Help! - Need Info - Thunderbird Beach Resort

So what IS the skinny on the Thunderbird?

TA folks give it a thumbs up, but what is the extent of the %26#39;renovations%26#39;, really...

Concerned it is a %26#39;50%26#39;s dump...but don%26#39;t want to overlook it if it%26#39;s a gem!

We are upper 30%26#39;s w/o kids. Visiting the area for a relaxing weekend at the beach and hoping for a good value choice.

Help! - Need Info - Thunderbird Beach Resort

I only was at the little Tiki Bar that it has by the pool, and that was nice. It seemed ok to me, but the price seemed a little high for what was there. I would consider Arvilla if it is cheaper, or maybe the Bilmar Beach which I do believe is cheaper. You could always try and find a condo that does nightly rentals too.

Help! - Need Info - Thunderbird Beach Resort

Saw your question about the extent of the renovations and thought I would let you know what we did. (I%26#39;ve worked here 19 years and was involved in every bit of the renovations.) In the guest rooms we put new carpet, crown moulding, paint, tile entry, drapes, bed spreads, dust ruffles, furniture, chairs, lighting and artwork. In the bathrooms we put in new tile floors, granite shelves and lighting. The only thing not done last year were the kitchenettes which are a bit dated but still quite usable. The rooms are pretty decent size and bigger than most of the rooms you find these days.

Looks like a good location, with a HUGE beach area. I will evaluate Arvilla %26amp; Bilmar, but T-Bird is very much a viable option for us.

Nothing better than a first-hand account!

Thank you both for the feedback.

my 81 year old neighbor who just lost her husband in february was down there last week and she thought it was very nice. they had a regular poolside room without a kitchen and she said that everything was new and those rooms even had an armoire which had a fridge and microwave inside. also, a coffee pot in the room.

she was very pleased and she had a great time. also, the thunderbird is right in the middle of t.i. and there are bars across the street to go to at night if you choose. just remember, this is a typical beach location and everything is really laid back.

Lucky: We used to go to the Thunderbird every year for vacation. It is a wonderful place for families. Kids can swim and adults and relax poolside with a beverage. There can be alot of kids so if you don%26#39;t like other people children cannon balling over you, you might switch. The staff works very hard to keep clean. Would not say it is a 50%26#39;s dump. Last time we stayed there was July/2005, so not sure about the renovation. Our kids have grown and we prefer the condo%26#39;s (we have are our own bed and bath). Not to mention last time we were there they had a security guard that was a real idot! We will be down in Treasure Island in June this year and will stop at the Tiki Bar.

Hey Gamer,

Thunderbird is nice, pretty busy place, lots of people around.

I have stayed at Arvilla and Page Terrace, Arvilla to me wasnt worth what you pay for a room there. Had alot of problems the last three

times i stayed, but their reviews are better again, so maybe they

fixed the problems.

Page Terrace is a real gem on the beach, couple door up from the

Thunderbird, check out Pageterrace.com, staying there again in the fall. Better value than Thunderbird or Arvilla.

The beaches are real wide and sandy, lots of shells, been going to

T.I. for ages and love it!

Ellen

Thanks for the feedback here. Ultimately, we ended up in Madeira Beach, but we stopped by the Thunderbird for a walkabout :-)

We really enjoyed our drinks and the live music at the Tiki Bar, down-to-earth hospitable bartender and GOOD people watching!

(Oh boy, those folks were having a lot of fun) :-D

Rooms were exactly as described by TBirdBeach, kitchenettes did look dated but all else looked %26#39;fresh%26#39;!

We had a very happy visit, but probably would not have been comfortable there. It would not have been relaxing for us, but I certainly understand the draw for some -- very social, nice big pool, fun music and lots of kids.

I%26#39;ve stayed at the Thunderbird about 3 times and I love it. The pool area is great, rooms are nice. Best thing is if you don%26#39;t have a car it%26#39;s in a great location and in walking distance to lots of bars, restaurants, etc.