LC in Dec.- Paradise Villas vs SCC

[msw0603]

Hey guys,

My boyfriend and I are hoping to book a trip to LC for Christmas. I have some questions about lodging and thought this group may be of help. We are deciding between Southern Cross and Paradise Villas (LCBR is sold out). Our quotes for 7 nights, 2 dives/day were drastically different between the two places. From what I've read, the lodging and food are pretty good island-wide. The only real difference I see between the two places is that SCC provides 3 meals/day and PV does not.

I know there are devoted fans of each. My question is why would a traveler pay $1550 more per person to stay at SCC? Is there something I'm missing besides the meal plan that separates the two places? I certainly won't eat $1550 worth of food in a week. The rooms look fairly similar and both dive ops get rave reviews.

My boyfriend is still intrigued by SCC despite cost and I am leaning towards PV. Just hoping for some input on why one is better than the other. Specifically why is SCC SO MUCH BETTER than PV?

Dive-wise, I am OW with only a year experience & <20 dives and my boyfriend is AOW with 10 yrs. diving...if that makes any difference.

Thanks so much in advance!

Melissa

 

[jdcpa]

I am surprised that no one has answered this, so I will chime in.

I am very surprised that LCBR is sold out for Christmas. Maybe it is just one day and you can move your trip/plans/days around to get with them for most of the trip.

Comparing SCC and PV is kind of like comparing an apple to a duck.

There is far more to the difference in meal plans. Each has its' pluses and minuses.

PV is room only, and you have to add diving cost to that. Diving is with Conch Club, who pick you up and return you to PV each day. (Dive boat leaves out of LCBR dock.) Diving with Conch Club is top notch. Bill, Matt and Claire are all great people and you will enjoy them. They go out the earliest (and get back the earliest) each day. Conch Club boat is bigger than SCC boats. Dive times are a few minutes shorter, but not enough to make a difference.

Neil Van Niekirk manages SCC. Neil may be the nicest person on the island, and there are a lot of nice people on the island. He will help you any way he can. He is President of SITA.

PV meals are through Hungry Iguana, the restaurant on site. Iggy does not serve breakfast so you are on your own. The store is a short walk away and PV has a kind of kitchenette so that should be fine.

At PV, you are pretty much on your own, unless you happen to meet and pair up with others. At SCC meals are more like family meetings. You pretty much see everyone at the resort at meal times. Meals at SCC are very good. They have cocktails before dinner so you can be social. They also have some activities during the week. I am sure you can convince Neil to get you a ride to LCBR for trivia and Karoake if you want to attend, or you can walk, not too far. SCC definitely has more social activites than PV. Iggy has a late night disco on Friday evenings.

I would bet you will end up spending more on meals that you think, but certainly not $1,550 between the two of you. My guess is you will end up north of $750 for the week for the two of you.

Accomodations at SCC are nicer than PV. I consider SCC to be much more upscale than PV, and you pay for that. Pictures may not show that, but I believe it.

Which is better for you, I can't really answer. Yes, PV is cheaper, but money is not the only thing that goes into the experience. I would bet you will meet more people at SCC than PV.

Each place is very good, you can't go wrong either way. It all really depends on what is important to you.

You can PM me for any questions or other comments.

 

[PartyStar]

WOW - Have a fun trip! I have heard that food costs are outrageous over there. But there is nothing like a great meal after a great day of diving.
Please keep us posted as LC is on my to-do list.

 

[carriemak]

JDCPA - you pretty much summed it up! When is your next trip to LC?

 

[jdcpa]

JDCPA - you pretty much summed it up! When is your next trip to LC?

We are going back for a little over two weeks in May or June of 2013, just not sure of the dates that far out. I would expect it would not overlap your dates, unfortunately. Curacao in November and family matters in December for us this year is it.

We will be coordinating with some other people so their schedule will drive the dates more than ours.

Hope all is well with you and yours.

JD

 

[msw0603]

jdcpa,

Thanks so much for that information! Unfortunately, SCC is $1550 more PER PERSON, not total. It sounds like a divine place, although I just can't justify the cost. But we will definitely check it out while we are there. My boyfriend is quite the sociable fella and not the type to lay in a hammock and read all afternoon (unlike me), so the quietness of the island in general (and particularly PV) does concern me a smidge. But I'm guessing the diving will hold his interest! And he could talk to a wall, so I'm sure he'll find folks to chat with. I definitely want to have drinks/dinner/visit the other resorts and find some fun stuff to do (biking, kayaking, etc.). I've researched the island a ton, but any tips from LC veterans would be great! We will be there Dec. 18-Dec. 25, so if anyone else will be there at the same time, lemme know

Thanks,
Melissa

 

[carriemak]

msw0603,
Have a great time in LC. It is definitely worth the $$ you spend. I have been at LCBR at Christmas and it seems to transform from a dive resort to a family style resort. Diving is still fantastic, but there seem to be a lot of non-divers more than the norm. I will be back at LCBR in June 2013.

 

[brakker1]

msw0603,
I'd like to add one bit of advice: Be SURE that the price stated by Paradise Villas is valid. We made reservations there by phone and found when we arrived the price of lodging was higher than quoted. It kinda leaves a bad taste in one's mouth.

 

[keyshunter]

Carrie and JD,
Someone booked the entire resort for for a time period which included Christmas 2011 and again for 2012. So, if this continues, I guess we are finished going to LCBR for Christmas.

 

[carriemak]

Keyshunter - that is a lot of rooms. Well, no LCBR for Christmas this year. Looking for June 2013 now!