travelexpert

Just did a Google search--looks like it never came under Renaissance management.

http://www.carambolabeach.com/

To find out more, just email Marriott (contact us)--they'll provide an answer.

NJUPINTHEAIR

Au Contraire!

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...rambola-beach/

travelexpert

Great news--the location is beautiful--albeit some distance from the island's shopping/restaurant activities.

jamflyer

Helllll f'ing yeah..... !!!!!

Lets hope they add the AI to this hotel....no more noisy stay at inlaws in Hannah's Rest!

davevt98

Looking to go next summer and it is suppose to open this month. Has anyone been? Any feedback? Thanks.

marlin

Has anyone been here? Hard to believe this thread is two years old and no further remarks?

maltasr

10 years ago we stayed at a Marriott property in Bermuda called Marriott at Tucker's Cove or something similar. When we were there in Bermuda a couple years ago we noticed the property was closed and we were told it was being converted to timeshares. It's such a shame as this was an absolutely gorgeous hotel with fantastic views. I do believe Hyatt is building a new hotel on the island.

jamflyer

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ch-resort.html

marlin

O.K. Looks like it opens sometime at the end of this month. Did some dummy bookings and could book for October 2010 and beyond. Also saw the Trip Advisor reviews from before it was rebranded. Sounds like a beautiful location but far from town. We need some volunteers to go!

maltasr

I'll volunteer - when do I leave???

hornet25

I have reservations for February 2012. I'm looking for anyone who has been there or even been to St Croix. We usually stay at the MVCI property in St Thomas in February but we decided to try out the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa for a few days before we head to St Thomas next year.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Restaurant rec's, things to do, good beaches etc. We will be renting a car. Also we'll be taking Cape Air back to STT after our stay. Anybody familiar with this airline?

We're booked for the flight down LGA-MIA-STX on AA miles. I was surprised to see that the miles required were the same as a direct flight to STT, 17.5 super saver.

jamflyer

Since you are renting a car (good idea), I would suggest you do a self tour of the island (you can do the entire island in two hours but why rush) - drive through Creeky Dam, etc. The water by Hams Bluff, while you cant swim there is spectacular. As for things to do - not much, but there is point Udall, the castle (pictures as you drive by). There is a cool little bar not too far from the hotel - cant recall the name right now - they also serve pretty good breakfast - cheaper than Carambola. I highly recommend Buck Island for for snorkling. For local food try Villa Morales (Thursday- Sat for dinner) and for lunch the little street side place La Rein Chicken Shack both in Frederiksted.

Christiansted has more "touristy" stuff and a lot more dining choice. The tours to Buck island do leave from Christiansted and you can grab lunch there or across the bay at Hotel on the Quay. If you an into gambling, there is a Casino not too far from Christiansted. The food at Buccanneer Hotel is actually quite good if not a bit expensive.

travelexpert

It's amazing how little FT atention ths poprerty has received. Even though the location is spectacular.

I stayed at this property in 1995 when it was a Westin--and fabulous.

Now I look at the Tripadvisor reviews and photos--and see how it's degenerated into a neglected dump.

Pretty much, neither Marriott nor Hilton has any clue on how to make Caribbean properties enticing.

Any hypotheses as to why?

lurcher

OK - just got back this weekend from 4 days in St Thomas and 4 days in St Croix at this hotel - here's the update:

HWY 78 - Scenic road - it's a 4x4 road only - do not take it no matter what a map says. Take 69 up to hotel.

Pool had some green on the walls - slow on the chlorine. Beach was nice - but due to recent rains, bugs were bad - even in the rooms.

Rooms were very nice - with separate living room area, and great bathrooms. 2 burner stove, full size fridge, and microwave. Screened in porch (but way too hot/humid to use). Problem is they used doors with slats that had spaces large enough for bugs to come in. AC could not keep up, even with 2 ceiling fans (I like it cold)

Room service was good - yes, I said that. ~ 30 minutes, service was very friendly.

Problem with this resort - and the island in general, is that if you want to get out, it's a drive. Closest food is ~15-20 minutes away, so you will be driving a lot for food. End of the island is ~45-60 minutes. Good beaches and snorkeling, but again - bugs were bad - 2 cans of spray for 4 days.

Casino at Divi is a nice diversion for a few hours. East end worth it for the views.

hungarianhc

I hear ya!!!! Although I can say that I found the Grand Cayman Marriott to be run by an exceptionally friendly staff, and the location is top notch. The pool isn't amazing, but the beach there is fantastic!