hotel vs. condo

I am looking at going in April 09 with 2 kids. I am overwhelmed with the amount of choices on where to stay.

Do I stay in a hotel resort or do I choose a condo? If I choose a condo, which area is the best to stay?

I would like oceanfront with a pool, not to far out of the way, would like to be in near restaurants. Willing to pay moderate prices. Any recommendations?

hotel vs. condo

Bradaimee: We need just a tad more info about your trip. Is it just you alone with two kids or otherwise? what are your interests? Budget. What is ';moderate'; prices to you? One week? Age/gender of kids?

Just from your very general comments, many families with kids like the Forest Beach area of the island because you can walk/bike to shops, restaurants etcs. That being said, as for oceanfront with a pool, if you were stuck on that, then Sea Crest Resort (not Seacrest Tennis/Raquet Club, close enough) or the Marriott Grande Ocean are nice places. They are villa/condos with full kitchen facilities. As for a resort, there is is the Crowne Plaza, no cooking, hotel room only. That gets expensive to eat every single meal out for a week. In Forest Beach there is also the line of Spinnaker Resorts but they are not oceanfront, but only a five - six minute bike ride away. You will pay premium prices for oceanfront.

In Palmetto Dunes Plantation there is the Hilton Oceanfront Hotel (very nice, small kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave, dining table, cupboards, bar sink and dishes).

You really need to give us more info to be able to steer you in the right direction.

Hope this helps,

D in Muskoka.

hotel vs. condo

Luckytimer, thank for replying. Actually the info you gave helps. My son is 11 %26amp; my daughter is 8. My son is a very good golfer, my husband and son will be golfing alot, my daughter and I love the beach, pool and shopping. We are willing to pay around 200 - 275. I am leaning towards a condo, because of the kitchens. That would save alot by not going out for every meal. If I go towards a condo, which area do you recommend? Folly field, forest beach, palmetto dunes, sea pines, ship yard? Where do I start? I am stuck on oceanfront, after a long winter in Buffalo, I need the beach!!!!!! Thanks for your help and direction.

When are you going in April? The week of April 11 is Heritage week as well as Easter Week and prices are almost the same as peak season in the summer.

If you are going for the beach, the two best areas to stay in are Palmetto Dunes, and South Forest Beach.

Palmetto Dunes has two Oceanfront Hotels, The Marriott and The Hilton. South Forest Beach has the Holiday Inn.

Condo%26#39;s are available in both areas. Since you are looking for moderate prices, consider staying in a condo that is not oceanfront, but only a short walk from the beach.

Check out the Sticky ';Plantations'; at the top of the forum. It Lets you know what each resort is about.

Stan (hhiguy)