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Just received a call from Fairfield Resorts that they have changed our reservation from Elysian Beach to Bluebeards Beach Club arriving Nov 5. Question ... are they comparable properties or should we be concerned and go into "discussion" with Fairfield?
Thanks to this board and hope the weather clears for all of us!
Linda
Hello Linda,
The Beach Club is quieter than Elysian, which has a few other properties closeby. Depending on what you like this could be a pro or con. Elysian's proximity to other properties equals a few restaurant options closeby; it is also closer to Red Hook (more restaurants, some shops, ferry to St. John). The beaches are similar but again Limetree at the Beach Club is quieter. Elysian has a bigger resort feel than the Beach Club. Hope that helps.
--Islander
That's so odd. I just had dinner last night with some owners at the Beach Club and they have a similar scheduling problem, but inreverse. They own two weeks at the Beach Club, but they used a Fairfield banked week to come and Fairfield put them at the Elysian, cuz the Beach Club was supposedly "full". Not so. The Beach Club is at about 60% occupancy. They were very curious as to why they had to go to the Elysian, and Fairfield just kept giving them the run-around. I was the Sales Manager for both the Beach Club and Elysian, so I know them pretty well (been a couple years since I worked there, though). Personally, I like both properties, but they each have their own "+'s and -'s" The Elysian is a little bit less of a "family'-type. Mostly older couples, in their fifties and sixties, whereas the Beach Club is mostly 40's and fiftie's, with some mid thirties w/ kids sprinkled in. The actual grounds are nicer at the Elysian. The units are nicer at the BC. The restaurants at the ELY are better than at the BC (2 at the Ely, only one at the BC). The Ely is on the East End, while the BC is closer to town on the South Side. I recommend renting a car, regardless. The beach is nice, and calmer, at the Ely. The BC's beach is kinda rocky in places when entering the water. They both have decent snorkeling. They both have nice pools, but the Ely's is a bit nicer. I like the swim-up bar at the BC. Have to get out of the water to step up to the bar at the Ely. They both have little convenience stores, laundries, free shuttle service to the other two resorts, and they both will offer you a "VIP" card and an "update", which is actually a timeshare pitch in disguise. But the free bottle of rum is nice! haha! (assuming you don't have the $3 to buy one at K-Mart)
If you have any specific questions regarding either, feel free to e-mail or PM me.
Excuse me ISLANDER---can you explain why you say the Beach Club is quieter than the Elysian? Maybe you have the resorts mixed up.
MARTY----you say the Elysian is less family type---not so. And
you say the E is mostly older couples in their fifties and sixties---well that is certainly an insult. You will find couples of all ages and families with children and babies. How can you label a resort by age----such nonsense. I don't think you know these two resorts at all. I sure don't remember a sales manager by the name of Marty at the E since 97.
Linda,
First, do you own or, are you trading into the Elysian?
If you're trading in, you're probably at the mercy of FF. Of course this may be their way of trying to sell you property there. We've been told that the Elysian is nearly sold out.
Second, we've owned at the Elysian since '99 and, have seen a broad range of age groups...from 0's to ???, there is a good age mix of guests. We've had a good time with all of them, regardless of age.
The Beach Club has had it's ups and downs in the past years...bad restaurant...no restaurant, pool bar...no pool bar (open). We stopped there last year to have a few drinks with a friend we met at the Elysian, shortly after Mim's took over the restaurant/bar. The restaurant was empty and, the bar had about 5-7 people (nothing against Mim's). Hopefully business has picked up for Mim's (at the BC-they do have another establishment on island) this past year because, they are really a good restaurant. We stop at the BC each year, just to look around. Each time we have been there, we never see more than a couple people using the amenities. The grounds always look unkept. Last year it did appear that they were trying to make improvements so, we'll see.
The Elysian has two restaurants, Bonnie's by the Sea and Robert's. Both have very good menu's and, both have entertainment. The beach is larger than the Beach Club, less rocky. We own a studio room. We have seen the rooms at the Beach Club and think the rooms are nicer there, but we do not go to St. Thomas for the room 🙂 . We own at the Elysian so our opinion tends to lean their way. We do highly recommend going to Robert's. They have one of the best bartenders on the island working there (Page). He'll come up with a drink for you, even if you don't know what you want.
If you've never been to St. Thomas, do not let all of these posting influence you. While you are there remember, you are not at home/stateside. Go with an open mind, be friendly, smile, laugh and, you will have a great time. People tend to be friendly. It is considered rude not to say "good morning" or "hello" when you see someone. Maybe we'll run into you at the Elysain.
Oh, and the $3 bottle of Rum helps off-set the maintenace fees 🙂
11 days to go 🙂 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tammy812,
In the 6 1/2 years that I worked for the company (first with John Cavanaugh, then KGI, then Equivest, and now Fairfield) I had a chance to spend EVERY week at all three of the resorts, not just one or two per year. If you were to look at the overall picture, you would find more couples with grown children, that now have grandchildren, that own at the Ely than at the BC. Not just my opinion...FACT.
And it is certainly not meant as an insult. The owner base average at the Ely is 12 years older than the owner base average at the BC. Again, not my opinion...FACT. You can request this information with Fairfield, jump thru a few hoops, and they will give it to you. You can also go to the owner's board at each resort and request that info. They also have it and will be happy to provide it to you.
This is true of both resorts, and they both have exchangers coming in every week (RCI for the Ely, II for the BC) of all ages. However, I was referring to the average of the 'owners' of the timeshares AT each of the resorts. My apologies for not being clearer.
I'm sorry that you feel as if I "labeled" it, as that was not my intention. I was merely trying to be helpful in describing the majority of owners at each resort.
It is your prerogative to think anything you like. Would you like me to provide you with my W-2's? How about pictures of myself with the microphone in my hand while I hosted the parties? Remember the "Orientation", which was held every Sunday at 11 a.m.? Free BloodyMary's and Screwdrivers? Fresh fruit? We would introduce various vendors that had excursions? Explain the Activity Schedule for the week? Such as the New Horizons, Captain Friendly, Limnos, etc.? The big Monday nite party? Remember how good it used to be? Remember Dee Mitchell? Sue Wood? Debbie Johnson? Candace Gormont? Lance Jesse? Tony Romano? Jack Steigman? Suzanne Shecker? (those were various "in-house" employees thru the years I was there) The BC and Ely folks were shuttled over to the Castle for the big bash with the live band, Mocko Jumbies (from Antilles Middle School), and Little Bull doing his fire/glass/limbo show? Remember Michael Wright jammin' on his harmonica with the band? (He was my room-mate for 1.5 years and is still one of my best friends,though he lives in Vegas now). Remember the skinny white guy that did the limbo down to knee-high? That was me. (although Little Bull sure got lower! Beer bottle high! Ugh!) Remember the karaoke after the band was finished, help in the Pirate's Pub? Remember Me and Mikey singing "Soul Man" by the Blues Brothers? We had the steps down and everything! How about the Beach Party on Tuesdays (which got moved to Wednesdays because people were too tuckered from the big Monday nite party)? Remember the balloon popping contest? That was a hoot! The bird show with Shaun? The treasure hunt, where everyone scour the proprty for bottles of rum that we had hidden around? All you can eat and drink for $25? Hamburgs, hotdogs, potato salad, etc.? The beach party was held at both the Ely and the BC, at different times of the year. How about the Sunset in Paradise trip that we made every Wednesday night up to Paradise Point? Remember the shipwreck (Atocha silver bar) coin that Sean from the Pirate's Chest would give away every Monday night? The winner would redeem the certificate at the Sunset in Paradise trip. Live band, drink specials? Go for the Gold? That was the final party of the week held at the Castle at 4:30 p.m. on Thurdays. I had Friday and Saturday off (except when I was scheduled to be there for the "Welcome" on Saturdays).
Wow, you must be one of the few that don't remember me, as I seem to have made quite an impression on everyone else. I started with the Castle in Jan. of '98, then started working "in-house" with the owners and exchangers at the Castle in May of '98. I worked "in-house" at the Castle, then at the Ely, up until the time I became promoted to Sales Manager for both the BC and Ely (one day at the BC, then next at the Ely, the next at the BC, and so on). Kimra Jolly was the West Indian girl that would contact and book everyone to get their free bottle of rum and V.I.P. card for various discounts on excursions, restaurants, shopping, etc. Before I was the Manager, Sue Wood was the Manager, before she was, Bill Robinson was the Manager...before that I don't know, as I was still in Michigan.
E-mail me and I can send you some pics of me at the various parties, microphone in hand, hosting the parties, limbo-ing, singing karaoke, etc. Honestly, Tammy, I know them both inside and out (and why would I say I did if I didn't anyway? That would be silly!).
Several years ago, we stayed at the Elysian and had a fabulous time. We will be stopping at St Thomas on 11/20 while traveling on a Princess cruise to celebrate our parents' 60th wedding anniversary. Do you have any recommendations for tours or friendly drivers? While at the Elysian, we used a driver named "Felix" with the Sunshine Taxi Co but we can't find any reliable info about them. We would appreciate any leads or suggestions you can give us. There are 16 people interested in approximately a 3 hour tour. Thanks so much! Sharon Coale
Marty-
You sure took your time to prove to Tammy that you were there. We all believed you in the first place, I'm sure. I don't know why it is an insult to state that a resort is frequented by travelers in their 50s and 60s. I wonder how the 50 and 60 yr olds feel about that 🙁
Tammy,
Of course you can label a resort by the average age of the travelers who visit it. Demographics are very important in the travel business. Timeshares will track this data and should share it with their salespeople. It can be a valuable tool....and should not be considered insulting.
"You will find couples of all ages and families with children and babies"
You'll find retired people on the Disney Cruise as well...but that doesn't mean travel agents should start recommending the Disney Cruise over Royal Caribbean.
Marty shared his honest opinion of both resorts and I, for one, wasn't left with the feeling that one was any better than the other...as he balanced his comments well. Unfortunately, your post changed that. Ever heard the saying "Though doth protest too much, methinks?"
My husband and I are in our 50's and 60's, we are fun people and very nice ,usually. We spent our honeymoon 36 years ago in St. Thomas, then had children and spent more time on the east coast, thru buisness we have traveled to a lot of Pardises, and 4 years ago decided to return to USVI. We have been coming back ever since, we love children, and have been to many places since our first return and do not feel out of place any where. I think its just a frame of mind.
Quote: Tammy said "can you explain why you say the Beach Club is quieter than the Elysian?"
Sorry for not being clearer. Quieter in terms of development in the area; Elysian has a few other properties around it and Beach Club has some residences. I've always found more people at Elysian than at the Beach Club at the beach, restaurant and pool or just walking around. Not a lot of people as they both seem quiet to me when it comes to people. Also quieter in terms of things being open - the Beach Club's watersports booth isn't always open when I've gone there... also the case with the restaurant. Hope that clears up what I meant by quieter. 😉
--Islander
Since these are both timeshare resorts, people that own and return to them, often have friends on island, and they spend a lot of theirtime elsewhere while here. Since they own there, they have already spent lots of time there, hence the reason they aren't always hanging around the property. As far as the exchangers go, they can only exchange to STT once every four years, IF it's available (most times it is not - high demand/low supply). Since they only have a week to explore all the island has to offer, they spend most of their time "on the go", trying to get the most out of their seven days, so they often do not hang out at the resort, either. This is why both properties always seem to have very few people hanging around. Regardless of which resort you end up in, you will have a grand vacation!
I just came from staying at the Beach Club - when we arrived - let's say we were very disappointed in the appearance and the smells of the resort. Walking into the front office - the scent of unclean litter box, and the view of a severely busted down door to the back office. We arrived at 6pm on Saturday - and there was no one available to show us to our suite; there was no room number on the suite issued to us - and then the clerk failed to give us the key for the suite. Upon entry to the suite (2 hours later), the disappointment continued - unclean and unkempt. This is definitely not what we were expecting from Fairfield. Many of the beach chairs were broken; the shuffleboard cues were broken; water drained from the AC directly onto the patio but there was a plastic pickle jar put under it to catch the drippings; the safe was not bolted down; the drive through gate to the rooms didn't work when it rained; rarely there was a security guard to work the main gate (just drive around it like everyone else) - I could continue - but why?
They had a nice beach - until the storm washed most of it away. There wasn't much left when we exited on the 15th. The food and service at the LimeTree - owned by Mim's husband - was delightful, but bring bug spray. The location was good - but on an island of 37 miles - what would be bad?
Would we stay there again - no, not in the near future. We were informed that Fairfield would be adding 12mm to the resort in improvements. But in my opinion - 12mm wouldn't come close to fixing all that is wrong.
Bluebeards. I also have a week with Fairfield. We received a free promotion week for increasing our points. They had us in the castle then switched us to the Beach Club. I wanted to be put back into the castle. I had visted the Castle a few years ago and wanted to stay there. I have yet to receive a confirmation letter from Fairfield, even after a dozen calls. We are arriving on Nov. 28-Dec. 4. I am worried that they will stick us a the club, which I do not want to be at. I have also seen the Elysian and there are people of all ages there. any things I should worry about?? janie
HAH! I'm in MY 50's! Last summer I spent two weeks backpacking (that's like with a 50-pound pack) at altitudes of 12,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. The summer before I spent two weeks canoeing in the Boundary Waters. I really don't think it's how old you are, it's how old u act!
bluewater.....marty...canoebase...
i am with you on all counts..
MARTY i KNOW you know everything there is to know about the island...i take EVERYTHING you say as gospel..you are my hero hon!
and for your critic...I HAVE met marty and he is a hellova nice guy who shoots straight and will not steer you wrong! why not take advice from someone who has the experience!
canoebase!!! you are sooo right you are as young as you feel AND I AM IN MY LATE 50'S and everyone should remember that WE BABY BOOMERS ARE THE ONES WHO WERE AT WOODSTOCK!!!!
if you consider that an insult(to the critic in the earlier post)
THEN YOU who considers it an insult are the old one!
lighten up and have some fun!
I wasn't going to post on this thread, but I feel I want to add something. I am an owner at Bluebeard's Beach Club. I have been going there for two weeks a year since 1997.
I became acquainted with Marty several years ago when he worked at the Beach Club and much of what he says about it is correct. There have been some changes since he's been there, but mostly he's on the mark.
I have also stayed at the Elysian twice, about 4 and 5 years ago. I think the primary difference between the two resorts is the outward appearance.
The Elysian is more manicured, upscale appearing. The Beach Club has a more casual feel to it. In addition, the choice and quality of restaurants at the Elysian is much better than at Bluebeard's Beach Club. As far as the ages of the guests, I don't think I ever felt much of a difference. There have always been a wide range of guests of all ages at both resorts. I don't feel it really makes much difference. I've met 30-year-old "old farts" and 60-year-old kids. No matter the age, if everyone behaves himself or herself the experience will be great.
I recently corresponded with someone who was being sent to Bluebeard's Beach Club on a timeshare exchange and was quite hesitant about it. She is used to the Marriotts and Ritz and was afraid such a casual resort would be an extreme letdown. As a matter of fact, she was most likely there at the same time as "K," who posted above. Her e-mail to me on her return was glowing. (I took the liberty of sending both messages, without names or any other identifying information, to two owner members of the Beach Club Board of Directors. They have been forwarded to management and the concerns held by K will be looked into.) This only goes to prove that people have different expectations from a resort. I am curious to know at what other resorts K has stayed on St. Thomas for comparison.
I absolutely love Bluebeard's Beach Club. I look forward to my yearly visit. Since I've been going the quality of the resort has done nothing but improve. Perfection? No. But I recently stayed at a Hilton and could pick out things that were not perfect there, either.
I don't think I would ever want to stay at Bluebeard's Castle. I would, however, definitely go to the two restaurants there. My main complaint is that it is not beachside. To me there's no sense in going to the Caribbean and taking a bus to the beach. I can do that on Long Island. I realize this is not an issue for everyone, and many are happy staying there and enjoying all of the benefits of being in town.
Not every resort meets the needs of every guest. There is nothing horrible about any of the discussed resorts. I believe any one of them can provide a wonderful experience in this island paradise.
anywhere that you go, you will meet people that won't be happy unless they are complaining about something. Honest to goodness, a close relative of mine would bitch if she won the lottery! I can hear her now.."Oh, jeez, now that I've got 10 million dollars..I'll have to hire an acountant, and that will be SOO difficult, it's impossible to get good help nowadays..and I'll have to buy a new truck to haul all that money to the bank..and I HATE going to the car dealer, the sales consultants are SOO pushy...".Anyone know people like that? I enjoy reading other people's reviews but I accept them with an open mind, and I'll make my own decisions. I'll be on STJ in 17 days. Getting psyched!
canoebase....you are SOOO right!
i have a friend who has a gorgeous apartment great job and keeps complaining about having to pay rent and having to work to pay for it....lol
find what works for you and enjoy!
lol
17 days? we have 36 days....how long will you be there
I arrive on STJ November 24 and leave November 30. I'll do a report when I get back.
