We are booked at BB in May ... have requested a standard ocean front suite .. are there any of these that are better than others, i.e., new addition vs. older section? Ground floor vs. 2nd or 3rd? And, is there any type of stereo/cd in the rooms?

Hey Victoria,

When in May are you going to be at Banana Beach?? We are headed down there May 8 -15 from Texas and staying at BB with the same accomodations for the first time also. Be interesting to see the answers about which one to stay in. Where are you from?

We're from Dallas ... actually Frisco ... going to be there from the 18 - 31 so will just miss you! If you get a chance to post a trip report when you get back that would be great!

We stayed there last year (had 6 rooms between my little group) all oceanfront in the original wing. We really liked them and booked the same type of rooms again.

There is no stereo in the room, I took my little portable CD player and speakers with me which worked real well. There were TVs in both the bedroom and living area though, not that we turned them on. They also had hairdryers in the bathroom already which I didn't know in advance (one less thing for me to pack this year).

Since the oceanfront suites had a kitchen area, we took some microwave popcorn with us for late night snacks, and tea bags for the morning. There is a stove in the room, microwave, full size fridge and some plates, pots/pans, mugs and such (forget what all else was there though). You can get the front desk to deliver a case of Beliken beer to your fridge (something we took full advantage of!).

I like the original wing oceanfronts since they directly face the ocean, not on a diagonal like some of the new wing. It was awesome to look out at the water each day and night, and wave to our friends on the beach.

It was a great place to stay, which is why we are staying there again this May 3rd-13th. The restaurant/bar was not completed last year so we used the bar at Mata Rocks on the beach instead. The new wing was being built when we were there but it looks real nice as does the additional pool. Can't wait to head back!! We didn't want to leave last year (actually tried to call the airline to stay longer.. but they wanted lots of $$) so we booked for 10 nights versus 8 this time around!

Hope this helps.. I am sure others can provide more info too!
Andrea in Atlanta

Seaislegal - thanks for mentioning the hair dryers! I always pack one and not only for my hair. It comes in handy for drying out hand washable stuff also.
I will be there the same time you and your group. Looks like it will be a solo trip, also hoping to stay at Banana Beach. Your description of rooms is very helpful.
I was there last May but only for a few days at the end of a long adventure and stayed at Steve & Becky's. Banana Beach sounds more to my liking.

Are you all divers? I, unfortunately, am not diving, but am looking forward to snorkeling and getting a better look at the island.

Only one more question...
Is it May yet?

Islenutt

Some of our little group are divers, the rest are surface dwellers so snorkel. Since the Belikens are on the surface, thats where I dwell!

Andrea

Victoria,
Hi.....I was personally spoiled by the oceanfront suites in the older section (2nd or 3rd floor) is the best I think. They are very nice and Seaislegal did a good job describing them. The rooms in the newer section are very nice also and definately up to BB standards. I was in of the newer ones that sit at an angle to the sea to pick up some friends on my last trip and it's not bad as far as views go. Either way I don't think you will be sorry. Nope, no cd/stereo in the room.
I can't say enough good things about BB. The new restaurant and bar are awesome and you should really try the bagels they have for breakfast and the Cosmopolitans ; ). The nice thing about the restaurant is you can sit inside or out. Have a great time.

Arriving on my birthday, I see. So we will all be drinking somewhere on the 18th.

My vote is also the ocean front second floor.

I dont dive either,but I snorkel.

The hairdyers work great, also.

Jackie

Thanks for the reply on the cd player. Stayed in a condo complex in Mexico last year that provided as much detail as BB does on their site, but they never mentioned they were equipped with CD players (so I schlepped the mini-speakers for nothing!).

I said in my post that they dont have a stereo. I took my personal CD player and portable speakers with me last year and will do the same again this year.

Andrea in Atlanta