From the moment I opened the door of my Extra Holidays by Wyndham managed vacation condominium, I knew I’d picked the right place to stay. This wasn’t the standard 250 square foot hotel room with two queen beds and no comfortable place for my morning cup of coffee. And, my coffee wasn’t going to be made in the bathroom either, but in a real kitchen with real cups and real saucers, and a breakfast bar complete with a very real ocean view! Nothing at all like a regular hotel room… this was like opening the door to my very own vacation home away from home.
We’d hashed out “where to go” more times than I’d hoped, but in the end all agreed Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort on Daytona Beach was affordable and fun and, had everything my crowd wanted. Multiple indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and a spectacular beachfront setting with miles of white sand beach to laze us into total relaxation. Plus there would be activities for everyone to enjoy as a group and, with just their own families. Mini golf for the kids, dance lessons for us, craft classes, a huge state-of-the-art gym, there was something to suit all tastes and all ages.
Next door to the resort is the Ocean Walk Shoppes, a quirky but cool shopping, restaurant and nightlife entertainment complex complete with a 10-screen, stadium-seating movie theater. Nobody would have to climb into a bus or car-pool to get to the fun spots; they were all right there within steps of our condos.
Just two blocks away, my gang could ride go-karts (our own mini version of the Daytona 500) and soar down a variety of thrill-filled water slides at Daytona Lagoon. This destination was guaranteed to please my reunion crowd.
The Wyndham Resorts
While meeting space wasn’t a big need for my group, the resort did have ample salon space available, with a 5,000 square foot ballroom and reception area and, a smaller meeting salon as well. They offer on site a/v and have a groups coordinator in house to ensure events are seamless and successful. Mental note to me: this would be a great spot for our next corporate conference!
What was a big need? Comfort! More than half of us were bringing our families and the other half wanted to share two-bedroom units to save money. Both halves would be very happy. The one-bedroom condominium suites at Wyndham Ocean Walk were very spacious, with large living areas, full kitchens, in room washer and dryer and master bedrooms to die for, most with oversized whirlpool tubs for two. The two bedroom units were huge… with two full baths and spacious, private balconies. A couple of our attendees opted for the studio units, which seemed to me more like junior luxury “suites,” very nicely appointed with mini-kitchens and comfortable seating area.
Daytona Beach for Family Reunions
Daytona Beach is home to NASCAR and to Bike Week, so year-round the area offers a host of speed-centric, thrill-filled fun. From parasailing to scooter rentals, there’s a lot to experience here. But in addition to everything you think you know about Daytona Beach, the destination offers so much more: A world-class museum, fantastic theater at a variety of community venues, international touring symphony performances, and a chance to enjoy America’s favorite pastime at a Daytona Cubs home game.
Seeking out something tasty? Check out the free tours (and free samples!!) at Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory on Beach Street in downtown Daytona. Or consider a dinner outing to Vince Carter’s restaurant, where the NBA star’s Highlight Zone boasts 23 plasma screen TVs and non stop sports action.
The Extra Holidays by Wyndham Difference
Value. Plain and simple, you get extra value with an Extra Holidays by Wyndham stay. The rates are competitive to standard hotel stays, but with more convenience and more space, in family friendly surroundings that are warm and welcoming. And, Extra Holidays offers great group rates and special incentives for group blocks.
We picked Daytona Beach, but we could have gone almost anywhere and been as pleased, because Extra Holidays by Wyndham offers condominium resorts in most of the country’s most-sought destinations. We might have picked the nightlife of Las Vegas or taken a step back in time near Colonial Williamsburg, Jazz filled New Orleans or maybe country music capital Nashville. All offer similar resort amenities and spacious condominium suite accommodations.
For golf enthusiasts, consider Palm-Aire Resort in Pompano, Florida. With three championship courses to choose from and with special golf fees for all Extra Holidays by Wyndham guests, your group can play a round every day! Like its counterpart in Daytona, Wyndham Palm-Aire Resort offers spacious and well-appointed condominiums in a luxurious resort setting.
With more than 80 such resorts across the country to choose from, the only real question is “which” Extra Holidays destination we’ll pick for our 25th reunion!