Jackie: Marriott and Wyndham are obviously corporate hotels with all the bells and whistles.Bolongo Bay is a family-owned and operated property, a bit more low key. Can I convince you not to do an all-inclusive deal? There are way too many good restaurants and bars around St Thomas to limit yourself to hotel food...

I have personal knowledge of all 3 properties mentioned. Bolongo Bay Resort cannot be beat. The fact that they are family owned and operated truly makes it a unique experience. They know everyone by name, and they have the best activities director on the Island. They own their own catamaran that goes on both a day sail to St John and a sunset sail into the downtown harbor of Charlotte Amalie. They have a Caribbean Carnival night every Wednesday. They have one of the most renowned Chefs in the Caribbean. They have a beach club called "Iggies" which is beloved by the locals and tourists alike. Hands down...............Bolongo!!!

Just visited Morningstar Beach (at the Marriott) and Bolongo Beach today after Frances sailed through the VI. Morningstar Beach has been seriously eroded. Bolongo Beach is no different.

This, in addition to what was said by others, would lead me to Bolongo.

If your looking all inclusive that eliminates Marriott. Im with east ender on this one, too many great restaurants on St. Thomas and a short ride over to St. John to be eatting that nasty trough food served up at all inclusives.

One of the many things I look forward to when going to St Thomas is dining at some of the most fabulous restaurants.
I would reconsider staying at an inclusive.

Hi There,

Bolongo is an OK place to stay on St. Thomas. It is a low-rise beachfront property. It is not a five star resort by any means….but then it is not priced like one either. It is a decent value for the money and a good place to use as a base to explore St. Thomas. It is also the last of the family owned and operated resorts on the island. The rooms are clean and adequate. There was a good deal of renovation done just a few years ago due to some hurricane damage.

The resort offers a lot of choices of water sports and other things to do. I’ve sat next door at Mim’s at the Watergate eating dinner when the day cruises get back in and from the sounds I’ve heard, the folks on board obviously had a great time. One of the weaknesses of the resort, if there is one, is the beach. It is not the nicest on the island….not the worst either. It is rather rocky, so you have a bit of a problem going from the sand to the water. Once past the rocks though, the beach is pretty nice with decent snorkeling right off the beach.

One of the two restaurants/bars (Iggies) onsite is one of my favorites on the island and is pretty good …right on the beach and a nice place to get out of the sun and have a cold drink while being able to keep an eye on things. The resort is located out on the east end of the island, close to many other resorts and restaurants.

The Marriott properties are right next to each other on the same beach. They also share the same amenities, restaurants, etc.

Which you would prefer is going to depend on your preference as to the type of building you like. Frenchman's is a high-rise fully a/c'd hotel like you would find in any major US city. In order to get to and from the beach you need to walk through a/c'd halls, take an elevator, go through the a/c's lobby and then walk a ways down to the beach.

Morningstar is right on the beach and is made up of several low rise buildings that have several units in each building. IMHO Morningstar gives you more of an "island" feel than Frenchman's.

Many people like the nice views that Frenchman's offers while others prefer the "on-the-beach" feel of Morningstar.

The Wyndham seems to be one of those places that folks either really like or really dislike. I've never particularly cared for it but have several friends who love to go there. To me it is not my idea of a 'quiet beachfront' resort which is what I prefer.I have referred to Sugar Bay in the past as being like a cruise ship on land and still think that is a pretty good description. There is plenty of activity, drinks and meals are included so it is easy to control your additional spending when on vacation. At the same time, the food (IMHO) is not close to being the best on the island and the island offers a wonderful assortment of food in all types and price ranges. St. Thomas would not be one of the places where I would pick an A/I option because of the ease and choice of great restaurants.

The rooms are nice - large bed, table and chairs, ceiling fan, comfy chairs and a large dresser. You also get a fridge and a coffee maker. The views from the rooms can be wonderful...partly because you are so high up on the hillside. The disadvantage to this is the long walk up and down the steps to get from the rooms to the pool, beach area and one of the restaurants.The resort has a 'passable' beach and offers lots of water sports and activities. As a base of operations, it can be a good choice.....and if you are the type who never wants to leave your resort, it would probably be a good choice.

All three are good choices. I also would not take an A/I option though, and personally Bolongo would likely be my first choice.

Schultz