We just returned home from out 13th visit to Provo. We stayed at The Sands, as we usually do when we have our children with us. This was a big birthday for me, so we rented a three bedroom ocean front deluxe and stayed for nearly two weeks. We stayed in #3107. The closest to the beach on the ground floor. We decided long ago that putting our money into "the best room" is wasteful, and having a unit "in the back" lets us visit our favorite spot several times a year. We still agree with that way of thinking, however, we agreed it was the best room we ever had at The Sands and worth it for the special occasion.
Our room had been recently renovated and still in the process of getting window treatments, assessories, art work, etc. The appliances have not come in yet, or the new granite or cabinets.
So far, it has been painted, new matresses, bed linens, bed spreads, bedskirts, throw pillows, some window treatments, new couches, they painted the old armoires and bed frames a distressed white. The master bathroom has new tiled floors and showers with rain heads (very nice). The other bath and a half will not get anything new. This is all done on the original old white tiled floor, which was chipped, scratched, and greying. The lady in charge of the decorating, with helpers, stopped by several times a day with small things to add, she needed to look at the sample cabinet in the unit, a sample piece of granite, at first it was ok, however, after a man showed up to hang window treatments we said he was not allowed in and please pass that on the all the others. No one bothered us after that.
I asked several people what building will be next and most did not know, but the majority said building #4. However, building #3 will get the most things done to it, as it has the most expensive rooms. The bathrooms in the other buildings will not be updated. Such a shame.
Our hot water heater started to leak after the third day, and within a few hours it was replaced. The AC in the back two bedrooms did not work one night, and the next day it was fixed immediately.
Everyone at The Sands was friendly and efficient. I feel that most wait until you say hello first. Our housekeeper was fantanstic, and we tipped her every third or forth day. Our housekeeper from last June in building 6, ran up to me with a huge hug!
Hemingways was good to great, low priced, great service, convienent, and a reservation is a must. (winter season)
We also ate at Coco Bistro, fantastic, The Grill at Grace Bay Club, very good, Magnolia's, very good, Bay Bistro, very good, Inguana's, good, Da Conch, very good. I made all reservations the morning of.
My son dove three times with Caicos Adventure and had a blast. He also fished with J & B and said it was just ok, as the spot they went to was too shallow, but the driver did not want to go anywhere else.
Just a few other things:
The weather was a mixed bag of everything. We had some rain hard and sprinkles. Most days we would have clouds and sun, with a few days of beautiful all sun. We never had a complete wash out day. There was always a nice breeze and never windy enough to leave the beach.
The construction is definetly happening, and did not bother me at all, like it does some people. I loved walking each day and checking things out. It was hard to hear the construction from the beach because of the breezes.
If we did not have kids with us we would stay at LeVele, Point Grace, or Villa Ren. The Tuscany was very pretty and would consider that, as well.
The Sands, OCW, The Palms and The Somerset had the most people in front of it. Almost too much for a quiet romantic vacation.
We had to play the dreaded, crack of dawn, save your chair game. We kept our towels all week and washed them ourselves. They ran out alot.
No bugs at night or the daytime.
I needed a light sweater over my sun dress at night. I tend to run chilly.
We spent about $300.00 at the IGA, all breakfast and lunch stuff, fruit, vegatables, lots of wine, water, soda, juices and snacks. We also brought on suitcase down with us filled with food.
We had a great time and really enjoyed meeting Mr. and Mrs. repeater, from this board. I miss our chats on the beach already! : )
Looking forward to returning in about 4 weeks. We need to organize our "First Annual TA Forum Reunion"!!!
Respectfully Submitted: Ajax <3
