So we're starting a tradition. 10 year old birthday means a 1 on 1 trip with Dad, and 13 and 1 on 1 trip with mom. We started off as a Continental US deal....but kids pointed out that as ATL dwellers much of the Caribbean is closer and often cheaper flights. My bank account may wonder what I am started but as you all know that when a 10 year old is excited about going away with her dad you just go with it. And as friends point out to me, I can't insist that this is just a road trip to the theme park because it's my turn at 13!

For a variety of reasons Father and Daughter are now locked on St. John. There trip will only be a long weekend and the ease of the domestic travel and direct flights along with snorkeling and emphasis on nature have them focused on this.

So now we have a few decisions....

When to go.
Birthday has passed and now we are thinking we have time in Sept, Oct, Nov. For weather reasons I'm thinking early November....

Where to stay....
Seems like most villas want longer stay. It's just two of them and we need some budget.
I liked the idea of a B&B as they could have breakfast taken care of and get some good advice but not sure what would make sense for the two of them (many adults only).
We have Westin points galore and I could swing that but I worry about isolating them a bit too much in expensive food territory and hate to wast the points on a hotel that seems to garner ver mixed reviews.
Welcome to thoughts.

it's still Hurricane Season in the Caribbean at that time of year - September through mid-October is the peak time for storms and things start to ease off in November but you could still run the risk of encounter a storm at that time so factor that into your plans - consider purchasing Trip Cancelation Insurance with "Hurricane Coverage" if the threat of losing any non-refundable deposits is of major concern to you.

Also, because it's considered "off season" you may find some resorts/hotels/inns/restaurants are closed or operating under reduced hours. On the other hand, you'll find some of the lowest room rates of the year during that time period and the island won't be over-run with tourists. Keep in mind that St. John is one of the more expensive destinations in the the Caribbean so even though you'll be going in off-season you may find room rates there will be higher than in comparable places on other islands.

For us to be of any help you need to tell us what your budget is for airfare, accommodations and food - not the other way around. We have no idea what your lifestyle is and what you can afford. Don't use terms like "affordable", "not too expensive" "won't break the bank" as they are meaningless with out an actual dollar point of reference. Once we know how much you are willing to spend we can steer you in the right direction.

If you are only going for a long weekend chances are you won't find any villas willing to accommodate you so concentrate your efforts on resorts, inns and guest houses. A simple google search for "Where to stay on St. John" or " St. John Hotels" will give you lots of information to begin your search. Start here:
http://www.wheretostay.com/caribbean...1-St_John.html

Yes I could have been more specific.

I should re-read the quick notes I saw on hurricane season, I thought it would be done by early November and my quick look at costs seems like they pick up by then.

On budget - we tend to spend on holidays if it suits and are flexible. So above I was more joking that our new tradition could be a bank buster in the long run vs any specifics on this trip.

I might willingly pay $250 - $300 a night if it made sense - which I know is not a lot in St. John. My crew probably won't be willing do what I see are some of the super basic options at $100.

I might be happy to use my points to make the lodging portion mostly free - but I wouldn't pay $400 and up to stay at the Westin.

I liked some of the B&B's but they all seemed no kids - so regardless of price thought some might have insight.

My fantasy - is a clean and comfortable B&B that would happily accept a mature 10 year old and her dad. Had wonderful breakfasts, good advice on hiking, snorkeling, and some restaurants, in a location that felt peaceful and calm but was well located for doing what they want to do. And can be booked for 3 days.

I really don't know of any B&B's on St John other than Estate Lindholm and they don't allow children. Have a look at Gallow's Point Resort, Lavender Hill or Grande Bay Condos right in town. There is a little tourist kiosk where you can get info about hikes, snorkeling etc. There is also at store/activities desk at Gallow's Point that is very helpful. You don't say whether or not they will be renting a vehicle. All of the accomodations are walking distance to town. Plenty of restaurants withing walking distance. These units either have a full kitchen or kitchenette so you could pick up a few breakfast things. Also I would wait until November when the risk of hurricanes is less. If you look on VRBO, you might find some decent rates for a studio or condo with pullout couch at Grande Bay. There might be a charge for less than one week booking. It is up to the individual owners.

i have an alternate suggestion. on st. thomas is secretharbourvi.com it is a condo style resort with excellent restaurant serving 3 meals daily. the beach is outstanding with very good walk-in snorkeling. even the 2 br beachfront suites are in your price range.
with only a couple days i think this is a better choice as st. john has dozens of beaches to explore and they will have to rent a car or jeep to get to them no matter where they stay (except caneel bay resort). car probably needed for st. thomas too although taxis are easy to get.
secret harbour is about 10 mins from red hook where they can catch a 20 min ferry to st. john if they wanted to go over for a day. also red hook has several not expensive places to get a meal.
with only a long weekend in mind - they will lose at least 2 hrs getting to st. john resort & probably more returning on last day depending on flt time. it's approx 1 hr from airport to secret harbour.
beachfront accomodations on st. john are hard to find & with just 3 days i think they might like be able to just walk onto the beach & snorkel without having to pack up a bunch of stuff.

Interesting to consider St Thomas and then a day trip to St John perhaps?

Point to consider: They will be flying into and out of St. Thomas anyway. There are lots more accommodations on St. Thomas, too. Perhaps day 2 would be a good day to take the ferry to St. John for the national park and better beaches/snorkeling. Note: Have only been to St. Croix in the USVI, but have been planning/researching our own trip and we are staying on St. Thomas and day tripping to St. John.

I know they'll want to GO to St John...just their dream. So what are other pros/cons about sticking in St Thomas for lodging. In the end the'll definitely take the ferry to St John if only for day trip.

spirit.com best air deals usually ATL to St. Thomas via FLL

November pretty risky for rain early december better.

priceline.com bidding the Westin from $80/nt betterbidding.com

maho.org if you do not want to bid.

caneelbay.com best if budget is excellent.

Happy Hunting,

www.magenspoint.com

used to own a condo here wonderful

cost effective experience for St Thomas

if you elect to stay there and visit St John

might be a bit cheaper.

While a lot different than a B&B or Villa, another option depending on your likes and style would be the the Maho Bay Tent Cabins and Harmony Studios. It feels like being in the jungle with a spectacular view of the ocean, lots of activities for kids (and adults) and it's reasonably priced. You have to be willing to rough it a bit if you choose the tent cabins but it's a great experience for kids. The studios have more creature comforts. They have another property on other side of island too. www.maho.org

I would not be intimidated from further investigating a stay on St.John. We've had friends who have had 9-11 year olds come here and I can tell you it is such a fantastic age for discovering the island. Also, (well, I guess I am biased) the environment you get on STJ is just so much more conducive for the kind of child/parent bonding you sound like you're trying to foster. Our daughter and her Dad just couldn't be happier anywhere else. The pace is more relaxed, there aren't as many artificial entertainments and there are so many places which are hidden and quiet and seem like a new discovery just for you. Look on www.vrbo.com for options. There are many places within your budget. I'd rent something in the $200/night range and spend the rest on renting a jeep. Being able to just up and go on this island is priceless. If you have any questions about accomodations or activities, just post them and I'm sure this forum will help. Good luck and have a wonderful time with your kid.

November will be too risky with hurricane season. My husband and I prefer to go in the off season, May - July because of rates, and it is not so crowded. Last time we went we stayed in a private apartment - http://www.stjohnhummingbirdvillas.com/Bananaquit.htm

Mary is the owner and she is on property and will pick you up at the ferry, answer questions, direct to the best activities, etc. She also supplies all the amenities you need - sunscreen, towels, condiments, etc. It is a 1 BR property, but has a nice couch, so one can sleep in the bedroom and one can sleep on the couch. It was a perfect base to explore. It is not on the water, but had easy access to the rest of the island. They MUST rent a car and explore. I think the other end of the island is the best part,but it is secluded. And the snorkeling there is just unbelievable. In our 10 days we went to every single beach there and each was distinctive and different.

One tip - we reduced the overall cost of the trip by taking some food with us. Food there is very expensive (a head of iceberg lettuce was about $6 at Starfish market; anywhere you eat is $50 minimum just for food). We checked in our baggage a whole, frozen beef tenderloin and individually packed and frozen chicken breasts and bought sodas and fresh items at Starfish market. Since they are going for a long weekend, you might want to prepare and freeze either some lunch meats or some small heat and eat type of homestyle meals for them. Then you just put in a small soft side cooler and count it as carry on luggage.

We have stayed in Sapphire Village..2 minutes from Red Hook..great food, ferry to St. John is right there.Check out VRBO or www.condodelmar.com & speak to Rita. Many car rental companies will drop off at the airport. You will need a car. Ferry your car over to St.John in the AM & stay almost the day. Great beach & excursion by New Horizon--on speedboat to The Baths,snorkle,Soggy Dollar is Very cool. Shopping downtown Charlotte amalie is extensive. My thoughts