First of all...welcome to the board.

Secondly, rent a car....taxis are very expensive (they charge by the person, not the trip). Plus having a car is more enjoyable and gives you more freedom to visit other places on the island. If you're coming in April (Carnival Month) reserve your car now!

Wyndham and the grocery store......yes, there is one at the entrance to Coki Point, but I'd recommend that you use Marina Market in Red Hook (about 1.5 miles away).

Walking anywhere in the Wyndham area is not recommended...no sidewalks, narrow roads.

The Elysian is a nice place, but rather remote if you're thinking of doing grocery shopping, etc. and not having a rental car.

TripAdvisor.......take a good look at each review...note how many reviews the author has contributed....if it's only 1 or 2 reviews I'd probably discard their comments. People who place reviews there are usually those who complain at lot. People who are satisfied usually don't take the time to write a "good" review......and there are many more satisfied guests than those who post reviews on TripAdvisor. We own a condo at Point Pleasant Resort (St. Thomas) and view TripAdvisor to see what guests are saying about the resort. I've even tried to contact the ones who posted "bad" reviews and have never gotten a response. I assume they're either competitors bad mouthing the place or people who complain about everything....or those who feel that they should get the "Ritz" treatment for $100/day. I met one such person last year who was upset that they didn't get a "free upgrade".

Thanks so much for the quick reply! I was getting the feeling that walking, even a short distance, wasn't a good idea so you really confirmed what I've been trying to tell my husband... rent a car. I have him talked into renting for a couple of days anyways, so what's a few more? I think he's concerned about driving on the left.

We're going down a couple of weeks before Carnival, the week of April 9th. I love to snorkel, so my plan is to visit a few beaches, a day to St John, maybe a sail/snorkel day trip. Hubby doesn't like to swim, so he'll be on the beach with my Kindle. LOL

Thanks again! I've been reading here for a couple of weeks but thought I'd join. 🙂

Hertz gives a 10% discount for AAA members.

If you stay at the Wyndham, the beach next door (Smith Bay Park) is one of the best on STT (IMHO).

A day trip to the BVIs would be nice, but you'll need passports....otherwise try a day sail to St. John.

Also, take the ferry to St. John and then a taxi to one of the beaches (Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, etc.)....it's really worth the trip.

I think you are referring to Wyndam Suger Bay but this is good to know, as we'll likely check out the other resort while we're down. I've read the snorkeling is great on St John, so I definately want to get over there too. Thanks for the info! 🙂

Yes.

There is a Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort......I've always regarded the Elysian as just the"Elysian".....I thought your subject was Wyndham or Elysian.......sorry.

Although we don't stay at the Elysian we do go to Roberts (restaurant) at the Elysian, often.....it's our favorite.

The beach at the Elysian is very nice.....but do visit the other beaches on St. Thomas.

Just an FYI - Hertz doesn't allow their vehicles on the car barge to St John so rent from another agency if you're planning on a STJ day. Both Dependable and Amalie consistently get excellent reviews.

We were looking at Dependable as I think they have a office at/near the Elysian. Thanks for the heads up. 🙂

Thanks everyone for your replies! I really appreciate it.

Your post says "Wyndham Elysian"- they are two different places. Wyndham Sugar Bay is a hotel, the Elysian is a timeshare/condo community. That is why everyone is confused.;)

We've owned timeshare at the Elysian since 1999 and have seen many changes, one of those being Wyndham bought the timeshare portion from Fairfield a few years ago (3-4?).

I've read many of the Trip Advisor, and some of the reports are very laughable, you would think it was the hotel from hell. I can tell you we've had some "disappointing rooms" and we've had great rooms, the rooms that we did not like we went back to check in and asked to be moved (if available)...no problems. Our room is a Studio King which is a "large" hotel room, fairly basic, king bed, mini fridge, toaster coffee pot, micro wave, safe, does the job for vacation. We feel that the room is not going to make or break our vacation, we on STT to enjoy the island not the hotel room.

The Elysian property is very nice with a pool, hot tub, two restaurants, and a pool bar, all recommended above (and I agree). There is also a small "pantry" on the property that has most of the basics, water, soda, toiletries, snacks et.

I would recommend renting a car, Red Hook is close with shopping and many fine restaurants, as above, the roads are not safe to walk and very hilly.

I hope this puts your mind at ease so you can enjoy your vacation on St. Thomas and at the Elysian.

We use Dependable Car Rental. They are not far from the Airport and will pick you up when you land.

Wyndham now owns 3 properties on STT in all. Suger Bay was wayyyy more points than we were willing to use. I'm very hapy to hear that the Trip Advsior posts aren't really to be beleived. I think those folks had expectations way too high. A clean room and a decent bed is about all we need as I don't plan to be indoors much while we're there. 🙂

Thanks On Island Time and everyone else for posting. This really eases my fears about our trip. Now, I must convince hubby about that car rental.

Okie dokie. Well, I had to call them up and they said that they are a Wyndham "property", but I promise you no one on St Thomas calls it Wyndham. You would end up at Sugar Bay if you asked a taxi to take you there. What is the third property you are calling Wyndham?

Hmm, you learn the strangest stuff on this board.

Re: the Elysian...They have two great restaurants; Roberts, mentioned above, and Aynsley's, on the beach. The only thing within walking distance is the Ritz. It may measure a mile to a grocery, but it is not a walkable distance.

The third property referred to is probably the old Renaissance which is now owned by Wyndham.

Google says Bluebeard's Beach Club, which makes me wonder about the regular ole Bluebeard's. Still, to the OP, there is no signage, etc indicating Wyndham on these other properties,

I wish Wyndham would fix that place up.......it's an eyesore......they haven't been a good neighbor.......

BTW: FI is referring to the old Renaissance, not any of the other properties mentioned.

We are also timeshare owners at the Elysian and we just returned after spending 12 days there. We love Stt and we love the Elysian. You will not be disappointed. The rooms have been updated with new appliances and everything is very clean and freshly painted. You will love the pool with the waterfall and the beach which is close by. Enjoy your vac!