Hey all,<BR>Haven't seen a posting for this hotel since late October. We will be staying in the Reef in January. Anyone been there lately? Any news good or bad? Thanks!

We we're just there over Thanksgiving. I gave a full trip report. Did you do a search for it? It actually comes up more often than alot of other places.<BR><BR>Rooms, ok. We did a waterview, I think the room was 1452. Room not bad but view was blocked by palm trees. If your not doing Morningstar then I would recommend a room in the main building but on the side closest to Charlotte Amalie. This side seems to offer unobstructed views. I'd heard that if you stayed in one of the wings you would need to put up with mold and other room quality issues but the main building was better.<BR><BR>Don't eat at the restaurants there unless you have to. Service is horrible and they are a little pricey for what you get. <BR><BR>We didn't care for their beach because the surf was really rough but I've heard its not always like that. <BR><BR>Pools and grounds were lovely and appeared to be well maintained.<BR><BR>That should help you out for starters!

Actually Deborah, I did see your report and it was very helpful. Thanks again! Any other feedback out there?

We love FR, but we stay at the Morningstar (which I understand was recently rennovated with new furnishings).<BR><BR>It's a great property. The poster 'Deborah' noted that the service at the restaurants is slow; I would have to say this is very typical with any service 'on Island time' in the Carib. We're in the NYC area &amp; used to fast service, but we've also learned to put up with the pace of most of the Islands. Also, if you realize the Carib prices are not those of a NYC diner, you won't have a negative experience. In my experience, Grand Cayman was definitely a little more pricier.<BR><BR>I DO recommend trying other restaurants in St. Thomas, but for breakfast / lunch, the FR's restaurants are fine, and there's a mini-mart not too far from the Lobby that has sandwiches and sundries for snacking.<BR><BR>If you plan on shopping, DON'T go to the typically advertised places; head straight for a street called 'Raadets Gade' and there's shops who have nice jewelry and are willing to bargain with you, besides being duty free. This is my fav place to shop for jewels and gold.<BR><BR>Have a GREAT time - I know you will!

<BR>Dave,<BR><BR>We stayed (hubby also) at the Morningstar this past Nov. This was our second stay. We found everything great.<BR>The water was not rough either.Have a great trip. Wish we were going again.

I've been watching this post as I too am going to the Reef in January. Anyone else been there lately?

We just were at F.R. in Dec. and we have stayed in the main blg. and had views of C.A. The view is great. The rooms are standard. We stayed at Morningstar this time. I like the ambiance there, however we found the walls to be very thin and you could hear other people quite clearly in the other rooms. It's location is one of the best on the island. We have stayed at all of the resorts.<BR>Our preference is definitely the Ritz!<BR>We highly recommend the Pointe in French Town for dinner. The last 2 yrs. we have been frequent diners there.