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Marriott Frenchman's Cove - St. Thomas

MissTins

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I’ve stayed there frequently in the last couple of years. Nothing bad to say at all about the place. Great location, amenities, views, staff, etc.
 

GregT

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Marriott: Maui Ocean Club Lahaina Villas (3BRx5), Ko Olina, Shadow Ridge II, Willow Ridge, Aruba Ocean Club, DC Points HGVC: Flamingo, Sea World, I-Drive, Starwood Bella (x4), SDO, TradeWinds, Worldmark
I was just there in April and loved it -- I don't know what the negative reviews were but I plan a return trip.

Best,

Greg
 

dioxide45

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Marriott Grande Vista
Marriott Harbour Lake
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Club Wyndham CWA
I took a look at a few of the reviews. I think some people need to temper their expectations given the current times we are living in....
 

Eric B

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I believe @cbyrne1174 is there now or very recently. Might be worth asking if you have any particular concerns; sounded like she enjoyed it.
 

cbyrne1174

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Club Wyndham, Marriott, DVC
100% resale!!
I just left yesterday. No idea why reviews would be negative. The resort was immaculate, they had tons of resort activities, the beach was clean (no algae), room was ready at 11 am (4 pm check in).

There were 2 power outages that messed up the water (was rusty for a day), but that's a USVI issue, not a Marriott one. Make sure you request the St John Building ( floor 3 or higher). That's the back building with the best views. You have to take 3 elevators to get to the beach (no stairs needed) and it's worth it.

Financial Advice: Only rent a car for 1 day from the airport for $100 (it's 100/day minimum) and get your groceries/go to mountain top/Megan's Bay during your first day with your car. The resort is a 15 min drive from the airport, so when you drop your car back off the next day, you can just take a taxi from the airport to the resort for $10 (it's per person so only 1 person drop off the car).

The resort has a small boat that is cheap and shuttles you to/from the main Charlotte Amalie hub where are all the stores/restaurants are. There are also always taxis waiting for work in the check in building so you don't even have to call a taxi.

Lastly, food is insanely expensive. When you have your car, try to overestimate how much food you will consume during your trip and buy that much at Cost U Less, the Marketplace onsite is ridiculous if you run out ($7 for a 1.75 liter of Coke). Cost U Less is like Costco except no membership requirements. If there is something that you know you need a smaller quantity of (like condiments) get those at Pueblos Supermarket on your way back to the resort. I spent $476 for 2 adults and 1 child for 13 days that way. Any other way would have been insane. The grills are gas and super easy to use.

Bring your own snorkel gear, it's $40 at the shop on site. The reefs on both sides of the resort have tons of species of fish to see. There are also lots of beautiful corals. The ocean water is warm and calm so just buy $7 inner tubes from Walmart/Amazon before you fly out. I spent a good chunk of my week loafing in the ocean with a drink that way lol. The same $7 tubes are $20 at the shop onsite.
 

cbyrne1174

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I took a look at a few of the reviews. I think some people need to temper their expectations given the current times we are living in....
When you do finally venture out to St Thomas, make sure you rent some Wyndham points to stay at the Limetree in a studio loft (best views) before/after Frenchmans Cove. They're 5 minutes from each other and each have their benefits. Frenchmans is obviously more luxurious and has nicer amenities, but Limetree is quiet/peaceful and only has 84 units (most being studios). Each studio has a kitchen that is semi functional (no oven or dishwasher, but everything else). The sleeping loft makes it feel like a 1 bedroom suite rather than a studio.

Frenchmans cove was full of rowdy people whereas Limetree was only couples/retirees/families with small kids. You have to honestly stay at both to really enjoy the south (seaweed free) side of the island.

Marriott did their summer bulk deposit in the first week of February this year. I think May/June is the best time to go because it's cooler on the island than in FL (escape the heat). The 1 bedroom side of week 7 (presidents day weekend) Grande Vista was strong enough to pull a 2 bedroom at Frenchmans 5 months out.
 

mdurette

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Lastly, food is insanely expensive. When you have your car, try to overestimate how much food you will consume during your trip and buy that much at Cost U Less, the Marketplace onsite is ridiculous if you run out ($7 for a 1.75 liter of Coke). Cost U Less is like Costco except no membership requirements. If there is something that you know you need a smaller quantity of (like condiments) get those at Pueblos Supermarket on your way back to the resort. I spent $476 for 2 adults and 1 child for 13 days that way. Any other way would have been insane. The grills are gas and super easy to use.

I recalled this on a trip we took a few years ago. First time I packed frozen meat for a vacation. It worked out great and would do it again if we went there.

This is the vendor on-site that offers activities too if anyone is interested. No need for a car as alot can be done right from the resort.
St. Thomas Water Sports - Saint Thomas US Virgin Islands (watersportsvi.com)
 

keno999

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Virginia
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Club Wyndham
Worldmark
Morritt's Grand Tortuga
I recalled this on a trip we took a few years ago. First time I packed frozen meat for a vacation. It worked out great and would do it again if we went there.

This is the vendor on-site that offers activities too if anyone is interested. No need for a car as alot can be done right from the resort.
St. Thomas Water Sports - Saint Thomas US Virgin Islands (watersportsvi.com)
We just got back from St. Thomas. I took my Trader Joe's cooler bag as a carryon full of frozen meat, cheese, etc. Worked great, although the TSA agent pulled it out to hand inspect and said we should be set for dinner!
 

cbyrne1174

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We just got back from St. Thomas. I took my Trader Joe's cooler bag as a carryon full of frozen meat, cheese, etc. Worked great, although the TSA agent pulled it out to hand inspect and said we should be set for dinner!

LOL. I totally would have done the same if I wasn't already maxed out on carry ons. Next time I go, I'm only going to bring 3 backpacks full of stuff with me. No suitcases. It's cheaper to do a $5 load of wash than pay the airliners $80 for a carry on suitcase. The only thing I'll pay for is the cost of a seat because I know they book those flights above capacity.
 

jont

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Have been here since Sunday. No complaints whatsoever. Resort and rooms are clean and well maintained, lots of activities, super friendly staff, good food in resturant, easy access to transportation ( taxi and water shuttle) great views from villas plus our room was ready at check-in two hours early. Can't wait to come back.
 

noreenkate

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Have been here since Sunday. No complaints whatsoever. Resort and rooms are clean and well maintained, lots of activities, super friendly staff, good food in resturant, easy access to transportation ( taxi and water shuttle) great views from villas plus our room was ready at check-in two hours early. Can't wait to come back.

probably I really stupid question but reading @cbyrne1174 post I wanna be in an inner tube w/cocktail too-
how is weather traveling there this time of year? is it Florida type hot?
 

jont

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probably I really stupid question but reading @cbyrne1174 post I wanna be in an inner tube w/cocktail too-
how is weather traveling there this time of year? is it Florida type hot?
Funny you should ask. We are staying with friends from Ft Lauderdale. They said the weather is about the same as south Florida right now
 

noreenkate

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Funny you should ask. We are staying with friends from Ft Lauderdale. They said the weather is about the same as south Florida right now
Thanks - ok then it’s a maybe early spring late fall kinda place for me at least…
Thanks again enjoy
 

cbyrne1174

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It's not nearly as humid as FL. It felt like how Orlando is in April.
 

KS2beach

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WRF 2007
WKV 2019
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Thanks for all the great tips, We are going after Thanksgiving for the 1st time. Planning to bring frozen meats, inner tube, snorkel gear. What is the best way to book the ferry w/car for St johns? We booked at the Westin on St johns as well to see both islands. Any other tips will be much appreciated!
 

cbyrne1174

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Thanks for all the great tips, We are going after Thanksgiving for the 1st time. Planning to bring frozen meats, inner tube, snorkel gear. What is the best way to book the ferry w/car for St johns? We booked at the Westin on St johns as well to see both islands. Any other tips will be much appreciated!
I think "LOVE city" had the cheapest rates when I googled in back in May. They were almost all identical in price.
 

KS2beach

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I’ve stayed there frequently in the last couple of years. Nothing bad to say at all about the place. Great location, amenities, views, staff, etc.
We are going end of November 1st time, how are the pool and beach chairs- plenty? do they charge to reserve or just 1st come first get- any recommendations?
 

MissTins

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We are going end of November 1st time, how are the pool and beach chairs- plenty? do they charge to reserve or just 1st come first get- any recommendations?
The pool and beach chairs are first come first serve and they are plentiful. You can book the car ferry when you get there as there are 2 separate companies that operate them over to St. John.
 

JulieAnne

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We just acquired a unit there. We love it. The temp varies about 10 degrees all year round. Can’t wait to go back!

I’ve read TA reviews where people complain about not having maid service every day - and “inflexible booking”… I always feel bad that those folks didn’t get a hotel room so they’d be happier. Hoping they all stay in hotels next time. Lol
 

CPNY

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We just got back from St. Thomas. I took my Trader Joe's cooler bag as a carryon full of frozen meat, cheese, etc. Worked great, although the TSA agent pulled it out to hand inspect and said we should be set for dinner!
I do this for the Bahamas. I have a backpack cooler I bought at Costco. I pack a ton of meats, cheese, and frozen shrimp.
 

legalfee

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Wyndham Limetree Resort STT
VRI FoxRun Lake Lure, NC
I do this for the Bahamas. I have a backpack cooler I bought at Costco. I pack a ton of meats, cheese, and frozen shrimp.
We bring fresh steaks in our collapsible cooler. No need to freeze on a 3 hour flight.
 

CalGalTraveler

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Does this resort or the Ritz St. Thomas trade in II?
 

Eric B

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Does this resort or the Ritz St. Thomas trade in II?

This resort trades in II. The Ritz Carlton St Thomas trades in ThirdHome (two weeks available there now).
 
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