HI, <BR>I am struggling to make a decision about our March vacation to the USVI. We had wanted to go to Caneel Bay in St. John but could not get in. We are looking for both the ability to relax (I will be four plus months pregnant when we go) and the option for lots of activities (for an easily bored and water-sport enthusiast husband). For example, he may want to try a intro scuba course while I have a massage or hit the fitness center one day. We would also like to spend a day or least an afternoon in Charlotte Amalie shopping and exploring. But we don't want to spend the whole vacation in town. <BR> <BR>I would love to hear what people had to say about these thoughts. <BR>1. Westin St. John. Our travel agent recommends it as a second choice on St. John (after Caneel Bay which we can't get; also can't get into Gallows Pointe). My concern is the posts I have read about the polluted beach and so-so service. We are not necessarily difficult to please but we want to feel like it is a vacation, pleasant in every way, with a certain level of luxury. I realize on St. John the thing to do is explore the many beaches on the island but I also don't want to feel like I can't go in the water at my own hotel. <BR>2. Ritz-Carlton St.Thomas <BR>I love the photos on their beautiful web site; I know the rooms would be fabulous and that is good for a pregnant lady. Also, they have a small private beach, a catamaran for day trips snorkeling, etc., and I think the food would be good. Also, being on St. Thomas, we could try all sorts of restaurants in the evenings. BUT they will be undergoing construction -- building a new spa - and this will shut down the tennis courts (not that we play) and make some noise. How much I don't know, and we could request to be farthest from it but you never know. <BR>3. Morning star resorts at Marriott Frenchman's Reef. <BR>I wouldn't want to be in the high-rise part but the beach part sounds nice. Lots of watersports, activities; they have water aerobics and a fitness center with a spa. And I like the idea of the free water taxi to town (but how much are we going to be going to town?). But I have read some mixed reviews and I worry about the hugeness of it all. <BR> <BR>Whew! What a long post. I would appreciate any advice any one could give us. Thanks so much. <BR>kara <BR>

Me again. On second thought, I think we are limiting ourselves to St. Thomas, so the second two are the ones I am interested in obtaining info on. <BR>Thanks again! Kara

Your agent is recommending the Westin as the second choice as it is the ONLY other choice!! I would definately head to the Ritz! ... but have to admit that construction thing might be a "kicker." But, if I remember correctly, the tennis courts, if that's where they are working, would not interfer with the rooms or the view as they are on the other side of the Grande Palazzo. Check scubamom.com for her review of the Ritz! Spend the morning shopping - it can be very hot walking around CA in the afternoon and drink lots of water!!

I thought the Westin and Caneel bay were the same thing? I have stayed at the Morningstar and liked it a lot. Frenchman's reef is bigger, but has a nice pool area. On the other hand, St. John makes St. Thomas look very shabby. It is one of the most beautiful places Ihave been.

We are planning a July honeymoon and are also trying to decide between the Mariott Morning Star and the Ritz. Does anyone have any direct comparisons between the beaches at each hotel? I think the one at the Ritz looked much smaller than the Mariott. Does it get very crowded?

We ar ealready booked at the Ritz in June. If you remember to email me around June 13, I will give you a response on how it went. Even though you don't book exactly there, maybe I can give you a couple do's and don'ts I wish I'd have had beforehand. And if you have any good scoop to share now, I'd love that, too.

I would do the following: <BR> <BR>1. Make a back up plan at another hotel. Ritz sounds good. <BR> <BR>2. Call Caneel Bay about a week before your visit and see if they had any last minute cancellations. <BR> <BR>We've used this tactic on several vacations when our first choice was unavailable and it has worked all but once.

The Westin and Caneel Bay, a Rosewood property, are not the same!! The Ritz beach is seldom crowded (but I suspect that it is smaller) and it is more "secluded" and cove like than that at MorningStar and MorningStar is more likely to be affected by wind, weather and it can get cloudy. And the Ritz has the wonderful Horizon pool that makes you think you can swim right across Pillsbury Sound to St. John! But MorningStar does have nice views with the cruise ships coming and going! I much prefer the East End but that is purely a personal preference because of the multitude of restaurants, the low impact on cruise ship days and its proximity to the hourly ferry to St. John! Be sure to take the day sail on the Ritz's Lady Lyndsey to Jost - it's a great trip (so take your passports!)!

I stayed at the Ritz in February and the construction was a non-factor. They are building villas on a property next to the Hotel. You cant see it from anywhere accept the tennis courts. They said the spa construction wont start until near the end of 2001. The spa will be built on one of the tennis courts which are well away from the guest rooms and beach. The beach is small and secluded. The beach at the Marriott is larger but is normally very crowded. The beach and pool service at the Ritz great. I dont know about the Marriott. I was just there for a few hours.