Hi all

So now that I have 3 days to spend on STT en route to my 6-day stay on STX, I'm torn between the big resort/small resort models, specifically the Marriott and Secret Harbor. Price considerations aside, I'm looking to be somewhere where I don't have to move off the property if I don't want to, don't have to get dressed up in the evening beyond shorts and a t-shirt, don't have to rent a car, and can eat 3 meals a day without exploring beyond the resort (yes, I'm exhausted and lazy, and I want this to be a slow-moving vacation! 😉 )

I've scanned the board and there seem to be lots of favorable comments about Secret Harbor. Pros seem to be a beautiful calm and reef-sheltered beach, a low-key atmosphere, a good restaurant, and proximity to Red Hook and the STJ ferry if I decide to get out of the hammock one day. Cons seem to be car/taxi distance from anywhere else to eat but the on-site restaurant with elaborate dinners every night even if I just want a sandwich or burger in the evening (please do correct me if I'm wrong), and a fairly lackluster pool/pool area up on the hilltop (I do love a glamorous pool 8-)).

The Marriott certainly seems to have its supporters and detractors. Pros seem to be full range of big resort amenities, striking location, easy cab or ferry access to Charlotte Amalie if I want to go to town, beautiful pools and views (I would get an oceanview room). Cons seem to be complaints about the condition, the mustiness, occasionally about the service. Also "soft" renovations are apparently ongoing at the Marriott (i.e. room decor) but I am assured no construction or closures of any amenities (a deal-breaker for me at any hotel). Also, I like my seas glassy calm, and I gather that Morningstar generally has more surf than other more sheltered beaches. I know that I would not need a car if I chose to stay here, and might cab to Magen's for an afternoon rather than STJ. I also know that food prices are high, but know to expect that generally on all the islands, and the menu for dinner at Secret Harbor is also pricey.

So I welcome thoughts, opinions, observations from those who know both properties and their condition at the moment - I will be on the island right after Thanksgiving weekend. Ironically, I have had extensive stays on STJ and STX, but have only day-tripped on STT (as a cruise sheeple, and in transit to/from STJ). I know the Buccaneer, my next destination, well, and know that that will be a low-key stay, but like to be as informed as possible. I'm traveling alone, I don't require significant entertainment beyond a book and a lounge chair, though I do require Internet connectivity for work reasons :X, I am happy to eat lightly for most meals, and I neither need nor want motorized watersports on-property. So there it is - what would you do? (td)(tu)

Added wrinke: the days I will be on STT are fairly heavy cruise ship days. I gather that both properties will rent access to their facilities to day-trippers - which one is less likely to feel overrun with chair-grabbing cruise ship pax?

I know of course that this is a very personal decision and that these present very contrasting options, but I would love to hear people's thoughts - the great thing about travel forums is that no one is short of opinions! 😉 Also, has the ongoing Tomas weather legacy hurt any part of the island or facilities more than others?

Thanks!

Mark

PS Will be flying the Seaborne seaplane to Christiansted and very much looking forward to that adventure!