Regent Palms or Grace Bay Club

Roger · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 13

I have been researching and looking at T&C ever since our last trip to anguilla, which we loved. I think i've convinced DH to vacation there next year. If we go through Amex, we can stay at grace bay and have breakfast included, a possible upgrade , as well as 2 free massages. However, when looking at the websites, it seems that DH (and maybe I) would prefer regent palms. The rooms look gorgeous. We like full service hotels and wonderful rooms and grounds and beaches. I think if RP was an amex property, the choice might be made for us...

That being said, when we went to Anguilla, we stayed at Cap Juluca and loved it. We were very happy to have chosen it over Cuisinart. Would one say GBC is like Cap and RP is like Cuisi? I have no idea if that's a fair statement, so I'm wondering.

Also, I would like to know if the 2 are considered the same level hotel-- are they both "5 star" so to speak? or is one thought of as just above or just below the other?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and opinions!

blamona · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 Post subject: Grace Bay Club vs Regent Palms

I have been to Cap, and CuisinArt and others in Anguilla.

I have stayed at probably 85% of the resorts in T&C.

Please tell me more about yourselves, there is not a bad place to stay in T&C, but they each have their own personality.

My opinion:

Regent Palms=see and be seen crowd. Very chic, almost a Miami South Beach atmosphere. Again, my opinion, but the worse food for the money. (It's not bad, just not the best.) People here wear designer sunglasses and always look good. It is the most crowded of my opinions. I like the location of this better, especially with a child, you are in closer walking distance to shops, and ice cream!

Grace Bay Club=feels like a Four Seasons or Ritz. The original GBC does not allow children under 12. The main restaurant also does not allow children under 12, you would have to eat at the more casual Rouge Grill. Recently refurbished, the rooms are gorgeous, but have dark woods and earthtones. It's the most expensive of my opinions, as with a child you probably really want a room with a kitchen, to keep snacks, drinks on demand.

I'm going to add to the mix: The Somerset=probably feels more like Cap, vs Regent Palms feels more like CuisinArt. No secret here, Somerset is my personal favorite property. I personally feel that the architecture is prettier, (for my tastes) and it's air is more personable, while ultra luxury, it's more laid back. It has the better restaurant too.

Again, tell us more about what you liked about Cap over Cuisinart, and what you want out of vacations.

They are all gorgeous, yet all have a different feel. there are even more resorts for you to consider too.

allex · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 Post subject: Regent Palms

I personally like the Regent Palms but it's a toss up based on spending 7-8 hours at the Somerset over 3 days plus lunch one day. I would ask on question of both. Are children 5 (just as a frame of reference) really welcomed at the hotel and formal dining rooms at diinner. Not that you will go there but it will tell you something about the current G.M's attitude.
Good to hear you have written off Grace Bay. We never enjoyed that resort despite 2 tries over the years.

greenie · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 Post subject:

Just returned from T & C and stayed at the Somerset. We had a huge, gorgeous 1500 sq. ft penthouse condo. We went over the the Palms often for dining and visiting the gift shops. My DH sounds more like yours and he definetely wants to stay at the Palms next time. The Palms had more children, was more elegant. Our condo at Somerset was in the Sterling building set back from the beach. I would prefer to be beach front, if possible. Both are luxury resorts.
I would say the Palms is 5 star, Somerset 4++.