Jo_Lee

Sorry about that title
We (late 60s & 82) are thinking of staying at the FS for 5 nights maybe the first week of December.

It is $95. pp. to be picked up at St. Kitt's airport in a limo and private ferried to FS. Would it be too tacky to:

Fly into St. Kitts, take a taxi to the ferry, ferry to Nevis and then take a taxi to the FS? OR fly into Nevis and take a taxi to the FS??

Which way do you think would be best or does it matter?

Next. could one rent a small compact and stay at the FS without seeming too tacky once again? Do you think it would be better to pick up at the airport or call for one the next day from FS?

Island tours or cat trips less expensive not handled through the resort? Any experience or better to just go through FS?

Next, could you eat most of your meals off the resort to save money?

When you check in, are there golf carts or something to take you to your rooms without a lot of walking? Is it very far to the parking lots?

I'm assuming there is tipping on top of the 10% service fees charged on the island?

Thanks for all the interesting messages. I've really enjoyed reading this forum.

Jo_Lee

Other places we have considered are Nisbet Plantation and Montpelier on Nevis and
Ottleys and the Marriott on St. Kitts.
They all look great and right now we're jumping all over the place trying to make a decision.
Nisbet and Ottleys offer nice packages.
The Marriott has senior rates. Might be nice but I don't like the looks of all that cement.
Leaning towards the FS but have to become tacky to stay there.

mah1980

You aren't serious, are you? You are in your 60's and 82 and are worried if the people at FS think you're tacky.

Why would it be tacky to take a taxi?

cw

I would fly directly into Nevis. It's the same type of plane that flies from San Juan to St. Kitts or Nevis. Take a cab to the hotel, and rent a car the next day.

Book your own trips. It will be more expensive if the FS does it.

I would definitely stay at Nisbet or Montpelier over the FS but that's just my preference for smaller inns/hotels.

CW

Jo_Lee

Thanks for the replies. Mah 1980-Just my very small attempt at humor. I used 'tacky' because FS website always shows people being greeted FS dockside after their limo and ferry ride. Wondered if most people took this route.

CW-thanks for the advice. Nisbet and Montpelier have nice packages. Montpelier warns of many steps. Did you find this to be true? Love the Golden Retriever picture on their site.
Would you choose them over Ottleys on SK?

Again,
Thank you thank you

iw

I have not stayed at the 4S, but have toured a couple of rooms and they are nice. The staff was wonderful on our 3 brief visits to the property. Just my opinion, and no, it is not about the $$ for me, so it is an unbiased opinion.
Here goes...we have stayed at the Marriott(St. Kitts) and while it is a large property, the rooms compare to those that I viewed at the 4S, for less $$. Having said that, I would look into Nisbet or Montpelier for a stay. We heard wonderful things about Nisbet from a couple that was staying there.
We stayed at Oualie Beach Hotel, but I am not sure that it would be what you are looking for. They have a website at oualiebeach.com., I believe. We stayed in the premier room, but it is still very basic. We did this on purpose since you walk out of your room in a cottage type setting and there is the beach. Very laid back atmosphere and a complete contrast to the Marriott.
Personally, we split our time between St. Kitts and Nevis so that we can experience the 2 related, yet very different islands.
We have gotten to Nevis both ways, by plane and by ferry. Be aware that connections are rarely on time. This year, we took the ferry from St. Kitts into Nevis so that we could be more in charge of our arrival time and it was fine. The ferry was only slightly late. The plane that would take you there holds about 12 or so people, but it is a blast to fly in something that small and the flight is 5 minutes.
I love your humor and the tacky line, by the way. ><
Wherever you go, please consider exploring other dining options. Both islands have so much to offer. In Nevis, I highly recommend Oualie Beach. This is the real island deal, IMHO. The food is superb. Tell Jason, Vaden and Tim that Karen said hello. Also, Coconut Grove is excellent! The food, service and atmosphere can't be beat. Gary and Karin will personally greet you and take very good care of you. Bananas should be open in its new location and that was awesome on the last trip, as is Gallipot (not far from 4S).
If you do stay at the 4S, they do take you to your room by golf cart.
Finally, there is a charge of 10% added to most bills, so it is up to you if you want to tip more or not.
While we were there, Chip was our personal taxi driver and after the first tip, he treated us like family and was very helpful and always on time.=D>

Good luck and I apologize if my answers are somewhat jumbled, as this is a tad bit early for me!

iw

Oh, I forgot the Ottley's question. We toured that property also. It is absolutely gorgeous!!!! While not on the beach, they do offer a shuttle that takes you to one.
If you stay in St. Kitts, I recommend VJ's taxi service. He gives the best tour of the island and is patient and knows all about his homeland.

cw

Jo Lee,

I have not stayed at Ottley's or Montpelier but have visited both. (We've stayed at Rawlins and the Hermitage.) I don't remember lots of steps at Montpelier but I'm not familiar with the location of the rooms. I would ask them about it.

Both have beautiful grounds and views but if I had to choose one, I would choose Montpelier. I like the atmosphere better, and I really enjoyed Nevis and the compactness of the island. Montpelier has a beautiful beach area near the 4S and provides a shuttle.

We found it very easy to drive in Nevis and you have a pretty good range of rental cars from which to choose.

CW

Knowing

Hi JoLee,
We stayed at the FS this year and really liked it. They have a beautiful long stretch of beach and the property is beautiful. I'm not sure where you are flying from, but you will probably find it less tiring to fly into Nevis and take a taxi. They are always readily available at the airport. For the same reason, I would allow myself an extra day to rest up and get the rental car the following day. We arranged evrything by ourselves just because we've always traveled that way. We did eat breakfast at the FS, if you do choose to do the buffet, pay for it ahead of time and it's cheaper. Other than that, we ate off site to get a feel of the island and quite honestly, the lunches and dinners at the FS aren't very good. We just walked to our room, but I'm sure the staff will be more than happy to take you to your room in a cart if you like or to the parking lot. They are absolute sweethearts. I believe that the pictures you saw involve a boat owned by the FS that can pick people up in St. Kitts and bring them over. I don't know how many use the option, I know that I had asked for a ferry schedule and they asked me if I wanted to use the boat and I replied that the ferry was fine. We met people from the states who had moved to Nevis and were telling us about the grocery stores, etc. That was an interesting 45 minutes! The tips were included in the bills.
Nisbit has some nice sunset views and they are also on the beach, but they wouldn't be our choice. Montpelier's rooms have that minimalist look, but the staff is really nice. If the FS were not available, this would be my next choice. We saw a bit of St. Kitts, we just fell in love with Nevis, so it would be hard to not recommend staying there.

Jo_Lee

Thank you all for your most gracious and helpful replies.

I'm still jumping all over the place with indecision. The dogs (don't laugh) and tranquillity of Montpelier say stay there. It may be too much isolation for my companion's taste. I could ask for Princess Di's room
The rooms and grounds at the FS look inviting along with the closeness of the golf course. (which at 82 my companion probably won't really play-but maybe)
Anyone here played the course? Expensive over the top I imagine.
Ottley's still looks nice.
Those senior rates at Marriott should be listened to and then I forgot Nisbet's great packages.

Is extreme indecision connected to old age?

Knowing- I read your next trip might be Tahit!
It's been so very long (1978) but Bora Bora is the love of my life.
Mortgage the house (again?) and stay in one of the overwater bungalows at least for a night or two.
Glass floors (in bathroom) lights on at night attract fish. Just don't drink too much before retiring. Round and round we go!
Private decks with ladders into the water. Skinny dipping if you're brave. Morning coffee out over the water.
Moorea, Raiatea, Huahini and Tahti are nice also but ah.... Bora Bora.

We also loved Kauai, Maui, Oahu and other Hawaian islands.
Sorry about the rambling and to everyone
really thank you so much for responding.
I LOVE reading about your expeiences and opinions.
Jo_Lee

MarionCK

Hi Jo_Lee,

I just returned (after 2AM this morning)from three weeks on Nevis..all three spent at Nisbet. The original plan was 2 weeks at Nisbet and 1 at Montpelier. But an injury prior to my trip made Montplelier an impossibility. It's a beautiful property but the stone steps, without railings, might be a challenge.

My time at Nisbet was a wondeful experience. The staff was concerned and caring about my particular needs. I think you would love it there. They manage, with great pride, to keep the old Caribbean feel, which is important to me. You should check some of the reviews on all Nevis properties at tripadvisor.com.

I will admit that I'm not a 4S fan. I love their hotels here in the US, but when I travel to the Caribbean I want something that feels authentic.

Reading between the lines, if you are concerned about how your arrival will be perceived, then I imagine you might worry if you are dressed properly and just generally worry.

This is just my opinion, but I don't think the 4S in Nevis is worth the money. There are many less costly options where you will feel more comfortable and isn't that what a holiday should be ?

Good luck and if I can answer any specific questions about Nisbet, I'll be happy to to so.

Marion

skbfan

I did a hotel inspection of the Ottley's in January. It was absolutely gorgeous. (The real caribbean!)

If you do a catamaran excursion or tour of the island(s) you should book them directly.

You might find the following website helpful. www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com

ejcrowe

Marion, welcome back! I hope you will grace us with a brief description of your daughter's wedding and then a full report of Nevis. Sorry to hear about your mishap that prevented you from staying at Montpelier. I've been scanning this forum looking for responses from you to know when you were home again.

Knowing

Jo Lee,
We're not golfers, but the FS did borrow us a golf cart to go look at the monkeys on the golf course. The golf course is beautiful! Almost made me start taking lessons!
My next trip is actually to Barbados in February, but yes, I am going to Tahiti in April- and we're going over to Bora Bora. I have seen the pictures of the over-the-water bungalows and would love to stay in one.
I, too, love Kauai. In fact, Nevis and Kauai are my favorite places. I think you're going to love Nevis. And I think I'm going to love Bora Bora!

Jo_Lee

Unbelievable!

Reading responses from the people on this board is now my most enjoyable passion.
Knowing-Difficult to wipe the grin off my face while reading of you taking a golf cart out to look at the monkeys on the FS course. That experience might be worth the trip alone!

Now I want to hear more about Marion's daughter's wedding and her trip report. Did you get to Montpelier say for lunch or diinner? Wonder why they don't install some type of unobtrusive hand rails on those steps. Did you find a good deal of walking necessary at Nisbet?

cw-just finished enjoying your great TR. Thanks



Thank you all for providing so much enjoyment.
Joyce

ejcrowe

Welcome to Fodor's, Joyce! It does quickly become addictive, I admit. I haven't chimed in yet because my experience isn't as pertinent as some other folks', but here's my take on it. Keep in mind that I prefer smaller hotels and inns to larger resorts, and individually owned/operated properties over chain hotels when traveling to the Caribbean.

I visited Nevis back in late 2004 and simply loved it. I didn't stay there, but I did spend a good bit of time at Nisbet simply because the beach was easy to get to, the food was good and reasonably priced, and the staff was delightful. The property is beautiful and the rooms are set back from the beach so that you can walk along the beach and not be aware of the resort. The property is mostly level or gently sloping, with not a lot of stairs or rugged areas to negotiate. I think Nisbet would provide a lovely and gracious introduction to Nevis for you, without surrounding you with such guests as the Four Seasons is sometimes known to attract on Nevis.

Montpelier is splendid as well, but if mobility is at all an issue, then it's probably best left for a memorable dinner one night instead of staying there.

In its defense, the Four Seasons is also a very nice property, beautifully manicured with nice pools, and it's on a very pretty stretch of beach. If you like resort hotels and you like to have an idea in advance of what you're getting, you would no doubt be very happy there. The architects weren't especially imaginative, but they were careful to build it only 2 stories and even though it's set closer to the beach than at Nisbet, the buildings don't really overwhelm the beach like so many large resorts do.

In my opinion, the Marriott on St. Kitts now only overwhelms the beach, it overwhelms the entire island! But that being said, the price is certainly right, and when it comes down to it, I often prefer to stay in a less expensive place if that means I will have more money left over to spend on nice meals or excurions--the things that make a trip more memorable for me, in other words.

I have no doubt that whichever place you choose to hang your hat, you will enjoy either St. Kitts or Nevis. And half the fun, as you've come to realize from reading these responses, is in the planning and reading about other folks' experiences!

cw

Joyce,

Thanks for the kind words. Do let us know what your decision will be.

Agree completely with ejcrowe about the Marriott. It's was out of scale for the island. The Nevis 4S, on the other hand, was built in a non-intrusive sensitive way. It does not stick out like the Marriott on St. Kitts.

cw

eileen

I visited Marriott St. Kitts, Nisbet and the Four Seasons in April while on cruise stops. My goal was to check out the properties to see where I would like to stay next year. Keep in mind this is only the opinion of a day visitor. The Four Seasons is very nice but just not worth the money in my opinion, I wasn't overly impressed, I much preferred the ambience/design/
layout/views of the Four Seasons Punta Mita, which is actually significantly less in price during high season. However, the golf was spectacular and the views from the course, incredible. I really liked Nisbet, it's smaller, more peacful and just overall charming Caribbean and seems to be an incredible value (rates include breakfast, tea and dinner). We love that the rooms are in little bungalows, much more private. So, next April we are planning on staying at Nisbet and my husband will golf at the Four Seasons. I agree with the other posters that the Marriott St. Kitts is so out of place there, you drive through beautiful sugar cane fields and foliage and all of a sudden come on top of the hill and oh boy, there is the huge Marriott dominating the landscape. Things I liked about the Marriott -- the beach is nice and you can walk for miles along undeveloped coastline. The golf was good, not as good as Four Seasons but a nice course. It does have every amenity you could possibility want and is good for families. I really like what I saw of St. Kitts so we will spend three nights on points at the Marriott then go to Nevis. The Marriott rates of $300 to $400 a night are higher than I would pay for that resort but since it's points it will be fine. I liked the Curacao Marriott much more, a much smaller low rise resort. St. Kitts really needs a smaller, upscale resort right on the beach, I think they are building one right near the Marriott called Ocean's Edge.

beasmark

Hi Marion! We met at Nisbet (Matthew's father). Glad to see you made it back safely. As you said, I believe most people will be quite pleased with Nisbet. It feels like a second home after a couple of days because of the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

MarionCK

Hi Mark,

Glad to read that you and Matthew are home, safe and sound.

He is a delightful little boy and it is one of my pleasant memories to recall seeing you have fun together each day Water toys and hide 'n seek...just a couple of boys enjoying being together.

A special hi from me to Matthew

Marion

Greenie28

My pregnant wife and I just got back from a week at 4S Nevis. It was our first time there and it is a trip we will always cherish. I posted a trip report on one of the St. Kitts/Nevis sites. Here's the link:
http://www.discover-stkittsnevis-bea...num=1157554421
Regarding your question of doing your own thing - we are the same way. It will take more work and more phone calls on your part but would be worth it if that's how you roll. If you're working with Shanel the concierge you'll be all set because she is fantastic! Having said that, take the boat ride that the 4S offers from the airport - you will love it and will feel like royalty. What better way to arrive there than to be whisked away to their very own pier and then your room?!