I am planning a trip to St John in the spring and would like to get a brief overview of the possible areas to stay in St. John. Not having been there before, I was hoping to get a response to help me narrow my search. For example, what are the pros and cons of Choc. Hole, Coral Bay, Cruz Bay, Klein, Hart, Reef, Gift Hill, etc... It seems like there are a few spots where most of the villas are located, and I'm wondering if there are some locations to stay away from and others that are highly sought after? I would LOVE any advice on this subject. Thanks!

Suzdogg, the caribbeanvilla.com rental site has a good overview map showing different villa locations. Click on the numbered location--it opens to a corresponding description of that area of St John, with its pros and cons. It may help narrow your search:

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/map/stjohn_map2.htm

Also, depends on things like if you don't mind driving on the island, if you want to be closer to the larger town (Cruz Bay) or the more distant and less populated Coral Bay side of the island , if you're going with children, etc...Hopefuly the site will give some ideas, and there are many helpful folks on this site who would love to offer tips. Happy planning!

I feel that an important question to ask about St. John rentals is the driveway access. Some units are located on very steep unpaved 'roads'. Some find this an adventure others don't.

Also give consideration to the Bordeaux/Ajax Mountain area as a good compromise location.

As a 10 year long St. John resident-I recommend these:

The best villa rental agent in my opinion for cruz bay villas is angie at
www.vivacations.com

The best for coral bay is karen at
www.windspree.com

The best villa rental in Cruz Bay though is at Gallows Point Resort. Ask for lower units from numbers 1 through 8.

Longer term rentals ask for BJ at
www.stjohnproperties.com

Hillcrest Guest House has just offered suites and kitchenettes.
See them at www.hillcrestguesthouse.com

check out upscale cottages at
www.cinnamonbay.com
awesome beach and food but yyou will need rental car

what are the pros and cons of Choc. Hole, Coral Bay, Cruz Bay, Klein, Hart, Reef, Gift Hill, etc?

Just make sure the villas you stay in are secure and have lockable window and door ironwork. The above villa rental people can help you with this.

You will also need a sturdy 4 wheel drive vehicle for some villas perched atop the mountains. And with Coral Bay 9 miles away from Cruz Bay, you definately need a rental.

Rental cars best from:
www.stjohncarrental.com

When we have friends visiting--we book them at Gallows Point that allows you to walk and taxi everywhere...there is bus service to Coral Bay from the cruz bay people ferry dock.

Gallows web site:
www.gallowspointresort.com

For more lifestyle and cultural information
check out this web site:
www.virginvoices.com

Thank you for your responses. I will do my research on the suggested websites.

One more thing...We are really looking forward to the calm blue water, are there certain areas of the island that are considered "rougher" in terms of waves?

Hi!

simply depends on the weather. Locals use north shore when calm...coral bay haulover-hansen areas when rough water on north shore....

Publisher: wondering why you say to ask for the lower units at Gallows. We've always done upper. Is there something I don't know? Thanks.

i agree with CaliNurse regarding Caribbean Villas rental agency..map gives you a good overview of the villa location. we've been traveling to St. John bi-annually for the past 10 yrs and have used this company for all of our villa/condo rentals..and have refered many people to them..we and they have been very happy with the quality of the villas and the service of the staff. what part of the island you stay depends on your own personal desires/needs...close to town, beach, want sunset or sunrise ? complete pool privacy? seclusion? your agent will help you with this. that's what they do best. all the agencies mentioned by myself and the other posters are excellant, any of which will help you find the perfect place to stay for your stay on St. John !!

Cruz Bay
Pros: close to shopping, restaurants, bars, car rentals, ferries, good sunsets towards St Thomas. Recommend if you are prone to staying out late for dancing / drinking. (Note: taxi's stop running about 2a and you may not want to drive some of St Johns roads in the dark if drinking)
Cons: Units may be older / a bit more run down, less atmosphere; possibly noiser

Frank Bay:
Pros: also close to Cruz Bay stuff to do
Cons: be careful of where your unit sits. There is an unattractive point between Frank Bay and Great Cruz Bay that houses the sewage dept.

Any North Beach location
Pros: VIEWS!!!!! Upscale properties, close to the best beaches
Cons: dark road with some sharp turns if driving at night from Cruz Bay, price

Great Cruz Bay:
Pros: fairly close to Cruz Bay, access to the Westin property, dependent on where the house sits, you will either have a south view or west view - check if you want to watch the sunset; ferry to St Thomas available here (but I would take the one from Cruz Bay - more times and better $$)
Cons: the beach is just ok. sometimes the water seems dirty. lots of boats harbor here.

Chocolate hole and further to the south
Pros: you can find some great properties with a pool or hot tub and carribbean atmosphere, maybe 15+ mins to Cruz Bay, lesser $$ and more availability, can see St Croix on a clear day in the distance
Cons: may be facing south and not have sunsets, if facing south - it's primarily a water view vs. having islands to make the view a bit 'more interesting', further drive from Cruz Bay

Coral Bay and the east side:
Pros: less populous if you want privacy, sunrise views, great view towards the BVI, better pricing, seems to have more cottages if only 1-2 people traveling
Cons: a 30+ minute drive from Cruz Bay and not one I would want at night. that said there are a few restaurants on this side. You may do more cooking over here thought....

My $0.02 worth!!

Hols, your "$.02" worth is excellent! Planning a return trip for next summer, have started researching different villas. I loved Coral Bay and the East End area, but then recall that long and winding drive to Cruz Bay which is beautiful, but also difficult late at night. Thanks for the reminder, and your summary of pros and cons of different areas.

Suzdogg, how's the trip planning progressing?

Here is a map of St. John - bays, resorts poi.

www.cccarto.com/virgin_islands.html