St. Thomas
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Anonymous
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I just booked a week in St. Thomas next May, at Marriott Frenchman's Cove. I haven never been there. I was going to post on here to ask for suggestions on things to do, restaurants, transportation, etc.
But then I saw the other thread St. Thomas or St. John - where a few people say to avoid St. Thomas. Why? What's wrong with it? |
Anonymous
| Did you prepay? Can you cancel? |
Anonymous
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St Thomas is akin to the Bahamas or Jamaica. It's accessible Caribbean, and it appeals to the lowest common denominator. It's very touristy in a tacky way, and it's overpriced for what it is.
St John is a little more remote (you have to take a ferry to get there), and it's not as commercial as St Thomas. There are more nature-based activities (hiking, snorkeling), and it's a little more upscale. Things are still very expensive, but it feels nicer than St Thomas. I've stayed at the Frenchman's Reef. It was sort of a dump when I stayed. I would recommend the Ritz if you are going to stay on St Thomas, but I would recommend staying on St John over any property on St Thomas. |
Anonymous
| OP again. Flights are already booked so can't cancel. We are Marriott Vacation Club owners, thus why staying at Frenchman's Cove (it's a timeshare property). |
Anonymous
Marriott and Starwood merged. Can you use your Marriott timeshare value at the Westin St John timeshare? |
Anonymous
Or at the Ritz timeshare? |
Anonymous
| Many years ago, I stayed at the Marriott property on St Thomas, but it was in the bungalows down by the beach, not in the hotel. We had a nice time (and you will, too), but I've since traveled elsewhere in the Caribbean and enjoyed those trips much more. The Marriott hotel itself is not on the beach, and I recall it being a prime destination for corporate and other retreats. I've thought many times about going back to the USVI, but would more likely go to St John or, if I were to stay in St Thomas, go somewhere closer to Red Hook. |
Anonymous
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I've been to a lot of resorts (I work in the tourism industry) and the service at the Marriott was hands-down the worst service I have ever experienced.
The property itself was lovely, but the staff was horrible. |
Anonymous
No |
Anonymous
It has excellent reviews on Trip Advisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147405-d648828-Reviews-Marriott_s_Frenchman_s_Cove-Charlotte_Amalie_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html |
Anonymous
Yes, that is an option but it does not have any availability |
Anonymous
| Honestly, I wouldn't worry or overthink it. We had to visit last year on personal business, and stayed in a condo up in the hills. If you're looking for high-end experiences and restaurants, or a great cultural experience, it's the wrong place. If you're looking to relax on the beach, or even play golf at Mahogany Run, then you'll be fine. |
Anonymous
| Hi OP, I was one of the people who posted about St. John earlier, and I want to apologize if my remarks made you feel bad about vacationing in St. Thomas. St. Thomas is bigger and more built up in places and busier, but you are going to have a great time. If you get a chance, take one of the ferries to St. John for a day, and don't forget your passport if you like snorkeling so you can also hit the Bath at Virgin Gorda. Have a blast and drink lots of painkillers! |
Anonymous
It was not my experience, but it depends what you're used to I guess. OP is a Marriott timeshare owner, so this is probably what she is used to. I'm sure she'll have a good time. |
Anonymous
I've stayed at all ranges of resorts in the Caribbean--service is rarely "good" in that part of the world, even at the Ritz or other luxury resorts. I would have no problem staying at the Marriott. OP--plenty to do here--I would take a day trip to St John, take a day trip to the Baths (BVI), head to Magens, spend a little time shopping, explore Red Hook, etc. |