My wife and I have a layover coming back from the BVI and chose Blackbeard's in St. Thomas for a single Saturday night stay. We chose it since it was close to downtown bars and restaurants, reasonable price, and we had a great experience years ago at this hotel, and at the Hotel 1829. Now I have learned that the bar and restaurant is closed, and they are shutting down the hotel in May. The reviews went from 4 stars to one star since the beginning of the year. Anyone know what is going on with this hotel? Any recommendations for an alternative?

If you want to stay in the town area, I would suggest looking at Crystal Palace or Mafolie Hotel.
I can't help at all with Blackbeard's. People had been raving about their sushi night on Fridays, but I didn't know there was a hotel open up there anymore.

Thanks!

We decided to jump ship and stay at the Green Iguana. Mafolie was full. It doesn't have to be perfect, but just minimal hassle, since we'll only be in CA for 20 hours...

Which is the place with the 99 steps?

The 99 steps lead to Blackbeard's castle. Blackbeard's also encompassed what used to be the Hotel 1829, which was a small hotel with rustic rooms, and a great bar.

Always loved Hotel 1829. It was closed in November and web site indicated only the bar was open. Sign was not on the front at all! Tried Blackbeards for upcoming stay but their site informed that restaurant and bar will close ~ mid January and hotel will cease operatons ~ mid May. Person who answered the phone confirmed both! NTS what is going on???

My wife just learned that Blackbeard's is for sale ($12M)and that the current owners are keeping the 1829. This all from the coconut telegraph, so take it with a grain of salt, but sounds plausible.

We stayed at the Green Iguana 3 years ago. It was fine for one night. Our room didn't have an outdoor area but we sat in the common area to relax after our travel day. I remember the rooms being clean and the AC worked very well.

I have had friends stay with John and Gwen at Green Iguana on many different occasions - always been very happy with the place overall - I do suggest taking a taxi out at night if you won't have a rental car - both Yacht Haven and Frenchtown are about equal distance by taxi

I am glad a local said this as I was going to mention this but didn't want to get scolded. Being 20+ year travelers to the VIs, I was surprised how strongly the managers stressed that we not walk home at night. We took their advice.

If it was the same managers, they were lovely people. When we were there, they had some food and drink items for sale which was a nice touch. We got a six pack of beer and some snacks and had a little happy hour in the garden.

We stayed there on our way to STJ and got up early in the morning, walked down the 99 steps and had breakfast on the waterfront. It was a great way to start our trip and we enjoyed watching the island waking up.

Thanks everyone... and the couple running the Green Iguana seem great.. very good communications.. and will take a taxi to dinner.