St. Thomas Frenchman’s Cove

[jewls]

What is it like being on St Thomas after the hurricane? Any news as to what is happening with the hotel Frenchman’s Reef? My husband has read that the island isn’t very safe anymore because of so many needing money after the hurricane. Have you witnessed any of this? He doesn’t want to go but I have already booked November. I’m going . Have you visited St John while there? Same questions for that island too. Looking for an update. Thanks in advance!!

 

[bazzap]

What is it like being on St Thomas after the hurricane? Any news as to what is happening with the hotel Frenchman’s Reef? My husband has read that the island isn’t very safe anymore because of so many needing money after the hurricane. Have you witnessed any of this? He doesn’t want to go but I have already booked November. I’m going . Have you visited St John while there? Same questions for that island too. Looking for an update. Thanks in advance!!

The Westin St John has just announced its reopening after a 16 month recovery
https://www.marriottvacationsworldw...ricane_Recovery_and_Restoration_Efforts.shtml

 

[Fairwinds]

Last day today and although anecdotal, I haven’t experienced anything but relaxation. We’ve been to town, Magens Beach and Linquist Beach. I don’t go out at night but not because of safety concerns. I don’t know the stats. Logic might suggest an extra measure of caution.

I’ve heard various versions of when the reef may reopen but read an article stating 1st quarter of 2020 and that the rebuild cost has climbed to 400 million. As of today the harbor wing is completely gutted.

 

[MOXJO7282]

What is it like being on St Thomas after the hurricane? Any news as to what is happening with the hotel Frenchman’s Reef? My husband has read that the island isn’t very safe anymore because of so many needing money after the hurricane. Have you witnessed any of this? He doesn’t want to go but I have already booked November. I’m going . Have you visited St John while there? Same questions for that island too. Looking for an update. Thanks in advance!!

We were there in July and don't think you need to have any bigger safety concern compared to any other Marriott resort in the Caribbean. Recovered extremely well and by Nov will be even more so. I wouldn't hesitate to go and i'm sure most will say the same.

 

[Theiggy]

I was there in August and loved it! We rented a Jeep and visited Magen’s Bay, drove to local supermarkets, Kmart and restaurants. went to water island which was so peaceful. We traveled with our kids and went out to restaurants at night and did not feel unsafe at all. In fact the people there are super nice to tourists. I’m sure there are areas not to go especially at night but we went to mainly restaurants and beaches. We regrettably didn’t visit St. John, but I wouldn’t hesitate to do it. If you have any questions PM me. It was a great trip.


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[jimf41]

At the Cove now for our annual stay. Security is not a concern IMO. The big concern is the traffic and the amount of vehicles on the Island. With all the hotels and TS's that are closed I expected very light traffic and easy availability of parking. Parking in town is a nightmare and unless you know the back streets it takes 30 minutes to get from the Cove to Frenchtown at dinnertime.
On the bright side we've been here for two weeks and I have yet to have a bad or even average meal in any restaurant. The prices have gone up but the food and service have been excellent. For fans of Oceana, Grand Cru and Fresh the first two are still closed. When Oceana opens the bar portion will be the home of Fresh. No rumor as to what will replace Grand Cru and Fresh in YHG.
Beaches are all in good shape after the storms but there is some foliage that was damaged but it's all growing back nicely IMO. The plan for the Reef opening is July 2020. It's a great plan but in order for it to work somebody has to show up and start working, little sign of that so far.
Any questions fire away.

 

[jewls]

At the Cove now for our annual stay. Security is not a concern IMO. The big concern is the traffic and the amount of vehicles on the Island. With all the hotels and TS's that are closed I expected very light traffic and easy availability of parking. Parking in town is a nightmare and unless you know the back streets it takes 30 minutes to get from the Cove to Frenchtown at dinnertime.
On the bright side we've been here for two weeks and I have yet to have a bad or even average meal in any restaurant. The prices have gone up but the food and service have been excellent. For fans of Oceana, Grand Cru and Fresh the first two are still closed. When Oceana opens the bar portion will be the home of Fresh. No rumor as to what will replace Grand Cru and Fresh in YHG.
Beaches are all in good shape after the storms but there is some foliage that was damaged but it's all growing back nicely IMO. The plan for the Reef opening is July 2020. It's a great plan but in order for it to work somebody has to show up and start working, little sign of that so far.
Any questions fire away.

Recommendations for restaurants? Do you rent a car? Who do you use? We’ve been 3 other times and rented privately, the cars have not been in the best of conditions but we have not had any problems.

 

[jimf41]

We like Sea la Vie, Virgilio's, Hook Line Sinker, Amalie Cafe, Fresh, Bella Blue Amici's and Tap & Still. Pizza Amore in Havensite and Island time Grill in Red Hook for pizza. Island View House, Mafolie and the Just opened Prime at Paradise Point are the best views. Prime is off the wall expensive, think Ruths Chris in Manhattan. We rent from Avis every year. You want a car that runs well but has dents everywhere. When you park in CA you'll understand why. I got brand new Sentra from Avis this year and they proudly pointed out it had only one little scratch. It will come back with a few more.

 

[Theiggy]

We rented a Jeep from L&L Jeep and I highly recommend them. They picked us up from the airport, car was clean and new. Not cheap though. I’ve heard horror stories about the chain rentals not having enough cars since the storm. Restaurants- we didn’t care for Mims even though several people recommended it to us. We liked Pesce, Tap & Still for great burger/fries. I hear Mafolie- food and service inconsistent but views amazing so go at sunset. Have fun!


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