We have been going to the Voyager, in Treasure Island, Florida, for several years now. It is next to the Holiday Inn, and couldn’t be in a more perfect spot. We stayed at the Holiday Inn several times and had just a room. We had to pay extra if we wanted an ocean view.
We bought a week at the Voyager as one of our timeshares. We chose it for location, location, location. It is on one of the widest parts of the beach. It lies way back and is really unique. It has 7 floors. The first floor as it is called here has all the amenities on it. This area is open.
To get to the apartment/suite you first have to book in and get your keys. The only way in is through the office, or the elevator at the other end of the building. After office hours, only the outside elevator can be used, with a key. I just love this safety feature.
At the front are the 2 bedroom units. I have been inside these and they are similar to ours, but able to sleep 6 instead of 4. All the rest are 1 bedroom. On entering the suite, straight ahead is the sofa sleeper. In front of it, to the side of the door is the television, which is on a swivel base.
To the right is the small kitchen which comes with microwave, stove top, fridge/freezer, (nice and large) and all the normal gadgets you would have at home. It doesn’t have an oven, but we find this isn’t a problem as I don’t go there to cook everyday. Next is the doorway to a nice sized bathroom. The bath has a combined shower in it. There is a really large vanity with loads of drawers and cupboards.
Turned to my left upon entering, there is the bedroom with a Queen size bed. 2 wardrobes, and plenty of chest of drawers. There is also a vanity here with a small basin which is really handy if there were more than two of us.
This is the neatest part. The Voyager is based on a boat/ship. Behind the bed is a view of the night sky. There are ‘port holes’, ships bells, anchors, a table shaped like a ship’s wheel, and so much more.
By the kitchen area are sliding doors, which lead out to the balcony. Here are seats where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful view. Because this building is shaped at an angle, all balconies have a side view. This allows you to see part of the beach and ocean view. Then looking the other way we get to see the Holiday Inn parking lot and Gulf Blvd.
This is a 5 star property. I would give it 5 for location, but the building is old. There are some many newer ones on this strip of Treasure Island. It is very well maintained. The parking lot is all around the building. Some of the spaces are under cover but you have to get them early. On the first floor behind the office, is a one hole putt, putt. There is a large area of tables and chairs. Through the gate to the 6 person spa and then the heated swimming pool which is half under the roof, and half out. This is great because I don’t always want to be in the sun when swimming. There are plenty of loungers, and chairs around the pool. Restrooms and showers are also in this area.
Now behind the building, but before you get to the beach, are built in grills. Some picnic tables and more chairs. Here is a shuffleboard court too.
From here you open the gate and down the pavement, to the bicycle path that runs behind the hotels, motels, etc. Last time I took my scooter with me, and had a lot of fun. Then comes the fantastic beach. There are sea oats that are protected. Len used to love this walk 14 years ago, and now swears that the sea is further out. Yes, this is a very wide beach.
Checking in is 3.00pm and checking out is 11.00a.m. The staff, which I believe, numbers 4, have been there a long time. They are always happy to help you any way they can.
This area is quite, but you can go to John’s Pass, which is very close, lots of shops, restaurants, a bar with entertainment, and gambling ships, just to mention a few. Located in this area is every kind of restaurant you can think of. Some of the hotels have tiki bars with great entertainment. We have sat on the beach and listened to live jazz bands, while enjoying a meal and watching the sunset. Now who could resist that?
Need a Wal-mart? There is one about 5 miles away. Winn Dixie and Publix both have supermarkets really close. Management will give you directions.
I have to admit that our suite/apartment would be a tight squeeze to sleep 4 people. However, I look forward every year to our visit.
The address is:
Voyager Beach Club.
11860 Gulf Blvd,
Treasure Island,
Fl. 33706.
Telephone 727-517-7276.
Don’t forget to check out those 3-day specials. The 7 night/8 day stays start at $600 per unit. You can’t beat the price. We would pay as much, or more, just for a room elsewhere.
For anyone not knowing this area, it is south of Clearwater beach, north of St. Pete’s, west of Tampa.
