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First and last night in STT #65434
08/21/2015 05:43 PM
08/21/2015 05:43 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 31
Buckeye Country
P
pastinaman Offline OP
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pastinaman  Offline OP
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Posts: 31
Buckeye Country
Never tried the first and last night in STT on my Tortola trips. Never been too fond of STT. Any advice on best place to stay before and after Tortola ferry would be appreciated.

BVI Sponsors
Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65435
08/21/2015 06:47 PM
08/21/2015 06:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
Will_L Offline
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Will_L  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
We have stayed many times at windward passage if arriving late knowingly..or delayed. It's across street from ferry dock and close to many pretty good eateries.

These days we are going/coming to Virgin Gorda. If we have a flight landing in STT before 4pm we always try to make the ferry. Going home we always select an afternoon flight, usually after 3 pm..we never go to STT the night before and have never missed a flight. I have never heard of Windward Passage turning away anyone being full but suppose could happen during spring break etc.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65436
08/21/2015 06:59 PM
08/21/2015 06:59 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Just stayed again at " The Windward Passage"...rooms are very nice the layout of the hotel is funky but works..right across from ferry dock and a short hop to the best dining in St Thomas in Frenchtown..we love " Oceana".."Hook ,Line and Sinker", Belle Bleu"..

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Manpot] #65437
08/21/2015 08:55 PM
08/21/2015 08:55 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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tradewinds  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
We've stayed a few times at the Best Western Carib Beach. The rooms are decent and you can literally walk to the airport. If you so desire, they have a free shuttle to the Best Western Emerald Beach down the beach.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65438
08/22/2015 10:24 AM
08/22/2015 10:24 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,353
Connecticut
periwinkle Offline
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periwinkle  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,353
Connecticut
We stayed at Best Western Emerald Beach last April for our first night before going to St. John the following day. We loved it!! Gorgeous beach and pool, and our room was fine, with a balcony overlooking the beach. We ate at the bar restaurant there and were happy with it. Fancier food can be had at the Caribbean Fusion restaurant right next to the beach bar. We're planning a return visit for a few nights next year prior to and after our villa stay.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65439
08/22/2015 10:55 AM
08/22/2015 10:55 AM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10
S
sailers2 Offline
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sailers2  Offline
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S
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10
The Island View B&B is outstanding!

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65440
08/22/2015 12:15 PM
08/22/2015 12:15 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,419
Bucks County, Pa.
toast Offline
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toast  Offline
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Posts: 1,419
Bucks County, Pa.
We stayed at the crystal palace, a traditional West Indies " town house".
The proprietor even retrieved us from the airport saving us taxi fare. It was nice being in old town and the view from the verandah was to die for


Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth.
Diane
Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65441
08/25/2015 12:25 PM
08/25/2015 12:25 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 73
Billerica, MA
LorettaFig Offline
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LorettaFig  Offline
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 73
Billerica, MA
We stayed at Windward Passage on previous trips and it is very convenient to the ferry. This part May, our flight got in fairly early and we tried Best Western Emerald Beach. It was nice to get in the water and hang out at the beach after the plane trip and start to relax right away and then took the ferry the next day to our boat.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: LorettaFig] #65442
08/25/2015 01:21 PM
08/25/2015 01:21 PM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst Offline
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Orange_Burst  Offline
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Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
We have stayed at Emerald Beach 3 or 4 times. It is nice, but rather expensive. Last time we stayed (in April), they tacked on a $20 per person resort fee, so made it even that much more. We are going to try Best Western Carib on our next trip.


Colleen

[Linked Image]


Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Orange_Burst] #65443
08/25/2015 02:00 PM
08/25/2015 02:00 PM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 60
M
mayjong1 Offline
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mayjong1  Offline
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M
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 60
not about hotel-
but the food at Gladys restaurant is fantastic. they close early, though...

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Orange_Burst] #65444
08/25/2015 02:53 PM
08/25/2015 02:53 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Emerald Beach outpriced us after many years..we now spend the $$ on a nice dinner at "Oceana" and a very comfy, reasonable room, at Windward Passage. If Emerald Beach goes down to $200 a night again we'll return..dont think it's worth close to $400 plus service charge plus tax..

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Manpot] #65445
08/25/2015 03:00 PM
08/25/2015 03:00 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 73
Billerica, MA
LorettaFig Offline
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LorettaFig  Offline
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 73
Billerica, MA
Wow - We stayed before and after at our sail in May and paid just over $200.00 per night - Maybe 218.00.
(Wouldn't have paid $400.00 for sure !)

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: LorettaFig] #65446
08/25/2015 03:12 PM
08/25/2015 03:12 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,353
Connecticut
periwinkle Offline
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periwinkle  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,353
Connecticut
Ditto, Loretta!! our total for one night, tax included, was $253.72.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: periwinkle] #65447
08/25/2015 03:23 PM
08/25/2015 03:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Reservation at Emerald Beach for December 5 - $201

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Orange_Burst] #65448
08/28/2015 09:14 AM
08/28/2015 09:14 AM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 31
Buckeye Country
P
pastinaman Offline OP
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pastinaman  Offline OP
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P
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 31
Buckeye Country
Would be interested in your opinion of BW Carib. Thx

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65449
08/28/2015 10:57 AM
08/28/2015 10:57 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
We stayed at BW Carib a year ago. It is a very simple place with basic amenities that is walking distance to the airport. It worked for our friends who had very early flights. For us, it was a bit too basic and lacked decent dining/bar options. I'd rather stay at BW Emerald Beach or Windward Passage, definitely Crystal Palace if Ronnie had space.

BW Carib advertises a shuttle to BW Emerald Beach, but it was not running when we were there.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: First and last night in STT [Re: RickG] #65450
08/29/2015 05:06 PM
08/29/2015 05:06 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 31
Buckeye Country
P
pastinaman Offline OP
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pastinaman  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 31
Buckeye Country
Thanks everyone.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: NCSailor] #65451
08/30/2015 11:40 AM
08/30/2015 11:40 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
I'll keep check Emerald Beach but we have found them to be close to $400 every time we have checked..summer and winter..as said Windward Passage has worked well for us and we do love dining in Frenchtown which is very close by..

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Manpot] #65452
08/30/2015 02:20 PM
08/30/2015 02:20 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
No way I would pay $400 per night for Emerald Beach.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: pastinaman] #65453
08/31/2015 01:46 PM
08/31/2015 01:46 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 32
TX
T
texsuns Offline
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texsuns  Offline
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T
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 32
TX
We've stayed at BW Carib, Emerald Beach, and Green Iguana for first/last night on STT. My pick is The Green Iguana. A balcony room with killer view and either fridge/micro or full kitchen for about $165/night total in the off-season (not sure what the rates are in high season). Rooms were comfy with nice linens, freezing cold a/c, and even the rooms with just a micro & baby fridge had some dishes and essentials for eating in. The onsite managers are super nice and very helpful. They have beverages for purchase (cash) in the office, will send a cab to meet you at the airport, and when we were there last year they even let us do a load of laundry.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Manpot] #65454
08/31/2015 02:51 PM
08/31/2015 02:51 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 397
jbuch02 Offline
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jbuch02  Offline
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 397
Quote
Manpot said:
I'll keep check Emerald Beach but we have found them to be close to $400 every time we have checked..summer and winter..as said Windward Passage has worked well for us and we do love dining in Frenchtown which is very close by..


We booked on-line about 6w out for a stay in early August. The rate was $172 but after taxes and service charges it was around $210.

It's a really nice place with a very nice pool, beach,nice bar and a restaurant but it's pricing itself out of the market it seems. I'll be looking around next time based on comments here.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: jbuch02] #65455
09/01/2015 09:48 AM
09/01/2015 09:48 AM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Offline
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RickinAtlanta  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
When we stayed at Emerald Beach two years ago for our last night the beach/bar/restaurant was literally swamped with hundreds of cruise ship passengers who are brought there to use the facilities during a day stopover. Much like CGB they left around 3ish.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: RickinAtlanta] #65456
09/01/2015 10:00 AM
09/01/2015 10:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
capndar Offline
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capndar  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
Several times we have spent our last night at Island View Guest House - fantastic


Capndar
Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing
3rd generation sailor
Re: First and last night in STT [Re: capndar] #65457
10/14/2015 04:45 PM
10/14/2015 04:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,303
Middlebury, VT USA
Frank Offline
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Frank  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,303
Middlebury, VT USA
You'll get lots of preferences and valuable opinions here on the forum. I have a pre-done email with a comprehensive list of accommodations on St.Thomas, which includes links to their web sites and reviews. It might serve as a helpful reference while you are weighing out your options.

You (or anyone else) are welcome to email me at monk@madriver.com, and I'll shoot it right out to you.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Frank] #65458
10/14/2015 06:02 PM
10/14/2015 06:02 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
rhans Offline
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rhans  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
Quote
Frank said:
You'll get lots of preferences and valuable opinions here on the forum. I have a pre-done email with a comprehensive list of accommodations on St.Thomas, which includes links to their web sites and reviews. It might serve as a helpful reference while you are weighing out your options.

You (or anyone else) are welcome to email me at monk@madriver.com, and I'll shoot it right out to you.


I'll second http://angelinacat.com/Preparingtogo.htm for great info.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: rhans] #65459
10/14/2015 06:09 PM
10/14/2015 06:09 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
We just booked Emerald Beach for our return to Sonoma night of Nov 13..ended up $250ish with all the tax and service..I think that's high but we'll give it one more try..by the time they'd added the bullsh%t charges at Windward Passage last time it was over $200..

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Manpot] #65460
10/14/2015 06:37 PM
10/14/2015 06:37 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 50
P323 Offline
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P323  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 50
****FLASH ****
BW Caribe Beach doesn't come up any more on the BW Site, and a search to get to the hotel web page loads a page that says that it is now CLOSED.

This will affect my options for those later flight arrival trips and quick overnight before morning flights leaving. They have been doing renovations for a while, but may have finally hit the wall with BW? Or are the renovations now in High Gear? Or did something else happen?

I generally pay about $180-200 at BW Emerald beach (before BS)by booking ~3 weeks out.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: P323] #65461
10/14/2015 07:25 PM
10/14/2015 07:25 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
Traveler
Winterstale  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Quote
P323 said:
****FLASH ****
BW Caribe Beach doesn't come up any more on the BW Site, and a search to get to the hotel web page loads a page that says that it is now CLOSED.

This will affect my options for those later flight arrival trips and quick overnight before morning flights leaving. They have been doing renovations for a while, but may have finally hit the wall with BW? Or are the renovations now in High Gear? Or did something else happen?

I generally pay about $180-200 at BW Emerald beach (before BS)by booking ~3 weeks out.


Sorry to hear that - we have stayed there many times. They were definitely raising their prices over the last couple of years - that may have been what did it.

We are braving the Island Beachcomber next Saturday night - we don't get into STT until after 4 p.m. and we're taking the 10 a.m. ferry over to St. John in the morning so it's really just a place to crash. Yes, I have seen some VERY sketchy reviews...but we're not expecting the Ritz Carlton for $119/night <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Emerald Beach wasn't dropping much below $250 and for that short a time? Just not worth spending the extra money.


[Linked Image]

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Winterstale] #65462
10/14/2015 08:32 PM
10/14/2015 08:32 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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tradewinds  Offline
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Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Well, that sucks! We liked the Carib Beach for its ease to get to the airport. Hopefully, it'll re-open soon.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: tradewinds] #65463
10/15/2015 01:06 AM
10/15/2015 01:06 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 366
Seattle
HJS Offline
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HJS  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 366
Seattle
How is Frencmans Reef?

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: HJS] #65464
10/15/2015 08:10 AM
10/15/2015 08:10 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Frenchman's is very much a big resort hotel..not my style but others would probably love it..it's past the cruise ship docks so its away from the airport..

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Manpot] #65465
10/15/2015 09:23 AM
10/15/2015 09:23 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
C
Cleobeach Offline
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Cleobeach  Offline
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C
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
We stayed at Frenchman's Reef in June on the way to STJ. It was good enough for one night. Very resort-y and it felt like being in Florida. The rooms were fine but not as up-to-date as a mainland Marriott. The price was right and we enjoyed a great dinner at the restaurant down by the Morningstar section of the resort.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: tradewinds] #65466
10/15/2015 01:27 PM
10/15/2015 01:27 PM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst Offline
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Orange_Burst  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
It looks like it changed names:

http://www.lindberghbayhotelandvillas.com/


Colleen

[Linked Image]


Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Orange_Burst] #65467
10/15/2015 03:02 PM
10/15/2015 03:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
I wouldn't bother with Frenchmans Reef for one night. With traffic it can take 30 minutes to get to the airport.

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: NCSailor] #65468
10/17/2015 02:54 AM
10/17/2015 02:54 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 366
Seattle
HJS Offline
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HJS  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 366
Seattle
Yeah, but if we leave from Yacht Haven

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: HJS] #65469
10/17/2015 07:05 AM
10/17/2015 07:05 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
Best Western Emerald Bay has a resort feel, beach, decent cocktails and a pretty good breakfast, Windward Passage has Betsy's walkable with late night food and a half dozen restaurants and a new quite good brewery.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: First and last night in STT [Re: HJS] #65470
10/17/2015 09:57 AM
10/17/2015 09:57 AM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884
St. Thomas, USVI
Nutmeg Offline
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Nutmeg  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884
St. Thomas, USVI
If you are leaving from Yacht Haven Grande, the Reef is very convenient. If you are at the end of a sailing trip, they have a great spa, pools, etc.


[color:"red"]NUTMEG[/color]
Today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday.
Re: First and last night in STT [Re: Nutmeg] #65471
10/17/2015 05:41 PM
10/17/2015 05:41 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 13
L
livingthedream Offline
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livingthedream  Offline
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L
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 13
We have a reservation for the end of our Trip in Janurary and we got an email from BW saying the Caribe is no longer a part of BW. It went on to say, since the reservation is with the hotel...we "Should" still have a reservation. There is no contact information and as has been said previously, the hotel no longer comes up on Trip Advisor or the BW site. Not totally sure how to proceede...Id hate to get there with no reservations. Does anyone local know the story? Have they closed? Thanks in Advance!

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: livingthedream] #65472
10/17/2015 05:57 PM
10/17/2015 05:57 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 13
L
livingthedream Offline
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 13
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />Thanks Colleen- I just saw your post...It does look like they have a new Name- Lindbergh Hotel and Villa's- Looks like the BW Carib smile

Re: First and last night in STT [Re: livingthedream] #65473
10/17/2015 09:14 PM
10/17/2015 09:14 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
honestly, it's mediocre sat best. We have stayed there twice, both times got in around 10pm and took a morning ferry out. They are in need of some serious upgrades and better training in customer service.


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