I just got back from Bolongo Bay and will be going back again and again - much like all the nice people we met there and told us they have been coming back for years! First I'll sum up why Bolongo Bay is a great place to go, and then I'll provide more details.

The difference between Bolongo Bay and the other (more corporate hotels) is:

Bolongo Bay:
Steps to the Beach (other hotels are on hills so have to walk all the way down to beach)
Non-crowded beach (other hotels have much larger capacity, hence more people)
Only holds 170 rooms (I think) so you are always tended to and can always relax in total peace
I believe the only place in St. Thomas that has outdoor entertainment every night of the week
Rooms are not made of marble and glass (like the more corporate "Marriott's") but they are big, clean and beds are very comfortable. (Who needs marble and glass when you spend 90% of your time outside of the room anyway?)
Friendly staff that I have NEVER found anywhere else I've been in the world
Everything you need during the day is within walking distance (on grounds) - restaurant on both sides of beach, water sports hut, little store, front desk, business center, etc. all within steps


So, here's what you get to expect while vacationing at Bolongo Bay: Amazing welcome (welcome sign with your personal names listed, champagne (if you have special event or if you are a returning guest - sometimes even a bottle of rum), Incredibly nice staff that remember your name every time they see you and say hello (even the landscapers say hello by name). A wonderful and clean beach that is never crowded! Free (non-motor) water sports - snorkel, body board, sailing, paddle boats, etc. Clean rooms with fridge and large balcony, all rooms are steps from beach, swim up bar, fine dining restaurant, casual outdoor restaurant, outdoor entertainment every night, all inclusive option if desired, kid friendly, volleyball tournaments, tennis courts, hammocks, friendly iguanas walking along the beach and in pool. You are far enough away from downtown and away from cruise ship crowds but still only an $8 cab ride into town.

If you truly want a VERY relaxing vacation without the hustle and bustle of crowds and noise with the attention to detail and warm hearted people....THEN GO TO BOLONGO BAY! You won't regret it! I promise!!

First impressions are important and this is the weakest part of the Bolongo Bay Resort. Fortunately, they make up for it in other areas, but the lobby area and the rooms (which is the first thing we saw) are not impressive AT ALL. The staff and overall attitude of the resort are great, really, but the hotel is in dire need of a renovation. I know it's quaint and all that, but it really should be worked on. My 20 year old and I took a mom/daughter trip during her college break and couldn't get our preferred hotel on St. Thomas, so we booked Bolongo. She loved it, mainly due to the beach amenities and the beach staff, who were extremely nice and helpful with getting her involved with some new water sports. The beach is nice; we sunned, snorkeled with a sea turtle, kayaked, sailboarded, paddle boarded, and drank tropical drinks. Obviously, we packed it in! The restaurant is nice and convenient and reasonable and Iggys is a short walk down the beach for a great bar and casual food. One night they showed a movie on the beach at Iggy's (next door) while we ate. Overall, I'd say, if the room is not key in making your trip enjoyable and you go out more than you stay in, enjoy the Bolongo Bay Resort for what it is; not the Marriott.

This is not some white washed sanitized smug resort.
Every person there cares that you enjoy your experience. Snorkeling or Hobie Cat lesson no problem just ask the great guys at the beach hut. They also recommended a better snorkel
for my wife which we bought at the on site dive shop.
We arrived on March2 over 2 hours before check in not only was our room ready but they gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne..our 32nd anniversary:) We had room 114 for the week
(waves hi to Jeff). I met some tremendous people there and could never mention them all by name even though certainly remembered ours all the time. The people at the Lobster Grill will also remember if you have a favorite table. Our preference was the 2nd floor two person directly over the pool. My favorite breakfast was the new englander. Favorite dinner the delmonico:)
Portions were huge we had trouble eating it all and my wife never did. Never had one bad meal
or one bad experience. The drinks are just what we wanted strong and never ending. The all inclusive beachfront is the way to go. That gentle lapping sound of the ocean just makes you sleep very deeply. I had read tons of reviews about bugs here is my take on it....its the tropics!
Fire Ants= Nope never saw one just a few sugar ants don't take food to your room was our rule.
Mosquitos= only a few after it rained.
NoSeeUms=we avoided being outside an hour after sunrise and an hour after sunset. I am very allergic to all bites and welt easily but had no issues.
Iggies is the very best beach bar we saw we just preferred Lobster Grille.
The turtles were often just a few feet off the beach take your water proof camera!!
Heavenly days cruises turtles and sunset were just great. Tip for the sunset cruise sit in the back
on the way back you'll have the sunset views :)
Summary the Duomeg family and crew actually care about you and your enjoying your stay I can not wait to go back next time I just won't get sunburned on the 2nd day. Every person there was just amazing..oohhh and if you see Joseph the woodcarver onsite tell him hi and buy something like we did he does amazing work.

If you ever wondered what heaven feels like, stay at Bolongo Bay... It is as close as it could be..You will get the 5 star treatment in so many ways..They are small out of the way resort in a peaceful cove..With outstanding service and atmosphere..Thier staff will answer any questions you may have ,and are always friendly and making your stay feel like home..I was amazed how comfortable i felt there.I would like to thank the entire staff for making it feel like home..i really did not want to leave..Will I be back ...YES !!!...I met some awesome people and made some life long friends..What more could a person ask for..They offer such a wide range of activeies, like sorkling and suba ,non powered fun of all types..and trips like the sunset cruise and swim with the turtles..and lets not forget,diving trips or jet sking..and as the sun sets the entertainment just gets started at Iggys..they have live entertainment every night,your sure to have fun there.why even the locals come to Iggy's to play and eat..Now thats saying something...I had a awesome time at Bolongo and would never stay anywhere else..there no place like home...Next time I hope to meet the owner and thank them for having such a grest resort...If you cant have fun here you wont have fun anywhere...By the end of my stay I wished I worked for Bolongo Bay..It was the best vaction i have had.....