Oceans 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Jacob was a huge help when checkout turned chaotic. With all but one guest elevator out of service, we waited over 30 minutes, and some of my family eventually carried things down nine flights. People were understandably frustrated. Jacob, who was sweeping near the elevators, helped us move everything to the pool area while we waited for our delayed valet van, then loaded it for us. When I mentioned an older guest still waiting upstairs, he said he’d go help them too. We really appreciated him making a rough situation easier. We otherwise had a great stay at Oceans 22. Our three-bedroom unit had plenty of space for six, a great view, and direct beach access. We hadn’t been told at check-in that housekeeping wouldn’t service the room during our visit. When I called after two days, I learned service required a five-day stay, while we were there for three nights and four days.

We were celebrating my 60th birthday, just the two of us, and found out on arrival that the hotel was being renovated. I wish the confirmation email had mentioned that. They upgraded us to a two-bedroom condo, which was nice, though more space than we needed. A few things in the room were frustrating. We kept getting black residue on our hands and eventually traced it to wet stain on the kitchen cabinets. The refrigerator rocked until we adjusted one of its legs, and the king bed squeaked whenever we moved because of its metal frame. The TV in that bedroom wasn’t connected, so we had to hook it up ourselves. The parking garage is two blocks away, though valet is available.

Mike from valet was great, really nice and helpful, and the beach and nearby spots were easy to get to. The room itself was huge and beautiful, but we found a roach and the floors were so dirty that the kids’ feet and socks got filthy walking around. The Starbucks employee seemed irritated with the kids and told another customer she’d take his order but had to wait on us first. Our business mattered too, and the interaction made us not want to return. They need staff who are comfortable with children. Parking was another issue. Paying $25 or $30 a day for valet felt excessive, especially since they also charged $25 for self-parking after we’d paid for the room. There was no complimentary breakfast, despite what the website said.

You can walk to the boardwalk and good food from here, and the area still feels quiet. We loved the pool, the little shop, and the easy beach access. Our room looked out over the water, and the upscale feel reminded me of Vegas and a NYC HGV. I usually stay in Vegas and have also seen a NYC HGV, so that comparison stood out. The staff were terrific, always checking whether we needed anything. The team outside handling luggage was especially helpful. We’ll be back.