Have been receiving many mixed reports regarding the Wyndham lately. Some people have loved it and others have been REALLY disappointed. Is all inclusive really that important to you? It really tends to restrict some people from trying all the great restaurants on the island. Try taking a look at a few other resorts before you settle.

Hi Lori,

Congrats on the upcoming wedding! I'm sure you will have a great time at either location you decide, Wyndam or Mexico. Where in Mexico were you thinking about?

The St. Thomas Wyndam is one of those properties that you are really going to like, or at end of your vacation wind up saying, "it was nice, but I probably will not return".

The impressive drive up to the equally impressive resort is only surpassed by a truly stunning lobby area that would remind you of "older Inns of the Caribbean". Built out on a rock facing the incredible island of St. John you are really "away from it all". I would like to stop and say, you really are "away from it all". There is no walking anywhere from here Lori. It's not like Cancun, or other beach resorts, where you can simply go left or right to find a new bar, restaurant or gift shop. Close properties include the newly purchased Grand Ren. Resort, and the aging Pt. Pleasant Resort. I'm not saying you can't walk, I'm just saying it's quite a hike.

Speaking of Gift Shops I found Wyndam has a truly well stocked shop, however, as in line with Wyndam properties, the prices are, freakin' high.

I understand you can opt "inclusive" or "room only". Inclusive of course means you really will be trapped there. Part of the fun, again in my opinion, is going out and trying new restaurants, etc. That of course is totally up to you. I believe they are offering some kind of a promotion where the fourth night or seventh night is free.

This large property "snakes" around the rock in a most unusual way. The pool area is almost "too secluded". That is to say, the pool was built in such a way that you can't enjoy the view from this area. For those wanting to spend most of the day at the pool unfortunately you wouldn't know if you were in St. Thomas or Atlanta.

I have heard the usual complaints regarding, "a lot of walking, and more than a few steps, etc.”, which wind in and around the resort. Of course, I hear that from almost every resort in STT. I personally found the elevators to be more than user friendly. I also found the shuttle service taking you back down to where you would park you rental user friendly as well.

As for the beach, well, a leading Travel Publication said it best ... "for a resort of this size the beach is not adequate". The beach is very small, and because the resort sets "out on the rock" I have found the current, or waves, a little rough, at times for swimmers, kayakers, and snorklers. If the beach is as important to you as it is to me, keep in mind, this is not among St. Thomas' finest.

The rooms are nice. Not five star nice, but very nice. I think it can be best summed up like this. Those visiting expecting a superior five star room may be a little disappointed, and those visiting expecting a nice room will be nicely surprised.

You will find all the usual amenities at this facility including a dive center that will help you do everything from pick up your fins for snorkeling to take your first diving lesson.

There is also a new “spa” which opened. Why? Well let’s be honest, because there is big money in them there “spas”.

One “issue” among guests is the “view”. Yes, if you are facing the island of St. John, there is nothing quite so spectacular as watching the twinkling lights, come on one by one, on the dark green hills of St. John just across the mesmerizing azure blue water. I guess the “problem” is most guests feel they are going to get this view when in actuality, that is not the case. Many rooms face Pt. Pleasant and the Grand Ren. Resort. Which by the way, is also a pretty view, however it does not compare to St. John.

Some love the location of the Wyndam as you are close to world famous funky Coki Beach, home of some of the best snorkeling on the island. You are also just around the bend from Red Hook where you can catch a ferry to St. John and enjoy delicious Mexican food at "Pollis", or practice your snorkeling techniques at Trunk Bay.

Others, on the other hand, have complained bitterly about the location stating there are too few restaurants, limited night life and shopping.

I probably offered little help and for that allow me to apologize. This is one of those resorts, like I said, you will either leave saying, “it was perfect” or “it was nice, but I don’t think we’ll be back”.

If you have any further questions feel free to drop me a line. Vacations are very precious and far and few between. Weddings however are a once in a life time event. I wish you all the best.

Wayne

Wayne, well done!

Thank you Patrick!