If you can, change you Hotel. Bolongo is just a Motel on probably the worst beach in STT. Really small swimming pool with really old rooms. Lot of mosquitos and bugs. We forfieted our money and moved to Marriot to save our vacation.

Jeez....it's not that bad! It's an older establishment, for sure, and the water is not so great, but the beach is just fine and the boys will enjoy all of the activities that are offered there. We've been all over the world - in some of the most gorgeous hotels - so, we're not Bohemians - but this place is OK enough, not fancy - but fun. The staff is really attentive and Iggie's Beach Bar is a great place to relax late in the day with a "cold one" and great bar food.
Call the resort ahead of time if you wish and ask for Vernita. She organizes all activities at the resort and elsewhere and is always happy to make any dinner reservations you may want to make.
You will also want to trek to St John for a few separate days via ferry from Red Hook (15 minutes - beautiful & fun) to do snorkeling.
If you are indeed "Fancy Pants", stay at the Marriott or the Wyndham. They are both very nice. Secret Harbor is VERY laid back for teenagers, but the nicest beach by far for a great stay.
About the mosquitos & bugs, take spray NO MATTER WHERE YOU STAY!
It is quite humid and they can be nasty - especially in the evening.
P.S. There is another larger pool at Bolongo up by the condos & Mim's. Be sure to dine at Mim's - it looks like a "dive", but it is awesome. Trust me....I come from a long line of chefs.

Wow rough feelings from Kohio.

I agree the beach is not that nice. It gets washed away in storms etc., and its not that pure sand you see elsewhere on the island because its a man made beach.

The rooms are a bit run down. But Iggies is great there is always something going on there and it is the quintessential island bar. The staff has always been VERY nice, not the island attitide you see elsewhere. There are hammocks and chairs on the beach, and there are plenty of water toys which are included in your room rate I believe.

If you are look for a bit more upscale I would recommend Sapphire Beach. A bit more crowded on the beach, but in much better shape, and is in a better location since it is right next to Red Hook which is where the STJ ferry runs out of. Bolongo is in the middle of nowhere I suppose so a car or taxi is essential at Bolongo.

You know, it's funny how everyone has different vacation needs. Unlike Kohio, I welcome a stay at a tropical island feeling resort. If I found myself in a Marriott, Wyndham or Ritz, I'd probably run screaming from those bland, cookie cutter units that require air conditioned elevators to get to your room (a rather frigid prospect in a wet bathing suit.) That's merely my preference. Apparently enough people like the brand-name resorts as they do a nice business. However, there are some of us who prefer locally-owned or managed resorts that allow you a real island experience.

I would not suggest to anyone that Bolongo is a poor choice of accommodations. There have been many who have stayed there and planned return visits. I'm sure I would prefer it, or Sapphire, or Secret Harbour, or Bluebeard's Beach Club over the name-brands. Perhaps these folks will also. I also think it's a great resort for teens as mentioned above.

I also believe a vacation on St. Thomas should include a lot of touring and exploring the island, visiting the many other beaches, seeing downtown Charlotte Amalie, taking day excursions, going to St. John, etc. You'll find you're hardly in your room at all.

Gerie