We stayed at the OTI as part of a group. We initially checked into a room with two full-size beds on wheels standing against freestanding queen sized headboards. It was always interesting to see where in the room we would wake up. Being jolted awake by the sound of the headboard banging against the wall was less amusing. Plenty of mosquitoes completed the experience. Requesting a move, we were put off several times by the hotel staff and then the manager. The best reason: someone might come in and want to book a room. So the confirmed guest takes a back seat to the theoretical walk-in reservation. Persistence led to a room with a king bed that stayed in one place and had fewer insects, but the mildew and awful bathroom assured that this room would be our punishment for having complained. Interesting that much better rooms were available but we were told they weren't. As we made our way through this two-week stay, it became clear that customer service is not a priority at the OTI. Beach towels were more often not available and guests who had not returned them were blamed. Several reminders over two days led to the eventual restoration of our hot water. It's a shame because there are nice rooms and parts of the grounds, especially the main pool, are lovely. It was as if surliness were sport to the OTI staff. With relatively few hotel choices on the Island, one would think the OTI could carve out a niche for itself by offering a better experience than it does. But I would never go back and would advise anyone I knew to stay away even if it meant visiting a different Island.

We just completed our 6th visit to this property. OTI exceeded all our expectations again. The staff is warm and cheerful. Although an older property, it is well maintained and comfortable. This was the premier property on the island for many years. Service is quite good. The pool is gorgeous and very quiet. The restaurants have always been good, but the Fisherman's Wharf has been remodeled and re-invented. Great meal there along with impeccable service. The resident manager, Mr. James is really making this place come alive again. While it does not have the "glitz" of the Marriott, it is where we will always stay while visiting St. Kitts.

The Ocean Terrace Inn is lovely with great restaurant, a gorgegous pool, and very nice rooms. The staff is very friendaly, and their activities desk will direct you to the highest quality activities on the island (e.g., hiking, scuba, cultural sites). Travelers may want to keep location in mind though. The hotel is a nice walk from Bassterre, but there is not much to do there. You will need to hop on the hotel shuttle to get to a nice swimming beach.

My wife and I stayed at OTI for six days before traveling to the Marriott for five more days. We purposely chose two different properties. OTI has a great location and view overlooking the harbor and downtown. It is a short walk (10-15 minutes depending upon where) to downtown along the water.

The hotel is actually several buildings. We had an oversize room with two queen beds with a balcony overlooking one of the pools. It is an older property but appears to be well cared for.

They have an exercise room and hot tub although the hot tub's water wasn't heated. I thought that was strange but found the same tepid water at the Marriott.

They do not have internet in the rooms but they have a wireless network at the pool bar. We often found folks in the morning or afternoon surfing the web with their laptops. (The Marriott's rooms are of course wired for the internet but there is a daily charge).

The staff was very friendly and accommodating which was the same everywhere in St Kitts. Some have mentioned that the pool bar wasn't open beyond 5-6PM. We found that to be true also. Given it's proximity to downtown there were more business travelers than vacationers which was fine for us. We had the use of the pool several days almost entirely to ourselves.

Besides the pool bar they have two restaurants; one in the hotel, Waterfalls, and Fisherman's Wharf down below on the water. The best restaurant on the island though is right next door; Serependity's. If you enjoy fine food you MUST have dinner there. Make reservations though, unlike every other restaurant on the island ex plantations you'll need it. We ate there twice and it was fabulous both times.

Although they are not on the beach they offer a free shuttle to Turtle beach or another beach. The drive to Turtle beach was about 30 minutes and would have been $40-50 roundtrip by taxi; that's from the folks at the Marriott that told us.

While OTI is convenient to downtown the majority of the restaurants on the island are over by the Marriott. There is another very excellent restaurant downtown; Stonewalls which I would recommend too. Marshalls is the last restaurant which I would strongly recommend if you enjoy good food. I would also recommend their Banana Chocolate cake.

We rented a car for one day and drove around the island. It is roughly 3-4 hours depending upon stops. We ate Sunday brunch at Ottley's Plantation which was excellent. It is a beautiful place with gorgeous grounds.

I originally booked my reservation directly with OTI online. A couple weeks later I found a much better rate offered by Expedia. I asked OTI to match it and they said they couldn't. I was able to cancel my original reservation without penalty and I booked with Expedia. So it pays to shop around.