Friends going to STT-Some questions to help them out

[susan & herb]

Well 3 of my friends at work are going to STT, Marriott Frenchmans reef timeshare. Yes, I was asked to go along, but not to be a snob, STT is not my kind of island. I told them that they must go to ST John or I will be really pissed at them as I have been talking out STJ to them for 5 years.
To help them out I said I would post and you guys would have all the answers. Of course they looked at me like I was crazy, but I know you guys are so helpful.
How far is the Marriot from the airport?
Not sure if they are renting a car, does it pay? There will be 3 people.
Where can they buy food to stock the timeshare and will a taxi driver wait for them while they shop?
I was wondering if it pays to call Rachel for them or it would be easier to just grab someone at the airport.
Most importantly, do the hotels have jitneys that will take them to Red Hook so the can see "my Island?
thanks in advance guys

[Gromit]

I'm sure you can go to the Marriott web site to determine what services they have available in terms of shuttles etc.

BUT I would recommend getting a car. I HATE driving on STT BUT to get to good restaurants and beaches and to explore I think it's a good idea and can be split to make it cost effective.

This also makes it easier for them to just hop the car ferry in Red Hook and then explore STJ in their own vehicle. They can bring a picnic with them if they want to save $$ or can just swing by Deli Grotto before heading out on the Northshore Rd.

Lots of grocery options on STT. The hotel concierge should be able to tell you what is closest.

[Schnell]

My wife and I are fellow Cove owners I know this is mostly a STJ board (but enjoy it anyways). We are a bit younger and enjoy STT, it just fits us.....enough of that though.

Rent a car, a jeep for that matter as you will have your own parking area. Its on the first floor of the buildings and you drive right under the buildings. Keeps the vehicles out of the rain. Taxis are not worth it especially when you can drive right up to your unit unlike staying over at the hotel side.

The Cove is about a 10-15 minute ride from the airport. Unless there is obnoxious traffic in downtown. You do have to go through the Havensight area and it can get bottlenecked there with any ships in port.

There is the small grocery store at Havensight but its expensive, even for island prices. We usually stock up on alcohol and dry goods at K-mart right in town and then get various cold meats and stuff in either red hook or havensight. We do usually tote a small suitcase of dry goods along with us for snacks and breakfast type items for the unit. We have also found the units to be sufficent in terms of kitchen equipment. Nothing really missing from what we have found.

There is a marriott shuttle that runs from the cove to the reef and to morningstar beach, all the time. You can walk from the cove (timeshare) to the main hotel and the beach, but its a bit of a hike with quite a few stairs. There is a water taxi from the reef hotel dock to downtown CA for about $5 that allows you to skip any traffic. About a 10 minute ride across the harbor. Definitely worth it if you are headed downtown. Other than that there are no shuttles to red hook or anything else on island. Thats why a vehicle is necessary imo. We always rent a 4wd jeep as we tend to take a couple trips to STJ while we are staying. I think they will find that they are in the very small minority of people who would not have a rental if they decide to taxi it. I also think 4wd is needed as the entry drive to the cove is quite steep with a couple switchbacks. The couple times it rained I was glad to have 4wd to ensure safe passage.

I know people get on here don't like STT much and I can respect that, but we really enjoy our Cove timeshare. I think your friends will too. And you are absolutely right....if they do not make at least one day trip to STJ and the beaches then they are missing out. If they have any other questions please feel free to PM me.

[iowaguy]

Susan---Although I do prefer St. John, certainly no reason to apologize for your friends going to Frenchman's Cove. We briefly stayed next door at Marriott Frenchman's Reef on our last trip and it looks like a very nice resort. Its such a huge resort, you could probably just hang out there---but you'd be missing a lot---I'd recommend a car. The Havana Blue restaurant at Frenchman's Reef was great----wonderful sunsets, cocktails and overall vibe.

[Kathyzhere]

Hi Susan & Herb,

I think that a rental vehicle on STT is a must really. The taxis can get pretty expensive if they want to get out and about. To me the nicer parts of STT are the North and East sides, so depending upon what they want to do while there.


We've always shopped at Kmart and the Marina Mkt in Red Hook. I've heard that Cost U Less near the Kmart is real reasonable but haven't tried it yet.

I'm pretty much happy anywhere in the gorgeous Caribbean. Both STT & STJ are nice and unique in their own ways.

Tell your friends to enjoy!!

Kathy

[captainjay]

OK I have to say I would rent a car for the week if it were me. That said, you can use the boat to downtown to shop but without a car you aren't going to see most of the island. It might be possible to rent a jeep for a day or two on St Thomas and rely on the other transport the rest of the week, I would also recommend going to St John and renting a Jeep for a day there as well. As for a day trip to St John it will be easier to take the boat from the Hotel to downtown then catch the downtown ferry to St John.
As for shopping for provisions, when they leave the airport they will pass a Pueblo supermarket before they get to French Town heading toward the Marriott, there is another Pueblo in Havensight on the way. Pueblo is like a dirty overpriced Krogers. I would stop there and pick up the basics. Then next day make a list of the must haves that can't be purchased there and go to the Gourmet Gallery or Marina Market in Red Hook and fill in the holes.
Jay
PS If you have any specific questions about restaurants, beaches etc. don't hesitate to ask Deb and I have spent a little time and allot of money learning about them .\

[Margy Z]

Jay - How's the Hull bay Hideaway? We loved that place on Hull Bay Beach out on the north side but haven't been there since '06. As I remember fron '07, I would recommend Lindqvist Beach - now called Smith Bay Beach - just gorgeous as I remember it, but not sure how things are there since the Magen's Bay folks took it over and it's open to the public. I'm sure, if nothing else, the road in has to be better - lol.



- Margy

[cocosmom]

I also vote for the jeep. We stayed on STT one year due to finances. We rented a nice cheap condo & took the car ferry over to STJ. Best way to explore several beaches. We actually did that 3 days & the people ferry one day when we wanted to have dinner and explore the nightlife. Last car ferry leaves pretty early. We got a cheap deal on the jeep - free upgrade from car so the ferry costs still didn't hurt. Made us free to go all over the island we wished we could have afforded that year ! Tried to get into the STT beaches, but couldn't stand the crowds.

[mrscaptainjay]

St. Thomas is a different vacation from St. John but is still a beautiful island with lots to offer. There are beaches that are really busy but there are some that are more laid back. There are great restaurants, beach bars, nightlife, diving, snorkeling, all the things you want in a vacation.

Depending on how adventurous your friends are, they can either rent a car for the week if they are planning on running around a lot or just rent one for a couple of days through the Marriott and relax at the resort the rest of the time; there are nice beaches and restaurants right there. They can take the Marriott ferry to downtown to shop, go to dinner or catch the downtown ferry to St. John. Driving on STT can be a little crazy at times so just let your friends know that if they rent a car to stay focused while driving. Also parking can be an issue at some places. So while driving, take a deep breath, look at the view and remember you are on vacation so don’t get in a hurry to get anywhere.

For grocery shopping, they could hit the Pueblo, Kmart or a new store that opened up just a couple doors down from Kmart. I haven't been in there yet but it's supposed to have a nice selection. Some cab drivers will wait while you shop if you let them know in advance and tip them well. All of our friends that have visited have used the same guy, Wells. He picks up all the guests for CYOA, we really like him. Jay has the number, I can give it to you if you want.

Hope this helps.
Deb

[Schnell]

Anyone have good directions to Lindqvist Beach? My wife and I tried there last year and missed it. Someone had given us directions that said we could not miss it and of course we did. We really would like to try it this year

[mrscaptainjay]

It's on route 38 between Sapphire and the Wyndham. From Red Hook head north out of town towards Sapphire. Once you pass Sapphire look for a newly cut dirt road on the right. There are no signs. If you get to the Wyndham then you've gone too far. It's called Smith Bay on the maps.

Jay and I haven't been there yet. We may have to check it out this weekend and let you know.

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/st/stmap.shtml

[susan & herb]

Thanks to everyone for all the information. I will pass it along to my buddies at work.

[MrB]

I really liked Coki. Good beach, Great snorkeling for fish, the schools of tangs and sgt majors are HUGE, and lots of food with waitress service, and Coral World is 'ok'.

[Schnell]

It's on route 38 between Sapphire and the Wyndham. From Red Hook head north out of town towards Sapphire. Once you pass Sapphire look for a newly cut dirt road on the right. There are no signs. If you get to the Wyndham then you've gone too far. It's called Smith Bay on the maps.

Jay and I haven't been there yet. We may have to check it out this weekend and let you know.

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/st/stmap.shtml

Sweet, thanks MrsJay. We are deteremined to find it this visit in a few weeks. Let me know if you find it and if its worth the trip (sure looks like it from all the pics I have seen).

[captainjay]

Well Deb and I made it to Lindquist/Smith Bay today. Definitely one of the best kept secrets on the islands.


Well worth the trip. The road has been graded out by the Magen's Bay Authority so it not to bad. There is supposed to be a two dollar a person admission fee but there wasn't anyone there to collect it today. There were two lifeguards and a very nice beach. No real facilities yet.
Jay