I just booked a beachfront suite at Ku from June 27-July 1. Now I have to decide on where to spend the last three nights- deciding between CJ, Malli, or CuisinArt. I know some people are against switching hotels but I want to compare KU with the high end hotels on Anguilla.

This is our first trip to the Carribbean so I can't wait!

I wouldn't do any of the three you mentioned although all are nice. Try something different and look into Cove Castles.

Hi Jvrab12! We are going to be at Ku the same days you are, I think! June 27-July 3, actually. We are really excited! DH and I are going to Aruba in April, so Anguilla will be our 2nd trip to the Caribbean

Did you book over the phone or via the website?

I put the request in via the website and then they replied back with avaiablity then I called them b/c you have to give three nights deposit.

also, i forgot to mention that the Ku reservation agent was VERY friendly and sweet. that's a good sign.

Beachgirl-look foward to seeing you there!!

Also, you might to book soon b/c i think the beachfront suites are almost booked.

Cool! Make sure you post a trip report on KU when you return! I was thinking of staying there before I picked T&C. Still think I might go there one of these times.

Thanks jvrab12! They replied to my e-mail with availability for the beachfront suites which is great. But I think there are only a few of those, so I guess I should call them and book it! Do you know what the difference is between the beachfront rooms and the pool/ocean view ones?

Check out www.anguillaforum.com -- I have found great information about the island on that site.

Cove Castle or Cap (for me, Cuisi has too much of a "hotel" feel but many people rave about it). The only reason I would drop Malli from your list is that you should get a different view when you move. The beach is spectacular at Ku -- the view is endless water (don't get me wrong, it's gorgeous). At the others, you will be looking at St. Martin which changes colors all day long & has amazing twinkling lights at night. The contrast is worth it (BTW, we always stay at 2-3 different places -- it's like separate vacations & the moves are easy since we don't re-pack anything that's hanging -- just toss them on the back seat & we're good to go).

MaryD, I'm curious, have you actually stayed at Cuisinart?

Nope -- eaten there & toured it plus drinks at the beach bar & other bar. I think the grounds are gorgeous and the rooms are huge but it has a "big" feel to me & always seems to have more people around than Cap. I think with Cap, it's so spread out that I get a different feel about it. Like I said, different strokes for different folks: Frangipani with its 8 units was perfect for us -- loved hanging out at Sonesta but would never have stayed there.

I've stayed at Cuisi and Cap. I thought Cap was out of this world and Cuisi was just like any other beautiful American Hotel. The beach was calmer and more selcluded at Cap. If you are with kids, I'd choose Cuisi for sure, adults, then Cap. If a pool matters to you Cuisi, if not Cap. Hope this helps.

Would like to get more feedback on Fragipani. It looks great on the website. We like a smaller, more boutique-style resort - preferably with a kitchen unit. Any grand ideas?

They're currently renovating it & it won't be small much longer. The new owner will be tearing down the restaurant, the pool & the tennis courts to cram 14 high-end villas with private pools onto the site. Lots of construction for some time to come.

It was a very charming & special place -- we will miss the intimacy.

Beachgirl--Internally there is no difference between Beachfront and pool and Garden view suites. There are only four beachfront units two down and two up. Can't get any closer to the beach than that. Step right onto the sand. The other suites are a little further back on the property.

Ali25--Before it was sold last fall Frangipani would have qualified as a small boutique resort. There is construction/renovation going on. They are building about 6 villas and more buildings with suites, Tearing out the old pool to build an infinity pool closer to the beach. They are taking guests but I doubt the construction will be finished till 2007. Carimar on Meads Bay has kitchens but would classify it more Caribbean than boutique.Ku and Shoal Bay villas in Shoal Bay Beach east have kitchens. If you would consider a villa check out www.18degreesnorth.com. It is in Sandy Hill and very nice--No A/c but good breezes, lovely infinity pool and view of St Martin. For more Frangipaniinfo go to the Anguilla web site listed above and check out accomodations

Howard: Thanks for the info. about the beachfront vs. ocean view suites. Being on the sand would be great! What are the views like from the ocean/pool view suites? Are they unobstructed ocean views (the way I assume the beachfront ones are), just set farther back on the property? We love sitting on the balcony with an ocean view! Thanks for your info...you are an invaluable source for Anguilla on this board!

Spent a lot of time at the new 75 foot bar at Ku -- loved it but it & the restaurant are tented which blocks the water view from the 1st floor pool view rooms I'm certain.

I thought the 75 foot bar was very odd and out of place looking.

I totally agree about how it looks (facing AWAY from the water!!) & it is awfully large but we hung out there anyway. The staff, food & drinks (Mango Mania!) made up for the design flaws. Don't you agree that it has to be blocking the view from those 1st floor rooms?

Are there any rooms at Ku that have two bedrooms, as well as a living room and kitchen? Would they be beachfront or pool/oceanview? Thanks so much!

There used to be one stand alone unit that had two bedrooms but think they made that into the restaurant. The beachfront are all one bedroom. They may hava made some ocean/pool/garden units into two bedroom. Call 1-800-8669-5827 amd ask. Read somewhere where they did modify the bar some so you can now sit and see the beach/water