Just back from 4 days in St. Croix. The short version is that we LOVED the Buccaneer. It was a beautiful hotel in a stunning setting run by friendly people. We had no occassion to use the kids camp, so we cannot comment on that. But the property, the rooms, the restaurants and beaches all surpassed our expectations. It's true that the beaches themselves are not worthy of a magazine cover, but the rest of it makes up for it in our minds. A plus for The Buccaneer.

We also spent two nights at the Carambola. Unfortunately. The setting for this hotel is gorgeous, but the staff was disinterested and borderline rude, the room was dirty and worn down, the restaurant was incredibly overpriced for what you received and the property overall appears to need several repairs and upgrades. We're told they will be renovating, and it could be great if they actually do, and then hire staff that seems to care about doing their job.

We didn't have much time on the rest of the island, but did spend a day in Christiansted. The town was very quaint and fun. We ate at Rumrunners on the boardwalk for lunch and both really enjoyed it. The view was amazing and the food was perfect. The restaurant was mobbed the day we were there, but the staff handled it like pros. We'd highly recommend this restaurant.

For our short stay in St. Croix, we enjoyed ourselves overall. I suspect we'll be going back soon...perhaps to have the weddign there.

Any questions let me know, I'm happy to try to answer them.

sls15- Glad to hear the good reports on the Buccaneer. I have been reading increasingly negative reviews on the Carambola which is so sad as we had a great honeymoon there 10 yrs. ago. The beach was never spectacular but the relaxation and screened porch rooms were perfect for a couple. I think that resort has changed hands so many times that no one is watching the shop at this point. Were all of the restaurants open at the Buccaneer and in which area did you stay? Thanks. Threehearts

threehearts--all of the restaurants were open, the Grotto grill, the Mermaid and the Terrace. We stayed in the great house, close to the lobby. The hill is a bit of a walk to get to and from the beach, but we considered it our exercise for the day.

And I suspect you're right about the Carambola--too many owners. I hope the current one can get things turned around. It'd be a shame to let such a beautiful property deteriorate any further.

Thanks again for your pre-trip comments!

sls15--we go to the Buccaneer in a couple of weeks so I'm glad you liked it! Any other restaurants besides Rumrunners you would recommend--I realize you were only there a couple of days. I would be happy for any other Buccaneer tips you have to pass along.

Glad you had fun,

Mary

Marymarra,

You'll love the Buccaneer! My only tip is to definitley eat at the Terrace restaurant for dinner one night around sunset. The view is great, and they have live music every night I believe. We didn't have much time to expore other restaurants, but we did have a beer or two at the Fort Christian Brew Pub on the boardwalk in Christiansted. Their stout was delicious, and the food that passed us looked good too.

You'll have a great trip, I'm jealous I can't be there then too!

We stayed at the Carambola last year (our 2nd time there). At that time, they were refurbishing some of the rooms. Ours needed some work, but it certainly wasn't horrible. The grounds are lovely and we found the staff to be friendly and the food was good. I understand from recent posts that the only food available (except at the bar) is a buffet - does anyone know anything about this? Their menu last year was small, but adequate. We, too, enjoyed going off-site to eat - we loved the Ft. Christian Brew Pub - good cajun food!
We also enjoyed the Carambola Golf Resort - but they're only open for breakfast and lunch. Great food at reasonable prices. We love St. Croix and look forward to returning next year.

Thanks for the tip about the brew pub--my husband will love that!

Thanks again,

Mary