Thanks in large part to much of the information I've received on this board (THANKS!!), my fiance and I have (FINALLY) narrowed our honeymoon choices down to the St. Thomas. At this point, we're trying to decide whether or not to do an all-inclusive or not. We're looking at the Wyndham Sugar Bay. The deal we've been offered is about $900 higher for the all-inclusive option than if we do lodging only. We DO plan on day-tripping over to St. John at least one day (maybe 2) and, so, would not be eating lunch or dinner at the resort on those occasions.

So my main question is . . . what are costs like food & drink wise on St. John and St. Thomas? I'm trying to decide of the extra $$ for the AI is worth it at this point.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Jen

Sorry . . . forgot to say that we'll be there for a week from 9/27/04 to 10/04/04.

I'm going to St. Thomas too this October (Oct. 9 - 16) but staying on Peter Island for a few nights and then staying at the Ritz on St. Thomas. I have heard a lot of people saying that the all-inclusive isn't really worth it if you aren't going to be staying and dining at your resort. I think it probably works about the same if you do all-inclusive or if you buy your meals when you go out. Especially if you plan on going to St. John for a few days then you wind up paying for meals you aren't even eating. Maybe look into the Ritz? I thought that their rates at that time of the year are pretty reasonable. I have only heard good things about this resort. Congratulations! Susan

Check tripadvisor.com for info. would not do AI alot good restaurants on ST Thomas, wyndham not known for food. Would also check out Ritz(chek their website for deals) have been told by many only place to stay in St thomas. friend just back she stayed there loved it,spoke with many peole from diff. hotels & glad she did.if you have never stayed at at Ritz you will love it.i always stay if there is one where i am going have yet to be disappointed.

Before we went to St. Thomas about a month ago, we also wondered if we should stay at the Wyndham. We decided not to go the AI route and stayed at the Marriott. We went to check out the Wyndham and it looked ok but we were happy with the choice we made. We did, however, hear some people at the airport talking about how much they enjoyed the Wyndham and that they thought the food was great.

I would suggest the Morningstar. There are lots of great (although I thought some were a bit expensive) restaurants on St. Thomas and it would be a shame to miss out. We also visited the Ritz and it was beautiful but I felt like I would need to be wearing a suit and tie to stay there. You should also consider the Westin on St. John. Happy traveling and best wishes on your wedding!

An AI is a definite waste of $ on St. Thomas. Too many excellent dining choices of all price points.

My recommendation for lodging would be Secret Harbor, Ritz, Frenchmens Reef in that order.

Thank you all so much for your insight. My fiance and I have decided NOT to go the AI route after all.

Thanks again!
Jennie

I just wanted to add that I was thinking about the Morningstar as well but for some reason it is closed from August through October, not sure why, but the Frenchman's Reef is open. That's why I decided on the Ritz (club level) over the Morningstar. Hope this helps - Susan