Y'know...there are fans of both. If it were me, I would pick the Reef because 1. I love watching the cruise ships pass by in the evening, 2. I like Morningstar better than the beach at the Ren, 3. I love the little Reefer ferries that take you to the waterfront and 4. the sunset view. Now if I HAD to stay at the Ren, I would say that 1. the Chris Sawyer operation on the property is the best, 2. it is close to Red Hook, 3. the Ren's Sunday brunch is known far and wide and 4. I am on vacation and I am having a great time! 😉

Thanks for the update. I probably can't go wrong with either.

I would pick Rennaisance in a heart beat. We always make reservations for the base rooms and have always gotten bump up to ocean view (we go during summer). Best of all its just a short walk to Coki beach for great snorkling. The property is much smaller but you have all the amenities and the staff is friendlier. Although if your going to get married do it at the Reef! 🙂

I've stayed at the Renaissance 3 times (week after Thanksgiving) for the past three years and an planning to do so again this year. I've stayed on the hillside twice and the last time we stayed near the pool, only because of no room availibility on hillside (room was upgraded, though). I have no complaints--have read comments from others that some rooms need upgrading, but considering you are on vacation and will spend most of time at beach, dining-out , sight-seeing or doing whatever it is you like to do on vacation, I would recommend this resort for the attractiveness and cost. It is always well-maintained and if there any problems with anything, the staff (quite friendly) take care of it asap. Nice view of St. John in the distance and the area is quieter compared to the other side of the island. I live near NYC and need to GET AWAY from all this congestion so this is just the right place for me!!

I have heard that the beach at the Renn can be messy with grass. How do the two beaches compare? Thanks!!

Never stayed at the Reef. The beach at the Ren. is nice--only noticed one time a bit more grass--probably due to weather conditions, though. The water is clean. The morning crew usually celans up the shoreline in the early AM. I never viewed it as a problem--but I guess some people do.

I've never seen grass at the Renn, but just about 45 steps away from the Renn beach is Coki beach which has some of the best snorkling on St Thomas and the beach is pretty as the one at Morning Star.

Thanks to all for the help. Looks like the Renn for us. Can't wait to go.

we stayed at the ren and loved it, although there were 124 steps to our room, but we needed the exercise.

Hi. We sail the BVIs each year and have stayed at the Rennaisance before picking up our boat. We'd like to return to the property this year but it seems this hotel has changed hands and is no longer a Marriott property. Can you tell me what this hotel is now? Thanks.

It's now the Grand Bay Palace Spa & Resort--all inclusive.