STT place to stay as layover to Tortola
 

We are going to fly into St. Thomas then ferry over to Tortola. It looks like we will be getting in too late due to flight times to chance trying to make the last ferry of the day from Red Hook. Where would be a good place to stay so that we can catch the first ferry the next morning, but maybe have a little STT experience that first evening.

Thanks for your help, I now realize that Fodors forums is the only way I plan trips :)

Highly recommend the Crystal Palace in STT. It's above the town and has a lovely view of the harbor. It's the family home of Ronnie, the owner, who has turned it into a B&B. Very reasonable, and Ronnie is a wonderful host. If I recall correctly, there's a good restaurant a short walk away (that Ronnie frequents). While you may be tempted to stay at the Holiday Inn across from the ferry dock (at Charlotte Amalie) - don't. It's overpriced, and not very nice - it's worth the extra 15 minutes in the morning to stay somewhere special on your first night.

The last time I was in your shoes, we stayed at Hotel 1829 http://www.hotel1829.com/index.htm

Not elegant like Crystal Palace, but very unique. Grab a Harbor-View Delux and you get a great view along with a nice balcony.

We'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

You can't go wrong with either Crystal Palace or Hotel 1829

Thank you very much I am checking into both of these for availability. On tripadvisor I read about some safety concerns for the Crystal Palace and just the ferry area in general. Did you experience this or are there areas to avoid?

Thanks

No, no safety concerns for Crystal Palace area at all (solo female traveller talking here) or for the ferry area during the day. At night, the area around the ferry might be a bit dicey, which is part of the reason I've stayed away from the Holiday Inn there. Exercise regular caution and you'll be fine. Charlotte Amalie is a larger place than I expected it to be.