We've stayed there twice, and have enjoyed it each time. I'll tell you what I know, and also what I've "heard":

What I know (from my own experience):

Check in has been easy and friendly. I've used Reward Points on both stays, so we get a room without a view. Our room has been clean and comfortable and the refrigerator and in-room ice maker is a real help. We normally change clothes quickly and run down to the beach below to catch whatever sunlight is left on day 1 travel. Meals on-site are typical resort priced. Expensive compared to the best-buys on the island, but very convenient and quality is good. We love the breakfast buffet, but at $18 each (I think) it prices itself out of our daily routine. The hotel has a couple of pool options and one of the pools has a swim-up bar. We don't really take advantage of the pools much, because we don't stay on the property during the day. We'll typically go to the exercise room around 7:30 for a quick workout; clean up; and be on our way to a beach by 9:30. We'll get back to the Marriott around 6pm, in time to clean-up again for dinner (we might lounge poolside and watch the cruise ships depart once or twice). The grounds are really pretty, and there are iguanas sunning themselves here and there. There's an snack shack/convenience store for coffee, ice cream, etc.. The hotel also does a couple of fun early evening events, like the Pina Colada evening. They pour Virgin Coladas, then have staff walk around with flavored rum (Cruzan) to customize your drink to your own special taste. It was a blast. Hotel is similar quality to any other Marriott Resort that I've been to.

You know, it really just depends on what you as a traveler want as to whether the Marriott is best for you. I, personally, would rather go to the Mafolie hotel (remember - I got free nights at Marriott - that was my motivation). We are very simply in our needs and Mafolie hits them perfectly. Fabulous view from the rooms, the pool area (with bar and grill right there) and the Mafolie Restaurant right next door. Wife and I really like trying new restaurants, and spending our days off-property on St. John, Jost Van Dyke, Magans Bay, or shopping downtown. However, it is only modestly furnished (more like a Comfort/Days Inn) and there is traffic going up and down Mafolie hill fairly early in the morning. So - like I said - it just depends on what you want.

What I've heard:

Multiple previous posts (and comments I've personally heard from folks in elevators) about rooms with noisy (or non-working) air conditioners. Some posts about lack of service-mentality among staff (again - depends on your personal expectations of service - and probably your own attitude toward those serving you). Very positive comments on meals purchased at on-site restaurants. Positive comments about Morningstar Beach Villas (the more expensive beach-side rooms).

Do a search of "all dates" and you'll get much more information. I also find www.tripadvisor.com to be a valuable source for reading other's reviews.

Either way - you're going to have a great vacation!

Good Luck

Stayed there mid-July on a mini package and I would not return. The pool water was filthy. Took a chance getting wet but wouldn't dare put my head in the water. Someone else posted the same thing about the pool recently. Alot of work in the area because of the timeshares being built. The beach elevator was out of order so the all ready long trek to the beach was a bit longer. There has to be better options for the $$$.

Thank you for your input..I am also using marriott reward points..(I usually dont stay in resorts other than marriotts anywhere i travel,because of the great perks of the reward points..) Im just looking for a relaxing and SUNNY vacation with my boyfriend..We are both in our 20's..Anything fun happening in the town for people our age?? (besides the obvious bars..)

You will love it. End of story! Have fun! 🙂

Stayed at Frenchman's Reef Marriott, Sea Cliff, July 4-11. My brother arranged the rooms and used Reward Points for the rooms. I think he managed to talk them into an upgrade from 'Resort View' (room without a view) to 'Sea View', since he has several time shares that he used for points. He's a haggler at heart.

Check in was fast and easy. Porter was found immediately after we arrived to take care of our baggage and set us up in the room. Hotel staff was courteous. Each of our rooms had a refrigerator, ice maker, safe, lock box and air conditioner which functioned satisfactorily. Sea Cliff has a great view of the open ocean. Our rooms were made up each morning and the beds turned down, with mints on the pillows each night. We had trouble with the room safe and someone from security was up quickly to open it up. When we called for extra towels and robes the first night, they came up right away. We visited both pools (swim up bar pool and beachside pool) and found them clean and the water clear; very strong smell of chlorine.) We didn't spend a lot of time in the pools, but enjoyed the beach at least some part of each day. There are towel shacks at the upper/swim-up bar pool and toward the Morningstar end of the beach. Towels were available until 6.00p, so if you wanted to go out for a late swim and hadn't already gotten towels, you were out of luck. The views of the ocean to the south and west and the harbor to the north, from one of the many vantage points, are fantastic. It's amazing to see one of the cruise ships coming or going from the hotel grounds or, especially, from beach level. The Adventure Center was very accommodating in setting up a day trip to St. John and a dive trip with Underwater Safaris (nice folks there!).

That said, there were a few minor disappointments, considering this was a 5-Star facility. There was visible evidence of repairs to the ceiling, of what was probably old storm damage. There was rust present on some of the interior metal surfaces. It would have been nice if our arrival had been anticipated and the ice maker had been turned on prior to our arrival. The A/C never seemed to really keep up with the humidity. I live in Missouri and know heat, humidity and air conditioning. 😛 I had swordfish at Coco Joe's our last night and found it a little tough. After excellent fish at Indigo Bar & Restaurant and Hook, Line & Sinker, I had high expectations. 😀

Overall, we had a fantastic trip and would do it again in a heartbeat! Marriott can have my return business anytime my brother cares to share his time share! 😛 Thanks Jerry! As good a time as we had, we will be back. When I'm paying for it, I will probably look for a home or condo rental.

John