Any suggestions on where to stay in the the British Virgin Islands for under $250 a night? Something clean and safe. Perferably close to the ocean-- why else go? And a pool would be nice, but clean is key... Can it be done?

Yes! I'm partial to Virgin Gorda--you may want to look at Paradise Beach Resort and Mango Bay as well as Guavaberry Spring Bay. They are found on www.bviwelcome. I'd suggest having a vehicle for exploring whether you stay on VG or Tortola. Also agree about being right on the beach--make sure to ask about the condition of the beach and if you can swim at the resort.

You can go to Cooper Island Beach Club. You can see them at http://www.cooper-island.com.

Thanks for the tips. How remote is Cooper Island Beach Club? I'm not looking for loneliness just not next to a bar.

How lonely do you want? There are two groups at Cooper Island Beach Club. The first group is about 16 people staying in the units. In the summer there may be only 6 or 8 people staying there. The other group is about 16 sailboats at the moorings in front of the Club. This changes everyday. Some of the boat people come ashore for meals. The most activity is around the restaurant and bar in the evening. And you might hear some happy noise as the people leave from the floating dock in their dingies to get back to their boats around 8 pm or so. If you walk to your left along the shore you are alone. Several hundred yards further are two houses that can be rented for around $100 per day. While you can prepare your own meals in your room if you bring supplies along, none to be purchased on the island, we have a continetal breakfast brought to our room in the morning and eat on the porch at our set time. The rest of our meals are taken in the restaurant. It is fun to watch the boat people. The best snorkeling is off the end of the island where there is nobody there. Also, there is a dive shop on the island where one of the major dive operations stops by every day several times. I you really want lonely I would recommend Anegada. Here you can rent a house for about $100/day and about $50 for a car. You have top snorkeling off the island. The island is however very flat and without any tall vegetation. In otherwords, no shade. There are modest priced places to eat and you can get some of the best Caribbean lobster in the world. This island is really lonely. The Island is very small and is just across from Road Town in Tortola. It is a steep hike to the top of the island and you will run into nobody. It takes perhaps 30 minutes to get there by boat. Your outlook is across to Tortola. The Beach Club is friendly, low key and informal.

P.S. I should have said that Cooper Island is just off of Road Town. To get to Anegada you need to take a small plane that flies there about 3 or 4 times a week. I can't remember the schedule.

Coconut Point in Carrot Bay, Tortola is available when we are going and in our price range. Has anyone checked out this villa or know much about the area?

This isn't a problem. There have been a few such requests recently (one couple was looking for something under $100) so I've done a little research. <BR>If Louis' recommendation on Cooper is a little too far off the beaten track, then Tortola and Virgin Gorda are the places to be. You'll find a number of places at BVIWELCOME.COM. That site is on the up-and-up since it is to some extent run by the BVI Tourist Board. If you find a place there that you have a question about, e-mail me direct (or on this string if you don't mind waiting a bit longer)and I will let you know about its neighborhood, etc. <BR>As $$ is a limiting factor for you, here are a couple of suggestions that can have major financial impact and even increase your enjoyment of the islands. <BR>1. Choose a place that comes with a kitchenette. This enables you to not pour money into restaurants. Also, it means you can have the occasional meal "at home", in your swim suit, when you have that urge to munch. It's freedom. <BR>Also, Caribbean restaurant fare is $$$. Two burgers and fries with cokes will run $20-25 with tip. But groceries on Tortola are just a little more expensive than in the US. <BR>Take your own condiments with you. They take up little space and you don't need much of any one of them. No problem with customs. <BR>Rent a car, preferably a 4WD. It's a beautiful island and cabs are very expensive and inconvenient. Most of the cab companies will be listed with rates on BVIWELCOME.COM. They pick you up and drop you off. With the car you can do a different beach every morning and afternoon if you choose. Once again, it's freedom. Figure $300/wk depending on season. <BR>Cheers! <BR>

Joel these are all great suggestions. Having a kitchen is a budget saver. We love sampling the local cuisine, but not 3 times a day. I found several villas I really like on that site and will post once narrowed down. I was wondering about whether or not to rent a car, sounds like taxis may not be the way to go. Do you leave it at the ferry when going to another island or take it?

Ferries don't transport cars, but there's plenty of parking at the terminals in both Road Town and West End. Crime, as near as I've been able to determine, doesn't happen (which sets it apart from a few other nearby islands).

As a result of reading many of the posts on this wnoderful forum board we are seriously looking at the Cooper Island Beach Resort as a get away place for a couple of weeks next summer. We like to dive, snorkel, fish and generally relax on a quiet beach. Has anyone stayed there recently? Does anyone have any recommendations about the resort? We would appreciate any input. Thanks. Eliz