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My husband and I are coming to attend our son's second marriage next month and they are staying at the Marriott Frenchman Reef, but they are booked and we could not get in, which I was shocked since it is in October. We are bringing our 2 granddaughters (5/8) his daughters from his first marriage with us. I have booked the Windward since it is downtown and not that far from the Marriott, but the reviews are mixed. Is the Windward OK, did book a water view? Can still book the Wyndham Sugar Bay as I am also thinking it would be best if we have a car since we will be going back and forth to the Marriott. From what I see we will pay between $32-$40 for each taxi ride. We are only there for 4 days, so it is a short trip.
Yes, it is surprising, but the Reef is going to be busy in October! You can look across the harbor from the Windward Passage and see the Marriott on the point and during the day, you could take the Reefer (ferry) from the waterfront to the hotel to save on taxis. But if you are planning on going anywhere else, you will find that taxi fares add up quickly and a car is nice. Another place that is fairly close to the Marriott is Bolongo Bay. It isn't fancy, but is on a beach.;)
Stayed at the Windward Passage alot before they leagalized gambling so not as sure about it now. We were very comfortable walking uptown during the day - not at night. My only warning would be that while the ocean view is nice to have the sea planes do start flying fairly early and they are a little loud. Otherwise our rooms were always comfortable and they had some great deals at times. They had a nice looking indoor pool and the restaurant was good. Also some shops attached right to your hotel which will probably be handy with your grandkids along. Have also stayed at Bolongo which is great with a nice strip of beach that the girls would enjoy too.
I haven't stayed at the Windward Passage so I can't give a review, however I have stayed at the Wyndham and I would reccommend staying there especially with young children. They are on the beach with a nice pool area, mini golf and bumper boats. Sapphire and Coki are close by, Redhook about 3 miles for great dining options or to take the Ferry over to STJ. I would rent a car to get back and forth to the Marriot.
I'd opt for Sugar Bay. Windward Passage isn't bad but it's right on the waterfront, no beach, and I think you and the children would be MUCH more comfortable at Sugar Bay. Have a great time whatever you decide on. Cheers!
ssseeker: Just to clarify...they have not legalized gambling on St Thomas. Our wonderful legislature did write a bill allowing for video lottery terminals, aka the crack cocaine of gambling. If you (or any other visitor) check these out, you will find that the odds favor the house much more than for "regular" video poker, slots. Unfortunately, the people who can least afford it are the ones who are addicted to it. 🙁
Thanks to all for your advise....I am also looking at renting villas/condo now, so hopefully I will get it right but think I will move to somewhere on the beach.8-)(tu)
They've recently renovated all the rooms at Windward, and they're quite nice. You'd be closer to the bride/groom there than at Wyndham, and you could easily and cheaply take the kids to Lindbergh Bay/Emerald Beach which is about 1.5 miles from Windward Passage going west. There's a playground and new inflatable trampoline and other activities that will keep the kids occupied. If you want to spend time with the bride/groom, then Windward. If it's a vacation for the kiddies, Wyndham.
Sorry - just noticed how much that area changed after they put the "lottery" terminals in and it wasn't for the better...but then I'm not a big gambler.
