Blu St Lucia

The hotel has a pretty fountain in front of the entrance portico. Check-in takes place while seated in front of the reception desk, and as is typical at hotels in St. Lucia, most guests receive a rum punch welcome drink (some get a voucher if the bar is closed). Contemporary furniture graces this open-air lounge, and the center of the property comprises a spacious courtyard where an outdoor pool, the main bar, and restaurant are located. All rooms have windows and/or balconies that face this view, and they are accessed via a few sets of stairs (those with special mobility requirements will want to stay on the lower level). 

At night, soft lighting does a decent job of hiding flaws, but during the day, it's easy to see that the property could use additional maintenance and upkeep -- despite its obvious efforts at modernization. Since the hotel is situated at the end of Rodney Bay’s busy strip, guests who stay here will have a greater sense of seclusion. That being said, Rodney Bay's buzzing hub can easily be reached by foot, so for many who stay here, it's the best of both worlds. Clientele is a mix of families, couples, and business travelers using the meeting facilities.

The hotel is located in the northwest part of the island on a secondary road, about a 10-minute walk to the heart of Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia's entertainment district with more than 30 restaurants and bars and numerous shops, including two malls and a large marina. Those traveling by taxi should expect a 75-minute, expensive ride (in the $70 range) from Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF), or -- for regional flights coming from other islands -- a 20-minute ride from George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU). 

Guests can arrange a driver in advance with reception staff, though it might be worth considering renting a car, especially since there's free parking in a row of spots close to the entrance. A car would come in handy for those interested in taking day trips to Marigot Bay or the Pitons near Soufriere. Nearer by to the north are Gros Islet and historic Pigeon Island (about a 15-minute drive). But drivers should prepare for some slow, narrow, winding roads with jarring potholes -- in other words, use extreme caution after dark. 

All of the 72 rooms at blu St. Lucia have received updates, and they have newer beds and furnishings, such as dark wood headboards and cabinets, as well as 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Each room also comes with air-conditioning, mini-fridges stocked with two bottles of water, and coffeemakers (some that are Lavazza). Rooms wrap around a courtyard and the first and third floors include furnished patios and balconies, respectively, facing the pool. The second floor lacks balconies but offers extra indoor space with windows that have the same view. Interiors show some wear and tear, especially the bathrooms, which could use a complete renovation; they either have dated tub/shower combos or dingy walk-in showers. On the bright side, they come with eco-friendly dispensers of Molton Brown toiletries. 

Suites offer more space, including separate seating areas and free soft drinks placed on arrival, as well as private sundecks with sun loungers and evening turndown service. 

Those with special mobility requirements will want to stay on the first floor to avoid having to take the stairs -- these rooms are also ideal for those who want easy access to the courtyard from their patios. 

The hotel’s biggest asset is its close proximity to Reduit Beach, a five-mile stretch of sand that curves around the calm, Caribbean blue waters of Rodney Bay, ending at an authentic local bar called Marie's -- a great happy hour stop while watching sunset. This is one of St. Lucia's most popular beaches and is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and floating. Guests can snag beach towels at the pool and then take a five-minute walk to the main beach entrance and sneak past local vendors who will try to pawn off sun lounger rentals and a slew of water sports. This might be annoying at onset, but nothing that a friendly and firm "no thank you" won't take care of. Of course, it's easy to bargain down the price for a sun lounger, umbrella, or excursion, or simply throw down the beach towel in the sand and jump in the ocean at no charge -- this is a public beach, after all. Because of the beach, Rodney Bay has become the center of tourist nightlife in St. Lucia; during the day, the shops -- including two malls -- are bustling, and the restaurants and bars are lively at night. 

In the center of the property is an attractive rectangular outdoor pool. A set of steps leads up to a smaller wading pool, and another set of steps acts as a pretty waterfall. The terrace offers a handful of shaded pagodas, and the entire circumference has cushioned sun loungers. During our visit the pool water was cloudy, which might turn some people off. 

Unlike smaller hotels in the the area, blu St Lucia has additional features like a fitness center, business center, and games room with a pool table and darts. There’s also a small spa called Alaia using ESPA products, which offers basic treatments including massages, facials, nail services, and hair and cosmetic services. Perhaps one of the best amenities is the tennis court in the rear (perhaps the only one along the strip); guests get free use  of tennis racquets and tennis balls. 

The poolside bar and restaurant is a casual, open-air space that's open for lunch and dinner. A separate dining area serves daily breakfast buffet; meal plans are available to include this spread. In the lobby is a coffee shop offering sandwiches, pastries, ice cream, and beverages, though opening hours and selection seem to vary day to day. 

A gift shop is also located in the lobby selling basic travel necessities as well as clothing items, accessories, and souvenirs. There is a meeting room that can be rented for up to 30 people. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.