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St. Lucia Hotel, Resort & Villa Reviews
Jalousie Hilton 07/11/2003
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
Let me just start by saying that this was an incredible resort. I had done a lot of research prior to choosing the Jalousie and I was not disappointed with the choice. From the moment we arrived at the resort via helicopter (highly recommended for getting there) we were amazed at how beautiful the grounds are kept. Just a side note- the helicopter is well worth the money and it is almost an excursion of its own. We had such a great view of the island and everyone who drove in wished they would have arrived via helicopter. We were then taken to the lobby and given our room along with some rum punch! We had booked an Ocean View Villa but fortunately they had one Ocean View Villa Suite that was available and I asked for an upgrade. They did allow us to take this suite at a charge-which was worth it. You can also negotiate the upgrade charge to more reasonable rates with the front staff.
We stayed in #604, which I thought was great! I highly recommend this room- we had a great view of the ocean and a beautiful view of Petit Piton- it looked so close you wanted to touch it. The Villa was very private as well. When checking in try to ask for the most private suites b/c many of them can be seen on the paths via shuttle and this would be very annoying. Lucky for us #604 was private. It was attached to another villa but it still was very private and you really could not be seen unless the other people were really trying.
I know many people talk about all the rooms and higher #'s are better, but this is not necessarily true. We did get to see some other rooms and even the precious #904 we were allowed to peek in. This was a great room and I think that the privacy of it made it nice but many of the other suites are just as nice with beautiful views as well. I tried to see if we could get 904 but I think there was celebrity that was coming in so they were not giving this room to anyone (said that it was under maintenance- but later a taxi driver told me there was someone in there that was trying to keep a low profile.) It was ok with us though b/c after seeing the room -we were still very happy with #604- it was a great room!
The inside of the room was clean and very spacious. The refrigerator was nice for fixing drinks and jumping in the plunge pool! I think that many of the rooms in the 600s were really nice. Also the larger pool for the suites was really nice! The shuttles come frequently so don't worry about those- although the last day we called 3 times because we needed to check out and catch our helicopter and they were really slow that day! But overall I would say they did a good job and the drivers and staff are so friendly!
As for the weather... it did rain everyday like the forecast called for- but it did not really bother us. Most of the time we would hear the rain at night or it would rain early in the morning and by the time we had breakfast and were heading out to the beach the sun was out full force. It is quite interesting the way the sun comes out for a while and then the rains come and cool you off- it was kind of refreshing for us. One day it did rain more than others b/c there was a Tropical Depression- this day I think many people were a little disappointed at the weather but my husband and I were not really upset. We were still able to go to snorkeling, and to the spa and get outdoor couples massages that were a lot of fun. Don't worry about the weather because there will be enough sun and even if the rain comes- it won't really hinder your plans too much. I still got a tan from being at the beach everyday!
The food at the resort was not what everyone complains about. The food was really good and we are two picky city people! We ate everywhere except Plantation and the food was good everywhere. I think everyone needs to realize that when you go to a top notch hotel like this anywhere you are going to pay premium price and obviously you won't get the best meal as if you would in a city in the US. I was satisfied with all the meals including the breakfast at Verandah, The Pier and the Bayside. We also did go to Dasheene for dinner one night and again another night just for drinks. The view is breathtaking! I would highly recommend going there for dinner- the food is good there- you are paying for the gorgeous view, which is well worth the visit. It is about a $30 round trip taxi ride to Dasheene. If you are going to Dasheene, ask the front desk to try and reserve Table #2- it is beautiful view right one the edge overlooking the Pitons and the sunset. If they can’t get that table then Table 4 and 5 are also great choices. While we were there we even asked to see one of the rooms- it was nice- but I was very happy that we stayed at Jalousie. My husband also didn't like the fact that it was hot (no A/C) in the room and we were there late at night. Despite what they say, there were lots of bugs flying around in the room too. Don't get me wrong I think it is a very charming place but Jalousie was more our style.
As far as activities I recommend- the Soufriere Experience which was a lot of fun- you are able to see the botanical gardens, sulphur springs, diamond falls and then the driver will take you into town if you want to go to pick up some groceries. Also get a water taxi and go to see Marigot Bay and Anse Chastanet. We went snorkeling there but thought the snorkeling at Jalousie was better. The black sand beach is nice to see, but we preferred the beach at Jalousie. The Couples Outdoor massage up at the spa is great and then we jumped in the Jacuzzi after- and wow what a beautiful view from up there!!
Overall I think that anyone who goes to Jalousie will be happy. The pictures you see on posts and other sites don't do any justice- we had some really great pictures of the resort. This place is very beautiful and you just have to go there to see it for yourself!! Look for a post in the forum section for pictures from our stay… they will be posted soon.
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