Tara

My husband and I will be visiting St. Thomas for only a couple of days this winter as a stop-over before taking a cruise from San Juan. We have reserved a room thru priceline.com at a great rate at the Renassiance Grand. Since that time, we have read reviews on various sites about the hotel which eluded to musty rooms or rooms that are very far from the pool or beach. Has anyone recently stayed at the hotel that can verify if this is still a problem with the rooms or if there is a good room # or room block to ask for when checking in that is closer to the beach/pool?

GM

We stayed at the Renaissance in March. We DID have a problem with the 1st room we had that needed housekeeping / maintenance attention, but once we advised the General Mgr and the Supervisor of Housekeeping, we were moved to another room, a GORGEOUS suite that was very clean and no problems.<BR><BR>The property is nice altho most of the rooms are on the mountain, but this is not a problem with the shuttle (or walking, it's 109 steps up/down from the main bldg; yes, we counted!). There are poolside / beach rooms that you can request - knowing what we know NOW, I would request a room in back of the main pool. This block of rooms has easy access to the main pool - which has the snack bar and bar and is only 5ft and nearer the ocean (and where more of the families are) - and access to the nice quiet pool that is 8ft deep by the main restaurant, used by the Renaissance and owners of the Pineapple Resort. We liked that pool much better and since we don't have kids didn't mind walking and getting our drinks to have poolside over at the deeper pool. <BR><BR>We actually love the beach / property of Frenchman's Reef Morningstar Resort, another Marriott property, but this a villa setting, instead of the Marriott hotel itself. This property is right in town pretty much, and not as secluded like the Renaissance.<BR><BR>Realize that where you are booked is about 40 minutes from Charlotte Amalie, with some windy roads, but it is a pretty area; more of the Caribbean sea than the Frenchman's property, which has the Atlantic moreso than Caribbean.<BR><BR>A few things I liked about the Renaissance was that the landscaping and foliage of the property which is very pretty and well maintained; as well as the hammocks on the trees right on the beach, where you truly just rock slowly and relax.<BR><BR>The woman at the Concierge was GREAT. She was a big help, and she helped us with Charters that went on dives/snorkel day trips to the British VI, which my hubby loves. From the Renaissance, it's closer in proximity where you can do that, or even take the ferry over to St. John. At the Frenchman's, it's a real long trip from Red Hook back to the hotel; we were exhausted at the end of the day.<BR><BR>I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Renaissance, but remember to voice your concerns if you do wind up with a room that is not up to par. Again, consider contacting the hotel in advance, requesting the block of rooms behind the main pool; they are NOT on the mountain and are nearer to everything.<BR><BR>My friend and her hubby went down there in May, and what they did was go to the store and get beer / wines to keep in the fridge (most rooms have a fridge). But she was on the mtn. also, and that block of rooms are Bldgs 20-25. I believe the ones I would ask for are Bldgs. 11-16. Check me on that, tho.<BR><BR>P.S. For GREAT jewelry shopping, do avoid the major jewelers that the ships note and advertise for. Go straight to a street called Raadets Gaade, where the small shops are and besides duty free, you can bargain very well for the pricing. Very unique pieces from Italy, and I got a few pieces of a new gemstone called Rainbow Topaz. I can't tell you how many compliments I've received on the set I purchased there (a ring, earrings, and pendant, all set in 14ktG). This new Topaz is processed with heat fusion that literally makes a rainbow of colors sparkle from the gemstone.<BR><BR>Hope this helps - have a GREAT time in St. Thomas!<BR><BR>

Tara

Thanks for the great info. We were originally booked at the Morningstar but saved over $300 going to the Renassiance thru priceline.com. Since we're only going to be there 2 nights and plan on spending most of that time in the St. John area, we felt that the Renassiance met our needs. <BR>One more question..... we're trying to figure out car arrangements and are considering renting a car at the airport and using it for the 2 days we are on the island (including taking the car barge over to St. John). Any advice there?

GM

Yes, definitely get a car IF you folks are not leary about driving on the left side. It's worth it JUST for the fact that you can get a car to have for pretty much the same rates as the hotel transfer rates back/forth from airport (or dock, as in your case).<BR><BR>We called the hotel directly and requested the woman at the Concierge to get us a smoke free car WAY in advance, and she did (can't remember her name, now...sorry). She was great.<BR><BR>Yes, if you'll be at St. John most of the time, the Renaissance is the best for your stay. Having the car in St. John is a must - that's what we did.<BR><BR>Have a WONDERFUL trip!

lisa

Dear Tara,<BR>I actually own a beatiful condo right next to the Renaissance. You will be happy with the privacy of the beautiful cove overlooking the BVI and St. Johns not to far away. If you have a chance go next door to the point pleasant resort and have a wonderful romantic dinner at the Agave you will not be dissapointed. If you have anyone wanting to rent a condo on the beach Very, very reasonable( I want to share what I have been blessed with) let me know.<BR>Sincerely,<BR>Lisa