We stayed at the Ritz in May 2005. The beach was just fine - a little small and rocky, maybe, but we liked it. The infinity-edge pool was gorgeous. There were plenty of chaises on both the beach and poolside. The windsurfing was good right off the beach.

We had a couple of lunches at the hotel that were very good. We only had breakfast there one morning and it wasn't great. We opted for offsite dining thereafter.

All in all, we weren't overly impressed with the Ritz. The service was excellent, but the rooms were average. Our room wasn't spotless either. It was okay but didn't reflect the extra attention to detail that I would expect after paying so much money to stay there. If you get a great rate, though, I'd consider it. The setting and surrounding beauty are spectacular.

There are lots of restaurants in the area, and your best way to get there is via car. (Parking is free at the hotel.) Red Hook is a short jaunt down the road. Magens Bay was a bit farther away.

For dinner, we had delicious, simply prepared fish at Off-the-Hook in Red Hook. Definitely give it a try. Molly Malone's in Red Hook was good for breakfast and reasonable, too. Also, the Elysian is within walking distance of the hotel and has reasonable prices. We ate there a couple of mornings and got things like yogurt, juice, cereal and coffee. Nothing fancy.

Hope this helps. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have.

If you are accustomed to other Ritz', you may find that it's not quite up to par with others, but, for STT, it's fantastic. Comparing places/service here with places in America isn't really fair. If you went to the moon, would you expect it to be like home? Of course not. And it is the same way here. You are coming here to get away from there...wherever 'there' might be. The Ritz is the highest of the high-end hotels here. Come on down and have a wonderful vacation!

Hello,

You can enjoy two beaches at the Ritz; Turtle Cove and Bluebeards Beach. Both are quite nice. Turtle Cove is smaller than Bluebeards. I find the water clearer at Turtle Cove though. They are just a short stroll apart from each other.

Ritz is close to the Red Hook ferry, about an 8 minute drive. Magens Bay would be more of a 25-30 minute drive.

--Islander

I'd echo Marty's sentiments re/ the contrast between the STT Ritz and stateside editions, But, we found the weakest feature to be the restaurants, which was weird and unexpected since the quality of the food at better restaurants is NOT something I'd generally consider second rate on the islands.

I guess my advice would be to enjoy the beaches and grounds, and have dinner elsewhere.

For the price you will probably get much better deals at Marriott French Reef. We were looking to book at the same Ritz but found out that the Marriott French Reef are about equal and much better prices.

John

Now, to be honest, I've never stayed at either because I live here, but I have many friends that have stayed at both, and the Ritz excels when compared to the Marriott. Now, don't get me wrong, the Mariiott is nice and would probably be MY choice, if I were coming down, but, if money is not the issue, then the Ritz wins...Although "Havana Blue" at the Marriott's Morningstar Beach is dynamite!!

I have stayed at both while visiting the island and stayed at Frenchmans 2 months when I first moved here.
The Ritz is a beautiful property and a great deal this time of year. Their occupancy rate is pretty low right now so you wont have a crowd. It is not the same as other Ritz property's around the world but the new GM is addressing that. The Sunday Brunch is awesome if you get a chance. Food wise you have multiple choices close by that will be far more reasonable then the Ritz ie..Duffy's Burger $9 Ritz Burger $15. The pool area and spa are definitely nicer then the Marriott if that matters.
Having said all that you cant go wrong with Frenchmans this time of year either. Rates are reasonable and I believe this year they have not closed down Morning Star completely. As Marty said Havana Blue is great and I like the Thursday night Itallian buffet at Windows on the Harbor as well. Plenty of room at the pool and beach. The spa while not as nice as the Ritz is still nicer then a lot of hotels and I actually belong to the gym there.

The Ritz surpasses any other on St. Thomas...it is a very quiet place with a real sense of elegance...that said....nothing is free...everything there is very very expensive...the only giveaway there was a basket of apples upon check in...

I found a good web site (I don't know the date of the review) that has great pictures and a few pertinant comments. Take a look at www.scbamom.com/usvi/

MARTY ...as usual my friend! i agree with you totally...
if you are in rome then rate the hotels as 'rome hotels' go not as world hotels go..
so if you are in st t....compare the ritz to anything else on st thomas and you will be in the most elegant spot on the island....
true the beach is not the calmest there are better but the place is elegant and quiet and sooo soo near everything...just hop on that ferry!

now.....if you really want the BEST in my humble opinion(after staying there many times in the past) throw caution to the wind and take a short hop to st john and stay at CANEEL BAY...get the best rooms and enjoy REAL island elegance...without the big stone buildings trying to make it like the states(ritz doesn't get the island feel)
caneel is ISLAND elegance....and the food is fantastic

marty i was wondering about havana blue i saw the advert back in april...guess we need to go there in december...would you say it is better than say mafolie?

and MIKE AND SUE...the link doesn't work for me is it misspelled?

Yes I misspelled the address. I missed a "u" in scuba. Here is the correct address:
www.scubamom.com/usvi/

Regarding Havana Blue, yes, I'd rank it higher than the Mafolie. Of course the view at Mafolie is great! And when it was "Lindy's" at the Mafolie", I thought it was the best. But, now, Havana Blue would be up in the top 10 on island, whereas the Mafolie wouldn't quite make it. Just my opinion, of course.