St John accomodations guidance sought
 

I'm planning a trip to St. John in Feb 02 and trying to find a great place to say. Could anyone offer comparison information on: <BR> <BR> - Caneel Bay (still pricey but I hear the rep is slipping) Is is worth the price <BR> - Westin <BR> - Nice villas or condo's <BR> <BR>???

Highly recommend Gallows Point. We stayed in an ocean side loft unit (3C) in April 1999 and it was worth every penny. It's a full condominium, with full kitchen, living/dining area, 1.5 baths and loft upstairs with a queen bed. Wonderful location, you can walk into Cruz Bay (for $1 happy hour beers at Woody's) and not worry about driving home after dinner. The hotel is right on a point, and our unit was right on the edge of the water. It did not have A/C which was not a problem in april (has ceiling fans & is breezy), but would have been hot in the summer. You won't have any trouble in February. <BR> <BR>The Westin is on a not-so great beach, I think it is man-made and there are a lot of boats that anchor in the bay so the water is cloudier than in other areas. The westin does have a huge pool, which is nice. Gallows does not have a sandy beach, but does have a rocky area and floating platform so you can snorkel. The best beaches are in the National Park. Caneel has an unbeatable location with beautiful beaches, but no pool, and is a drive from town. Another recommendation that is less expensive but in a good location (haven't seen the inside of the units, but they look ok) is Lavender Hill condominiums. <BR> <BR>I can't wait to go back!!

Caneel--more $, better food, better beaches (7 of them), more natural environment, more sedate, more quiet. <BR> <BR>Westin--more active pool/bar area, more kids, manmade beach (1), more manicured grounds, OK food. <BR> <BR>Villa--more privacy, cheaper than Caneel, rarely located right on the beach, no maid service. <BR> <BR>Bottom line--If great beaches and a resort environment are what you're after (and you have the $) go to Caneel. If a great pool and a resort environment are <BR> your priorities, go to the Westin. If you want plenty of privacy and like getting out to explore the island on your own, go with a villa.

I'd go with a villa if you want peace and quiet. For about the same as you would spend at Caneel, you'd have a house with a pool, all to yourselves -- many offer total privacy. You'd need a car for the week, but I've always found that's the only way to see an island anyway, even when staying at a nice resort. <BR> <BR>Check these websites: <BR>http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/ <BR>http://www.cateredto.com/ <BR> <BR>There's another one that I can't remember right now. Do a web search. <BR> <BR>

Having visited the Westin, Gallows Point, and Caneel.....I can offer the following. <BR> <BR>The all 3 are very nice and worth the $$ they ask for. Its more a matter of what you want. <BR> <BR>Beaches.....Caneel <BR>Close to town and more room.....Gallows. <BR>Great Pool.....Westin <BR> <BR>My pref. is Caneel Bay. Where else in the world can you have 7 beaches in one day? Yes it is VERY pricy. We felt worth every penny. For the record they do have a small pool.(which we never visted) <BR> <BR>Have fun!

I stand corrected on the pool at Caneel Bay! <BR> <BR>If you're going with a villa, make sure to ask about road access. Some are on the paved roads, some are not, and some of the unpaved roads on St. John are pretty scary (steep & twisty). Definitely rent a jeep/suzuki to get around the island, you can visit a different beach every day! Friend have stayed at Aria villa (booked through Caribbean Villas & Resorts) and have been happy with it--although it is not within walking distance of town.

I am not an alarmist, but i have been reading on the USVI caribbean on line site, that there have been quite a few villas have been broken into, with the quests asleep. They did not realize their money was taken until they needed it the next day. So I would not rent a villa. i always feel very safe on the island at Caneel and love to explore every beach! <BR>Go with a hotel or condo!

2-cents - <BR>Really? Which forum did you see this on? Is it any particular part of the island, or generally?