Which is the best hotel in St. Thomas, if the most important things are: beach, pool, spacious rooms?<BR><BR>Thank you!

definitely the Ritz. Look at Caneel Bay on St. John but unfortunately just doesn't have a great pool.

My personal favorite is the Morningstar Resort.

Marriott Frenchmans Reef!

Agree with other posters about Morningstar and the Reef...although the Ritz is plusher, the Ritz overall as Marriott resort, beach, etc. is not as nice and is overly formal and stuffy (my opinion, which is what you asked for - some will disagree!)...Morningstar is great for a real beach vacation...low key, nice, upscale...beautiful beach, good location, safe and quiet...

Ritz is beautiful. Morningstar and Frenchman's reef are nice except too close to town for me. However, if you prefer to be near all the shopping it may be just the place for you. I know you inquired about St. Thomas but Caneel Bay on St. John is amazing! Was just there in May. Rooms are not fancy but the property is gorgeous - seven beautiful beaches.

While it's true the Reef and Morningstar are closer to town than the Ritz, don't get the impression that you will be right downtown. The resort is on a point/cliff overlooking the harbor and downtown. Our room looked out over the ocean so the only way we knew we were even close to town was when we walked over to the other side to take in the beautiful view of Charlotte Amalie at night. The Ritz is very nice, but there is a lot of construction going on there right now (or there was during the first week in July).

We stayed at the Marriott Frenchmans Reef in June and loved it. We did'nt feel close to town even though it is a short ride away. The resort is gorgeous with beautiful views, great beach and pool, and lovely rooms if you stay away from the wing sections of the main hotel. Food is OK but there is so much else about it we loved we really didn't mind. They have a great deli for breakfast and lunch. We can't wait to go back. There are some good deals on expedia. I hear the Ritz is the most swishy but that isn't what we needed. I don't think you would regret the Marriott.

any more input? would be much appreciated!!

Hi Jennifer,<BR>I have actually stayed at all 3 resorts and the Ritz is the best of all. While the beach is not huge, it's fine and it doesn't get as crowded as some of the other beaches that get hit with the cruise passengers looking to spend a day on a beach. If you wallet supports it - go for the Ritz.

Frist choice would be the Ritz especially now that they've added an additional beach. It is the premier Marriott property on the island no question. MorningStar would be second choice as it too is beachfront lowrise but not as upscale as the Ritz and you do share amenities with the Reef. The Reef you walk or shuttle to the MorningStar beach and it's fairly typical of the chain hotels. East End and the Ritz gives you the advantage of being close to the Red Hook ferry and all the good dining options out that way. Be sure to ask about the B&B option at the Ritz.

XXX,<BR>If you think that the Ritz is a Marriot property, you are mistaken. Marriot is part of Marriott International, Inc, and the Ritz is owned by Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. They are two very distinct and different companies. No Marriott property anywhere is up to the standards of a Ritz property.

Better check, honey. Marriott operates some of the Ritz hotels including the one on St. Thomas. Of course the whole Ritz corporation is listed only as a "partner" by Marriott.