Brennan

We are going on our honeymoon to St. Thomas next month, and are researching hotels mostly because it is right on the beach. Our choice has narrowed down to the Emerald Beach Best Western -- unless someone has a better idea. We looked at the Wyndham, but 99 steps up and down to the beach is a turnoff. Therooms of the Marriott Frenchman's Reef also seem too far away from the beach. I noted that it is rated 3 star whereas the others are called 4 star, but I can't understand that. Anybody have a better choice than the Emerald Beach? We're open to suggestions. Thanks.

Jimmie

I think people see it as a good choice for those on a budget. The beach is nice, but the hotel is very close to the airport. How about Secret Harbour?

Brennan

Thanks Jimmie. We checked out Secret Harbor and found that wanting also. For a honeymoon we don't want to go budget level, except that we can't spring for the Ritz Carlton. Besides, that one doesn't show its pool, which makes us suspect it's little. So it looks like we're back to choosing between of the better hotels, the Marriott and the Wyndham. Know which one you'd choose? or do you have a better suggestion? Thanks again Jimmie.

Jimmie

You're right that Secret Harbour does not have a great pool.

I think the best pool is at the Westin on St. John.

Are you tempted to hop over to St. John (quick ferry) or St. Croix (quick hop by plane)?

prizren

We stayed at the Elysian Beach Resort last month and loved it. Both the pool and the beach were lovely. We rented directly from the owners at www. eastofeden.com. It was completely renovated last year and has the highest quality finishes we havd ever seen in a rental. We thought the price was very reasonable. Gorgeous place and in the closest row to the pool and beach.

hiker123

I stayed at the Wyndham 3 years ago. I never ever noticed the steps down to the beach. They also have frequent golf carts coming by to take you down to the beach. I loved the Wyndham and wouldn't let the steps keep you from there if you like everything else about it.

virginia

i've been at ritz, sugar bay & marriott, stayed at secret harbour. the ritz pool is actually pretty big, has infinity edge and gorgeous view. here's a fair photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mempey/3642155377/ it is way pricey - you could go by for a drink/app one afternoon and take a dip.
sugar bay def has best pool w/most fun atmosphere. the beach is pretty good with snorkeling off to right side. they have jet skies, parasailing, games, a few casino machines, fun food down by pool/beach area - and the golf carts to go back up. marriott is a bit more formal, has ferry from hotel into charlotte amalie & imo the best restaurant on island - havana blue. ppl used to prefer the morning star section as it's a bit more tropical in appearance and much closer to the beach, but in past few years all mention that rooms look a bit worn.
i personally prefer secret harbour. 1 bedroom condos in a beachfront building are oh so nice with good sized living/dining area & full kitchen plus the br/bath area & private patio or deck. kitchen is great even if you never cook for coffee in the morning on your deck or patio, snacks and cocktails on your deck in the evening. i can attest that those decks are some romantic. then there's the beach. it's lovely with just enough shade when you want & long enough so you won't feel crowded. sandy entrance into calm water & great snorkeling. plenty of loungers. also has fun but low key beach bar/food area and the very nice blue moon cafe which is also right next to the beach - good food. the pool is fine but not exciting. plenty large for short laps, surrounded by bougainvilla. the beach is too nice to want to hang out at it though. (whereas at sugar bay it's a tie. i never saw the pool at marriott.)
you will probably want to rent a car for at least part of your time from any of these resorts.
sugar bay & secret harbour are on east end near red hook. from red hook the ferry is 20 mins to st. john which would make a nice day trip.
it may be too late to get a reservation but this is an outstanding excursion: http://newhorizonscharters.com/

this map is useful to figure things out:
marriott is where it says morning star beach, secret harbour at sh beach and sugar bay just north of lindquist beach. http://www.frommers.com/images/desti..._st.thomas.jpg

KVR

We stayed at the Wyndham back in 2006. Our main dislike was the 99 steps to the beach, pool, buffet and bar. It was also a big property. The nicer rooms with ocean views you will need to utilized the golf cart shuttle to get around. We definatly wanted an AI property and back then the Marriott wasn't offering an AI plan. Looking back I really liked the the look of Emerald Beach, but it wasn't AI, so we crossed it off the list. It's also closer to town than the Wyndham. The Wyndham did have a very good pool area. The beach is small and not very wide, but nice and deep. Good snorleking as there are many rocks. I agree I wouldn't not choose the Wyndahm just because of the steps, but I definatly would not stay there again.

AMV

Hi. We just spent the last night of a vacation at the Emerald Beach because we could walk from our room to the airport. I think it is adequate,but not especially noteworthy for a honeymoon. Lots of families and some groups. Restaurant very expensive and not particularly impressive. Beach is nice. Pool is tiny. I would continue doing research. I would also not let the issue of stairs prevent you from selecting a quality hotel; you only honeymoon once.

Dianebridles

Marriott Morningstar is directly on the beach, The rooms are in approximately seven 3 story villa style buildings surrounded by lush gardens. It has an ocean side pool, two seaside restaurants,fine dining Havanna Blue which is outstanding and casual Coco Joes.

In addition, guests may use the facilities of adjoining Frenchman's Reef which include seaside tennis courts, pool with swim-up bar several restaurants, which include outside Sunset Grill,dinning on top the cliff with to die for scenic vists, Windows, and several others. Also available is water taxi service to and from the main shopping area in Charlotte Amalie, in addition to a multi-story waterfall for great picture-ops.

This past January, Marriott upgraded it to their category seven rating. A current special is available for Morningstar, (definitely my favorite).Again, in my opinion, this hotel is at least a category four. By booking before May 30, room rate for gardenview with balcony is $290/night.

I was there in April, and have booked again for November.I have stayed there and at the Ritz, and prefer Morningstar for close proximity to shopping and other activities.

In my opinion, St. John is the lovlier of the two islands, but is pricier. A daytrip there may provide an alternative.