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Leaning toward the Renaissance because of its proximity to Red Hook (we plan on going to St John 2 times... and maybe Virgin Gorda one day). I also like the fact that they have FREE water sports like Kayaks, etc. I have heard some negative things about the beach itself... and the rooms being musty and in need of refurbishment (although Marriott just informed me they were supposedly refurbished in 2001). Is Morning Star much more lovely? We've been on a couple of very nices cruises and really would like a bit of luxury...
Thanks for anyone's advice!
Lisa
We spent a week at the Renaissance several years ago with another couple - two rooms. Have not been to Morning Star.
We liked the Renaissance. I would recommend it. You won't regret it...but for all I know Morning Star is even better... We had a pool/beach side room - less of a view than the hillside rooms, but also less of a hike up the hill - it's a tradeoff. R oom was very nice, included a mini-fridge and everything else you would expect from an upscale resort hotel. Rooms weren't musty when we were there.
Beach is okay - nothing outstanding. We didn't hang out too much there. There are so many other things to see and do on the islands. Hop over to Magens Bay for great beach on STT. The R has water rentals etc. including a dive shop. Koki Beach is a short walk further down the road - good snorkeling - just go early or late to avoid the cruise ship crowds.
Hotel restaurants were fine, food good - slow service, but again, we didn't limit ourselves to the hotel.
We did not rent a car when we stayed at Renaissance. Taxis worked fine for getting around. Easy to get to Red Hook for the ferry, to Magen's Bay for good beaching, and into town for shopping, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with having a car - except maybe parking, which is at a premium downtown and at Red Hook.
I agree with your thoughts to spend a couple of days on St. John - you won't regret that decision one bit.
I also agree that a visit to the British VI is worthwhile. We rented a power boat from Nauti Nymphs at Red Hook one visit and visited Tortola, Sandy Cay (snorkeling) and Jost Van Dyke (Foxy's and Soggy Dollar Bar). This is a fun trip. We had an experienced boater with us...but there are many similar trips offered. We've alos been to Virgin Gorda to visit The Baths, an interesting trip too.
Have fun.
Bob
Stayed at Renaissance last April in a poolside room. Room was musty. Beach is not as good as some others. If great beaches are what you are looking for then St.John is the place!
Morningstar is a bit far from Reedhook. If you stay there, the ferry from Charlotte Amalie may be closer.
We have stayed at both the Renaissance and the Morning Star. If I were going for a luxurious vacation, I'd stay at the Morning Star/Frenchman's Reef. I like the amenities there better. The little store/sandwich shop in the lobby of the Frenchman's Reef is very convinient if you just want to grab a sandwich or a snack. I also found the breakfast buffet to be better there - everything just seemed cleaner and fresher. I also liked to pools better. One has a swim up bar which is nice for an afternoon frozen drink.
We found the Renaisance to be okay compared to the Morning Star. And, our room was musty too. The A/C leaked in the bathroom and needed to be repaired during our stay.
The Renaisance is closer to Red Hook, but the Morning Star is closer to the Waterfront.
