Frenchman's Reef is a fantastic resort. There is a wide range of dining options on the property from the very expensive Aqua Terra to buying a Starbucks Sandwich at the Gift Shop, you really never have to leave the resort. (The breakfast buffet can be a bit pricey, but opting for a la cart menu is a less expensive option.) However, if you do decide for a nice night out I would recommend Grande Cru at Yacht Haven, Also for a less expensive meal and a cold beer with a chance to mix with some of the locals I can recommend Hook, Line and Sinker which is the land mark for the dive boat. I'm sure that there are many other options available and the taxi's are quite reasonable, and safer. The rooms are typical Marriott, clean sheets, clean rooms and great servicing. The maids will leave extra bottles of water each day if you ask them to (a couple of buck tip in the beginning ensures this daily) and they are great to take with you while exploring. I would say that the folks at the activity desk are a good source if you are trying to figure something out, but often times I just use them as a reference, then search out activities on my own. The beach and pools at the hotel are very nice, there is a designated "Spa Pool" that is reserved for Spa users only, Nice place to send the wife to get spoiled while you dive. The only downside to Frenchman's reef is time share sales pitch, but I was able to avoid it.
On another note, my son has decided to take a semester off from school :shocked2: and get his divemaster certification. He looked around at some of the dive operators that he had used in the past, specifically in Bermuda since we have family there that he could stay with, and he will be going back to St Thomas to do his training with Duane at Admiralty. Duane is a very good educator as well as a fantastic dive operator and my son felt comfortable enough with him to make a commitment to stay in St. Thomas for at least a month to do his training. Duane has set up a lot of training to be completed prior to his arrival in STT and they communicate with each other on a regular basis to review the progress. He will not be staying at the Marriott or eating at Grande Cru this time!!
Hope you have a REALLY COOL time in St. Thomas.