn Beach area.
If I were in your case and really didn't have a true preference, I think I'd still opt for Simpson Bay Resort and the convenience, knowing the drive to the 'other' side is a lot easier in daylight. But we're of an age when a lot of nighttime driving in areas we're not totally familiar with really matters.
In the end, either is nice and both are good choices. I doubt you'll be disappointed either way. Good luck on your choice.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127307
04/14/2017 05:02 PM
04/14/2017 05:02 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,750 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,750
Ohio
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Another consideration, while Dawn Beach is a nice beach it is also more prone to seaweed as is Orient. Nobody can predict when seaweed might be an issue but it is almost always less prevalent at other beaches.
The island is not that big but you will have to drive longer distances to most activities if staying in the Dawn Beach area. As others have stated, it is rather isolated.
J.D.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127308
04/14/2017 05:03 PM
04/14/2017 05:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,160 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,160
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Yes, there are two beaches. One is right on the property and the other one is beside Buccaneer Beach Bar next door. Just book The Simpson Bay Resort. You can't go wrong with that choice! Enjoy your trip when the time comes.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: WWII]
#127310
04/14/2017 05:37 PM
04/14/2017 05:37 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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There are very few times that everyone here agrees on something, and there's no reason why we should. By my informal count, the great majority here would vote in favor of SBR. Regardless of where they choose, I think the OP will enjoy their trip!
Carol Hill
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127314
04/14/2017 06:47 PM
04/14/2017 06:47 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,488 Rhode Island
RonDon
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Posts: 4,488
Rhode Island
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bbfgator said:Thank you all - wow, such a helpful board I have found thanks to RonDon on tripadvisor. I have a little time before I have to decide but I'm certain I will enjoy wherever we stay...there just aren't really bad days on vacation . Good attitude! And so true.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127315
04/15/2017 08:48 AM
04/15/2017 08:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,101 Massachusetts
boucharda
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,101
Massachusetts
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I would go for SBR in a heartbeat. I will admit I am a bit biased 'cuz we have been going there for over 15 years.
We are in our mid-60's and walk just about everywhere except for Happy Bay and Sunset Bar although we have done that (SSB) walk a couple of times.
As was mentioned there are plenty of restaurants, a couple of decent beaches but, with a car, you have MANY beach options. Units were all updated and , yes, there is a hill depending on which unit you get. We stay in the upper B building 5th floor so we have the most hill of any building but it is fine...and good exercise. They do have an every 15 minute shuttle that will go from check in to any building if you choose that method..
A nice walk down to the drawbridge and you can see some of the largest private yachts in the world go by you.
Casino on site if that's your bag. Supermarket just "down the hill (different one <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />)" and definitely a car event for ease of return. Four tennis courts also.
I will agree, traffic is bad at times (most times) but this is not unique to Simpson Bay...there is just a LOT of cars.
Good luck
Last edited by boucharda; 04/15/2017 08:50 AM.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: boucharda]
#127316
04/15/2017 10:33 AM
04/15/2017 10:33 AM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I will be the contrarian that each string here seems to require. We hate Simpson Bay and love OBBR. We are exchangers so we are restricted to what is available through Interval. We were a bit disappointed with our first experience at OBBR but we soon concluded we were guilty of comparing SXM resorts to those in the States. Once we got over that we came to enjoy OBBR greatly.
The fact that it is a bit remote is what we like about it. There are several great restaurants there as well as choices for pizza if we want to take one to the room. We are not night life people and prefer to spend most of our time on the beach at Club O. OBBR is a short drive from Orient.
On our last trip (and the one we are taking the first week of May) the Westin was available. It is a significant step up from OBBR so we will stay there when we can but OBBR would be our preference over Simpson Bay--no contest.
Last edited by nouth; 04/15/2017 10:34 AM.
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Re: New to boards, help me choose resort please...
[Re: bbfgator]
#127319
04/16/2017 09:31 AM
04/16/2017 09:31 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,464 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,464
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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I didn't read all the replies, so forgive me if I'm repeating what others have said. We stay at La Vista Beach, which is right over the hill from SBR, and we find the area to be very convenient. That said, we always travel to different beaches during the day, as we prefer those on the French side for the most part. Still, returning to the Simpson Bay area in the evening allows for convenient access to a plethora of restaurants, many of which I find to be quite unique (sorry Rosemary, but I have to disagree with you on that one). You can find just about any cuisine you want within a ten minute drive of SBR, and plenty of choices if you prefer to just walk.
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