When Hilton Honors added Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) to its program last year, a slew of desirable properties around the world came with it, many of which can be an incredible value when compared to in-season cash prices.
There are quite a few, extremely high-end, Caribbean SLH resorts that can be now be booked with Hilton points, and boy am I sucker for those white sand beaches. My wife and I had never been to the Turks and Caicos before, but I’ve been lustily eyeing the three-mile-long expanse of Grace Bay for years. While I’d never pay the $1K+ nightly rates at Point Grace Resort, a handful of Hilton free night certificates did the trick instead.
Point Grace Resort and Spa Bottom Line Review
On its own, Point Grace Resort is perfectly nice, but unexceptional. It feels like you’re staying on an estate that an intrepid millionaire built in the 80’s. The all-suite units are well-maintained and roomy, but are somewhat dated and don’t necessarily scream (or whisper) luxury. What does is the extraordinary beach that’s quite literally a few steps away. This is a small, quiet hotel, a world away from the foam party all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. The service is uneven, the breakfast so-so. While we had a great time, I’m not sure that I’d seek it out again…even at 120,000 Hilton points/night in place of the exorbitant cash rates. One thumb up, One thumb down
- Price: During our dates, awards were 120,000 pts/night, while cash prices were nearly ~$1600/night once taxes and fees were factored in. We booked a four-night stay using Hilton free night certificates from the Hilton Aspire and Surpass cards.
- Value: Incredible, depending on how you look at it. We value the average redemption of Hilton points at ~.48 cents each, so in terms of points or cert value, it was incredible. I would never even briefly consider paying the cash rates, so the real question is whether or not it’s worth the 120K / free night certs.
- Location: The location is the single best part about the property. It’s fronting the lovely white sands of Grace Bay beach, which is connected to the pool area by an elevated walkway. In addition, it’s a short walk to all of the restaurants, bars and shops in nearby Grace Bay.
- Room: We booked a “Poolside One Bedroom Suite” with one king. It’s a roomy, 1080 sq foot condo-like room with a large patio, living room, dining table and a “kitchenette” with only a microwave. The room was spotless. Our only complaint was the tiny bathroom that had almost no shelf-space. Our various toiletries were constantly falling everywhere. Also, while the patio feels very private, it’s also pretty buggy once the sun sets (which I’m told can be a problem on that part of the island).
- Parking: Self-parking is free.
- Resort/Destination Fee: Not labeled as such, but there’s a 15% service fee that’s added to cash stays. It’s waived when staying on points.
- Internet: Good throughout the property.
- Service: Very, very uneven. When we arrived, the front desk agent checking us in said, quite literally, five words to us: “passports” and “sit down over there.” Not even a hello. The woman who gave us the property tour was much warmer, even though there isn’t really much property to tour. The breakfast servers (outside of one) exuded indifference, and seemed most interested in upselling folks to the $23 scrambled eggs. When we got a call the night before we left, I assumed it was to offer to arrange a taxi. Instead, it was made very clear that we needed to be out of the room by 12:00 sharp.
- Turndown service: Nightly, including bottled water refresh.
- Dining:
- Hutchings Restaurant: The pool bar/ breakfast restaurant. The pool portion has a really cool gazebo that’s partially sunken into the pool. The main bartender is quite a personality and does a great job getting to know guests during there stay. There’s a free “meet the manager” cocktail hour once or twice a week. The area where the breakfast served is not by the pool, but located next to the front desk across from the pool. Open daily for a la carte breakfast (not included) and lunch from 7am-5pm (or when the bartender decides to close it up).
- Grace’s Cottage: Semi-independent dinner restaurant, located in an open-air pavilion near the front desk. Well-thought of, with prices to match. Open daily for dinner from 5:30-9:30pm.
- Spa: There is small area for massages located on-property, and in-room services are available as well. Menu and prices can be found here.
- Fitness Room: There’s a very small fitness center located next to the front desk. As you might expect, there’s not much there, but it suffices for basic cardio and has terrific AC.
- Hilton Diamond Benefits:
- Room Upgrade: None.
- Free Breakfast: Continental only, which I believe is included for all guests. It wasn’t superior to what you’d receive at a mid-range European Hampton Inn. Word of warning…say “no” to the scrambled eggs that seem to be included when they offer them to you. They’re almost $12 for each egg.
- Late Checkout: It was made VERY clear that we had no late checkout. In fact, they called the room the night before to make sure that we knew we were supposed to be out of the room by 12pm.
- Welcome Amenity: Quite nice. There is a tour of the property upon arrival, and during that tour you’re given the option of rum punch, beer or wine from the bar. In the room, there was a covered plate of macaroons and a bottle of rose chilled in the fridge.
- Would I stay again? Probably not. While I absolutely loved the beach and the quietness of the resort, it’s not someplace that I’d seek out again, given the cost…even with points.
Pros
- Right on one of the most reputed beaches of the Caribbean
- Walking distance from a slew of restaurants, bars and shops
- Very quiet, peaceful property
- Grounds and rooms are well-maintained
- In terms of cents per point, awards stays are an excellent value
Cons
- The cash prices have to be seen to be believed…and it’s not “cheap” on points either
- Not an especially “luxurious” property
- Service is is very uneven; some folks are warm, some exude indifference
- Included breakfast is decidedly mediocre
- Our patio was quite buggy in the evenings…it was much better out on the beach
Image Gallery
Point Grace Resort Poolside Suite
Point Grace Welcome Gifts
Point Grace Pool Area
Point Grace Beach (Grace Bay)
Point Grace Breakfast
Point Grace Fitness and Public Areas
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On point review. We’ve stayed at Point Grace the past three years. Two under Hyatt and one under Hilton. I agree, this year did not measure up. Their front desk manager left, and there was no pre-arrival email and you weren’t made to feel welcome at check in.
Previously, you did not get charged for eggs. .. and the breakfast gets redundant after day 2. There was construction next door that we were not forewarned about before our stay. I agree, the star of this resort is the perfect beach location. Walking from the pool onto that spectacular beach is so memorable Point Grace is walkable to bars and restaurants. If you love a small boutique hotel, this is for you. The staff remembered us and was truly happy we returned. Mostly adults- we have seen the occasional baby toddler..
Similarly planning to use Hilton FNCs in Turcs and Caicos next winter. I opted to go with South Bank instead of Grace Bay though.
Same here – all I have seen thus far for South Bank seems to be positive
Another property that offers “outsize value” at hyper inflated cash prices. I wonder if 100% of the bookings are reward redemptions or at least 1 person genuinely paid those cash prices.
But hey…at least it wasn’t a Hyatt this time.
Great review. I think this convinced me that I won’t be staying here.
Those egg prices are completely criminal.