New Westin in St Thomas anyone been yet?

[KS2beach]

Believe this just opened within past few weeks, If anyone has gone and could share feed back would appreciate it. We have a trip booked for May 2024 splitting our time between The Ritz and Frenchman Cove-thinking of adding in time at Westin next door to check it out. We were at Frenchman's last year and saw some of the construction going on.

 

[jme]

Just looked at the photos on the website. Cannot comment fully on the new Westin itself, as I obviously haven't been there YET, but the most important thing to me
is the location high atop that strategic and magnificent hill. Been there, seen it firsthand.
I've stayed at the former Frenchman's Reef Hotel with my wife and kids
(when they were teens, now grown at 34 & 37), and I can safely say that the elevated view is nothing short of spectacular. Far exceeds that of Frenchman's Cove, imho.
The new structure looks amazing, and I'm already drooling to go. The view to the right toward Charlotte Amalie is drop-dead gorgeous, especially at night, and the views straight across the water and to the extreme left (out to sea) are equally breathtaking. The infinity pool is as good as it gets (was the same back at the old former hotel,
but it looks even better now).

I am blown away at the amazing restoration and renovation there. After the hurricane damages of late I had written it off, but WOW, what a come-back!
I should have known---what the location offers was worth the fortune it took to resurrect it. It's one of the loveliest spots anywhere in the Caribbean,
and the nearby beach (Morningstar?) was and is "perfect"---- private, serene, with soft white sand with waves that only gently roll in, with very little break.
It's amazing to just stay there bobbing for hours at shoulders depth, and frankly, worth whatever it takes to get there and to enjoy. Definitely a favorite beach.
The whole place just catapulted to a top spot on my wish list for the immediate future. (OP, thanks for the heads-up!)
I would go so far as to say it's far superior to the location of Frenchman's Cove (it's much higher for one, and depending on room location,
has better views of 270 degrees as opposed to to the 150 degrees of FC (which does not include the enhanced "out-to-sea" view regarding scope and height).
The fact that it's a hotel does not diminish it's desirability at all----in fact it elevates it when you consider the hotel amenities.
I'd rather stay there than the Ritz... a far better value, and more beautiful.

EDITED to include the following pictures of the St Thomas Westin:

Google Travel

www.google.com

 

[jme]

Check out the newly added pics in my post above.
It really looks great.

 

[KS2beach]

Just looked at the photos on the website. Cannot comment fully on the new Westin itself, as I obviously haven't been there YET, but the most important thing to me
is the location high atop that strategic and magnificent hill. Been there, seen it firsthand.
I've stayed at the former Frenchman's Reef Hotel with my wife and kids
(when they were teens, now grown at 34 & 37), and I can safely say that the elevated view is nothing short of spectacular. Far exceeds that of Frenchman's Cove, imho.
The new structure looks amazing, and I'm already drooling to go. The view to the right toward Charlotte Amalie is drop-dead gorgeous, especially at night, and the views straight across the water and to the extreme left (out to sea) are equally breathtaking. The infinity pool is as good as it gets (was the same back at the old former hotel,
but it looks even better now).

I am blown away at the amazing restoration and renovation there. After the hurricane damages of late I had written it off, but WOW, what a come-back!
I should have known---what the location offers was worth the fortune it took to resurrect it. It's one of the loveliest spots anywhere in the Caribbean,
and the nearby beach (Morningstar?) was and is "perfect"---- private, serene, with soft white sand with waves that only gently roll in, with very little break.
It's amazing to just stay there bobbing for hours at shoulders depth, and frankly, worth whatever it takes to get there and to enjoy. Definitely a favorite beach.
The whole place just catapulted to a top spot on my wish list for the immediate future. (OP, thanks for the heads-up!)
I would go so far as to say it's far superior to the location of Frenchman's Cove (it's much higher for one, and depending on room location,
has better views of 270 degrees as opposed to to the 150 degrees of FC (which does not include the enhanced "out-to-sea" view regarding scope and height).
The fact that it's a hotel does not diminish it's desirability at all----in fact it elevates it when you consider the hotel amenities.
I'd rather stay there than the Ritz... a far better value, and more beautiful.

Thank you, your recap of the views sold me!! I was hoping that would be the case- I booked with ocean view. It looked spectacular from the outside. I see you own several in HH- We will be at Grande Ocean in Dec. Recommend any of the others in HH? Favorite restaurants? We have been to Grande Ocean 3 times - never visited any other properties on HH.
With new grandchild in NC- we have several trips booked to Oceanwatch in MYR ( is wonderful can get OF every time) and Grande Ocean in HH.

 

[KS2beach]

Check out the newly added pics in my post above.
It really looks great.

photos look incredible the bar/pool area spectacular. So fresh/new- hip. Really curious about getting down to the beach area- what that will be like- and some of the rooms built into the side of the rock. Guess will find out in 8 months

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Looks spectacular. Are there any timeshares on this property? or is this 100% hotel?

 

[KS2beach]

Looks spectacular. Are there any timeshares on this property? or is this 100% hotel?

Looks spectacular. Are there any timeshares on this property? or is this 100% hotel?

Its all hotel as far as i know( we are adding on to our villa stays using yearly free night award there to get biggest bang out of it. We rarely stay in hotels-spoiled by the Villas. Use points and free nights happily though at hotels.

 

[jont]

I see you own several in HH- We will be at Grande Ocean in Dec. Recommend any of the others in HH? Favorite restaurants? We have been to Grande Ocean 3 times - never visited any other properties on HH.

You are asking the right guy! IMHO Marty is the unofficial TUG expert on all things Hilton Head, esp restaurants.

 

[jme]

photos look incredible the bar/pool area spectacular. So fresh/new- hip. Really curious about getting down to the beach area- what that will be like- and some of the rooms built into the side of the rock. Guess will find out in 8 months

There's a hotel-operated golf cart shuttle service, or something equivalent now (probably a larger and more appropriate shuttle vehicle),
and they can take you whenever you want.
At least that was our experience. They will do it in a first-class, so no worries.
And yes, if going to Morningstar Beach a driver will take you down the curvy road which begins behind the resort
and originating just outside the doors, so it's easy and as convenient as they can make it. It's not a scary ride or anything.
For what you'll experience at the gorgeous beach, it's just a minor inconvenience for the 2-3 minute ride. I believe

a quote:
"Situated adjacent to Morningstar Beach,
the Westin Beach Resort & Spa is home to five food and beverage options, including Mediterranean restaurant Luna Mar,
Caribbean-Asian fusion concept Sugarfin, the cocktail-focused Edge Bar, and family-friendly breakfast venue Shorebird."

another quote:
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef

At The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef, you can hit the beach to retreat to a cabana or sip a drink at the beach bar, plus you'll have access to on-site sailing and kayaking. 3 outdoor pools provide plenty of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in deep-tissue massages at the spa. Luna Mar, one of 3 restaurants, serves Mediterranean cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious resort include 2 bars/lounges, a poolside bar and a health club.

Dining​

Luna Mar – This poolside restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Happy hour is offered.
Shorebird – Overlooking the ocean, this buffet restaurant specialises in American cuisine and serves breakfast and brunch. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Sugarfin – Overlooking the ocean, this sushi bar specialises in sushi and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Frenchman's Roast – Overlooking the pool, this coffee shop specialises in American cuisine and only serves light fare. Open daily.
Edge Bar – This poolside bar specializes in Caribbean cuisine and serves lunch and light fare. Open daily.

 

[SandyPGravel]

photos look incredible the bar/pool area spectacular. So fresh/new- hip. Really curious about getting down to the beach area- what that will be like- and some of the rooms built into the side of the rock. Guess will find out in 8 months

I'm booked Feb 29th for one night before our annual week at WSJ. Can't wait, excited to check it out!!

 

[Bill4728]

Looks spectacular. Are there any timeshares on this property? or is this 100% hotel?

Frenchman's Reef is all Hotel BUT right next door is MVC Frenchman's Cove I'm not sure how much the hotel will be willing to let the TS owners use the facilities at the hotel. The bar and restaurants will be available for sure

 

[californiagirl]

Trip Advisor reviews:

THE WESTIN BEACH RESORT & SPA, AT FRENCHMAN'S REEF - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands)

Book The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, at Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas on Tripadvisor: See 4,446 traveler reviews, 3,050 candid photos, and great deals for The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, at Frenchman's Reef, ranked #3 of 9 hotels in St. Thomas and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.

www.tripadvisor.com

The reviews prior to 2023 appear to be of Frenchman’s Cove timeshares.

 

[jimf41]

Frenchman's Reef is all Hotel BUT right next door is MVC Frenchman's Cove I'm not sure how much the hotel will be willing to let the TS owners use the facilities at the hotel. The bar and restaurants will be available for sure

One thing to note in St Thomas, all the beaches are public, all the bars are public, all the restaurants are public. The pools are private. The Westin has one of the best bars I've ever been to, almost as good as the Da'Nang Officers Club. The Westin has a great looking pool, from the air, but it can't compare to the infinity pool at the TS. St Thomas is a unique Caribbean Island. You really have to visit once to see the difference.

If you are a Club Med type traveller disregard everything I said. You won't like it there.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Not the Westin, but we stayed at the Buoy Haus Resort, the small boutique hotel past the Westin in July and that was spectacular . They were putting the final touches on the Westin so the full pathway wasn't open yet. I really look forward to our next trip to our MFC because I think it represents a really scenic walkway on the beach to multiple beaches, restaurants and bars that adds a lot of entertainment value to the whole area.

 

[deniseh]

So if we are staying at Frenchman’s cove can we go the beach at the Westin? Is there a shuttle that goes between the two properties?

 

[MOXJO7282]

So if we are staying at Frenchman’s cove can we go the beach at the Westin? Is there a shuttle that goes between the two properties?

Yes and yes. You could also walk if you were so inclined.

 

[NYFLTRAVELER]

If you are staying at the Frenchman’s Cove timeshare, do you have access to the new Westin Resort for the purposes of using the hotel facilities (pools, beaches, restaurant)….and are you able to charge hotel resort purchases (food, drink) to your Frenchman’s Cove folio?

In the past when the facility operated as Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, the answer was yes to all.

 

[MOXJO7282]

If you are staying at the Frenchman’s Cove timeshare, do you have access to the new Westin Resort for the purposes of using the hotel facilities (pools, beaches, restaurant)….and are you able to charge hotel resort purchases (food, drink) to your Frenchman’s Cove folio?

In the past when the facility operated as Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, the answer was yes to all.

Access to beaches and restaurants yes, but no charging to your FC rooms or use of the pools.

 

[NYFLTRAVELER]

Access to beaches and restaurants yes, but no charging to your FC rooms or use of the pools.

Any talk of that happening in the future? That was a big selling point of staying at MFC in the past… broke up the trip a bit as the MFC pool/beach area is small and nothing exciting.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Any talk of that happening in the future? That was a big selling point of staying at MFC in the past… broke up the trip a bit as the MFC pool/beach area is small and nothing exciting.

I doubt that will change. Still adds a lot to the MFC experience. BTW I just secured a 5 night stay at the Westin for $239k points. That is a good use of points in my book.

 

[craigc]

I doubt that will change. Still adds a lot to the MFC experience. BTW I just secured a 5 night stay at the Westin for $239k points. That is a good use of points in my book.

We go to Frenchmans for 2 weeks in Feb, if you are there before Feb can you give an overview of the restaurants......TIA.