A Nice Surprise at Pompano, Florida

We flew in from Boston to Fort Lauderdale on Delta (Song). It was a nonstop flight; however, they lost our luggage. Delta did a search and could not find our luggage. When we checked into the Fairways of Palm Aire, I mentioned the luggage problem. They took the initiative and did some research with Delta on their own and I received a call from the front desk that they had located our luggage and we would have it in about one hour. It came true - that is service from the dedicated Fairways staff.

Quick Tips:

We rented a car from Dollar Car Rental. When we went to pick up the car, the attendant told us that they could not honor the Internet rate and the rental would cost us quite a bit more.

We did not agree with him and showed him a hard copy of confirmation and the rate. He then took a copy of my confirmation into the back room and told us that he would check further on the rate.

He then came up with a new rate for an upgrade that was even more.

We asked for the manager and he fixed the rate to agree with the confirmation. Be sure to have a hard copy with you and make them abide by the contract.

Best Way To Get Around:

The Winn Dixie is across the street in walking distance. The Palm Aire has a shuttle to another property that they own on the beach.

Best Things Nearby:
The Winn Dixie is across the street.

Best Things About the Resort:
The resort amenities are great - you do not have to leave the site to keep busy.

Resort Experience:
The Pineapple Grille has great drinks, good food, and happy hour. Three pools are on site. If you are a golfer, they have a golf course on site that you can use for half price. The course is not too great - kind of flat and wide open, not much challenge. They bring in entertainment such as a luau with Hawaiian dancers and an animal show with all kinds of animals. They have three boats up to a 70-foot Hatteras, sunset cruises and fishing cruses, all BYOB. Laundry areas are available at no charge.

Upon entering the unit, we were very happy with the exchange - it was more than we expected. We were in a newly upgraded one-bedroom unit. The combination kitchen, dining and living room is large, and all furnishings were new and tastefully selected. The living area has a large sleep sofa, coffee table end table and a large chair. A CD player is located on a table along the wall to the kitchen area. The kitchen area is great - plenty of counter space, full-size fridge, stove with oven, large microwave and full-size dishwasher. The counter has a 27-inch TV with VCR recessed into the end of it. The dining room side of the counter is stepped down with a shelf to use as snack counter with two chairs. The dining area has a large glass table for four. A balcony wraps around the dining/living room with two sliders, four chairs and two tables. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower and is located off a corridor in the living area. This area has a small closet and lacks storage space for another couple. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, two end tables, a counter with a sink, and small fridge. The master bedroom can be isolated from the other rooms, as it has its own entrance from the corridor. It also has its own private balcony with two chairs and a table. The bathroom off the master bedroom has a large Jacuzzi and a large walk-in shower, nice and bright. The bathroom has plenty of counter space with two sinks. The master bedroom armoire has a 27-inch TV and drawer space below. A double-wide closet is in the master bedroom.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Not Available
• Service: Not Available

One restaurant that we enjoyed was the Sea Watch. It is located on the beach and is built on a nautical theme out of old beams with lots of glass and an open-air wing. The seafood is wonderful and the service has a personal touch. We have lunch at the Sea Watch whenever we are in the area.

The staff and the food is excellent. It is a pleasure to dine at the Sea Watch, as you can always depend on a good experience.

The Aruba Beach Café is located on the beach near a pier. It is very casual and usually crowded.

They have a nice bar with a friendly atmosphere. The help has a good attitude. The food is great, with huge portions reasonably priced. The menu includes Caribbean conch chowder, Cuban black-bean soup, fresh tropical salads, burgers, sandwiches, and wonderful seafood. We enjoy the blackened grilled salmon salad.

A reggae/jazz band performs Friday and Sunday 2pm to 7pm.