My husband and I just returned from a 4 night stay at Providenciales Airport hotel. The trip was planned very last minute, and we had almost no other choice but to stay at this hotel. Overall our trip was good, but here are the pros and cons that one should be aware of before you book at this hotel, so that you can make a conscious choice.
Pros:
1) Price & Availability: The Turks and Caicos islands are very expensive - resorts along the Grace Bay beach are super expensive, especially in peak season, ranging upwards of $400 a night, if available. The airport hotel typically always has rooms available, and you can get it for ~$150 a night.
2) Friendly staff: The whole staff is pretty much one big family, and is very friendly and courteous
3) Free Shuttle to/from the Airport and Beach: We had booked a rental car with Budget (and received a confirmation) before we arrived, knowing that the hotel is far from the beach (~15 mins drive). However, Budget messed up big time, and had no car available (nor any record of our reservation) for us when we arrived at the airport (and did not bother to follow up or communicate with us when we tried to sort out the issue). Being peak season, it was just impossible to get another rental at the last minute. Also taxis are super expensive, charging a min of $15-20 per person each way. Luckily, the hotel offered free drops to the beach whenever we needed it, and also picked us up from there at the end of the day (we tipped $5 each way).
4) Basic Room & Facilities: The room and services are just about average and meet basic needs if you do not expect luxury. Internet is included but speed is just about sufficient for basic browsing and does not support streaming (e.g. You tube)
Now the Cons (Purely based on our experience):
1) The bathtub takes a while to drain - so be prepared to stand in accumulated water while you are showering...
2) Continental breakfast was supposed to be included in our price - but their on site restaurant was closed while we were there - so we were unable to avail this benefit
3) Bed sheet had a bloodstain on it (as pointed out also by another reviewer)
4) Our room was not serviced (no housekeeping done) one day - however this was taken care of the next 2 days
5) Toiletries: Only thing available is a bar of soap - so please carry your own shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and anything else you may need for the trip (or purchase it from the grocery store there)
6) One night there was loud music for several hours late into the night - not sure where it was coming from - but it was pretty disturbing when I was trying to sleep.
7) The room has windows that are closed shut with curtains drawn at all times - so can feel pretty claustrophobic
8) There is a small refrigerator in the room (no microwave). We placed milk that lasted for one night. However it curdled the next night - maybe the housekeeping staff shut it off when they serviced the room?. Basically - please make sure it is on and working before relying on it for your food/drinks.
Also, please be aware that the hotel has no swimming pool or gym.
The Grace Bay beach itself is awesome, and my husband and I had 3 fun days on the beach.
