Caneel Bay Hospitality In Question?

[Dan]

I read some of the posts regarding the parking fees at Caneel Bay Resort and some of the comments regarding non-resort guests being treated less than hospitable. I have been to Caneel Bay dozens of times. Always as a non-guest and just as a customer of the bars and restaurants as well as to enjoy the beaches. This past trip I did notice that security and some resort staff were a little more inquisitive as to my visiting the resort. But always they were very friendly.
I hate to give away one of my St John trip secrets, but for years we have been going to Uncle Joe's barbque and picking up a to go order and taking it to Caneel and enjoying the ribs and chicken while relaxing on the Caneel terrace while the sun sets. Of course I do purchase the $7 Presidentes at the Caneel bar so that helps keep my conscience clean.

I posted some pictures of Caneel on my blog including a little taste of their lobster. All you need is butter!

http://www.sunshinelobster.com

Enjoy!

~dan

[Xislandgirl]

I would say that you are lucky that no one has said anything. I would never bring another restaurants food to a palce that sells food, but maybe that is just me

[Dan]

Xilandgrl,
Even on occasions that we have stayed at Caneel we eat at the resort and
have gone to town and brought back sandwiches and other meals. The fact is I met several folks that do plus I would guess alot of visitors bring their packed lunches and snacks..

[Xislandgirl]

I am sure that many people do it, but as I said, I would never bring food to an establishment that sells food. After giving half my life to the food and beverage industry, I find it rude.
At a resort, I would certainly bring food back but I would enjoy it in a part of the resort that does not sell their own food.

[PA Girl]

Xilandgrl,
Even on occasions that we have stayed at Caneel we eat at the resort and
have gone to town and brought back sandwiches and other meals. The fact is I met several folks that do plus I would guess alot of visitors bring their packed lunches and snacks..

To eat on the Terrace? During regular meal times? I can see bringing your own food to the beach (guest or daytripper) or the chairs by the bar (guest) during off times but I am really surprised it is allowed during regular dining hours.

Can you imagine the management at, for example, Zozo's if someone sat down at one of the non-bar stool seats, ordered a drink and popped open a box of ribs? Management would probably freak out!

[Dan]

Hhmm, Maybe terrace is not accurate. Seating on the end of the dock... No one is ever around that time on night but a few folks tying up on the dock. Comparing it to taking a meal into Zozos is alittle far fetched.

[liamsaunt]

I am thinking that Dan must enjoy his ribs on the upstairs section of the Terrace, where, at least in the off season (can't speak to the on season as I have only stayed at Caneel in off season), there is no waitstaff service. People get drinks at the bar (and sometimes takeout from the Terrace restaurant) and bring them upstairs to watch the sunset.

I personally wouldn't eat food from an outside source up there, when I've brought food back from town I've enjoyed it on the balcony of my room. Tip: Caneel will put a mini fridge in your room for free if you ask before you arrive.

Edit because I see that Dan has clarified where he sits. Yes, there is a cute little bench at the end of the ferry dock. I definitely wouldn't consider that part of the restaurant area. And it is a great place to watch the sunset from!

[Agent99]

I was thinking the same thing as liamsaunt. I can't imagine any restaurant allowing people to bring in food while they are serving themselves. It is a beautiful spot to sit but I doubt there is a bad seat in the house.

[Xislandgirl]

I really did think that he meant sitting in the restaurant, hence my comments

[PA Girl]

I really did think that he meant sitting in the restaurant, hence my comments

Me too. When I read "terrace" in the first post, my thoughts ran to the Beach Terrace bar/restaurant/grill area.

[Agent99]

Oh, there is the confusion. I consider both the downstairs and upstairs terrace part of the restaurant since they have full food and drink service up there in high season.