St. Thomas Virign Islands

[brigian]

We're considering going, any input on the 2 resorts ?

Very much appreciated !!!

 

[Lardan]

We spent a couple of weeks at the Elysian a couple of years ago and loved it. Since our stay there the units have been remodeled. Also since we left the man having the contract on the resteraunt and outside bar lost his contract, don't know the current status of all this.

The view we had was absolutely beautiful. Altough we did go on a couple of snorkeling excursions, the snorkeling to the left of the bay there was quite good. We also spent a day at their Sugar Bay Resort and had a great time there also.

Downside, if you have small children there were no activities for them. It is an older resort, but we thought well maintained. I repeat we had a great time including our three kids who were all pre teen at the time. The only reason we don't go back is because we would like to go to other islands.

 

[Tia]

Right now the Beach Club has no restaurant, though the pool bar has a limited menu. Bldgs A & B have been refurbished and the others are to be done later this year. No hill to walk to beach from units. Pretty beach, might need water shoes as reports are a bit rocky getting in.

Elysian has 2 restaurants, only one we tried and it was fine. It's set on a hill, so up and down you must walk to the beach and back. Nice beach. Close to Redhook where you ferry to STJ and has other places to eat/shop for groceries.

 

[Summit]

I sent my daughter and her husband to Blue Beards Beach Club for their honeymoon. I would not recommend staying there. They were charged a $22 daily use fee (I called and was told it was $11/day) for a pool that was empty because the pump was not in compliance. Charges for phone calls, even local ones. No cell coverage. The staff was basically rude and unhelpful. It was not special. Not what I am used to with Wyndham.
We are platinum Pres Res owners. I was disappointed for them.

 

[slabeaume]

I sent my daughter and son in law to the Elysian last fall. It was late notice, so they had 3 separate reservations for 5 nights, but they were able to stay in the same unit the whole time. They loved the Elysian. The views from their room were fantastic. The restaurant was being renovated at the time, so they went to REd Hook on the free shuttle for dinners. They snorkeled there at the Elysian and said it was great. Being a snorkeler myself, when we ported in St. Thomas on a cruise this year, we went to the Elysian and snorkeled. She was right. The snorkeling was some of the best I've done!

 

[legalfee]

We own at Bluebeard's Beach Club and have stayed there the last 2 years. The pool has been redone and the pool bar is exceptional. The grounds are superb. The tennis / basketball court has been resurfaced. The grill and patio area has been redone. Last year buildings A and B have been completely remodeled and C - G are due to get remodeled this year.

The beach is a bit rocky but clear in spots. Snorkling is good and there's a dive shop and small store.

We have never had any issues with the staff. They've always been friendly and helpful. This December will be our 3rd visit to BBC and we're looking forward to it.

 

[Tia]

Could of happened anywhere as residents of the USVI expect a 'good morning' greeting before asking for what it is a person wants, and they will be abrupt if you don't go along.

Think the $22/day is an energy fee.

 

[legalfee]

Tia you are correct about locals responding better if you greet them cordially. I guess coming from the south it just comes natural to us.

There is an $11 per day per guest energy charge for renters (and traders?). This does not apply to owners and guests.

Also Verizon has no service except on the hill. AT&T does have service. There is talk of installing repeaters.

Back to the OPs original question - 3 years ago we looked at Elysian and Bluebeards (among others) and decided Bluebeards was a better fit. Quiet beach, nice pool, off the beaten path. It depends on what you're looking for.

 

[kaio]

Think the $22/day is an energy fee.

Correct - and yes it does apply to owners and guests. The bartenders are very nice, the Security Guard - Ricky is awesome... and Mr Nice Guy taxi is incredibly helpful and nice... I like bluebeards beach club.

 

[legalfee]

Correct - and yes it does apply to owners and guests. The bartenders are very nice, the Security Guard - Ricky is awesome... and Mr Nice Guy taxi is incredibly helpful and nice... I like bluebeards beach club.

I don't know where you got your information but you are INCORRECT. The energy fee does NOT apply to owners and guests.

 

[kaio]

Not information; first hand experience.

I was there last september and was charged energy fee at checkout @ $22/day.

When was the last time you were there[?].. what is your experience/information if you don't mind. Just giving others a heads up, If I got charged, good chance they may DESPITE any information you think may be valid.... + I called Wyndham Corporate PRIOR to arriving and they confirmed what the charge amount would be for Energy, so I was expecting it at the time.

 

[legalfee]

I been the last 2 years and haven't had to pay it. The first time she tried to charge me and I showed her a message from Darla of the board. You should not be charged and should not have to pay.

 

[kaio]

Nice... guess I got worked over by wyndham/beach club... Although they only charged for 4 days * 22, and not all 7... There is no way I would be able to get this refunded now 8 months later... but this in general upsets me.

 

[rrlongwell]

Nice... guess I got worked over by wyndham/beach club... Although they only charged for 4 days * 22, and not all 7... There is no way I would be able to get this refunded now 8 months later... but this in general upsets me.

Call Wyndham Corporate, maybe.

 

[Tia]

Nice... guess I got worked over by wyndham/beach club... Although they only charged for 4 days * 22, and not all 7... There is no way I would be able to get this refunded now 8 months later... but this in general upsets me.

If your an owner or a guest of one I'd be upset also. They do charge exchangers and points owners that are not Beach Club points based I believe.

 

[GrayFal]

Nice... guess I got worked over by wyndham/beach club... Although they only charged for 4 days * 22, and not all 7... There is no way I would be able to get this refunded now 8 months later... but this in general upsets me.

Kaio - there is no energy charge ($22 per day) for owners of Bluebeard's Beach Club - fixed week owners, float week owners and Wyndham Point Owners whose points are deeded at the BeachClub.

Do you fit one of the three categories above?
Are your WYN points deeded at the BeachClub?

Many/most caribbean resorts have energy charges. I own in Aruba and Cayan Islands, both these islands also charge energy fees.

I am a long time owner at Bluebeard's BeachClub and just love the beach there, the proximity to the water and the small resort, laid back feeling.
I have never had a problem with staff at the resort but I also start every conversation with "Good day to you" & a smile.
Works wonders!

edit, Tia, I missed your post but we are saying the same thing.

If your an owner or a guest of one I'd be upset also. They do charge exchangers and points owners that are not Beach Club points based I believe.

 

[GregT]

I am a big fan of Elysian Beach Resort -- I've written two reviews on it in the last three years and really like the property (I've posted on it several times in this forum). I'm happy to answer any questions you may have and please also see my older threads.

Thanks and good luck!

 

[dave67fd]

We are due at BBC in November. I would like to clarify with the resort on our accomidations. My guess is to call the BBC resort and "NOT" Wyndham to confirm which unit we will be in or to request one of the renovated units?

Or does anybody know for sure where the renovations stand now?
Probably be a good idea to call Wyndham corporate to clarify the daily rate fee to see if we qualify? (were point owners)

Thanks
Dave

 

[Tia]

A and B bldgs are done, the rest are due to be renovated yet this year and should be done before November am thinking.