Just booked cheapie airfare to St. John. Leaving in less than 2 weeks. Please recommend something for families (2 kids), reasonable rate, quiet. Thanks!

Nancy, Are you looking for a villa, near Cruz Bay or other areas ok? A hotel, or thinking about Westin or Caneel Bay? There's Gallows Point in Cruz Bay as well. Inn at Tamarind Court, Maho Bay Camps, etc.

We've stayed at Maho's sister eco-tourism resort (read camping in fancy tents) check out www.maho.org for details We've also rented a villa in the Concordia / John's Folly area this past spring and enjoyed that as well. We have no kids though, and like the quieter side of the island. check www.stjohnlinks for villas We stayed at John's Folly Cottages and had a good experience. You didn't say what age your kids are, but Maho camps might be great for youngish (elementary school age?) kids as there are usually lots of other families around. Trish

What is your definition of "reasonable"? Many of the villa rental agencies have villa specials for last minute bookings....ususally 10-20% off. I suggest trying caribbeanvilla.com or seaviewhomes.com. There are several others, however. You will find a variety of accomodations and a variety of prices. There are a couple of condominium complexes....Gallows Point and Coconut Coast, as well. If you want real basic....try Samuel's Cottages in Cruz Bay. No website, but I have a phone number. Rates are around $600/week in the summer. They have 3 cabins....walking distance to town.

Ok, so I basically know nothing about St. John. I understand that Cruz Bay is where everything is. We are not necessarily into being where everything is. As long as it is close enough to walk or a short drive, that's ok. We are not fancy resort people. We don't drink, so all-inclusives are a bad deal for us. We are thinking about a quiet 1 or 2 bedroom condo - a beach within walking distance would be nice.

I've heard about Maho Bay. I'm on the fence about it. We like to camp, but have never wanted to camp at the beach. I picture sand in my bed, bugs in my face. Am I wrong?

Finally, is A/C absolutely necessary in August? So many of the places don't have it and say it isn't needed with the breeze. Am I wrong to be skeptical?

Thanks all!

Nancy, Cruz Bay is really still a small village, but staying elsewhere would require driving to town or to get anywhere. You should definitely plan to rent a vehicle (all are 4WD) and explore the island, but staying in Cruz Bay area probably makes the most sense for you. I'd recommend Gallows Point www.gallowspoint.com Their site says they have last minute availability discounts, and I think they probably have A/C as well. STJ is breezy and comfortable even in hot weather for the most part, but as anywhere when you're sheltered from the breeze it might get a little hot & muggy in summer. Where we stayed it was breezy and we had ceiling fans indoors and it was no problem, but having the option of A/C is always good if you're uncertain.

I agree?.Gallows Point would be a great choice for you. You will need to drive to any beaches. However, there is a pebbly beach at Gallows and actually some good snorkeling off the property. You can walk to town in about 5 minutes?.flat walk. Beautiful setting at the entrance to Cruz Bay. There are no AI places that I am aware of on St. John?.with only two ?major? resorts in Caneel Bay and the Westin. You picked a fantastic island!

CaribbeanSoul, where is your favorite place to stay in STJ? Just curious, Trish

Trish,
It depends on the situation. If travelling with my parent's or my wife's parents, a villa is our choice. We have stayed at a few different ones on the island....each with their own plusses and minusses. Usually depends on availability and price. If traveling alone, with my wife, she loves Gallows Point. If we are on a tighter budget, we'll find a smaller villa...nothing real fancy. We try to keep it under $1500/wk.

Thanks CS...our favorite area is out by Salt Pond Bay, so I was curious where you, as another repeat visitor choose for yourself.

How many people does each of the 3 Samuel Cottages accomodate? I'm planning 3-generation family gathering - 10 people. If we took all 3 $600/week cottages would it be enough space for us? The gathering is a couple of years off is 2006 at the earliest.

Doesn't the rate change seasonally?

I tried to phone twice, but got an answering machine.

~maggie

I have been researching the Westin in St. John and it sounds great. I love their Heavenly Bed, so that gets me hook line and sinker every time, also

The Travel Channel had Caneel Bay as their number 9 pick for top ten beach resorts in the Caribbean. I don't know how reasonable this is however.

I can answer my own question. Samuel Cottages returned my call. Yes, they can accomodate 5 in each cottage. Three or four in the bedroom, and one or two in the living room. The cottages have fully equipped kitchens. The rental is $600/week year round. No seasonal change.

~maggie