Marriott Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort

Description:

• Lying 3 miles east of Charlotte Amalie on the south shore, this is the largest hotel in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but since the opening of the Ritz-Carlton, it is no longer the most plush or most glamorous. In 2005, the two separate parts of this resort, Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star, were officially conglomerated into one mega-resort with an excellent location on a bluff overlooking both the harbor and the Caribbean.

  This is a full-service, American-style mega-resort. Facilities devoted to the good life are everywhere: To reach the secluded beach, for example, you take a glass-enclosed elevator. The accommodations here have all you'll need for comfort, including generally spacious bathrooms. The bedrooms at Frenchman's Reef are traditionally furnished and quite comfortable, while those at the Morning Star are more luxurious. All units have private balconies with sea views.

  There is enough variety in dining to keep you on the premises at night, and the cuisine has become better and better. In general, we prefer the seafood to the frozen meat imported from the U.S. mainland. The complex boasts the hip Havana Blue, a cocktail/cigar lounge with a truly inspired menu.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010