xkenx

There is now a/c at Caneel, but there is something about living open air to the sounds and smells in the tropics if you can get away with using ceiling fans. Scott's rooms are pricier, probably because they are all at ground level, and you can spill out onto the beach. You can do that at Hawksnest, too, from the lower level rooms. Hawksnest rooms are equally close to the water. The thing we liked about the upper level at Hawksnest was the privacy factor, particularly if you have a light on at nite. Upper rooms on Hawksnest have a private rear screened porch overlooking the gardens and a front deck on the water side, right over the sand. The breezes go right thru the room. We know people who stayed at Scott in June and complained that it was very hot.
BTW, yet another option for flights would be to get to STT in the evening and stay overnite there. As long as rooms are available at Caneel, early check in may be possible. A great website for scanning all kinds of flights graphically by airline/price/elapsed time/departure time/arrival time, etc is http://beta.itasoftware.com/servlet/cvgdispatch

Dianebridles

Hi Jackie,

Hawksnest and Scott buildings are directly across the shuttle road from each other, thereby making easy access to both beaches. Rooms on both beaches have been recently remodled. Rooms at both are spacious and comfortable. Each have their own unique charm, are on sandy beaches, and all have ac.

The Delta flight usually arrives 2:30 -3:30 P.M. and you would be at Caneel approximately one hour later.
Should you decide on a lay over, St. Thomas would be preferable for an wearly Caneel arrival. Caneel would pick you up from your hotel in the morning so that you would be at their resort by 11:00 A.M.
On my upcoming November trip, so that I can do my St. Thomas shopping and walking tour, I plan to stay my first 3 nights at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef. It has outstanding views and a great restaurant, Havanna Blue, among others. It is fun to watch the cruise ships sail close by as they round the cliff for their early morning Charlotte Amalie arrivals. From there I will go to Caneel and not have to leave during my nine day stay.

If your total travel time can only be for four days, it would seem preferable to go directly to Caneel. If there is time for an extra day, this would provide a moderately priced alternative. Another option would be the $100/night savings at Hawksnest would almost pay for a fifth night at Caneel. There is something to be said for escaping the luggage/taxi hastle and going directly to Caneel.
Ah,,, such perplexing, but wonderful decisions to be made.

owa

Diane, What dates are you going to be at Caneel? If you remember, I tried to connect with you two years ago, but the staff couldn't help me. We will be there 6 -13 November. Owa

Dianebridles

owa,
I wii be at Caneel Nov 8-17 and will be staying at Hawksnest. Perhaps we can snorkle the beatiful grottos around the rocks. I will look forward to seeing you. Perhaps we can leave a message with our screen names at the front desk.

Diane

WaywardSeal

Jackie: for category of room breakdown, go to the Caneel website, I believe under the "travel details" heading- you can find a map of Caneel in a PDF file.
This not only gives you a great detailed view of the layout- in the map key, you can see the room category and corresponding room number and then look up which room is where by room number.
I wouldn’t worry about Scott rooms being hot with A/C and blinds to block out the sun.

As far as when to arrive at Caneel, the fact you're traveling first class and staying at Caneel would automatically make me believe you're not a budget traveler. I would not to want to waste a night somewhere else, and then travel to Caneel in the morning to save a few hundred dollars. I understand everyone has different priorities, but mine would be getting to Cannel ASAP.

owa

Diane, Sounds perfect. See you in November! Owa

jackiehammond

hi xkenx,

that is a great website for flight info! wow! thanks so much for that link. also, thanks for the info about scott's and hawknest's rooms. i really appreciate it!

hi diane,

you bring up excellent points...i have pondered spending the night in miami and san juan, but not yet in st thomas. i figure if we can get to caneel about 4, we can explore the resort though.

hi waywardseal,

i'm thinking i may go directly to caneel...the first class thing is sounding good, and i can get into caneel sooner. thanks so much for the directions to how to find the map of caneel on their website (it's a great map!)...i'll post the link below if anyone else is interested.

http://caneelbay.com/i/pdf/caneel_bay_map2.pdf

what about mosquitos, everyone??? i found there to be lots of mosquitos in bora bora, but none in hawaii. also, from looking at the map, hawksnest bay looks like it would be more protected/calmer water than scott. but i guess it's on the north side, so it has the trade winds. i am very much looking forward to this trip! thanks so much to everyone. you all have been extremely helpful and kind!

Dianebridles

Hi Jackie,
Mosquitos are not a problem at Caneel. They spray enough to keep them under control. very room comes equipt with a can of Off, if needed. I have tried all of Caneel's beaches and have found all to have calm, clear. beautiful water with sandy bottoms. You will not be disappointed in whichever you choose.

jackiehammond

thanks, diane! you've been great. i really appreciate your help, and you have eased my mind.