Claraspar - i've stayed at the Rex several times, and been to St. Lucia 11. The Rex is fine. Yes, it needs some updating and the rooms are a bit tired, but from my experience, they're perfectly fine. Everything else about the hotel is great, the beach, the location of being within walking distance to several restaurants, bars, shops, etc. can't be beat. The deluxe room I was in this past February on the 2nd floor had such a great view over the beach and the ocean, it made up for any discolored tiles in the bathroom. Enjoy...unless you're super ultra picky, it will be just fine. Also, when are you going in May, cause the St. Lucia Jazz Festival is in May, and if you're lucky enough to be there during that time, make sure you go to several of the many, many events. I can give you more info, if you'd like.

Hi Okey

Thanks for the information - no we are not ultra picky and have stayed in some truly dreadful places in the past, it cant be any worse than those. Like you say, Location, Location, Location!!!!!

I think we miss the jazz by about 2 weeks, we are travelling on 23rd May. The only thing I would like info on is snorkelling off the beach. Is there much to see? My son is going to try snorkelling for the first time, and I dont want to take him into deep water until he has tried it and is ok.

Also, safety outside of hotel. We were in Jamaica a few years back and never felt safe wherever we went. Will it be ok to take our children outside the hotel grounds after dark?

Thanks again for your help, any info would be great.

Regards

Claraspar

Rooms definitely shabby and tired - spacious though. I just lowered my expectation before I went so wasn't particularly surprised or disappointed when we got there. Hayes & Jarvis own 'star' rating was 3+ but I beg to differ. I don't mind tatty but I don't do 'dirty' - but it was OK on that front.

As Okey has said before, the location is pretty good, I prefer to 'eat out' and it was great for doing that.

Although I wouldn't stay there again, in general it was OK so don't worry too much. I am a trifle fussy.

Claraspar: The snorkeling isn't great right off the beach there, but might be okay for a first timer to try out, but you can also easily rent a glass bottom boat or something of that nature off the beach and go out a bit and take your son. It's fairly smooth and he should love it. Plus there's tons of other water activities 20 feet outside your room on the beach. Like I said, I've been there 11 times, and never felt unsafe. There's so many restaurants and bars and shopping within walking distance of the Rex, and lots of people around. I've been to JA too, and I know what you mean about feeling unsafe outside the hotel. St. Lucia, and Rodney Bay area especially, are safe, during the day or after dark. Yes, the rooms are tired and bit shabby, but from my experience are always clean and comfortable. Let me know if need any other info.

Thanks for all your input on this okey, I do feel a lot happier about our choice of holiday. As I said, its all about location for us and from what I have seen we couldnt have chosen a better one. I will let you know how we get on and post some pics if I can.

Thanks again, your input has been very helpful.

Regards

Claraspar