anonymous

I'm planning a honeymoon for early october- would Guanahani or CV be a better choice- prices are relatively comparable- not sure which resort would be prettier, more romantic, worth the $$$- help

liz

I think you should stay at Le Toiney, except that I think they are closed until late October. This is hurricane season. You can see my remarks under the Fodor rate it section on Le Toiney, the most amazing place. Guanahani had a family feel and Carl Gustaf is in the town, not on the beach, both are big hotels. Le Toiney is just above a beach that is fine for snorkelling and just 12 intimate villas, each with its own pool. I think there are other properties on StB that are more romantic than G or CG if price is an big consideration. One place to consider, equally expensive as Le Toiney, is the Eden Roc, on the beach in St. Jean, right in the village, bigger place but super cool architecture, fabulous location on wonderful swimming beach. And definitely more romantic than the other two. Then there are places like the Francois Plantation that look wonderful. I saw a website yesterday from a recommendation here, called www.cheapcaribbean.com that had two villa type hotels in St. Barths that looked wonderful, super romantic and very reasonable. Again, time of year could be a problem, lots of things shut on the island until November. Whatever you do however, don't consider Aruba as an alternative! This is usually pointed out since it is hurricane free. It is just Miami Beach all over again. I saw some fantastic looking resorts in Petit St. Vincent and the Grenadines, PSV by that name, also Young Island, and the Cotton House on Mustique, all in the lower Carib off the coast of Venezuela, which I think is hurricane free, and they looked very very romantic, private and delicious, just like Le Toiny on St. Barth's. That is what I would check out because nothing is worse than an island off season with half the places shut, no people around, poor food and service, etc. Save St. Barth's for next July when the tourist season is ending and everything is half price, we spent two weeks at Le Toiney last July and cried on the way to the airport!

marilyn

dear ananymous<BR>I have stayed at both hotels. I stay at the Guanahani when i bring my children because it is right on the beach so they don't have to wait for me to go to the beach. There are approx 80 rooms at the guanhani. My children are teenagers and there was not tons of kids so i wouldn't worry about that. The first time I went to St. Barth's it was just with my husband. I was torn between the Carl Gustof and Le Toiny. I finally picked CG and my husband was so glad I did. We could sit out by the plunge pool and watch the lights from Gustavia and the yachts. My husband could sit out there for hours smoking a cigar and sipping cognac. There is nothing to see at Le Toiny. Both hotels have good restaurants. By the way, CG has 14 rooms, I didn't know that was "big". I would pick CG over Guanahani for your honeymoon.

liz

Not to contradict anyone, imo Le Toiny had a wonderful view of hills, cliffs and the sea. We still dream of it every day and have photos on our walls. On the other hand, CG had a restaurant filled with loud Americans, only time we ran into any loud people the whole trip. It is an in-town property, just depends on your taste. The restaurant at Le Toiney is consistently voted #1 and is the best I have ever been to including top Paris and London picks. Just look at the websites and you can make up your own mind. I think CG has way more than 12 rooms....

kmd

My choice would be the Carl Gustaf. We stayed there a year ago and absolutely loved it. The view is fantastic. It is definitely what I would consider a small hotel, only 14 suites. Great location. The restaurant is also wonderful! Visited Guanahani and Le Toiny, both are beautiful properties but my choice would still be the CG.

anonymous

To see photos of both places, try www.besthotelsresorts.com/guanahani.htm or www.besthotelsresorts.com/carlgustaf.htm

loretta

Stayed at all of the properties. Depends what you are looking for. Keep in mind that St. Barths is a VERY hilly island. Carl Gustaf is in town. Each suite has a private plunge pool for romantic sunbathing. So does Le Toiny, but it is VERY far from any town. Guanahani is our favourite, but only for the rooms which have private (full size!) pools. Don't get the jacuzzi suites. These pools and rooms make the trip. Better than Le Toiny... but here is the BIG consideration... Do you like to drive at night up and down hilly roads? We do not... Hence chartered taxi service nightly. If cost is an issue, you may wish to consider Carl Gustaf since it is in town. P.S. Price is not comparable. Check to see what you get for your $$$$ and keep in mind the $50 taxi trip. No matter your decision, you will have a most wonderful time and we envy you going. We are still saving up our nickels!

Michael

Loved all but Guhnahani.Ilse De France and Le Toiny are the best on the Island.Eden Rock close third.

Paul

They are very different. Carl Gustaf is right in Gustavia, perched upon a hill with a great view of the harbor. A nice place, but not a great choice for a honeymoon in my opinion. Guanahani is much more casual, off by a quiet cove with its own beach, more laid back ambiance, and also very nice. But if you want to go top-drawer for a honeymoon, instead consider Le Toiny or Hotel St. Barth Isle de France. Or, of course, rent your own villa!