We don't have transfers from St.Thomas airport to the Ritz Carlton and have heard stories about taxi drivers ripping people off. What should it cost for 2 adults? How much should it be from the hotel to downtown bars and restaurants?

I going to the Ritz too - but not until October. I am not sure about the cab fares. Be sure to write a trip report when you get back! Good luck, Susan

Hey folks,
Taxi fares are fixed and regulated. Make sure you are going with a liscensed taxi.
You will pay fare, plus $1-$2 baggage handling per bag (courtesty)

Fares and info is listed here:
http://www.st-thomas.com/week/taxi.html

The taxi fares are listed at the airport according to destination.When I was there November '02, the Ritz offered pre-arranged shuttle service.

As I recall, taxi to downtown locations, as well as Maegen's Bay were pricey, $15+ before tip, for one. It may be discounted for a couple or more.

One activity that I still regret not doing, was the Steak and Champagne hiking trip to St. John on their cattermeran, The Lady Lindsey. Also, the Ritz had a scheduledperson giving shopping tips in St. Thomas in addition to some goodies. The Ritz is a lovely self contained resort, and you may want to spend most of your time there.

Have a wonderful trip.

To Dianebridle, do you remember if they offered an alternative to the steak? I myself do not eat redmeat, while my husband does. It sounds like a nice trip to try though. Do you remember what other trips they offered on the Lady Lynsey? I already did the Baths last year, but was wondering if they offered any day drips to say Jost Van Dyke or something. Thanks! Susan

Actually the prices will be posted but you get no discount for numbers. That is when we were there last Aug. the 1 way fare to town for 1 person was $12.00. For 2 it was $8.00 pp. For 3 it was $8.00 pp, and the same for 4 and 5 persons, a flat $8.00 per. I do understand there is some sort of bus that is much cheaper.

To Susan,

I did not do the Lady Lindsey trip, but wish I had. They do have other trips on The Lady Lindsey, and if you call or e-mail the Ritz, I feel sure they can give you more info. If you call, it might be best to talk to the person in charge of the boat. If I recall, the people at the front desk just has a book which has rather general information about all activities, but by talking directly to the person who ran the individual activity, they were much more precise.

Another free, but nice activity is their manager's cocktail party. All employees in charge of activities were present and available for questions. That is where I learned of the St. John trip, but as I was scheduled to leave the next day, it was too late.

Hope this helps.

Diane

Claudette-

When we stayed at the Ritz, we rented a car and drove out there ourselves..
It IS a long ride and that is the reason we got a car, as we wanted to both explore the island, go to other places for dinner and go into town to shop at our will..

Go and look at Hertz and get yourself a small AIR CONDITIONED car..You do have to drive on the LEFT side of the road, but it is easy to adjust to..

We have rented a car in St Thomas EVERYTIME we have gone there...

To Susan- Some other thoughts about the Ritz

You may wish to request a room close to the pool/beach area. There is a collection of buildings situated in an L shape. My room was in either the second or third building from the beach and it was a hilly, somewhat long walk to meals and activities. Those buildings have 3 floors. Rooms on the first floor have steps down to them; the second floor rooms were either ground level or half a flight up; the third one flight up. My room was third floor ocean view. It was a beautiful view.

Diane

Thanks for the taxi info. I will check on the shuttle too.

We will be on our honeymoon and booked a Club level room at the Ritz. Diane: Do you know if these rooms are far from the pool/beach? For the $ we are paying, they should bring the beach to us!!

That's funny because we are staying in the club level too! Thanks again for all of the helpful info.

I too am going to the Ritz in St. Thomas at the end of June for my honeymoon and will be staying in the club level. From what i have read these are located in the Gardenia Villa which are on the new part of the beach with the time shares, close to the main entrance. The rooms are new as well, which many have said makes a huge difference.

My question is whether anyone has tried to contact the Ritz. I emailed them once, at it took them >2 weeks to get back to me. Also, I called the club concierge to inquire about some questions(her name is Lisa James) and she did not seem very friendly and basically read out of a book. Has any one else had any of these experiences dealing with the staff? i picked this place because of the much heralded Ritz service? Maybe that is why this place is 4 diamonds instead of 5??

Does anyone know if the Ritz requires men to wear jackets while dining for dinner? My husband and I will be going in October (during low season) and we may eat in one of their restaurants for dinner and I was just curious. I thought that "being its a Ritz" they may require it. Some places are not as strict during low season. Thanks! Susan

I am also curious about contacting the Ritz. They don't seem to respond to emails..

No jackets needed for men to dine at the Ritz. Collared shirts, long pants (no jeans) and closed toe shoes (no sneakers) for the men. Sundresses, blouse and skirt or slackes and appropriate shoes for the women. Resort casual is the appropriate attire - leave the shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops for the beach bars.

Thanks Sonnyboy for the response. Now i don't have to try to pack a jacket for my husband! Anyone else have any luck with contacting the resort directly? I'm actually going through my travel agent - but I would like to know in case I need to contact them directly as well.

Does anyone know of a "direct" email address to contact the Ritz in St. Thomas instead of a "general" email address?

When you arrive at the airport, you'll see a free yellow guide called St Thomas This Week. This has the official taxi fares listed in it. The fares are regulated by law and the driver is supposed to go by the list. There is a fare for the destination plus an additional charge for baggage. You can also ask the dispatcher (look for him outside of baggage claim by the taxis) the proper fare for your destination. St Thomas uses taxi vans, and it is customary to load them with people headed in the same direction.