“My search for the perfect beach is over!”

Coral Gardens is a beautiful property and is in a perfect location for snorkelers. We were in a two-bedroom oceanfront condo which had a magnificent view over the pool and to the beach. The grounds are kept in beautiful condition. I cannot do this review without overusing the word "beautiful". The beach is white sand well into the water and the current (which runs from east to west, parellel to the shore) is gentle. The waves are gentle as well. It is a smaller resort than most in the area, with a peaceful atmosphere. An oblong area in front of Coral Gardens is roped off to keep snorkelers out, to protect the coral which is very shallow and, given the sight of people standing on the rocks and coral to adjust their masks, this is a good thing in my opinion. There is still plenty to see outside of that area and to get to that area, the fish have to swim through the area that is open to snorkelers anyway. On the side of the property west of the offices, where the oceanview (as opposed to the oceanfront) properties are (the rooms beginning with a "4"), the unfinished Toscana stands abandoned very close by, and the pool is just a narrow lap pool where the divers take their lessons, but there is still a view of the water, at least from the upper floors. There is another reef about a 5 minute drive west, just east of Turtle Cove, called Smiths Reef; there is good coral near the shore just east of the easternmost access point reached from Bridge road then right on Coconut Road.

“I'd go back but”

If you're looking for five star you'll want to steer clear. Stayed in one of the Grand Suites, would have been the cats pyjamas ten years ago. If the owners sink some cash into this soon before it starts to go, it could become so again. Short on dishes (three cereal bowls), short on cutlery, TV remote didn't work, internet worked but had it's moments and those big glass doors in our unit were starting to come apart. Suppose to be non-smoking but that didn't seem to stop anyone. That said, for the price, location and the great staff (pool maintencance/beach guy was great), I would stay here again but if you don't see any upgrades mentioned in the next year or two, (some units appeared to have better furniture than ours) might want to shop around unless the price warrants it.

“Great hotel in prime location on Grace Bay”

We chose Coral Gardens on Grace Bay for a one week honeymoon. The hotel itself was very quiet with beautiful landscaping. Staff were very friendly. The hotel bar (Somewhere Cafe) was a great place to hang out at night, with many locals present and live music. The beach is pristine and quiet with great snorkeling right in front of the hotel.

“Be aware.”

The best reason to choose this hotel is the lovely rooms at reasonable rates and a reef for beach snorkeling right in front of the hotel. Be aware that much of this reef is buoyed off for a reef recovery program so there is not much to see. Disappointing for those who come specifically to snorkel and want to get as much of it as they can. The best snorkeling trips on the island are the full day excursions to remote, pristine reefs by Caicos Adventures and Big Blue - both very knowlegeable operators - but you don't need to stay at this hotel to use them. Coral Gardens is really condo rentals with limited office hours and services - not a full service hotel. Unfortunately its lovliness has been spoiled by the abandoned hotel construction next door, the view of which was inescapable from our room and many others, the buoyed off reef at the beach, the smell of cat urine in the halls, and a restaurant that has obnoxiously loud music playing well into the night and didn't open on time or early enough to serve breakfast to those headed for activities that started by 9am. While we would return to T&C, we would probably stay elsewhere. Not a bad experience, but not the best.

“Coral Gardens is the place to stay”

Mother Daughter Vacation. My daughter is in college, and this was the perfect place for her to unwind. We love to exercise, so walking or jogging on the beach was great. We did the ECO-Kayak excursion with Big Blue, and really enjoyed it.

“Great snorkeling reef and beach, indifferent service & maintenance,”

We found the Coral Gardens office staff friendly but unwilling to put themselves out in any way to provide service. No attempt was made to have our condo ready for our scheduled 1 pm arrival - indeed we were simply told to occupy ourselves for the afternoon. These condos are about 10 years old and showing signs of fatique and crying for maintenance, but as they are individually owned and apparently no minimum standards set.... A financially-challenged property development just to the west of this property, which has sat idle for 18 months, is a 5 storey concrete eyesore. With no assigned parking spots, whenever the onsite restaurant-bar gets busy you will need to find alternate parking. We asked to use the laundry facilities, detailed on Coral Gardens website, and were told it wasn't available for use by renters. Due to the remote location of this property, a rental car is almost essential.

“Nice place, too bad about the constant music”

Coral Gardens is an older resort that is well maintained. The location is great. Staff is very helpful and friendly. We upgraded to a one bedroom ocean front grand suite to avoid looking at the vacated building structure next door (not a pretty sight). The only down fall with the resort and this is very personal, is the music that can be heard ALL DAY LONG from the attached restaurant. When your at the restaurant you expect music to be played but once I'm in my room I don't want to hear it. The music coul be heard clearly from our balcony from noon on and in the evenings it is even louder and can still be heard clearly even with the windows fully closed. If you are looking for a quiet place to sit and read a book from your balcony during the day, this is not the place for you.

“great location”

nice quiet easy vacation. room was huge. reef to snorkel in front of hotel. only thing we did'nt like was beach lounge chairs locked up and were not available til after 8 am.

“Corla Grdens are the best location”

You can snorkel from hotel's beach!