Hello all!
Just returned from two weeks at Hotel on the Cay. I'll try and give a brief review as I know there are several of you that are leaving for STX very shortly.

Background: We were to St Croix three years ago with a brief stop off a cruise ship. Went to Cruzan rum factory and Botanical Gardens. Never been to Christiansted or Hotel on the Cay. I studied timeshares etc. on different islands for about year. Finally my wife and I purchased a week at Hotel on the Cay (HOTC), sight unseen. I looked at their website, talked to owners, read reviews and finally took the plunge.

Arrived in STX about 8:15PM on Sat, Mar 13th. Plane out of San Juan was 45 mins late so was worried our hotel arranged taxi driver may have given up on us. What a relief: He was standing there with a welcome sign and our names on it. He brought us to Christiansted (20 mins) right to where the water taxi was waiting. About a minute over to the hotel (on Protestant Cay) where a hotel staffer came with a golf cart, loaded our stuff, and brought it right to the room on the third floor. We were exausted from the trip from the Dakotas and overpacked as usual so the assistance was greatly appreciated. I believe I may have over-tipped....oh well.

Coming in at night, the hotel looked stately and enchanting. Our room was on the third (top) floor on the East side. Room was dated but had fresh paint and smelled clean. It was a little warm so we threw open the sliding doors to the balcony. The 13 mph trade wind came rushing through the room and out the louvered entrance doors on the
West side of the room. Well that was pretty much the position of our balcony doors for the next two weeks. It was so comfortable and relaxing with the sea breeze and noise that I don't even know if the A/C worked. We never turned it on.

Hotel: As many of you know, St Croix was battered by hurricane Hugo back in 89. The hotel did not suffer any major damage I'm told. Some rooms flooded, docks disappeared, trees down etc. though. Old management did little to restore the hotel so I guess after much legal work, the timeshare owners now run the hotel. Restorations are being done on a priority agreed to by the owners and as money is accumilated. We talked to many timeshare owners, some had been there 23 yrs. They had seen the best and worst of times for the hotel. They all seem to agree that things are on the rebound. Many want to see things maintained but want to keep the modest amenities. The location, did I say location and the reasonable price had been what had kept them there through thick and thin.

As stated before, hotel room was dated but clean and very adequate. We kind of do things on the cheap so we had most breakfasts in our room. Bought eggs, deli ham, and condiments at Schooner Market which is about a six block easy walk. We microwaved omelettes or had peanut butter toast most mornings. Pop Tarts a few times. Sometimes we just had coffee with a strong dose of Carib liquer and watched the sunrise and the island wake up.

When we ate in town we usually went a half block past any waterfront eateries as they tended to charge about two bucks more for a burger. Besides we had waterfront every hour at the hotel for two weekis. We found a great place (if your looking for bar type food) about 30 yards in from the Brew Pub in Kings Alley. Great burgers, huge and good. Chicken strips very good with large portions. Onion rings yummie. Service pretty good...seemed mostly locals ate there. Best yet...an ongoing special of Bud or Bud Light for a buck a bottle or a rum and coke for a buck and a half. Before I forget, the name of the place was Pleasants (on or in Kings's Alley).

OK, this is getting long and unforturnately I'm back in a bit of a work mode so I must go. In a nutshell, HOTC is not 5 star but is clean and charming with wonderful views all over. Staff is great, friendly and accomodating. Oh so convenient to shopping, dining, tours, snorkeling, bunbathing etc. If you're looking for a Marriott, don't go here. If you want sandals, sand, and sun for a very reasonable price, stay at HOTC. Also close to
Fast Ferry if you want to catch a day trip to St Thomas.

We did little else but enjoy our little island for two weeks. We'll be a little more adventurous next year as we have already reserved the same two weeks for 2005. Wife said the timeshare was the best two grand I'd ever spent.

Sure is easy to get long winded. For more info I will be happy to answer emails when I get a chance. Oh yes, the Tuesday night beach bbq is great. People come from all over the main island.

Later