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Marriott Frenchman's Reef
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley
Sometimes Mother Nature has a way of bringing about renovations.
Such was the case with Marriott Frenchman's Reef in St. Thomas in the
US Virgin Islands. The hotel had long overlooked its spectacular view
into Charlotte Amalie but, thanks to Hurricane Marilyn, the hotel underwent
an extensive remodeling. When it opened its doors $50 million later, guests
who saw an open air lobby, bright and sunny corridors, and, throughout
the property, an emphasis on one of the top assets of Frenchman's Reef:
the island's best view of Charlotte Amalie and its scenic harbor.
Couples looking to get married on their honeymoon also
represent a growing market for this property. The Weddings in Paradise
program offers four packages, while a full-time wedding director and staff
handle everything from paperwork to photography.
 Whether
you choose to stay here for a wedding, honeymoon or just a special getaway
together, you'll find each guest room decorated in bright West Indian
decor. All the 408 guest rooms include air-conditioning, remote-controlled
color cable television with pay-per-view movies, voice mail, data lines,
hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, iron and ironing board, clock radio, in-room
safe, and ice maker. Each room includes a mini refrigerator that guests
can stock from the on-site deli and grocery located at lobby level. Accessible
rooms for the physically challenged are available.
A new addition to the property are 21 two-story suites.
These "Top of the Reef" rooms on the hotel's top floor, where
access will soon be limited by key card. Here 17 Royal Suites each offer
two-story luxury with a loft bedroom and oversized bathroom reached by
spiral staircase. Rooms include a Jacuzzi tub for two, private balcony,
and cathedral ceilings. Four Grand Suites provide additional space and
amenities. For those looking for upgraded rooms on the ground floor, eight
new Lanai Suites overlook the pool and ocean from the lower level of the
Sunset Wing.
 A
renovated pool complex highlighted by waterfalls and a swim-up bar now
greets guests. Tennis players can take advantage of two lighted seaside
courts; a program managed by Peter Burwash International includes professional
tennis lessons and clinics. A new watersports center can arrange scuba
diving, snorkeling, sailing, sunset cruises, boat rentals, sports fishing,
and parasailing. Additional sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, and
jet skiing can be enjoyed at adjacent Morning Star Beach, accessible by
shuttle or via a new beach elevator and seaside walkways.
Fitness conscious guests can maintain a regimen at the
health and fitness center, which includes aerobic stations and strength
training facilities. Three treatment rooms, two saunas, and a coed steam
room will soon offer spa treatments including aromatherapy, herbal wraps,
and massage. Nearby, a full-service salon offers hair styling, manicures,
and facial treatments.
The hotel tour desk can arrange for sightseeing trips around
the island and to St. John. Shoppers can avoid road traffic into Charlotte
Amalie aboard a water ferry which runs throughout the day and deposits
guests in the heart of the shopping district.
Multiple restaurants at Frenchman's Reef and adjoining
Morning Star offer a variety of concepts for diners. Windows on the Harbour,
an indoor restaurant featuring steaks and a Sunday brunch, is the premier
restaurant with a spectacular day and night view of Charlotte Amalie.
Al fresco dining is available at Sunset Grille and Bar with American and
Caribbean fare. The Captain's Cafe offers a light dining menu served in
a pub atmosphere. Presto, the hotel marketplace, will soon feature cooked-to-order
pizzas.
Guests at Frenchman's Reef can walk or take a shuttle to
adjoining Morning Star for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Caesar's Ristorante,
an Italian style trattoria on the beach. Tavern on the Beach will soon
reopen with a Casablanca theme including a classic American bar, a piano
player, and twice daily showings of the popular movie.
After a day of fun spent snorkeling offshore or shopping
for duty-free bargains, couples can return and enjoy Frenchman's Reef
best way to relax: watching the sunset from in a bubbling oceanside hot
tub.
From the US or Canada, call 800-524-2000 or see http://www.marriott.com.
Copyright Paris Permenter and John Bigley
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