Bolongo Bay Resort
 

Has anyone stayed here recently? Am thinking of it for 2 nites to finish off trip to St John in June. It looks like our kind of place--not fancy, but fun and casual with some atmosphere and fairly nice-looking beach. But the reviews are SO mixed for it, it's kind of scary to think about. Has it just seen better days and maybe is a little too run down and funky? Would their condos be better? Would it be too dead there in June?
Any info helpful
Thanks,
Joan

I, too, have some concerns, but we are headed there on Thursday for 5 days, then on to another spot for another 5. I'll let you know when we return!! We are excited to be at Iggie's for Super Bowl Sunday, however. And I understand that the food at The Beach House is awesome - 2 GREAT chefs there, I hear.

My husband and I had one beach day in St. John last April, and we chose Bolongo Bay--we were truly looking for a beautiful beach to enjoy with good drinks and possibly lunch. We were terribly disappointed by the beach--truly worst beach (competes with Xanadu in Bahamas)and I've been to the best on 9 different islands. Don't know about the rooms, of course. Outdoor restaurant didn't seem pleasant and we didn't eat there. One good thing--the bartender was great, the drinks fine (not extraordinarily good, but the atmosphere was boring. Try to find something better before you book here.

Hi There,

Bolongo is a decent place to stay...and it is not IMO "too run down". We hit Bolongo every year when we are on island because we love Iggie's. This past August when we were there, the place still looked OK and the other folks we spoke to who were staying there really were enjoying themselves.

Bolongo is the last of the family owned resorts on the island. Personally I think the beach is pretty nice, friendly staff and a couple of good places to eat.

Condos are next door at the Watergate and not on the beach. I would stay at Bolongo on the beach before I would stay in the condos.

As for June, not too dead.....and still not too crowded. It's a great time to be on the island with places still open and no crowds.

Schultz

As promised, I am giving my report after a glorious week "on island". We were very happy at Bolongo. As reported, the rooms are not "The Ritz" but very comfortable. It's obviously an older resort & bathrooms need work, but our, at least, was kept clean. We have stayed in rooms over the world that cost as much as $700/night and wondered WHY...we spend such little time there! The staff is MORE than friendly and fun, the beach is decent, the water sports were abundant, Heavenly Days catamaran just awesome, Iggie's downright relaxed with great bar food, the Beach House with beautiful food...great ambience. The condos are right there, but not on the beach. Pool by the restaurant is small, but nice with the swim-up bar! Best thing about this resort are the loose, relaxing days and the "20 to 30 somethings" who work there.
I do recommend Secret Harbor, however, if you need a more quiet & romantic environment. The beach is beautiful, the resort small, the reef for snorkeling the best on the island. Condos are awesome!
Dead in June? Yep! And that's the best time to do it, right?
About the critters you may have been reading about. Take spray, but you may only need it at night. We weren't bitten even once.

Thank you for your replies.. Especially such fresh, up-to-date info from Ali25. Sounds like it's worth a try. Especially since we're traveling with a 16 year old, and maybe our 22 year old.
Joan

Ali25...I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Bolongo Bay. We are going in April and I check every few days for any posts that will help us. I was under the impression that the condos were very close to the beach. How far away are they?
We have two teenage girls. Do you think they will enjoy the resort? We have been to St. Thomas before and stayed at Sapphire Beach. I hope we made the right choice! I wish I could email you with more questions. Thanks!!!

Dijon
If you have already rented a condo, it's OK. They are on the hill to the left of Iggie's on a point...no real beach to speak of, but a VERY short walk down some steps from the pool to the Bolongo beach. The bigger pool is at the condos. These units will be nicer than the regular hotel rooms, which are in need of repair, yet clean. Sapphire is, of course, newer and nicer, but the teenagers will have fun at Bolongo. The staff is just awesome, especially the watersports guys - but watch those girls - they're also adorable!! We found it just a simple & fun place. We have been all around the world & have stayed in some pretty fancy places...this is not one of them; however, it is one of the friendliest by far.
Make sure you go out on the Heavenly Days with Captain Peter, Lindsay, & the guys. It was so much fun!
Again, great food. Awesome chefs & waitstaff at both restaurants. Any other questions, you'll find me here!