769karrenm
Google
I just spent 7/13-7/16 at the Sandpiper/Beachfront Tower and cannot rave enough about it. I had read many reviews after my initial booking and it caused me to cancel my reservation. After much debate, I rebooked and I am so glad I did! The reviews I read did not match my experience one bit. The main resort was where check-in occurred as there is no "official" lobby desk at the Beachfront Tower. The girl at the desk (did not learn her name by my own mistake, not her) was very friendly and took care of me fast and efficiently, while under a lot of pressure due to an emergency taking place at that time. I arrived much earlier than check-in and she was able to provide me my room. I did not know I was a Bonvoy Member and she explained this to me. Brian, who shuttled me over to my location was very outgoing and gave insight to information I was unaware of and explained tidbits of help. There was a Publix just up the street and if I wanted to grocery shop the shuttle service would provide help in picking me up and getting my groceries. My room was located on the 3rd floor facing the bridge direction and was absolutely beautiful. Very modern updates, extremely clean, air conditioning worked great, the ceiling fan provided extra air flow, the bathroom and sink area well stocked and very clean. I was pleasantly surprised to find a full kitchen and set-up (dishes, silverware, glasses, full sink/soap/sponge, pots/pans, cooking utensils, microwave, coffee maker well stocked, stovetop, dishwasher, counter space, cabinets and drawers.) I don't know if I overlooked this when booking, but this was a great surprise to find. The room was for myself only and very comfortable with a lot of storage, desk/chair, comfortable chair to relax in with ottoman and side table and space even if there were two people. The bed was extremely large (king) and comfortable. Lots of pillows which I love and a big fluffy comforter. I had a balcony view of the bridge direction which had a chair and stool and decent space to enjoy the sunset or a cup of coffee. The only negative of my room if this counts was a larger than normal space between the door and floor which allowed noise to come through but this was easily rectified by placing a rolled towel on the floor and blocked all the noise out. There was an open area looking down at a waterfall/stream and sitting area with open air access to the outdoors. It was a very relaxing atmosphere. I loved sitting downstairs later at night and even on the patio by the main entrance. It felt very safe at night and the entire hotel was well lit. Access to the pool area was locked at appropriate times and accessible by key card only. My goal of this trip was to have access to the beach and bar and it lived up to it. I did not request a beach view but the access was right there. I got food at the Tiki Bar (fantastic burger and awesome fries) to bring up to my room for dinner. The beach itself was beautiful!! Lots of chairs, umbrellas and towels available on a Sunday and throughout the days I was there. The lounge chairs are huge and comfortable and the towels fluffy and good sized. The staff taking care of this area were very accommodating and answered any questions throughout my stay and very helpful. I'm sure on a full weekend it is far busier, but there was no shortage of any items. There were lots of ammenities offered and traveling with family or friends we would definitely take advantage of them from the duck pin bowling, arcade, ping pong by the pool or surfing lessons to name a few. Everything was clean and well kept throughout the whole property. I was there for the beach and I got the beach! I took advantage of the breakfast package at the Baha Grille and walked to the main resort daily to get my food to-go at the buffet style set-up. Staff was friendly and provided all supplies and beverages. Food was typical breakfast offerings with made-to-order items and very tasty and filling. I did not utilize the shuttle service even though it was readily available as I enjoyed the short walk and views of the golf course. I did walk the grounds at the main resort but did not eat at Latitudes or use their pool as my location had everything I desired. Because check-in is at the main resort, the Sandpiper/Beachfront Tower gave a more private feeling not having the hustle and bustle of a lobby setting. I was glad I called before my traveling to make sure I was at the Beachfront Tower because they let me know to check-in at the main resort and then I'd be shuttled over to my room, otherwise I would have had my Uber driver bring me to the Beachfront and would have been lost as the only staff I saw was housekeeping. Speaking of housekeeping, many reviews I read stated they did not provide good service. I, myself, did not utilize them as I'm neat and organized, but they were easily accessible and provided me with extra towels, water and coffee pods when requested and were available easily and friendly. This solo getaway was what I needed to recharge my health and the image in my head met all my expectations and beyond. The negative reviews I read on this and other booking sites did concern me and caused me to cancel my original booking. I am so glad I chanced this because it was PERFECT!! I am already looking into booking for late August or early September and this will be my go-to spot when visiting Hutchinson Island. This was the perfect beach getaway and 100% fulfilled everything I was looking for.