There is a thread on the St. Kitts Marriott that was started just a couple of weeks ago. You probably should read through it. Just do a search on this forum with the word "Kitts" and you'll find it. I think the OP of that thread gave it a very positive review.

As for cancelling your reservation and going elsewhere, I wouldn't make a big last minute change just because of one bad report. Not if most everything else you have read/seen has been positive. If you do go and then decide to cancel and go elsewhere, don't expect to get your points back. Depending on the issues, management there may be willing to do so, but I would guess that your much more likely to forfeit your points.

If you have concerns, and it sounds like you do, then by all means, contact the hotel and try to speak with the hotel's manager. In fact, you will probably be able to tell a lot about how your upcoming stay will be based on how your conversation with the manager goes.

Good luck on your upcoming stay, no matter what you choose.

One thing to keep in mind with reviews of Caribbean resorts is that many people do not have realistic expectations regarding the level of service. "Island time" is part of the culture. I believe that these expectations become even more out of whack when people travel at high time (like the holidays) and pay inflated room rates (hence many of the comments like the recent TA reviews stating "we generally stay at the Ritz or Four Seasons and for these rates we expected ...").

I certainly didn't have high expectations, but even those were not met. I found the service here to be quite bad, and I can't attribute it to a "local" thing because the service at the Four Seasons on the sister island of Nevis was fantastic. You can read my brief trip report (June '06) here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...4&postcount=20 .

First, I'm not trying to discourage you from going but we have found that issues common to many posts on Trip Advisor are real. Anyone can have a bad experience and people tend to complain more than compliment but when you see a common issue amongst several posts then there's some reality. We were in St Kitts in June 2005 with a total of 11 (5 kids) and had a great time but there were a lot of service issues at the time but I have heard a lot fo good things lately. We chalked it up to being new. In regards to kids they had a blast but the youngest was 7 at the time.

I liked the St.Kitts property and had good service there myself.. but do NOT gamble at their casino.. I play fairly seriously and would warn you this is not Vegas.. and not a "fair" casino. (And this is based off direct observations and not beacuse of win/loss).

I was there twice, one with my lady friend, and once with my 8 and 11 year old daughters. We enjoyed our stays both times. My only complaint was with the steak house. I thought it was poor food and way too expensive. I always factor in "island time" when in the Caribbean and if I check my New York minute expectations, I usually have a great time. I will return to this property in the next few years. I hope you go and enjoy!

Konsultant - we were in Florida for the week before so we flew AA direct from Miami to St. Kitt's and then back to Miami. The service was good.

We came home to Ottawa via Fort Lauderdale which I thought would be better but was worse than Miami.

Next time I would look at the US Airways flight from Charlotte to ST Kitts. I think it is Saturday and Sunday service only.

AA has connections from San Juan, PR. The Carribean airlines didn;t seem to be that reliable and I would be concerned about using them to connect.

Friends used SkyService from YYZ and were very happy. They had Monday service.

When you are there, I suggest the fort, Black Rocks and Ottley Plantation. We passed on the train ride and think it was a good choice.

johannesj - we didn't do the sushi, but had two excellent meals at the steahouse.

We were at the Royal St Kitts over New Year's. We had a great time.

We were with friends who had two sons, 10 and 6. Both boys enjoyed the resort and the island. The Kid's club had great acitivities and staff.

I cannot comment about a 14 month old, but I dont think the resort would be any worse than anywhere else for a guest that young.

As for the adults, we would all go back tomorrow.

Be prepared for island time, which is a great wasy to relax. The service is great and the staff are very friendly, especially if you speak to them first. Most Kittitians we met were very proud of their island and very happy to share it with you.

The beach and pools at the resort were great. The food is good to excellent and priced comparably to other full service Marriott's.

I didnt see anything wrong with the casino, but only played the slots. I am not a gamble, but have had better luck in Vegas than in St. Kitts. We were there to relax and it was excellent for that.

If you have a concern, let the managment know. They were very conscientuous during our stay.

Try the Lasgna in the Italian Restaurant
 

Although my wife and I are non-vegetarians someone recommend that we try the vegetarian lasgna in the Italian restaurant; it was outstanding. It was an item on their appetizer menu but it can be ordered as a meal.

There are also a few restaurants within 5-10 minutes walking distance from the Marriott which have reasonably priced food compared to the Marriott.

Thank you for everyone's input. I continue to read negative reviews. I'm going to contact management and make a decision. I'll let you know.

I'm not really understanding the rationale for contacting a resort manager to discuss the negative reviews that were offered at travel forums, but that's me. You can certainly ask about their satisfaction policy with awards.
I've been to this resort and I've added comments to some of the threads here (FT search). To me, it's all about expectations and whether they've been met. And that's always in the view of each individual person.
The staff at this resort is very good and one of the plusses. I thought the property was nice, but not over the top. That's my opinion.
There's so much more that goes into whether you've had a good or bad experience, you need to weigh all comments.

What were the direct observations? Did the roulette wheel mysteriously "jump" Did they deal from the bottom of the deck?

Help us out.

Before contacting the manager, I opted to contact guest services and get my golf, restaurant and childcare reservations for our upcoming trip. I spoke to "Ashmo". He was a delight. I gave him my request and he called me back later that afternoon with confirmations for all my requests and gave me his direct line should I need any further assistance or require help during my stay. Considering how well that went, I don't foresee the need to contact the manager.

Mariott St. Kitts
 

I am going there in Sept. My first time there. I have been to hawaii (kauai) multiple times, and enjoy the relaxation. I have also been to Cancun and San Juan, and did not enjoy either. I am looking for a place to relax and not have to fight over space. Also, I have a 4 year old experenced travler going with my wife and I. We have debated over the 4 seasons on Nevis or this marriott in St. Kitts.

For people who have been out to Poipu on Kauai, how does this island compare?

For those with small children, is there a lot I have to worry about her getting into? She loved Cancun because of all the new flavors she got to experience and all the attention she got while she was there.

Many recent threads abou St. Kitts if you try a search.

FS Nevis (several comprehensive reviews in the Luxurt Hotels forum) is infinitely better than the Marriott, if you have a choice.

Hawaii and Caribbean are night and day, IMO, but Kauai may be the closest to the Caribbean.