My Fiance' and I are planning a honeymoon in St John in May. We're looking at condos in the Cruz Bay area such as Gallows Point and Battery hill. Any opinions? We heard it can get noisey in that area, is that true? <BR>Much Thanks. <BR>-JIM

I was in St. John's in Feb. or March '95. I never found anything noisy, in fact, I found it very quiet. Everything closed at 9pm...everything. There were stores for shopping, but not really packed with tourists, so it was nice. The restaurants were good. The prices not bad. We stayed at the Raintree Inn, which is more rustic, moderately priced. The nicest place there was the Hyatt Regency. On Weds. night they had a buffet special and we didn't know and missed it. There are some good restaurants for breakfast. <BR>We rented a car, which was good to do and we snorkeled all the beaches and explored the island. We snorkeled in Coral Bay area and saw a giant turtle. This island is not the 'in' place to go and you can find a lot of places to be alone. <BR>Also, there are robberies and some crime, but we never felt unsafe, but.. be cautious, we always locked everything. <BR>The boat trip on the Limnos to Virgin British Isle of Virgin Gordos was terrific. I highly recommend it. It leaves from Hyatt Regency. <BR>When we flew into the islands the first thing we noticed is the islands were not beautiful. Although they are islands, they never get enough water and the vegitation is very dry and sick looking. <BR>This email message is sort of disjointed, but if you have any questions please don't hestitate to email me. <BR>Shirley [email protected] <BR> <BR>

It definitely can get noisy at Gallows Point because many of the units face the harbor- we never stayed there but have been told that the units which face the open water are not as noisy- we did stay right across the street at Lavender Hill condos and you could hear the harbor noise and cars on the road very early in the morning. we stayed at Battery Hill one year-1995 and it was not noisy -the condo was not directly on the water and that probably made a difference- I have heard that people who stayed at Star Villa last year were disturbed by the desalination plant- if that is true it probably is noisy on that side of Genip Street where there are a number of rentals- Battery Hill is across the street from Star Villa-this is not direct info but from firends who met a couple staying at Star villa.I should also say that Gallows Point is a beautiful place and friends who did stay there were not distrubed by the noise-they are early risers.

Yes, the harbor side rooms are noiser than the oceanview rooms. The noise that is being described is not major at all. This property has 95% repeat clients so if noise were a problem the percentage would be much lower. For extra comfort, request the oceanview rooms, if they are not available, don't be discouraged Gallows Point is an ideal choice in an ideal location. <BR>

Regarding response #1....isn't the Hyatt now the Westin??

My wife and I know a thing or two about weddings/honeymoon in St. john. We were married ther on 11/11/95, shortly after Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn. We had 25 people come down for the wedding and all of our plans were final 4 months in advance. After the two hurricanes, we lost all of our accomodations and had to replan our wedding and all accomodations in about 6 weeks. We had guests staying all over the Cruz Bay and Great Cruz Bay area, fortunately, everthing worked out and all said it was the best trip of their lives. I guess the message is that no matter where you stay on St. John, you are on one of the best islands in the Carribean. <BR> <BR> In reference to some of the specific points mentioned in your posting and the reponses, I state the following. In May, the island is a little dry and not as green as in October or November. Gallows Point is a good resort and you should be happy there. Lavender Hill is across the street and is also nice, perhaps a little less expensive. Lavender may be one of the best bargains on the Island. Have you looked into renting a Villa? Off season, the rates for 2 are quite reasonable (i.e. $1500/wk.) This is competitive with Gallows, but you get your own house, often times with a pool. <BR>There are numerous postings that you can find. Try carribean-on-line.com; gobeach.com; or, st-john.com/getaways/ilios.html for an interesting villa called "Ilios". I have an entire file full of info from our wedding and would be glad to share more if you like. Just email me. Congratulations!! <BR> <BR>

Has anyone stayed at or visited Villa St. John above Chocolate Hole ? Thinking of spending our Fri afernoon and night at Hotle 1829 in C.A. on St Thomas. <BR>

As a travel agent on St. John is was priveleged to tour Villa St. John and you would be more than happy there. It is just awesome and caters to your needs and assures comfort. I also stayed at Hotel 1829 on St. Thomas and that is also very nice. Has a small pool on the property but great food. The service is also very hood. The hotel is convenienently located to all major attractions and is also walking distance to downtown shopping. I would not recommed walking around at night so dine in or use a cab to pick you up and drop you offl You will have know problems. Whereever you vacation, one needs to always be a cautious traveler and protect your valuables. Have a great vacation in the Virgin Islands. <BR> <BR>

Does anyone know anything about Cruz Views condos/apts. above Cruz Bay? Their rates for Feb. seem quite reasonable and photos on website look very nice. Also, do you need a jeep/rental car for a 5-day trip to St. John? And, does anyone know where to get reasonable airfare to St. John from Northeast (Albany, NY to be specific)?

In answering your question regarding a car rental.. Every time I go, I get a car. You may not need it for the whole time you are there though. St. John should be explored. There are so many hidden beaches that are deserted and some neat restaraunts throughout the island that you would need a car to get to. On the other hand, a lot of people hitch hike and it is not a problem at all. People are happy to pick you up. It is just a little less convenient. I have never stayed in the resorts you are considering, but I have traveled to St. John quite a few times, should you have any other questions, E mail me, and I'll give you my two cents! Have fun, it's paradise!