I really like this place. We always have a good time when we come here. My family and I enjoy it…read morehere. We like the chill vibes and the convenient location.
Is it perfect? No, but that's how they keep the costs lower than many other similar nearby places. Keep in mind that this is an old school independent timeshare so the rooms are like condos with plenty of space to spread out, but it is not run by a big mega corporation.
Also, because it's a timeshare it does the normal timeshare thing about cleanings and you do not get daily service. If you need clean linens or your trash they will do that, but they won't make your bed or vacuum daily. I actually like having that privacy so this doesn't bother me but I know it comes as a surprise to people who only stay in hotels and aren't used to this style of vacationing.
Here is my current list of pros and cons:
PROs:
- The location is very convenient, walking* distance to the beach, the pier, the train station, many cafes and bars, near bike and beach rental places, and near some yummy restaurants (I recommend Eris very close to Aquamarine Villas)
- The landscaping is so nice, it makes me happy to see it when I come
- We have never had trouble with parking here and they let us use a garage outlet to charge our car (this is a simple standard outlet not one intended for quick charging, it will take a day or two to fully charge your car)
- The pool and hot tub have always been clean and safe to use when we have been there
- The rooms have fireplaces
- There is a desk in the living area that is very convenient if someone in your group needs to work a bit while on vacation
- Full kitchen with standard size appliances (some timeshares have tiny appliances)
- They never ever do a timeshare sales pitch
- There is a shared BBQ area and gazebo area for outdoor hangs
- They have some beach chairs, umbrellas, toys, boogie boards you can borrow and you don't even need to check them out or anything
- The balcony is nice and I think most have some sort of ocean view
- Lots of things to do in the area: beach time, farmers markets, outlet shopping, Legoland, pick strawberries, hike, bicycle, Balboa Park, baseball games, surf, skate parks and skate shops, whale watching, beach volleyball, indoor pickleball, movies, cafes and bars, museums, etc
CONs:
- Outdated furniture, flooring, paint, appliances etc
- No air conditioners
- No elevator and each unit has some stairs in it (there is probably one ADA unit I haven't used) so this may be an issue for some people with limited mobility or small children
- There is obviously a space in the units for a washer/dryer but they are not installed, there is however laundry on site or you can take your clothes to any nearby laundromat
- There are towels for the pool or beach but they are on the small side and none are put into your room, you must fetch them from the office area (many timeshares will put 2 pool towels in your room so you can head straight to the pool without going to the office or activities desk)
- The beach equipment is first come first serve and can sometimes be a mess
Overall, we love this place. I would rate it 4.5 stars if I could.
*everyone's idea of walking distance is different so check a map