magic123

Hello,
Seems like a lot of people here recommend St. John's which is helping confirm my decision to go there! Now I'd love your opininons on where to stay. Caneel Bay is supposed to be fantastic but i've read a lot of mixed review on other message boards (some horrible things like roaches and other dirty feedback) so now I'm a bit scared away from there. Heard the Westin was nice but not sure if perhaps there is a better, more intimate place? I too am well traveled and love Hawaii, Tahiti, etc so don't necessarily need the huge chain hotels to feel comfortable. Any advice is appreciated! thank you!

sceneisle

It's been a few years now but we stayed at Gallows Point. Very nice unit with sleeping loft, living area and kitchen. Not the best snorkeling on the island by any means but O.K.. Gallows Point is just a short walk into town.

SSypniewski

My husband and I stayed at Caneel Bay two years ago and really enjoyed our stay there. Its a beautiful resort that has an understated elegance. The rooms are very basic, no tvs and/or phones, however the location of the beachfront rooms is well worth the $$ IMO. Plus you have access to so many beaches while staying at this resort. (I also recommend you rent a car or at least do a tour of the island). If you are looking for a relaxing and tranquil place I would recommend this to you. We had no roaches in our room and it was very clean. However we did have a few no-see-um's at night so I would recommend using bug spray. My husband and I are returning this year again to Caneel, but we are doinig a split deal, 4 nights at the Westin and 3 nights at Caneel (my husband has a hard time dealing with no tv for entire time so..) if you have any questions let me know, I'd be happy to answer any. Good Luck! - Susan

magic123

Thanks Susan! Are those famous beaches I keep reading about (Trunk, Cinnamon, etc.) at Caneel Bay? Or would I need to leave the resort anyway (either Westin or CB) to visit these famous places? Also, for the weekend we are planning to go, CB only has the tennis garden rooms available. Would you still say this is worth it? Thanks so much for your help.

tamryn

Magic-We stayed on St. John this spring in a villa. The beaches you refer to are on the North SHore and all very close to Caneel Bay-you have lovely beaches on your property as well. The Westin's beach is very spare as it is toward the South Shore and I believe i read it was man made or enhanced. It looks like a simple Florida beach. The Westin is more of an action packed feeling while Caneel is a real step back in time charming place.

WaywardSeal

A lot depends on the details of your travel. You did not give much info. Are you traveling as a family? If so, the Westin is very much geared to children and families. If you were looking to get away by yourself or with someone, I would say Caneel.
Some gripes are correct about Caneel, service is very slow, and the food is very average. Breakfast is fine, but with Cruz Bay's great restaurants so close, this is not a problem when considering dinner. One complaint I can't attest to is being dirty; I'm pretty much a clean freak and I have never had one problem at Cannel. As far as bugs, no roaches either. Depending on when you go, you might see some flying insects. Every room has a can of OFF bug spray in it.

If you're comparing beaches it's not even a fair comparison. The Westin beach is indeed man made. Caneel has 7 beaches, most with incredible snorkeling. Stay on Scott Beach if you really want to get away; they don't allow children.
Trunk and Cinnamon are not far; if you go, GO EARLY!
Because of their beauty and notoriety they are usually overrun with people by noon. Unfortunately the underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk shows the ill effects of this as well. I can honestly say after you see what Caneel has to offer in beaches and snorkeling you may not want to leave. Don't get me wrong; take an island tour to see the many things St John has to offer. I've been there many times and still have not seen half of what is there!
Also be careful when you refer to St. John as St. John's (with an “S”) on Fodor’s; kind of petty if you ask me, but some elitists on this board love to slam people for adding an S.

poss

Wayward has everything exactly right. Wanted to say also: Be sure to ask for a room upgrade when you arrive at Caneel. Quite possible they will have a better room at check-in, and they are usually good abt giving complimentary upgrades if they have something available.

magic123

Thanks everyone, this is very helpful. It looks like all of the rooms are sold out except for the Tennis Garden but I will definitely ask for an upgrade anyway. My apologies on the "S".

xkenx

Caneel is paradise on earth! With 7 beautiful tree-shaded white sand beaches and wade-in snorkeling, you will never have to leave the property for beaching. Some people confuse the lack of TV or phones with "inadequate."
Caneel's rooms have sitting areas, planty of bathroom & closet space, private patio or balcony, and ceiling fans so you can live open air and not use A/C.There was a survey of previous guests taken a few years ago to see if there was demand for TV and/or phones; they were overwhelmingly voted down. Many people said that if Caneel installed the items they were escaping from for a few days, they would not return. If you like that style, you will love Caneel and not want to leave. Even if you are in a tennis garden room, you can walk or take their shuttle to the beaches. The tennis garden rooms are priced lower because they are not on the beach or with big views--they are not "lesser" rooms. If you can get a room locaton upgrade, wven better.

SSypniewski

Caneel does have their own beaches which are beautiful. They areI believe the beaches are: Scotts, Hawksnest Beach, Turtle Bay, Paradise, Caneel and Little Caneel. I may have missed one or two. It reallly doesn't matter where you stay because you have access to all beaches. I actually heard that the tennis garden rooms are one of the nicer rooms because they were renovated not too long ago. Plus they have shuttles that take you to whichever beach you desire. You will really enjoy Caneel. Just remember to rent a jeep or take a taxi to some of the other beautiful beaches on St. John - like Trunk and Cinnamon, etc. However one of my favorite beaches is right at Caneel, Scott's Beach! Beautiful and quiet. Have a great time - Susan

SSypniewski

I apologize for some typos in my previous reply. When are you planning on going to Caneel? I would recommend looking into www.sailvi.com and check out the scubadu for a daysail. Its a little pricey but you get your own private catamaran and captain, Joe! He's a great guy and an awesome chef. He can take you whereever you want to go. Its another great way to see all of the surrounding virgin islands. We did thte sunset sail at Caneel and I thought it was a little expensive for what you got - not worth it in my opinion. Any more questions, just ask! - Susan