Construction Progress Reports-Frenchman's Cove, Photo's?

jimf41 wrote:

All pics so far posted here

http://web.mac.com/hornet25

I'll put more up later, going to the beach!!

Jim, thank you for the photos!!! Awesome!!! Enjoy this beautiful place! Thanks again, Olga

olgam14 wrote:

jimf41 wrote:

All pics so far posted here

http://web.mac.com/hornet25

I'll put more up later, going to the beach!!

Jim, thank you for the photos!!! Awesome!!! Enjoy this beautiful place! Thanks again, Olga

Jim, Thanks for taking the time to post. I feel like it's Christmas day. I was worried/excited about the trip. Now I'm just excited. Can't get here fast enough. Dumb question: Where do you check in? I'm assuming it's not at the Frenchmens reef. We get our car at the airport and I remember the construction entrance to the Cove. Is it well signed?

Thanks again!! Rich

richg16 wrote:

olgam14 wrote:

jimf41 wrote:

All pics so far posted here

http://web.mac.com/hornet25

I'll put more up later, going to the beach!!

Jim, thank you for the photos!!! Awesome!!! Enjoy this beautiful place! Thanks again, Olga

Jim, Thanks for taking the time to post. I feel like it's Christmas day. I was worried/excited about the trip. Now I'm just excited. Can't get here fast enough. Dumb question: Where do you check in? I'm assuming it's not at the Frenchmens reef. We get our car at the airport and I remember the construction entrance to the Cove. Is it well signed?

Thanks again!! Rich

The entrance is well signed. You can't miss it. i'm going to the sales pitch tomorrow, just to get the 15000 points you understand. I'm not going to buy anything. But just in case things don't go as planned do you suppose you could send me a can of Dinty Moore once a week? I'd love another week here but I really can't do vegetables for the rest of the loan period. Jim F.

Jim, I know this isn't the forum for the question I have, but the women in my party have a question that only you who have stayed there can answer. Do the units have hair dryers, Irons, and a washer/dryer. Big question, I know, but I was TOLD I needed to find a definite answer. Thanks in advance and again, thanks for posting the pictures. When we get there (Mar 4), I'll post more and post the link to them here. Rich

The units have a hair dryer, a brand new one. That's important because my wife won't evidently use one that your wife used. It's got to be a woman thing. If you get unit 162 it's still brand new. Its in the center drawer of the vanity. Standard washer/dryer unit in the villa. I just checked with my wife and they do have an iron. It has all the pots pans dishes tableware carving knives and that stuff also. Three tv's with DVD no vcr. Small market with essential stuff in Villas. Larger market with more stuff in Hotel. Both open 24 hrs. There is a Pueblo Supermarket that you pass on your left as you go towards the villas across from the Havensite Mall. There is a better one located in the center of the Island in the large Kmart shopping cernter with better selection and better prices. Have fun. Jim

Just checked in and wanted to get some pictures taken before we trashed the place.

These are of the room. I'll post more from outside after I take 'em.

I agree with Jim. The place is VERY nice. We're going to wander around for a while.

Follow this link for the pictures. http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2529554

richg16 wrote:

Just checked in and wanted to get some pictures taken before we trashed the place.

These are of the room. I'll post more from outside after I take 'em.

I agree with Jim. The place is VERY nice. We're going to wander around for a while.

Follow this link for the pictures. http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2529554

Hi Rich, Thank you very much for the pictures! The place looks wonderful! Enjoy! We booked our first week yesterday-October 27th-November 3rd..(!!!!) Can't wait..

Thank you again! Olga

olgam14 wrote:

richg16 wrote:

Just checked in and wanted to get some pictures taken before we trashed the place.

These are of the room. I'll post more from outside after I take 'em.

I agree with Jim. The place is VERY nice. We're going to wander around for a while.

Follow this link for the pictures. http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2529554

Hi Rich, Thank you very much for the pictures! The place looks wonderful! Enjoy! We booked our first week yesterday-October 27th-November 3rd..(!!!!) Can't wait..

Thank you again! Olga

Rich - I could not find the pictures, could you give me specific directions to them? I have tried sevral times. We are going the first 2 weeks of May and are very excited.

California Millers

RuthM, The link I posted works as I just checked it again, by copying and pasting the link into my browser.

Try it again!

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2529554

Also, try going to www.smugmug.com to see if you can even get to the site. If that works, then try adding the the /gallery/2529554 to the address.

If all fails, let me know. Also, if it fails, let me know exactly what you ARE getting. That may help.

Richg

PS. The place won't let you down. We just got back home last night and I'm ready to go back. JimL was in 162 and we were in 144. There isn't a bad view from any room. The next building and shop/resturant/kids center is due to open in June, so MAYBE when you are there in May it'll be ready.

richg16 wrote:

RuthM, The link I posted works as I just checked it again, by copying and pasting the link into my browser.

Try it again!

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2529554

Also, try going to www.smugmug.com to see if you can even get to the site. If that works, then try adding the the /gallery/2529554 to the address.

If all fails, let me know. Also, if it fails, let me know exactly what you ARE getting. That may help.

Richg

PS. The place won't let you down. We just got back home last night and I'm ready to go back. JimL was in 162 and we were in 144. There isn't a bad view from any room. The next building and shop/resturant/kids center is due to open in June, so MAYBE when you are there in May it'll be ready.

Thanks so much Rich! It finally worked pasting into my browser, my husband and I tried so many times and it would not work. You took great pictures, thanks for thinking of your fellow Marriott vaction club owners. We requested top floor of first building were afraid that we might get a room with an obstructive view.

My husband loves to take pictures just bought a new Cannon 30D will be sure to post ours too when we return.

Is there a resturant open on the property or do we have to go to the hotel. What all is complete?

Thanks again! Ruth

Ruth, Thanks about the pictures. I bought a new camera while we were there, at the Royal Caribbean in town. Best place in my book. It's the 3rd camera over 10 years I've bought there. They know their stuff. (I got a Sony DSLR A100. The shots you saw were from a Sony F717)

Currently there is no place to eat onsite. The Reef or Morningstar is the closest place. The resturant at the Cove should open in June, but maybe it'll open early.

The only complaint I had about the place (and it's really minor) is the elevator. It seemed we waited a long time for it (there is only one!). It became the "joke" of the week. No big deal!! I'd like to hear what you have to say after you've been there.

The guys who work the check-in stand (Ira and the other guy, who's name escapes me) were always there. You'll see them every time you get out of that slow elevator and walk to the pool. They will become your friends.

The water slide is really fun. I'm not a pool person, but I spent more time in the pool than any other pool in my life. The water slide has so much water flowing over it, it creates a current that will carry you all the way around that end of the pool unassisted. The pool area has pool noodles (those long foam things). Put one of those under your arms and one under your knees and you'll float all day. The infinity end of the pool is, as Jim said earlier in this thread, the place to watch a sunset or when the ships leave, or better, both at the same time. Enough about that! You are gonna love the place.

All the rooms have a great view. The room numbers are based on building number, then floor, then room. We had 144. Building one, floor 4, forth room from the left as viewed from the pool. I'd have to say the higher the better (we always request high floors also), but in this case, it's all good. If you want view, go to the pool, or go to the Reef (better view of town). I guess it's "view of what". Sunset, great from any room. Boats leaving, any room. Town, higher room number, higher floor number. It really won't matter.

Wow, I've just rambled!

If you have any other questions let me know. It's all still fresh. Too fresh! I wanna go back but it's back to work tomorrow. Oh, those post vacation blues......

Rich

Hi Rich:

"I bought a new camera while we were there, at the Royal Caribbean in town. " I bought mine there too…last year...

* Do you have more pictures from St. Thomas? (we are sun hungry people here :-)..

*Did you go anywhere else (St. John, for example)?

*How is groceries situation? I am assuming you went grocery shopping.

Thanks! Olga

richg16 wrote:

Ruth, Thanks about the pictures. I bought a new camera while we were there, at the Royal Caribbean in town. Best place in my book. It's the 3rd camera over 10 years I've bought there. They know their stuff. (I got a Sony DSLR A100. The shots you saw were from a Sony F717)

Currently there is no place to eat onsite. The Reef or Morningstar is the closest place. The resturant at the Cove should open in June, but maybe it'll open early.

The only complaint I had about the place (and it's really minor) is the elevator. It seemed we waited a long time for it (there is only one!). It became the "joke" of the week. No big deal!! I'd like to hear what you have to say after you've been there.

The guys who work the check-in stand (Ira and the other guy, who's name escapes me) were always there. You'll see them every time you get out of that slow elevator and walk to the pool. They will become your friends.

The water slide is really fun. I'm not a pool person, but I spent more time in the pool than any other pool in my life. The water slide has so much water flowing over it, it creates a current that will carry you all the way around that end of the pool unassisted. The pool area has pool noodles (those long foam things). Put one of those under your arms and one under your knees and you'll float all day. The infinity end of the pool is, as Jim said earlier in this thread, the place to watch a sunset or when the ships leave, or better, both at the same time. Enough about that! You are gonna love the place.

All the rooms have a great view. The room numbers are based on building number, then floor, then room. We had 144. Building one, floor 4, forth room from the left as viewed from the pool. I'd have to say the higher the better (we always request high floors also), but in this case, it's all good. If you want view, go to the pool, or go to the Reef (better view of town). I guess it's "view of what". Sunset, great from any room. Boats leaving, any room. Town, higher room number, higher floor number. It really won't matter.

Wow, I've just rambled!

If you have any other questions let me know. It's all still fresh. Too fresh! I wanna go back but it's back to work tomorrow. Oh, those post vacation blues......

Rich

Rich - thanks for your rambling/information I enjoyed it. All of us just waiting for our time to go are salivating. You are right all Marriott properties are wonderful. I saw the pool my husband & I plan to be pool/bar flies the 2nd week we are there after our company goes back home. We love the tube thingies we use them at our place in Desert Hot Springs. My husband will check out the camera place he wants to buy a wide angle lens. I remember my first trip to STT (1978) on a cruise with my girl friends I bought my first instamatic auto focus/auto wind 125 camera with a zoom it was great! This is my first trip back since then, I'm sure a lot has changed. I know it is always hard to get back to work after returning home from a vacation in paradise. We try to go twice a year, visiting Maui in Oct. It is such a concrete jungle in San Diego!

It is a bummer about the resturant not open, who are you kidding done early???? Nothing built in the Caribbean or Mexico is ever done early or on time.....

Ruth

olgam14 wrote:

Hi Rich:

"I bought a new camera while we were there, at the Royal Caribbean in town. " I bought mine there too…last year...

* Do you have more pictures from St. Thomas? (we are sun hungry people here :-)..

*Did you go anywhere else (St. John, for example)?

*How is groceries situation? I am assuming you went grocery shopping.

Thanks! Olga

Olga, Does your email end with yahoo.co.uk? Confirm and I'll send you another link to pictures from St. Thomas.

We took the car ferry to St.John for the day. Totally worth while. Trunk Bay is the touristy beach, but the next one, Cinammon is nicer in my book. Francis is also excellent. Go on a light ship day. You can see who's in port at www.cruisecal.com.

As Jim said, Pueblo and Kmart are the two best places. I know of three Pueblo's and I think 2 Kmarts. There is a Pueblo between town and the Cove. Prices are what you'd expect for "shipped in" goods. Beats eating out every night ($$$).

By the way, the pool has happy hour everyday from 4:30 to 6. $8 drinks change to 2 for 1. Very dangerous!! Someone told me the two things the cops there look for are seat belt enforcement and talking on cell phones while driving. Hence, a lot of people have the little device in their ear that hooks to the cellphone. They all look like they are from Star Trek!!

I plan on posting in the thread Jim started about eating on the Island. I'd like to post all the places we went to and the experiences. It might help future travelers hit the good places and avoid the not-so-good. When I get time.....

Let me know about that email address.

Rich

Rich..yes..yahoo.co.uk is my email address...

Remember I told you about virtualtourist.com...that site has an excellent option which allows you to share dinning experience for any location, including photo uploads for reviewing location/restaurant. I look forward to see yours and Jim’s postings…We have our favorite places to dine in on the Island, but always looking to find new ones!!

Thank you for all the information…. very helpful and interesting!

Olga

gaill49 wrote:

jimf41 wrote:

Please forward any pics to me hornet25@mac.com. I'm arriving 16 FEB 07. I sure hope I'm staying in a villa. Jim

Hi Jim, my husband and I are set to go on 2/23/2007. It's getting close and we're holding our breath. Have you heard anything lately? I'm hearing that opening day is 2/16/2007. We must remain positive here! :-) Gail

Wanted to know how your trip went? I'm going in June and am a little anxious about what we'll find. LindaM.

jimf41 wrote:

Please forward any pics to me hornet25@mac.com. I'm arriving 16 FEB 07. I sure hope I'm staying in a villa. Jim

You've come back by now, I assume. Anyway you could give me un update on your vacation. We go next week. Sally

lindal272 wrote:

gaill49 wrote:

jimf41 wrote:

Please forward any pics to me hornet25@mac.com. I'm arriving 16 FEB 07. I sure hope I'm staying in a villa. Jim

Hi Jim, my husband and I are set to go on 2/23/2007. It's getting close and we're holding our breath. Have you heard anything lately? I'm hearing that opening day is 2/16/2007. We must remain positive here! :-) Gail

Wanted to know how your trip went? I'm going in June and am a little anxious about what we'll find. LindaM.

Linda, The resort was great. a lot of the little opening week ankle biters I'm sure have been resolved by now.The pics I took are online at http://web.mac.com/hornet25 I'm going back next year for two weeks. We are staying at the Morningstar the first week and the Villa the second week. The pictures say it better than I can so give them a look. My only long range cocern is that the recreational; areas of the resort won't be big enough to accomodate everyone when all the villasa are finished and occupied. For now you virtually have the place to yourself with only 24 units available for occupancy. I suggest renting a car for the week especially if you want to see more of the island other than the town and the resort. Others I've noticed got along just fine with the hotel shuttle and cabs. Have a grteat stay!!

Jim Freeman

I am going in March. How much will be completed do you think?

Visited Frenchman's Cove in September 2007. Had a GREAT time. Very pleased with the villa quality and views - so much so that we purchased a second week when we came home. Sections 1 & 2 were open (surrounding the pool) - guessing somewhere between 70-100 units were open then. The buildings directly behind them are scheduled to begin opening in Jan 2008. One section was under roof and being painted when we visited. The pool, gym, market and pool bar\cafe are open. The check in area is in temp space. All of the construction was behind us...never posed an issue. It appeared that they were installing infrastructure for the final phase on the hillside (pipes, etc) We found the staff to be pleasant and helpful. And we were treated to a rainbow across the property's beach after a morning shower.

The beach is pleasant enough to look at - small...Marriott is still waiting for final permits to add a trampoline and floating docks to make the beach area more appealing. The hotel's beach next door is available as well - and is lovely. A shuttle runs between the two properties. A second beach is planned down the road. The pool was lovely..everyone floated to the infinity side with their favorite rum beverage.

Plan to sit on your patio and watch the sun hit the water in the AM.....and in the evening you'll be treated to cruise ships and a setting sun.

We're heading back in February! Enjoy!