I was told back in May or so from someone at Rosewood that all the rooms Caneel were getting refurbished this year. I was told were going to start in October and planned to be done in the Spring 0f 2006.

-Bill

where can I find a map of all the room areas and the beaches that surround Caneel Bay?
Also, are there any good bars to visit at night around Caneel Bay or anywhere on St. Johns? Or is that more of a St. Thomas thing?

For a resort map of caneel and it's surroundings, including the beaches go the hotel's website (www.caneelbay.com), then "travel details", and you'll see a link to a pdf file for a map.

-Bill

Are there any good bars to visit at night around Caneel Bay or anywhere on St. Johns? Or is that more of a St. Thomas thing?
I ask that because I am deciding between the two for my honeymoon. I would like to have a cool bar to go to at night but I want the nicer island of the two.

stephen ross: Caneel has a bar in its Equator restaurant and there are plenty of fun bars in St. John. The bar at Asolare is not far from Caneel and is small but upscale. Mongoose Junction is an upscale outdoor shopping complex with several very nice restaurants also with nice bars and then there's always the more raucous downtown Cruz Bay bars which are fun. St. John is more laid back than St. Thomas, but arguably more upscale if that is what you mean by nicer. Some people find St. Thomas more appealing (like my parents) who enjoy the larger variety of restaurants, the shopping and other advantages of a bigger island such as more resorts and lodging choices, more beaches, more non-watersports activities.

Thank you Tuxedocat...
I am clueless to this island and any help I get is greatly appreciated.

Is Caneel Bay close to Coral Bay and/or Cruz Bay?

Caneel Bay is only about 4-5 minutes outside of Cruz Bay. Coral Bay is about 20-25 minutes away from Caneel Bay. The island is only about 7-8 miles long but the roads are twisty and hilly so driving means 20-25 mph. It's so beautiful, you wouldn't want to rush by the scenery anyway. The main criticism of Caneel Bay's facilities is that it is very pricey for what seems to be only above average accomodations. The elegance is just understated in my opinion. No marble baths, no gold fixtures. But the grounds are amazing and it has 7 pristine beaches... so it's a matter of your priorities. The Westin is also close to Cruz Bay and has more standard luxury accomodations, but the beach is just okay. Neither resort has a hopping nightlife, but there's plenty in town to keep most people satisfied.

During my visits to Caneel, the two bars, Turtle Bay Estate House and Caneel Bay Bar (I don't recall one at the Equator, close relatively early (10 or 11PM) and are very mellow.
I do know they are currently renovating a space just off the Lobby in the breezeway area which will be more of a conventional bar area, and what is now the Caneel Bar will be a dinning area.

But as tuxedo cat says, Cruz Bay will probably meet all your nightlife needs.

As far as the rooms; if you're not interested in premium beach front (Scott) go for Hawksnest or Turtle. I personally would not want to be on Caneel Beach because it's very close to the main lobby/dining area, ferry dock and can get busy. I think the rooms are fine. Even though they chose tile instead of marble, it is done in an understated way to make you feel that you're in the islands. The linens are the best and I didn’t see any lack of attention to servicing the rooms. My point being, don’t confuse casual room décor for lesser accommodations.

Wayward Seal: top floor or bottom floor? what rooms are the nicest? I want the best room at the best location. Please help!

We dislike rooms on ground floor-- cause we like to walk around (etc) in the altogether and 1st floor rooms provide scant privacy. As long as we're able, we'll always climb steps to be up higher (where views are usually better also). We happen, by the way, not to prefer the Hawsnest or Turtle rooms at Caneel-- too "motel-like" with the over/under configuration. Much prefer the Cottage Point rooms. (I think I probably said this already somewhere on these posts.)

I would always choose top over bottom because of personal preference; Choose Turtle Bay if you like a little more of a private location over Hawksnest. Turtle Bay has half the amount of rooms of Hawksnest but the beach is a little smaller and will have some waves because it's on the North Shore.
Hawksnest however receives the morning sun and is always calm with great snorkeling.
You're almost guaranteed to see a Sea Turtle in Hawksnest Bay.
My personal favorite is Scott. No kids allowed, the snorkeling is good and the Beach is almost twice the size of Hawksnest with close to half the rooms. I also like the fact it receives afternoon sun and sunset.
At night you will have a nice view of the lights on St Thomas from Scott.
However I last stayed on Cottage point (room 59) and thought it was great. The view was nice and a modest walk anywhere if you don't feel like waiting for the shuttle.