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Hello to those who were interested in more info on the Wyndham!
We just returned last night from a four night stay at the Wyndam Sugar Bay (or as my children who are 8 and 5 are now calling it after hearing how the locals say it.. the "Shugah Baaay") The Wyndham is a nice hotel/resort overall. I understand some of the bad reviews that I have read about this resort, however, the negatives didn't bother me that much. The 100 stairs to get to the pool and beach is correct, however, you can take a shuttle at any time, or even have someone pick you up with a golf cart. If you are looking for a place where you walk out practically out on the beach, you might want to look to Sapphire Beach instead. The beach at the Sugar Bay is pretty small, however, it is still fun and the snorkeling is pretty good (bring water shoes, the entrance into the water really is rocky)
Check in is at 3 and they mean it. We actually didn't get our room until 3:30. Food is pricey at the restaurants, but as an aside, it is pricey at ALL the restaurants on the island, as we soon found out. (we ate at the Balcony on St. John - GREAT , Whale of a Tale/Molly Malones at Red Hook - Very Good, the Green House in Charlotte Amalie - Very Good, and the cafe at Paradise Point - average )
I've seen some reviews say service is slow/bad, etc, but it is pretty much the same everywhere. It is just a different pace than back here in the states, and I think it is mistaken as rude, slow, etc. It has been proven to me that a "hello" and a smile really goes a long way even for a short encounter with someone, even when its just buying a t-shirt, asking directions, etc.
The rooms are pretty nice, not anything luxurious though (at least not ours...we had the beds, the tv, refrigerator, bath..standard room). The maid service was good and the rooms were clean. I felt very comfortable. The view from the balcony we had was absolutely spectacular. Great sunrises! (at about 6am)
The pool water is really not that cold. I still dont' get the reviews I have read about it being freezing??? We even went for a few night swims and it was wonderful. They even had pool side bingo, a bar (yes, the drinks are strong..very good) and grill poolside, pool towels available, entertainment, activities...you won't get too bored if you decide to stay at the resort all day.
I would stay at the Wyndham again if I went back, however, personally, I would check out prices of resorts where beach access was a bit easier first. Hills are just everywhere though!
I hope this was helpful, if there are any specific points you are interested in, let me know!
Thanks for the review. We are going next month. We chose thier AI plan,so won't worry about the cost of food/drinks. Most of our days are planned off the Resort to explore St.Thomas, St. John and BVI.
Did you happen to check out the Spa? I've been looking for prices and unable to locate. I've even e-mailed them, but no answer.
We didn't check out the spa. I looked through the pamphlets that we brought back and wasn't able to find pricing info in them. I'm sorry I can't be more help.
Thanks for the good review. I was getting nervous, since I have read some pretty negative review on other sites. Two days and counting.
Thank you Lili for sharing your experiences!!
KVR - you can find their rates in pdf format from their website. Its the link that says Spa Menu View & Download. The page is: http://www.journeysspa.com/menu.html
--Islander
Islander,
Thank you so much. I've been to that web-site and printed their list of services, but did not see the actual page for prices. I appreciate you guiding me in the right direction.
I have to agree with Lili.. 1000%..
I read all the negative reviews of the Wyndham and found them all to be not the case (for our experience anyway)
We were there May 5-9 2005. While I have not done any AI before, the service here could not have been better. The fact that you look out to the beautiful ocean, on the side of a cliff.. is nothing short of BREATH TAKING. Our biggest complaint was that we had to back to the lobby for them to reset our room key... it stopped opening our door for some reason. please.......... we were spoiled rotten at this place.
1. As for the stairs going down to the pools/beach... get over it!! its not bad at all.. AND the shuttle was there to drive you up..every 10 minutes.
2. I had no problems or complaints regarding the food at all. In fact, the night we went to Manor House, we found out it was Mexican night. While we weren't thrilled with that.. my wife and I went in and had beef quesidillas. I have to tell you, it was the BEST beef I have ever had... far better than the $50 filets I have paid for.
3. Snorkeling right off the beach is FANTASTIC. The beach is small.. maybe compared to Meghans bay, but trust me, there is more than enough room to do what ever you want.
4. Frozen rum drinks by the pool... what else can you say?
5. My wife and I did the St. Thomas tour.. $30/person, they take you to a couple places and give you some overview of local culture etc. They took us to The Botanical Gardens, Top of the World, Beacon Point.. and then they drop you off downtown for shopping. well worth the $30.
6. We did a couples massage in the spa. WOW!! kudos to Ali and Melvin!!!!
Bottom line - I may be low maintenance, but this place was perfect. We will remember this trip for the rest of our lives. This may not be the most luxurious place in the Carribean, but I just dont understand all the things I read about how bad this place was.
Let me know if you have specific questions or comments.
Thanks for the encouraging words -
We are headed there in 2 weeks for an AI stay for 8 days.
Besides the tour - was there a shuttle(taxi) to go to town just for shopping? How far are they from town??
Its a bit of a drive to town (if you mean Charlotte Amalie for big time shopping, many attractions, etc)..it took us about 30 minutes by car (because of the winding roads, hills and scenic road, etc)
Red Hook (which has ferry to St. John, grocery store, restaurants some small shops, etc) is about 5 minutes away. Also, there were always taxi's waiting outside of the main lobby ready to take us anywhere. This is the case everywhere you go- there are always taxi drivers offering their services ... in town, from the beaches, when you get off the ferries, we even got picked up walking down the street in Cruz Bay in St. John when we were unable to find a rental last minute. Taxi drivers surely take care of the tourists!!
(hotel shuttle only transports you within the property)
