From: Ron, tixxtixx@hotmail.com
Date: 8/13/03 10:22:29 PM
Remote Name: 151.199.16.215
I just returned from a stay at the Marriott and for all of those who are considering a visit to St Kitts and the Marriott... I highly recommend it.
True... It is a big American resort and there are a few kinks that they are still working out, but the prices are incredibly reasonable, the service (we found) is very good and we felt like we were participating in a truly unique experience, by talking with many of the staff and learning about their feelings towards the Marriott and tourism on the island in general. For all those who have complained in recent months, I am sorry that you did not enjoy your stay, but we found the Marriott and it's staff to be wonderful.
You will get out of the experience what you put in. We spent some time talking to many of the staff and were rewarded handsomely with very candid views of their lives, and how the Marriott and tourism has changed it (for better and for worse). Without exception, we found everyone to be extremely friendly and hospitable, on the property and off, and do not understand how someone could claim that they found St. Kittians to be rude. Shy perhaps, uneasy in some unfamiliar situations, but never rude.
Of course, bad things happen everywhere, and I am not naive to think that nobody has genuinely bad experiences, (I have been mugged while on vacation on another Caribbean island). But, I think most people will find the people of St. Kitts to be open and friendly. If you absolutely need to have your hand held through every step of your vacation, go stay at The Four Seasons... they will do a fine job, but the Marriott is a perfectly good choice for anyone who likes a moderate amount of luxury and enjoys a good value.
A few highlights of our trip... for what it is worth:
Great Roti at Yangs on New Street Downtown. Have not heard anyone mention this place, but we loved it and he is a very nice man.
Highly recommend renting a car and exploring the beaches of the Southeast section. We were treated to an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing on a stunning beach... all to ourselves, except for a few monkeys and cows roaming freely. Also great sunsets and sunrises at many points along this drive. Extremely romantic and we walked away with a feeling that we had experienced something that may not always be available (big tourism may be moving in soon).
Try stopping at some of the roadside stands. Most people I know would be afraid to do this, but for $2, we had some of the best BBQ chicken and interesting rice dishes anywhere on the island... and you are suppporting some of the locals. All very friendly and on two occasions, I gave them too much money (fumbling with the exchange rates) and they corrected my mistake and gave me back the correct change.
Ferry to Nevis for a day is also a nice break from the island. Nevis has a different look and feel and provides for an interesting visit. For the price of a car for the day, you can have a local guide drive you around the island and show you the sites.
Try some of the local bakeries... if you go early, everything is freshly baked and delicious. There are several to choose from on the island. Just drive around... you will find them nearby.
And most of all...explore. If your budget allows it, rent a car and drive the island. Don't drive too much at night, and of course use caution as the roads are very different than here in the states, but exploring the island will be fascinating. We particularly enjoyed stopping at local shops along the way and talking to people on the island. It may be a little awkward at first, but we found everyone to be friendly, helpful with directions and happy to talk to us. A smile and a few simple questions and compliments go a long way. Go find your own discoveries and bring them back to this board for others to share.