Thanks for the nice report. I just made an award reservation there for next February.

Hey...I'm ready to go!! Anybody have input as to what airlines service St. Kitts? Thanks...

Your review makes me determined to visit the new St Kitts property this Easter!

Unfortunately, because the property is still in "soft open" status, they have not released award availability. I had to call the property directly.

PS. AA flies to SKB. You can also connect to some of the Carribean airlines in MIA.
To get a rental car in St Kitts, you need a St Kitts issued driver's license, which can be obtained for a $50 fee (at the local police station?).

[This message has been edited by flychic (edited 03-09-2003).]

Also US Airways...

Some of you have asked a number of questions which I can answer.
rives21-We rented from Thrifty and found they made arrangements for a replacement car on Nevis. All we did was have the Marriott call them, and tell them what ferry we were planning to take, and our car number; and they had a van available for us for the day, free of charge when we arrived at Nevis. I parked our car at the St. Kitts ferry at about 7:30 AM, and then simply got into the car upon return. I too saw Thrifty's brochures featuring the Suzuki, but when I received the car at their facility, returned the car at their facility, and looked to see what they had on Nevis, I did not see that they had any Suzuki's, other than Jeeps. The Jeeps were in demand by those arriving by day from the ships docking early in the AM. I had some sort of intermediate-sized Japanese cars (I had a flat tire, and they came out and replaced the car).
As for children-friendly, it was difficult to judge, as I didn't see many kids. They have a long beach, and 3 swimming pools, so I suspect that the anticipate lots of kids.

We flew AA into SXM (Sint Maarten) and then Winair for a 20 minute flight. USAir has a flight thru Philly once a week, and they had many angry passengers who either arrived early next morming or late the next evening, as USAir sent their A/C on to St. Kitts without waiting for those passengers racing thru the Philly airport for the connection. Those arriving early next morning had slept in the airport at SJU or stayed overnight at Philly and then flew AA thru SJU.

Anyone else been to this property? I have booked an award stay for July 11th to the 18th. I'm curious what has changed since March.

St. Kitts was on my shortlist of Marriott properties because of the reduced award incentive. I ended up booking Costa Rica for my labor day trip, but I will definitely go sometime to St. Kitts in the near future. I would also be curious as to what others have to say about the property.

I'm particularly interested in watersports offering at the property .. sailing, windsurfing. If anyone could comment on these I'd appreciate it.

I was just at this property. No sailing or windsurfing, though you can sail in St. Kitts - which the concierge or tour desk would be happy to arrange for you (not sure on windsurfing).

They are opening another restaurant (believe it is the steak restaurant)and have a lot of activities available each day (including kids activities).

All in all, an absolutely fabulous property.

Is it worth the extra money for the pool view rooms vs. resort or mountain view? Expedia has a rate of $89. a night for resort view for 7/11 to 7/18. I'm questioning if it's worth using the 115,000 points for an award if the rooms are so cheap.

Also, should I pack dressier clothes for dinner at the nicer restaurants?

[This message has been edited by Schutzee (edited 07-08-2003).]

I would still request the ocean/pool view when you check in. If you're planning to spend a lot of time in the room, worth it, if not - I wouldn't bother.

What do you call dressy? It is not ultra casual at night, but I wouldn't call it dressy either. I did wear a dress or a skirt most nights (but I'm not a real casual person anyway) and my husband wore chinos and sport shirt - we both felt comfortably dressed.

People in town do dress up more - no shorts, etc. at night.

Two questions: are pool views equivalent to ocean views? Has anyone been there recently to report on whether more amenities, etc., have been completed?

I just returned from SKB Marriott yesterday. I used an award and paid $25/night for an upgrade to pool view. Upon checkin, I got an ocean view room on the third floor of the "Westbury" building, one of the smaller out buildings. The view was excellent, and the room was very nice. Bath had a large (two person) whirlpool tub, and room had a small refrig. I took digital pictures of the property. If only I knew how to post them! The Italian 'Cucina" ($90) is open , as is the casual restaurant whose name escapes me. The steak restaurant had just opened the day we arrived. I didn't try it. The staff was friendly, but not yet up to speed. I must say they did clean up the vocanic ash that fell from Monsaratt (sp?) very quickly which was no small feat. We at at Ottleys ($180), Marshalls ($110) and Golden Lemon ($120). All were very good. (All prices are for two with no alcohol.). PJ's was much cheaper but quite good. I'm not in a rush to return to ST. Kitts or the Marriott, but I wouldn't avoid it either if a good deal arose.

[This message has been edited by Schutzee (edited 07-19-2003).]

What reduced award incentive?

What about scuba diving? It's not listed under Recreations on their homepage. Anyone know?

Also, there hasn't been a lot of talk about the nightlife. Is there any?