From what I've been reading, this property sounds like a great way to see Anguilla on slightly more of a budget than the big 5-star resorts would allow. A couple of questions for those who've stayed at Frangipani:

1. Is the beach comparable to Grace Bay on Provo, T&C -- if you've been there? The pictures look very similar. Walking on the beach at Grace Bay was wonderful and I'd love to find something equally beautiful and undeveloped (relatively).

2. Is the hotel comparable to the Sands at Grace Bay - again, for anyone that might have stayed at or seen both?

3. Is renting a car pretty much mandatory? We didn't rent one on Provo and didn't miss it. The taxis there were a good option for dinners at other hotels/restaurants and we're not super big into site-seeing. More into relaxing on the beach.

4. Would it be worth the extra $500 or so to have a suite rather than a guest room?

5. Would it be a good idea to do the meal plan or is checking out the other restaurants on the island a must?

Thanks for any opinions/advice!

We just returned from our 4th stay at Frangipani (8th in Anguilla) -- the beach is glorious. Perfect for walking, swimming, or just staring. There aren't really restaurants within walking distance (a couple down the beach but it's a fairly long haul) but Frangi is on the west end & close to Altamer, Mango's, Sapphire, Smokey's, Oliver's, Trattoria, Cap Juluca, Blanchard's & a couple more I'm probably forgetting. Getting cabs is easy but can be pricey if you want to venture to other great restaurants on the island (there are nearly 80). When we left the island last weekend, Frangipani wasn't open for dinner yet & didn't have a firm date for doing so. The difference between the suites & the rooms is night & day but ask if the Junior Suite is available (there's only one) -- it's gorgeous (not on the web site) & just $5/night more than the rooms (has a full kitchen and good size balcony). We really love it & the restaurants of Anguilla cannot be beat (Tasty's, Flavours, Irad's, E's Oven and Zara's are very reasonable with world class chefs in the kitchens).

Frangipani is on Meads bay, a very beautiful beach but it is much shorter in length than Grace Bay on Provo. Don't let that stop you as Anguilla has numerous other fantastic beaches to explore. The hotel itself is nice with clean comfortable rooms, attractive grounds and a friendly staff but it is not a 5-star resort. Deciding whether getting a suite vs. a guest room is worth an extra $500 is purely personal and depends on what you want and what your budget is (you may want to skip the suite and spend your money on a rental car - see below). Whenever I stay at a hotel or resort that offers suites I stay in one so to me the answer is a no brainer.

As I mentioned Anguilla has numerous beaches and it would be ashame to spend your entire stay on just one beach. You'd be wise to budget for a rental car (about $35US per day - close to the cost of 2 r/t taxi fares per day). Having a car at your disposal will give you the flexibility to come and go when and where you want. Think about it, you can visit a different beach every morning and afternoon, have lunch and dinner at different restaurants around the island, go shopping, explore the island, all for a fraction of the cost of a taxi. You'll see more of what Anguilla has to offer. By the way Anguilla has some of the finest restaurants in the Caribbean so skip the meal plan and dine around the island to experience local flavor.

Always stay at Frangipani when we go to Anguilla. Yes getting a suite is worth it. The rooms are actually the second bedroom of a two or three bedroom suite with separate entrance. On the first floor they do not have a view but a wall around the patio for privacy. On the second floor room 5C does have a balcony and view. You get a partial view from 6B and a view inland from 6C. If i was going to get a room I would try for 5C The junior efficiency suite Mary refered to is 7A. Have been to Provo as many times as Anguilla and am familiar with Sands. Frangipani is more like Grace Bay Club--in fact they were designed by the same architect. Frangipani only has 8 suites so is much smaller than Sands. Grace Bay beach is the best we've seen in the caaribbean but Anguillas beachs rate a close second. Meads Bay beach is about a mile long and very deserted. There are about 32 beaches on Anguilla to explore. Shoal Bay beach east is more like Grace Bay as far as water colors go. Water at Meads Bay doesn't have the variety of shades of blue. Yes definitely rent a car. Carib Rent A Car is on site at Frangipani. Great restaurants in all price ranges on Anguilla as well as Provo. Toss up on which island has the best restaurants. Don't do a meal plan. A lot of the fun of Anguilla is exploring and trying different restaurants. I have a detailed review on Frangipani on www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com Click on Anguilla and Reviews. When do you plan to go. In off season the best deal at Frangipani is the Sun, Sea and Sand package.

Thanks for all of the helpful advice!
Howard C: We'll wait until the rates drop mid-April. With the hotel being so small, do you have any idea how early you need to book? Do I need to be doing that now?

I wouldn't wait much past mid Dec to book. We will be there Tues and back 3 Dec so will check to see when the rates change. Their cancellation policy is you have to cancel 30 days in advance for a full refund. The Sun Sea and Sand package was about $1600 plus taxes for seven nights and includes a continental breakfast. Will post a trip report upon our return