Fellow travelers:

Need some input on the Heritage Inn on Tortola. Got some really good and some VERY BAD reviews of the place. Is it clean, not run down or the place is in shambles?

We are looking at a simple but well-kept rental with a kitchen in it.

Thank you,
Ed and Peg

Try Coconut Point. It's in Carrot Bay (close to Bomba Shack and Sebastians and a much better area than CGB).

coconutpoint.com

peace, Greenie

Wow, that place really does get a mish mash of reviews. To a great degree, I think it is about expectations. I have been researching Tortola a little bit for a possible future trip and none of the accomodations are "luxury". Just thought I would mention a couple of accomodations that have piqued my interest. Mongoose Apartments just a few minutes flat walking distance to CGB on the quieter end of the beach. Another is Big Apple Villa on Little Apple Bay. Looks like a nice beachfront property. Both have very reasonable rates and have full kitchens. You can check out Big Apple Villa through Purple Pineapple Villa Rentals. Mongoose has its own website. Another one that looked good was Shans Villa/Cottage. Can't remember exactly what it was called, but is on CGB as well. Purple Pineapple offers that one as well. I must say though, Heritage Inn seems to have the views. I am going to STJ this Novenber and will day trip to Tortola. I'm hoping to make it to the Bananakeet for lunch if time permits.

I don't recall seeing any 'resort' type accommodations or 'nice' accommodations on Cane Garden Bay. Most are very islandy motels.

Would I stay there? Yes, but not for a week. Three days tops.

We did spend a day at Little Dix and it was fabulous!

I've been wondering the same thing as you, foodiechain, and I'm planning on spending two night at Heritage Inn in November.

Lighthouse Villas in the most 'upscale' accommodation in Cane Garden Bay. On my first trip to Tortola, I stayed for a week and used it as my base, exploring other islands on day trips and Tortola via car. It's lovely, clean, with a fully functional kitchen and awesome views for the second and third stories.

We have stayed at a beautiful house called Spy Glass Hill. They have a one bedroom bungalo on the property that is very nice. They have a web sight where you can view the house.

Granted, it' been two years now but the new management showed me around in late 2004.

It was very clean, roomy and spartan with basic furnishings. Classic Tortola chic. Absolutely not a shambles or run down in any way.

Upscale in the BVIs is pretty much limited to the biggies (Peter Is, Littel Dix, Biras, et al) and Lux Villas.

The overwhelming majority of places are simple, basic, clean comfortable with sand, a spot of peeling paint and a lizard or two. Like I said ... Tortola Chic.