posted 05-14-2005 03:08               

Congratulations on your new Paradise Beach Villas ownership! Although not Marriott, its a nice place to own and stay. Also, we found that it trades very well with II. (Last exchange was Disney OKW in January.)

Since you own there, you should know the unit and week you will be assigned, and you can determine from the unit number the location and phase you will be in. (Contact PBV and they will send you a map outlining unit locations.) Views of ocean are great from 2nd floor and above if you have 'ocean view'. 'Garden view' units are all in Phase I, and most overlook the parking lot toward the nearby LaCabana. If you specify your unit number, I'll look it up on my map and describe its location for you. Better still, email me your mailing address and I'll send you copies of maps. I think I have some photos that I'd be happy to include as well, if you are interested.

There is a 'La Petite' restaurant on site, but it isn't that far a walk to LaCabana where there are other places to eat. There is a very nice Swiss restaurant next door, (almost) within walking distance in the opposite direction from LaCabana. Paradise Beach Villas is a quiet, laid-back resort. If you like noise, action and people then simply walk next door to the much larger LaCabana.

Yes, guests at PBV and neighboring LaCabana walk across a light-traffic access road to the beach, but that's no big deal. Eagle Beach is great! The beach area near PBV isn't crowded. I seem to remember when we were in Aruba in August, 2004, that there were palapas on the beach (could be wrong. stayed elsewhere, but spent time hanging around the PBV pool and pool-bar but not the beach).

We owned but recently sold Unit 320 which was in the newer Phase II. The view from the deck was very nice and the unit was well kept and spacious for a 1br. No musty smells in our unit. Heard some of the Phase I units had a musty smell but that they were working on a solution.

We found airfare from Philadelphia in August, 2004 for just over $500 for a Friday flight. Sat/Sun fares were higher. We usually see prices around $700, give or take. Kinda high but hey, its Aruba!!

Jack

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Life's short. Fish hard.

posted 05-17-2005 10:31               

quote:

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Originally posted by swwoods:
Is there a unit to request?

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To answer the rest of your original question, as I recall the first digit in the unit number specifies the floor. Phase II units have the second digit 2 or above, Phase I units have the second digit of 0 or 1. Examples: Unit 320 is 3rd floor phase II, and Unit 302 is 3rd floor phase I. Phase II has 4 floors, Phase I has 3.

All phase II units are ocean view. Phase I has both ocean and 'garden' view units. If the 3rd digit is even, its a garden view.

Also, all Phase I are Sat to Sat. Phase II 2nd and 4th floors are also Sat to Sat. Phase II 1st and 3rd floors are Sun to Sun.

I don't know if they allow unit requests, but if they do, you will have something to go on. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay at PBV, regardless of the unit you are staying in.

The resort has always been pink/coral, sometimes humorously called Pepto-Bismal pink. Not really a bad color, but it does grab your attention.

Jack

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Life's short. Fish hard.