Has anyone stayed at the Golden Lemon recently? We are planning a trip for our 25th - it remains high on our list. Any feedback or suggestions for comparable resorts would be appreciated.

I haven't stayed there... I've eaten there on many occasions. The property is very nice, and the staff is very pleasant. <BR><BR>I'd only comment that it is far away from most other places on the island, such as the town, and the real nice beaches. But you may prefer to get away from it and stay at one place... if so, I'm sure you've made a great choice.

Is there another resort on the island that is situated closer to the beaches?

The Golden Lemon is lovely. In my opinion, the reason to go to St. Kitts is to stay in the historical properties. The town is nothing special and is worth 2 hours of your time. To stay at commercialized Frigate Bay would be a crime. If you are looking for a beach vacation, go elsewhere. If you are looking for the Caribbean that has been lost virtually everywhere else, stay at the Golden Lemon or Ottley's Plantation. You won't regret it.

Thanks - that is exactly what we are looking for - we have been to Jamaica twice, Mexico twice, Nassau, and the Dominican Republic twice. We are really looking to do something special - entertainment is nice, but we do not necessarily need to be entertained. The Golden Lemon website made me think it fit the bill. I appreciate the input!

I guess I'd disagree with the characterization of the entire Frigate Bay area, but I can understand someone preferring the inns (Ottleys, Rawlins and Golden Lemon). However, I have stayed at beautiful, private villas/condos in the Frigate Bay area and I loved it. But it all depends on what you want, and either choice depends solely on your preference.<BR><BR>Downtown Basseterre is nothing special, but certainly worth visiting. I also enjoy sampling many restaurants around the island, and I just think that is easier/closer from the Frigate Bay area. Also, my favorite beaches and just a beautiful stretch of road are on the Southern portion of the island, which is very close to Frigate Bay. As for commercialized Frigate Bay, I just didn't see it in any of my visits to St. Kitts. <BR><BR>I have rarely seen more than 10 people on any of the southern beaches, and until the Marriot is finished in late December, crowds are not a problem on any part of the island (except perhaps at times in downtown). Don't forget, St. Kitts has only about 1200 rooms on the entire island. I also like to golf, and that's in Frigate Bay... as is very good snorkeling. There's also a casino (although rarely more than 10 people in there).<BR><BR>That said, the plantation inns are beautiful and I have friends who have stayed at and loved Ottleys and Rawlins. Sorry, I don't know much about staying at Golden Lemon, but the property is beautiful. But I couldn't criticize anyone for wanting to stay at these properties... they're beautiful, and I love to visit them for meals... especially Rawlins for Sunday brunch.<BR><BR>It just depends what you want... if you want a more luxurious property and to get away from everyone, the inns are a great choice (you can also check out websites for Ottleys and Rawlins). The owners at Ottleys are the nicest people you'll meet.<BR><BR>But if you do decide you'd rather be in the Frigate Bay area, I'd recommend the villas at Potato Bay or Horizons Villas. <BR><BR>Sorry to ramble... hope this has been of some help.

Believe it or not, this has been helpful - it gives me some food for thought. I can see we will need to carefully evaluate what we want out of this trip. The Frigate Bay area sounds lovely - the beaches are a must. We do not golf and the casino would only be a mild attraction. I am really looking to thoroughly enjoy the island, which I hear is absolutely beautiful. Again, thanks for your thoughts - opinions are just that, opinions, but are helpful in making decisions.