DebitNM

DH and I are heading to St John in March 2009. This is our second trip and we are really looking forward to it.

We will be staying with friends who live in Coral Bay on St John for most of our trip. However, we need a place to stay for 2 nights when we first arrive in St Thomas.

I was hoping you might have some suggestions for us. We would like a decent place at a good price [prefer under $150 a night if possible. It doesn't have to be on the beach since we will have ample time for that on St John.

We are looking for a clean room in an area that we would not need a car to get to restaurants kind of thing. Any ideas??

We would also consider staying the 2 nights on St John if we could find a reasonable place for just those 2 nights.

I figured that there would be a bigger choice on St Thomas.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Deb

cdw

I would try for the Marriott, the Wyndham, or even the Best Western Emerald beach. We did one night at the Holiday Inn this summer before heading to STJ and it was pretty gruesome. They are renovating some rooms so those might be doable.

I personally have only stayed at the Marriott and the Ritz. We did enjoy spending time at some condos called Secret Harbour. They had a nice little beach area and the food was good. Always check www.tripadvisor.com and look at pics and read reviews.

Tuxedocat

I am assuming you need a place for arrival and departure days? STJ prices for anything resembling a 2-3 star room would cost you $200+ if you could even find it. The more affordable inns fill up fast and are only okay (Tamarind Inn, the St. John Inn in Cruz Bay). IMO, I would find a place in Red Hook for arrival because you'll be close to the ferry and will not have to deal with cross island traffic. For the same reason, if you stay in a hotel (Charlotte Amalie Holiday Inn or Emerald Beach) close to the airport before departure. Check on sites like Fodor's or Travelocity, there are always specials going on. What you may try is call your friend in Coral Bay. We get residents' discounts at the Westin and Caneel Bay. We stayed at the Westin for 2 nights once while our airconditioning and other stuff at our house was being fixed, and we got the residents' price of $160 a night (2 yrs.ago).

DebitNM

I am trying to find info on Shoreline Inn in Coral Bay. I called the phone # I found internet, but it isn't in service. Anyone know if it is still operating??


Thanks for the suggestions. I am looking at places and find that 2 nights is difficult as many want at least 3 nights.

I am trying with some VRBO places; that might work.

Again, any other suggestions are appreciated.

Deb

Tuxedocat

Shoreline Inn is next to the Island Blues bar & restaurant, and I have to say, even though it's in a great location, I have never really seen anyone come or go out of there. It is a very small "motel" style place and will definitely be modest in creature comforts. We tried to stay there too once, and was told they were filled up with mostly what appeared to be folks who were boating and just stopping in for a bit. IMO, it may be okay for a night but it doesn't seem like there's much management going on.

DebitNM

thanks tuxedocat.

I found a cottage in Fish Bay on St John that is new and at $118 a night [tax included] is just what we are looking for since this is really just the first 2 nights.

Deb

Tuxedocat

DebitNM: Sounds like you found a great deal. Please share, as it seems people are always looking for an affordable yet comfortable place on STJ where they can spend less than a whole week.

DebitNM

Here it is:

http://www.vrbo.com/172750

The owner has been very nice so far. We have communicated by both email and phone.

Deb

Tuxedocat

DebitNM:
Just checked out the link and it looks adorable. One question though, do they have AC? Fans? That would be really valuable info. for anyone considering this spot. Thanks.

DebitNM

No A/C as it is typically not needed in VI.

There are ceiling fans, both downstairs in living area and also up in the bedroom area.

I am counting the days..
Deb

Tuxedocat

Not to burst your bubble or anything... I don't know about "not typically needed in the VI"... IMO you should be fine in March with ceiling fans if the place is located in an area exposed to breezes, but the typical mid 70's nights and mid 80's days would definitely qualify for AC for many folks. But for 2 nights? Heck, you really scored. There aren't many places on island which are as nice. If you're really there just to relax and sleep a couple of nights, it seems absolutely perfect. I look forward to putting it on other folks' radar should they ask. Have a wonderful time with your friends in Coral Bay! We love the restaurants there which are all very different and so much fun.

DebitNM

You are right about the a/c -- when it is still, it can be very warm at night.

And the a/c would drown out the native sounds [i.e. goats, roosters, donkeys ] LOL!

Deb