Golden Strand Ocean Villa Resort

The sense of continuity -- this is an old-school timeshare condo, in contrast to the giant glitzy high rises around it. Relaxing and unpretentious rather than glamorous. Surface parking instead of valet. Access to the gorgeous beach and a nice swimming pool. Grounds are nicely landscaped. A lot of businesses within easy walking distance, including restaurants, bakeries, drugstores, etc. Nicely equipped kitchen so you can actually buy groceries and eat there instead of going out all the time.

Layout of the unit was a bit odd -- mainly, the bathroom was difficult to navigate since the door had less than an inch of clearance in front of the toilet, and there wasn't really enough room to hang up towels. Our coffeemaker blew up when we tried to use it, though the maintenance staff was very prompt in replacing it. The exterior trim of the buildings -- doors, windowframes, railings -- looks a little battered.