All Inclusive Resort Packages
Can anyone recommend a package for family & friends coming to visit?
I think they are looking at Dreams or Bolongo.
Dreams Sugar Bay is still renovating, with Dec 25 or so expected completion date. One restaurant is currently closed. Not many recent favorable reviews on TripAdvisor. Would wait until spring before considering that one.
Bolongo is the better option right now, though AI isn't popular here. VI visitors generally don't like being tied to a resort preferring to make their own choices. The beaches at both Dreams and Bolongo have lots of small pebbles. The condo properties are on better beaches, but no AI.
The Marriott and The Ritz may have a meal option, too.
I've had tours with sugar bay guest at and it's been all pretty bad reviews too. Most saying staff is rude and not helpful.
What's the deal with them and the transfer? I thought that since it was already taken over it would be better?
Bolongo is family owned and operated. I would give them the edge on this, but the facility is old school Caribbean,not fancy. We had friends who stayed at Sugar Bay this summer. First they were given a yucky room, but then were upgraded when they complained. The redone rooms are very nice.
Is there a reason they want all-inclusive? They will get more bang for the buck, not to mention better food, if they go with a regular hotel or condo.
The new management at Sugar Bay is replacing staff. Official full mgmt trf approx Dec 25, 2014 per ads on TripAdvisor.
The previous staff had been through some trying times with no pay days. Hopefully it will improve.
Try Frenchmen's Bay Marriott Resort.
Possibly Elysian or Secret Harbor?
Ritz Carlton will be $$$$$$$$.
Of course most places in high season are pretty pricey.
Had a 2 day seminar at Sugar Bay recently ( a couple months ago) and it wasn't looking so good. The conference room we were in had mold and mildew all over the ceiling and A/C vents. My eyes itched and it made me cough. They did try to do some cleaning for our 2nd day's session but it was not enough.
You could see mold/mildew around most of the vents and on many of the ceiling areas of the lobby. Can't say what shape the rooms were in but was not impressed with what I did see. Was disappointed with the restaurant on site as well as decided to eat there instead of going off site.
You could also check www.flipkey.com or www.vrbo.com for private rentals which allow you to do your own thing and have kitchens to cook in, instead of eating out every meal.
Alana, you were at Sugar Bay at the height of the major updating and renovations which you have to take into consideration. There was a LOT of work to be done and Rome wasn't built in a day. The "Dreams" management team has an excellent reputation and, as much as the property hasn't been taken really good care of in the last few years, I've great confidence that their expertise will turn it around.
Now that the bulk of the updating has been completed, they're now working on renovating the staff as well!
Is there a reason they want all-inclusive? They will get more bang for the buck, not to mention better food, if they go with a regular hotel or condo.
Given the responses, I think I will steer them away from all-inclusive plus by the time they get here maybe I will be a better island tour guide. 🙂 I think their approach was all-inclusive would be easier but I would like to take them to some of the local spots anyway to dine and the option of taking off to eat/stay at STJ or Water Island would be nice as well.
Has anyone stayed at Two Sandals by the Sea? Or any other B&B options?
OT, I was stating my experience there at the time.
I am glad you have great confidence. I hope they do an excellent job because quite frankly, it needs it. I was embarrassed to see how run down it had become while still accepting guests. Glad to know they have an excellent reputation since so many don't as you may be aware. I guess time, their incoming guests and new reviews will tell the story.
Meantime, I'd find somewhere else to stay until they have completed renovations and staffing issues.
A friend had friends stay at 2 Sandals. Horrible road to get there and spartan conditions. OK for short term.
I would check about 2 Sandals. I believe it was sold and the new owner discovered that you can't put a road wherever you want. Also, you have to have a license for a hotel.
What about http://www.secretharborvillasvi.com/ ?
Secret Harbor looks great! Thanks Alana & East Ender! And everyone else for the scoop on the others.
Anyone have info on Megans Point Resort as a plan B if they want to stay 1 night near the golf course?
I hope they put Sugar Bay back together again better than humpty dumpty. It was pretty nice last I stayed there there about 10 years ago but was even nicer a few years before that. Be nice if the prices weren't ridiculous but a quick check I did today on a travel site showed prices almost as high as the Ritz.
Sugar Bay is supposed to be all inclusive so should be more expensive than just a room.
Anyone have info on Megans Point Resort as a plan B if they want to stay 1 night near the golf course?
Magens (not Megans) Point is a neat little spot. Nothing fancy but the units are clean and comfortable - and there is a good Italian restaurant on site with the Grille at Mahogany Run close by plus a nice coffee shop.
You might want to add the Point Pleasant Resort to your list.
The new hotel management team there is making the resort more popular and enjoyable. Service here is the new standard.
This is a condo resort. And the resort is waterfront with is own small beach (Sugar Beach) and three swimming pools.
Panga (the waterfront restaurant) is a good choice for food and drink. Point Wellness, is the new Spa, at the resort.....a good place for massages, aerial yoga and beauty treatments.
Point Pleasant is close to everything...Red Hook, Coki Beach, Coral World, Smith Bay Park, Margaritaville (next door - February opening), Dream Resorts (next door), etc.
Plus, the resort Activities Team offers a full variety of activities (including poolside yoga, kayak trips, pool volleyball, etc.). Free shuttle transportation is available to hotel guests to several other beaches, the ferry dock (and Red Hook) and grocery stores. And there is a manager's social hour every night except Sunday. Free Internet access is also included at the resort. Go to TripAdvisor and look at the reviews.
Anyone know how the new adventure at Sugar Bay is coming along with the Dreams renovation?
Ive never much cared for all inclusive resorts. The food is usually so so and I don't drink nearly enough to make the added cost of the all inclusive make sense. In Punta Cana you really don't have a choice other than all inclusive. Nowhere safe to go by yourself after dark. The only exception I'd make would be the full American plan at Caneel Bay. Doesn't include booze but the food was all excellent! I honeymooned there in '95. Loved it! We did rent a car and ate at other establishments around STJ Chateau Bordeaux was an excellent meal as well as some Mexican place out in Coral Bay. We rented a boat and ended up there after SCUBA Diving but that is an adventure story for another time! Lol!
Anyone know how the new adventure at Sugar Bay is coming along with the Dreams renovation?
Very nicely and about done. First reviews during the renovation process were mixed and on the negative side (my guess from reading them is that some people didn't "get" that renovation might just mean that not everything was sailing along merrily) but latest reviews have been very complimentary.
Family friendly? Forget STT and head over to STX and the Buccaneer. Not AI but darn near close. A great place to stay. Very service oriented, they make you feel welcome and have a great kids program.
Family friendly? Forget STT and head over to STX and the Buccaneer. ... have a great kids program.
1. The OP is on STT, posted in November and said, "family and friends" not "kids"
2. Because you live on one Virgin island and love it, knocking another when you know nothing about it is just rude.
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