My wife and I just booked a package at the Ritz in St. Thomas the "Reconnect Package" for early December. The package description says it is a "deluxe ocean view" room. Is there a specific building or room we should request that would be a better or nicer view?

We had read that they expanded after they purchased the building from the Grand Pallazzo and that the new buildings don't have the Italiante style that the original building does.

The package also include a half day sail on the Lady Lynsey. Sounds nice. We were also considering either doing a full-day sail on the Lady Lynsey which goes up to Jost Van Dyke or one of the powerboat cruises like New Horizons II or Breakaway that take you up to Virgin Gorda. What do you think of those options? Thanks for the feedback!

My children and I are leaving tomorrow for St. Thomas, staying at the Ritz. We have booked a day trip on the Horizens II, which many reviewers say is the best trip they have taken. I read a few not so terrific reviews on the Lady L. ...nothing terrible but some felt it was not worth the money. You can find all this info here on the site, and also at tripadvisor.com. Lots of info about the Ritz.
I will be happy to let you know about rooms and the boat trip when we return.

IMO the Ritz is the only place to stay in St Thomas. The main building houses registration and a few shops. The residential buildings are named after flowers starting with A and ending with H (hibiscus)?? The "A" building is closest to the check in pavilion, B the next, etc. However the buildings do curve around the bay so the further buildings have a very different view than the those closest to the main building. Buildings are three stories, stand alone units with three floors each connected with a small roadway for a golf cart provided by Bell staff which whisk you hither and yon with a phone call. The access floor from the golf carts is two so first floor rooms are one level down and third floor rooms are one level up. I like to be closer to the main building and the parking lot for quick spontaneous trips about the island. The A building has a good view of St John. As you go further away the landscape curves so you lose sight of St John. The single most important thing is that your room should be on the second or third floor. The first floor opens on to a garden and there is a marsh pond in front with greenery which blocks your view or most everything. Wonderful property with a fabulous pool. Have a great time.

Thanks for the replies and the detailed overview. We sent in a request for a third floor room and will probably book the New Horizons II, amongst other things. I'd love to hear your overview when you get back as well, seamistdream

My children and I returned Monday from the most wonderful vacation at the Ritz in St. John.
We loved the old buildings....great ambiance. The newer buildings seemed a bit sterile. We did not go inside, but from the outside, they did not have the charm of the older buildings. I agree with the previous post about the third floor rooms. Ours was on the third floor and the view was spectacular. Important point....the rooms all have balconies. On the third floor, almost every other balcony has an open roof...slats as opposed to a solid roof. It's very pretty, but in the morning or afternoon, depending what side of the resort your room is on, it can get extremely hot and sunny. It's nice to have the shade outside. Also, if it rains, as it did a little while we were there, you need that solid roof in order to sit out and enjoy the showers. Definitely ask for a room that has the solid roof.
Our room was lovely, the service impeccable and we loved everything aobut the resort. The food is extremely expensive, but good....$17.00 for a hamburger and the buffet on Sunday runs around $70 per person...spectacular, but pricey.
We took the New Horizons II full day power boat trip to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, stopping at the Baths for snorkling, Marina Cay for lunch and Jost Van Dyke for an afternoon drink and a few moments in the hammock on the beach....absolute heaven! The beach there is incredible! The water is as clear as drinking water! I would definitley recommend this trip. We had a great time....adults and my two children...18 and 14. We also took a half day on the Lady Lyndsey for a sailing experience. Again, a great time. Sailed out to Honeymoon Bay at St John and and snorkled for about an hour. The trip home was lovely with wonderful finger foods and island drinks. Again....we thought it was worth it and would do it again.
The only downside to the trip was the taxi expense. We wanted to see a lot of the island, and eat in different restaurants. I was not comfortable renting a car, so all travel was by cab. They charge by the person...so if the fare is $5 to go into Red Hook, it will be $10 for two...one way....a trip to the airport was $45 for us....some days we spent almost $100 on travel. Next time I will definitely rent a car.
I hope you have as wonderful a time as we did. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected]!!