Originally Posted by GoPhils

Just got back last night, overall a good stay but wouldn't really call it luxurious or anything.

Reserved the cheapest room on points, and emailed the property about a week or two before asking if there was any chance of an upgrade. Noticed the day before that my reservation had been upgraded so I was definitely happy about that.

Checked in around 5:00 and my room actually wasn't ready, although they did give me a free dinner coupon even though I didn't complain. I guess I'll never know, but I think there's a chance they gave away the room I was originally assigned to to a Plat Premier or his buddy who were there complaining when I arrived (who on a side note were having a funny conversation because his buddy had no idea PP was a different status).

I still did get a beachfront room so still happy about that considering what I reserved, but first floor (tripadvisor reviews seemed to say the second floor was better due to having vaulted ceilings). Room was kept in good shape but was a bit dated, it did look like some of the other rooms might've been a bit more updated but hard to tell. I think most if not all the rooms are "studio suites", so there was a kitchenette (I think a lot of the rooms, supposedly if the description said "deluxe" had a full size fridge, microwave and stovetop, but others just had a mini fridge and microwave), couch with tv, and then bed with another tv. Not sure if any of the rooms really had a separate bedroom or not. Bathroom was large with double sinks and a large shower, although hot water didn't seem to last terribly long (heard that might've been an island problem). And all rooms had a screened in porch.

Really our main complaint with the room though and I'm not sure if it would have been any different in another location (although I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned more on tripadvisor), was that the doors were like permanently closed blinds or something. You couldn't really see through but you could hear. Mostly doors opening and closing (although luckily as has been mentioned in other reviews there are only 6 rooms in each building) but also the housekeeping staff getting their supplies and golf carts that the staff used beeping, sometimes at odd hours. Will probably do the survey and note that since it seems pretty easily fixable.

The beach on the property was nice, there was only one area where they recommended swimming but it was never too crowded. Pool was fine but not like what you might see at some other resorts (my only other Caribbean stay was St Kitts). They had on site snorkeling and scuba which seemed to get good reviews but we didn't use.

A lot of the other reviews seemed to complain about the service but for the most part I thought it was fine and the staff was nice. The food on property was decent although we didn't try the expensive restaurant, we did eat a couple times at the bar area. They do a buffet/show thing on Friday nights which was neat, although not sure the buffet was worth $45 (you can probably just come over to watch the show after). Speaking of St Kitts one thing we hit up a few times there that would've been nice at St Croix was the pizza shack.

To my pleasant surprise when I checked in they actually gave me continental breakfast coupons for 2 for every day (despite no lounge) which stated for plats/golds and also included coffee and juice. You could upgrade to the full Buffett for $6 with omelette station, etc. I'm not sure if this might've been a new development, as they would give you a bill for the full amount and then you put the coupon in the bill and they didn't update it so you just have to hope they adjusted it. They did end up charging me the full amount a couple days but I didn't have a problem getting it removed (although the front desk didn't seem too familiar with the process which is why I'm thinking it might be a new development, I may have complicated it by trying to add a tip even though the coupon said gratuity included--I'm sure that's being discussed in a different thread...)

Location was a bit remote but not too bad. About 25 mins from the airport. I rented a car which wasn't bad even though driving was on the left and some of the roads were bumpy/windy (might be worth renting a jeep if you can). There were some restaurants (one nice one and a few beach bar type places) less than 10 minutes away, also some supposedly good snorkeling in that area. Some other areas were a bit further but not too bad.

The last pleasant surprise was I thought the resort fee (or service charge according to my reservation email) was $25, but only ended up getting charged $9.50. On that note we weren't that concerned about it but the Internet didn't work very well in the rooms although it did work by the pool/restaurants. I was able to get a late checkout of 1:00 (took the first offer so may have been able to negotiate a little later).

Overall I think it was a good value as a Cat 6 at time of booking, not really sure if it still is as a Cat 7 though.