by Brian Major
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Fri March 2, 2018
A large section of an iconic U.S. Virgin Islands hotel re-opened this week after a long closure triggered by devastating damage the property suffered during Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
Marriott's Frenchman's Cove in St. Thomas is welcoming guests for the first time since September 6 and is among the first large U.S. Virgin Islands resort to re-open following the Category 5 hurricane's passage.
Marriott's associates at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove have worked "hand-in-hand" with a remediation firm and "other local vendors" to rebuild the property, "all while dealing with their own personal challenges," said Marriott Vacation Club officials in a statement announcing the re-opening. The Frenchman's Cove wing combines hotel accommodations with privately owned condominiums.
Frenchman's Cove's pool and hot tub are open to guests and the wing's beach has been cleared and is open for use. Also, the hotel's pier is fully restored, the restaurant and Marketplace are open and resort activities are also available to guests, officials said. Crews will "continue to work on landscaping and other projects, including building painting, throughout the resort over the next several weeks," they added.
The Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, a section of the same property adjacent to the beachfront, remains closed due to hurricane damage until further notice.
"The unwavering dedication of our associates has shown through during this challenging time at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove," said Scott Derrickson, the resort's general manager. "I am so proud of the hard work our associates took on and completed to get the resort back open even though they were also affected personally by these storms. We are grateful to be welcoming our first owners and guests back to the resort today."
Marriott officials noted that St. Thomas "continues to go through a lengthy recovery process" with many restaurants and shops having recently reopened for business and large section of the island's traditionally lush foliage" has made an incredible recovery." Progress updates continue to be posted regularly by local officials.
U.S. Virgin Islands governor Kenneth Mapp said in January the government has helped to restore 13,000 of the 26,000 weekly airline seats that were coming into the territory prior to Hurricane Irma in September. The U.S. Virgin Islands has also re-launched its critical cruise ship sector, now hosting more than 305,000 cruise ship passengers since ships began their return.
"We are working daily with the airlines, cruise lines and the Virgin Islands Port Authority to restore additional flights and additional berths into our islands," he added.
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