Resort hotels on St Croix

Old Apr 1st, 2014, 02:13 PM
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Resort hotels on St Croix

We are thinking of visiting St Croix, the first week in June 2014, wanting to stay near Christiansted and have close proximity to Buck Island for snorkeling and diving. We also want a place that has a gorgeous beach with offshore snorkeling.

Has anyone stayed at the Buccaneer lately, to report on it? It looks good for what we want, and it's about $336/night per room, which is the most I'd like to spend. Four adults getting two rooms.

Or does anyone have another suggestion there?

Thanks!
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 08:37 AM
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The Buccaneer is the best place to stay on the island close to Christiansted. Nice beach.(There are 3 separate beaches) There is a Buck Island day cruise that picks up from the Buccaneer dock.
June is off season, maybe you can get better rates?
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 08:50 AM
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Thank you!

The rate they quote is $336 total per night, for oceanview rooms, including breakfast.

I have emailed to ask if they'll give us two rooms for $300/night each for 6 nights. Haven't heard back.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 12:41 PM
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Tabernash2, Did you see all the recommendations from starrs on this very same question? (they are at the bottom of your Key West thread).
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 12:42 PM
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Yes, thank you. starrs likes it.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 09:47 PM
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I was talking with a pilot friend today, who has been all over the Caribbean.

He doesn't think St Croix is all that.
Said safety there is iffy.

Anyone heard that lately?
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 11:07 PM
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So the good news is:
The Buccaneer responded to my email proposal, and they discounted room prices another $76/day between the two rooms. The original price was already 20% reduced.

Awesome deal, I think. It's still a splurge, but we're celebrating major family milestones.

I'll also research re: safety issues or warnings.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 07:34 AM
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Safety is an issue on every island. No better or worse on STX.
People are friendly.
Just remember to drive on the left side.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 07:44 AM
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Yes historically there are "safety" issues on St Croix. But that's true on many of the Caribbean islands, or really most anywhere when you have rich and you have very poor people.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 08:10 AM
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I just did a quick Google search using "safety of Caribbean islands" and loads of articles pop up. Results also depends if you are looking at crimes of property theft, or personal safety issues from mugging to murder.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 08:15 AM
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Thanks. Sounds like anyplace else, when you're an outsider and you have to keep your eyes open.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 11:08 AM
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BTW the Buccaneer, as are most resorts on STX, is gated with a guard and gate at entrance.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 04:21 PM
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Thanks, joe. I did not know that. Not sure how I feel about that, actually. MGood to inow.

We will probably get a rental car and want to explore on the island, though.

Is it a 'friendly' culture? How do they feel about tourists?

Of course, I know it's US territory, but I assume it will feel like a foreign social system?
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Old Apr 3rd, 2014, 04:23 PM
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OMG: Good to know.

(I turned off auto-correct, and may regret it)
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Old Apr 4th, 2014, 01:06 PM
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Yay-- spent all morning burning up the internet to finalize air itineraries for the 4 of us, and rent a car. Believe it or not, it is more expensive to fly back to Denver than all the way to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Go figure.

Am finalizing negotiations with the Buccaneer now, for our 6 night stay. They are extremely responsive and helpful via email.
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Old Apr 7th, 2014, 07:19 AM
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Well..We've been to STX approx. 20 times and will be going again in OCT. We always stay at The Bucaneer and I have to say it's our favorite island and favorite place to stay of all the places we've been to. I truly believe that in the off season it's one of the best values in the entire Caribbean. Graet staff, beautiful grounds,views and very clean & comfortable. The "free" breakfast buffet is a terrific way to start your day and having a drink at the lobby bar to end up your night just can't be beat. The island itself and the resort is not the most exciting,fast pace or glitzy destination. If you appreciate low key experiences with an fairly authentic West Indian feel then you'll love the place. It may take a day or two but the island will grow on you. You may not be immediately overwhelmed by what you see but if you are not expecting movie set/Disney Land type perfection then I know you'll have a great vacation. We prefer to stay in the Great House up on the hill but you can't go wrong with any of the different room types or locations at The Buc. When you get there ask if you can see a few different room types to make your choice from. Diane in reservations is a sweet heart and a great lady to work with, so if you contact her with questions or requests you'll be well taken care off. And as far as the safety issues, we have never had a single problem or felt threatened in all of our visits, not so on some of our trips to Mexico,S.America,or some of the many other islands that we've been to. I will admit that I'm a huge advocate of STX and get a bit defensive when I hear the comments about crime/safety issues on STX. There was a bad incident in the mid 70's , I believe, at a golf course then called Fountain Valley. I'm sure you can google it for the details. It was bad and there were some people murdered. That incident has dogged STX and it's reputation ever since. I'll be the first to admit that STX is not without problems, but suffice it to say that if anyone knows of a Shangra La on this planet ,I for one do not. I do read reviews and comments on many other islands and there are problems thruout the Caribbean.Enough said....The largest employer on STX ,the Hovesa refinery shut down about a year and a half ago and put over 2,000 people out of work. On an island of 50,000 inhabitants that's a huge hit. We've been there at least 2 or 3 times since the shutdown and haven't really noticed a drastic effect. Things have changed a little, but they always do. A restaurant or two shuts down , but others open up and things carry on. In fact that's one of the things that we like about STX is that it really hasn't changed a whole lot since our first trip over 20 years ago. The island has very nice beaches, lots of good restaurant choices,friendly people,very good snorkeling and diving,terrific scenery, picturesque historic towns and is easy to drive around. You'll love it......Rent a car, drive around, don't over plan your days, because you don't want to feel rushed, explore a different part of the island each day and you will have a wonderful memorable trip.
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Old Apr 7th, 2014, 08:16 AM
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Thank you, stcroixboix! I am so happy to read your description of St Croix and the Buccaneer, because that is EXACTLY the island experience we are looking for. And, I just bought airfare for the 4 of us, so we are committed now. Your post lets me know I made the right choice!

We reserved rooms at the Great House, and I like your suggestion to ask to see rooms available to choose from. We usually do that in the States, so I'm glad to hear it is acceptable to do there, too.

We have rented a car, because it looks like a wonderful island to explore.

Airfare was a challenge, because we return to three different cities. But, I was able to get each of us nonstop to and from Miami, which was my hope. And we will be on the same hop from STX to Miami, which is perfect.

Can't wait!! Thank you so much for posting.
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Old Apr 8th, 2014, 01:46 PM
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To Tabernash... I looked for a way to post a personal message to you about STX and can't figure it out for this site. This probably will get deleted but if you go to the Tripadvisor site on STX they allow personal messaging between members and I think it's a good feature. I post on T.A. as stcroixtraveler and if you'd like I can attempt to give you some help. There is a lot of good specific info on that site that you can access without exchanging personal messages if that's your preference....
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Old Apr 9th, 2014, 04:03 PM
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Thanks for your offer! I am reading the posts on TA, and noted you are an expert contributor.

Here's a dumb question:

We fly Boston- San Juan- STX

Then STX- Miami- Denver

I understand passports are not required for US citizens.
But, f my passport book would be stamped at STX, I'd like that.

Then going through Miami, is that going to involve much difficulty? We will have good IDs and are a family traveling together.
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Old Apr 10th, 2014, 10:04 AM
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We've been visiting St Croix for close to 20 years. I must admit that the crime has increased a bit in the past few years (especially since Hovensa closed) but don't let that stop you exploring the island -- just keep an extra eye out after dark in some places. The Buccaneer is great and staying on that end of the island will make it very easy for you to explore Christiansted, but take a day and explore the North Shore area (especially around Cane Bay, which has some of the best diving and snorkeling on the island) as well as the West End and the rain forest (stop by the Domino Hut in the middle of the rain forest and visit Miss Norma and her beer drinking pigs). Driving on the left is easy once you get the hang of it, but it helps to have someone riding shotgun to remind you to stay left when you are turning at an intersection.

You don't need a passport to get INTO St. Croix (it is a domestic flight), but it helps to have a passport to LEAVE the island, because you have to go through Customs and Immigration (it is a port of entry). If you just use a drivers license to leave it will work, but they end up asking you a few questions to clear you in the computer and it takes a little extra time.
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