Hi. I'm taking a much needed vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands in mid August and need suggestions for 2 nights in St. John. I'll be staying alone (female) and would like a place that's not too expensive. Are there any single rental places that families rent or other non-resorty places around?

There are a couple of places in and around Cruz Bay. For 2 nights, it is probably only possible to do one of the "inns" such as Garden-By-The-Sea, Estate Lindholm, or budget places like St. John Inn or Tamarind Court Inn. Of the later two, I would go with Tamarind. Both are pretty basic in facilities, but for 2 nights it's okay. It's very hot right now and I would make sure wherever you go it has good a/c.

Thanks for the suggestions, I will check into those. Also, will I need a car for all of these, or would it be easy enough to get around on foot or by taxi?

forget estate lindholm completely...there's major construction going on and is on top of a steep hill ...

Tamarind is safer at night. Forget St John Inn.

Garden by sea is OK-great location- but is at bottom of steep hill---good exeercise though

Hillcrest is up a hill too but the walk from Cruz Bay going past Gallwos Point resort is easier and only 2 more minutes then going straight up the hill to hillcrest...

just walk around Cruz bay...take vitran bus out to coral bay...

I agree forget the St John Inn.

Christie

If you need a car, there are plenty of rental places right in Cruz Bay. C&C, O'Connor's,Denzil's, etc. At the passenger ferry port (where I suspect you'll be coming in) there will be information. Many of these rental places are a quick walk from the ferry. I would seach on the web for contact info. The prices are all about the same and this is low season, so I don't think you'll have a problem if you wait until you get there. As Publisher says, you can also just take taxis or the local bus system for the 2 days, or just rent a car for one day.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Looks like I'll be booking a room at the Tamarind (a little less pricey than the Garden by the Sea.

Would anyone also be able to recommend a good sailing trip that's available to different islands? I tried looking for liveaboards, but I guess only charters are offered for those. Any suggestions would be great!

Many people have enjoyed New Horizons II which packs four islands into one day trip. There are also many other such day trips offered. With only 2 nights though, you may be quite busy enough exploring St. John.

Good choice in Tamarind, skimoore. My sister travels to St J on her own ad has stayed there several times. Safe and conveniernt to town. Plus, they have good food (including bkfast) at their restaurant.