We have just returned from St. Thomas and had a wonderful relaxing week. We stayed at the Elysian Beach Resort. In going, by reading reviews of where we stayed, there was some concerns. However, the stay at Elysian was terrific. The check-in went smooth. We did check in on a Friday and did hear that those who checked in the next day was a hassle.

The people from the staff and the on site restaurants could not have been more pleasant. The only disappointment was we had the Studio King, that said it had a kitchentte. This was a microwave and small refigerator and a small bar sink. In other Wyndham properties, the above description would have been more a place where you could actually cook with a bar to sit. Other units had a full kitchen so this was not in all the units but the description given was not consistent.

Other than the above the unit was clean. The view was pleasant. The beach though small was wonderful. The pool was large enough for the whole resort so plenty of space, but limited setting around area. But there was plenty of lounge chairs on the beach.

The Island itself was great. Especiailly loved the excursions offered by New Horizons. We went on a day trip of snorkeling and an evening dinner cruise. It was wonderful.

We decided to go by taxi rather than renting a car. They were readily accessible and I felt safer because the roads are narrow and they drive on the left side.

We went one day to St John and took one of the tours offered when you get off the ferry. It was enjoyable. i had heard that it is the luck of the draw but our guide was very informative and allowed plenty of time to enjoy the trip. It was scheduled for 2 hours but we were almost three hours before we got back.

We ave been going to this resort for several years and much of the bad press and mixed ratings were on point. Now that there is new management (the Wyndom name) we have noticed a change of attitude with the staff they are much more pleasant and responsive, and guests are asked to fill out a "rating" card when they depart.

Another great change is that the owner/chef of Robert's restaurant has taken over the beach bar (it's named Ainsley's for his daughter) and the food/service is great there as well.

It's not what I would consider a high end (think high price) resort on the island but it's just the right size to walk to the pool, beach, transportation, office or restaurants without breaking much of a sweat, and we are in our 60s.

We plan to return no less that every other year as long as we can.

It still bewilders my wife and I when we read the reviews which by the way can keep you on your toes ,however ,the Elysian may not be the Hilton or the Ritz ,but as the project manager of the Elysian when it was built and also finished up on what is now the Ritz, The Elysian means a quite and relaxing time ,Vegas it is not nor was it ever intended to be ,while being an owner of a unit there we also experienced some very rude visitors ,which no matter what was done,they remained unhappy,but the majority that go there leave very happy,we have since sold our condo but we still go back and enjoy it as much as ever. It is as they say lay back and enjoy!!!!

Stayed at Elysian Beach 4/10-4/17. Some of these units are part of a timeshare, others are individually owned and rented. We found our unit on vrbo and it was fantastic. We still got to use the Elysian amenities, while having a completely updated 2+ bedroom 3 bath unit w/washer/dryer and three balconies. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and we used the pool/bar area daily. The two restaurants, Roberts and Ainsley's are probably 2 of the best in the area. The entire cowpet bay area is the perfect location as a base for all your adventures. We found the staff at the Elysian to be friendly and helpful, even though we weren't renting directly through them - no problems whatsoever. We also got to use the owner's lounge to print out our e-tickets for the return home. Highly recommend renting a car. It takes getting used to, but you will not enjoy the island unless you do so. One family staying at our hotel felt "trapped", because an excursion for them all to and back from town cost $90 in taxi fare. The virgin islands taxi structure of paying "per person" is truly the biggest rip-off on the island. We took our car on the ferry over to St. John, lots of fun. Oh, and we also liked Latitude 18 nearby the hotel - a 4-wheel drive would have been better, but we managed in our avis sonata - no road, just rocks and dirt - but worth it. And of course Duffy's, where we brought home different tiki glasses from their famous drinks. Fantastic time, we will be back!