Need help with accommodation on St. John
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Need help with accommodation on St. John
Hi Everyone,
We're planning a trip with our family next March - we like St. John. The issue with St. John at first glance is the cost of the accommodation on the island. Has anyone heard there is a recession in the United States? The rates seem very inflated for homes and cottages.
Two questions:
1. Suggestions of good value accommodation on St. John would be appreciated. We have 4 in our family and would need a place for 4.
2. Does anyone have comments on an alternative solution to St. John in the Caribbean that may be more reasonable - but great to visit? We're looking for great beaches, snorkeling, some cool restaurants and a few things to do for kids.
Many thanks for any advice and comments.
John
We're planning a trip with our family next March - we like St. John. The issue with St. John at first glance is the cost of the accommodation on the island. Has anyone heard there is a recession in the United States? The rates seem very inflated for homes and cottages.
Two questions:
1. Suggestions of good value accommodation on St. John would be appreciated. We have 4 in our family and would need a place for 4.
2. Does anyone have comments on an alternative solution to St. John in the Caribbean that may be more reasonable - but great to visit? We're looking for great beaches, snorkeling, some cool restaurants and a few things to do for kids.
Many thanks for any advice and comments.
John
#2
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunately compared to some places the Caribbean in general is a relatively expensive destination and St. John is one of the more expensive places in the Caribbean. If you want to stay in the USVI's you'll find resort prices are somewhat lower on St. thomas and St. Croix.
You didn't tell us what your budget is other than you want a place "that may be more reasonable". It would help if you gave us an actual dollar point of reference. You see what is "reasonable" for one person may not be reasonable for another.
That said, on St. John check out Gallows Point Resort (www.gallowspointresort.com) - it's a nice place and one of the lower priced resorts on the island. There are also plenty of rental villas that can accomodate 4 people in various price ranges. If you do a google search for "Villa Rentals, St. John" you'll find lots of links and hopefully there will be some in your price range (whatever that might be). Keep in mind that often you can find lower priced accomodations if you make some concessions regarding location. Resorts that are not on a beach or villas with lesser quality views will often be lower in cost so try to take advantage of that when searching out accomodations. Be a little flexible with where you stay and you can usually save money.
If you can't find what you are seeking on St. John you might be pleased to know destinations in the Caribbean that are noted for giving you the biggest bang for your buck include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun, Cozemel, Playa del Carmen, Belize, Antigua, Vieques and Culebra.
You didn't tell us what your budget is other than you want a place "that may be more reasonable". It would help if you gave us an actual dollar point of reference. You see what is "reasonable" for one person may not be reasonable for another.
That said, on St. John check out Gallows Point Resort (www.gallowspointresort.com) - it's a nice place and one of the lower priced resorts on the island. There are also plenty of rental villas that can accomodate 4 people in various price ranges. If you do a google search for "Villa Rentals, St. John" you'll find lots of links and hopefully there will be some in your price range (whatever that might be). Keep in mind that often you can find lower priced accomodations if you make some concessions regarding location. Resorts that are not on a beach or villas with lesser quality views will often be lower in cost so try to take advantage of that when searching out accomodations. Be a little flexible with where you stay and you can usually save money.
If you can't find what you are seeking on St. John you might be pleased to know destinations in the Caribbean that are noted for giving you the biggest bang for your buck include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun, Cozemel, Playa del Carmen, Belize, Antigua, Vieques and Culebra.
#3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have been to SJ and love it (actually got married there in 2001) but it is an expensive destination. We visited Virgin Gorda in April of this year and found it to be about the same expense-wise (loved it too). I have not stayed at these places, but have you looked at the websites for Coconut Coast or Lavender Hill? A pool might come in handy with kids. Maybe someone has some suggestions- we loved Culebra and found it much cheaper than the USVI or BVI but we did not have children travelling with us and it is very laid back. Hope you find what you are looking for!
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks very much for the replies. Roamsaround asked about budget for us. We are doing some preliminary research on SJ - and have been very surprised by the pricing. We have the ability to set a high budget - but we also want value for the dollar - as everyone does. In the current economy, how many people can afford to spend $10,000 on a vacation - which is what we'd be looking at in St. John after flights, car, activities, nice accommodation, food and taxes. If Gallows Point Resort is one of the lower priced resorts on the island, I'm not sure I want to see the higher ones. For GPR - we would be looking at about $600 per night with our family - which puts us again in the approx. $10,000 for the week range - after all expenses.
Any other thoughts on value in SJ or other islands would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the attention.
John
Any other thoughts on value in SJ or other islands would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the attention.
John
#6
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would second the suggestion for Coconut Coast. They are suites not villas but they do have 2 and 3 bedroom suites which should accomodate your family. We stayed there 2 years ago. They were clean, well equipped and have a small pool. They are also waterfront though you wouldn't want to swim there.
You might want to do some research on St. Croix. Not only accommodations, but food and gas, especially, are cheaper.
You might want to do some research on St. Croix. Not only accommodations, but food and gas, especially, are cheaper.
#7
Did you check www.vrbo.com or www.homeaway.com ?
We've rented with both services throughout the world with great success.
We've rented with both services throughout the world with great success.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also suggest looking at vrbo.com. Have a look at The Grande Bay Resort. They are condo units right in town that have been newly finished. There is a pool and hot tub. It is EASY walking distance to town. We have stayed there once when things weren't finished and will be staying there again this November. There are quite a few listings on vrbo. We got a smaller Penthouse unit for $195 night.
We have stayed at Gallow's Point about 7 times but their prices were just getting to be too much for our frequent travel. I also don't think GP is well suited for a family of 4 as far as space goes.
We have stayed at Gallow's Point about 7 times but their prices were just getting to be too much for our frequent travel. I also don't think GP is well suited for a family of 4 as far as space goes.
#9
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Try some of the small bed and breakfast on St. John for reasonable rates; Garden by the Sea, www.GardenbytheSea.com, Hillcrest Guest House, www.HillcrestStJohn.com and Estate Lindholm, www.EstateLindholm.
#11
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I suggest looking at Serendip condo rentals on SJ. My husband and I will be staying there next April. They have one bedroom rentals that sleep 4 people. The condos also have full kitchens, a pool and are more reasonably priced then others on SJ.