Review: Solara Surfside

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Following is an overview of the review that was added:

Beautiful little boutique hotel style resort in the quiet Miami beach city of Surfside. All the comforts of home and then some. BG hits a home run with this little gem.

Please see the review here!

Please use this thread to discuss the review.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Nice review - looking forward to a future visit.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

You can break in your new pionts with a stop over here on your way to Aruba.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I am so glad you liked it Chris! I'll be there end of the month and it's been on my bucket list for a while...

Solara: August 14 through October 9, 2010, resort closed for window replacement, stucco restoration and exterior painting.

I'm sure it will be even better when that work is done.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

I hope they include new carpeting along with the reno.

The windows were screwed shut which was annoying. I wanted to open up the room and air it out but it wasn't possible. I kind of wondered if this was against the fire marshall's code since they are so picky on Miami beach but obviously they've done it without any consequences so I guess not.

The building didn't really look like it needed painting to me although I guess vigilant maintenance keeps the rebar from needing replacing. Seems they are on top of maintenance issues at this resort.

They have sooooo many employees at this resort. Seemed like everywhere you turn there is another employee. The maids even knock on your door every day to see if you want a towel exchange despite this being a "green" resort.

You're going to enjoy it Lawren. Try to get the oceanfront rooms. You won't like facing Collins Ave. It's a world of difference being in the back of the resort since this is such a busy Avenue.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I hope they include new carpeting along with the reno.

The windows were screwed shut which was annoying. I wanted to open up the room and air it out but it wasn't possible. I kind of wondered if this was against the fire marshall's code since they are so picky on Miami beach but obviously they've done it without any consequences so I guess not.

The building didn't really look like it needed painting to me although I guess vigilant maintenance keeps the rebar from needing replacing. Seems they are on top of maintenance issues at this resort.

They have sooooo many employees at this resort. Seemed like everywhere you turn there is another employee. The maids even knock on your door every day to see if you want a towel exchange despite this being a "green" resort.

You're going to enjoy it Lawren. Try to get the oceanfront rooms. You won't like facing Collins Ave. It's a world of difference being in the back of the resort since this is such a busy Avenue.

I have friends....and if they didn't book oceanfront with balcony, I know where they live....

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I have friends....and if they didn't book oceanfront with balcony, I know where they live....

Is this a resort where u CAN book oceanfront?
I know with some of the BG resorts there are different point values for different views.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Is this a resort where u CAN book oceanfront?
I know with some of the BG resorts there are different point values for different views.

Same point values (actually the 1BR Studios and larger 1BR/2BA units have the same point values as well) but you can call in to book and ask if oceanview and balcony available. With BG On-line just because one unit shows up doesn't necessarily mean only one unit is available.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Is this a resort where u CAN book oceanfront?
I know with some of the BG resorts there are different point values for different views.

I asked Jorge at the front desk and he said that those units are usually booked 13 months out. Apparently they are very difficult to book but I'm sure Lawren is well connected so she'll be sleeping to the sound of the surf.

[akparsa Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close akparsa]

There is a different points category for 2 bedroom ocean front

I'm not sure about studios or one bedrooms, but I recently booked a 2 bedroom ocean front for next year and there is a different points category for 2 bedroom ocean front so you can be assured of the view you want. I love this

Thanks,

Anita

[Holly Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Holly]

Solara is a fantastic resort....and the two BR oceanfronts are amazing.

[Timeshare junkie Member Find all posts View Profile Close Timeshare junkie]

Just got back from a 4-day stay at Solara (June 27-July 1). We booked 3 2-bdrm units and we got 401, 501 and 601. I booked these units back in March and was desperately looking every couple of days for a chance to nab a 2-bdrm oceanfront. No luck. These are probably the worst units in the place. Oh well someone had to have them. We were very comfortable. They were not spectacular like the 2-bedroom oceanfronts, but they did have 2 bedrooms so both kids could annoy each other, not us.

You know it's one thing to build a great resort in Orlando, or Vegas, or Williamsburg, or Myrtle Beach, and that's great. But it's another to build a great resort in a place that is a little off the beaten timeshare path. And I think Bluegreen needs to be applauded for offering unique locations like Solara, and the Hammocks at Marathon. Can't wait to go to their new Dennis Port, Cap Cod resort. A 2-bdrm in the Cape is not an easy thing to find.

I love this resort. The only thing between the resort and the beach is the beach volleyball court. It was almost too warm. Unbelievable dining - you must try Cuban.

The staff at this resort is exceptional also.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Timeshare junkie,

You were there when I was. We probably met in the pool or the BBQ's.

Unfortunately I didn't have the best room either but BG definetely has some nice offerings in places that I want to go.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

oKAY, 2br OCEANFRONT IT IS! oops!

So there are SOME 1BRs that face the ocean but to get the guarenteed oceanfront, you need to book an OF 2BR....thanks for the info.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

oKAY, 2br OCEANFRONT IT IS! oops!

So there are SOME 1BRs that face the ocean but to get the guarenteed oceanfront, you need to book an OF 2BR....thanks for the info.

Pat, from what I saw only the only oceanfront units are 2 bedrooms.
There are some 2 bedrooms non oceanfront. I don't think any of the 1 bedrooms are oceanfront, just oceanview from the side of the building.

The building is long and narrow with the 2 bedroom OF on the end of the building. It's a typical configuration for Miami beach to save on space.