Caneel Bay Resort Review

Reviewed by cabfeegig from Florida on 10/30/08
I have read many negative reviews of Caneel ranging from safety to service to accommodations. Everyone has their own opinion based on how well their expectations were met (assuming nothing terrible happened!). Caneel is not about being plush or pampering. Caneel is about an environment and group of people that do everything they can do to help a person enjoy the most lush property, most beautiful, fantastic beaches in the Caribbean. My wife and I have been twice in 4 years with this visit the best. Transfers were perfect between St Tomas and Caneel. Room was upgraded (stayed in #2). Champagne was chilled. Beds, AC, fantastic. Staff extremely accommodating. Boat crew was wonderful (we went back and forth to St Thomas 4 times). Breakfast buffet is more than adequate and tasty. Is it the Waldorf? No, and I, my wife, the staff, and the people that return year and after year don't want it to be. It is perfection in a way only Caneel can deliver.

Member Rating: 4.0
Ratings details: Room: 3.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 4.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by akexandrapendery from Chicago on 9/25/07
The resort grounds are phenomenal. With 7 amazing beaches you really can't go wrong. The service here is limited, anything you want delivered your room comes with a 5 dollar delivery charge and this is not a wait on you hand and foot type of place. For the money, many people expect a resort atmosphere where you are treated like king. That is not the case at Caneel. It is perfect for couples--I think traveling here with children would be hard because of the expansive grounds. It is gorgeous. I have been to many islands and never seen more beautiful beaches!

Member Rating: 3.8
Ratings details: Room: 4.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 3.0 Value: 3.0

Reviewed by nysemem from Long Island , New York on 3/23/07
Island is one of the most beautiful in Carribean and the hotel while older is still in great shape. Staff was exceptional. food was great also.

Member Rating: 4.6
Ratings details: Room: 4.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by bigberg50 from New York on 12/18/06
Unfortunately, one can't enter a 10 for atmosphere. This is a perfectly tranquil place for adults who like privacy, beauty, service and peace. In fact two beaches suggest no children. Yes, it comes at a cost, but so does nearly everything worth experiencing. The natural beauty is overwealming, the service friendly and fitting St John and the islands. The rooms are not fancy as a Ritz or 4 Seasons may be; they're rustic. There are no rooms or TVs in the rooms-- one has to be able to supply your own entertainment. The restaurants were excellent and expensive. The beaches, all seven of them are exquisite and empty ( never more than a dozen folks on any beach we were on). I would summarize the resort by saying it is a sleep away camp for those who can afford it.

Member Rating: 4.4
Ratings details: Room: 4.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 4.0