St.John

we have a good friend going to STJ for the first time and staying in a timeshare at the Westin. They want to stay another week somewhere in STJ. They are definitely not interested in economy lodging. We have always stayed on our boat so asking my friends here who all love STJ as we do. They are going in June, not sure why they can't continue their stay at the Westin. Thnak you <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Any idea on budget and desires?

Do they want to be able to walk to bars and restaurants? If so, I would recommend Gallows Point. It has a pool.

On the beach? Caneel. There are very few STJ rentals with sandy beach, walkable access. My favorite is Kallaloo but it usually books way in advance and doesn't have AC.

What's their tolerance for driving? Cabs don't like to go much past Cruz Bay. If they look over towards Coral Bay, they definitely need a rental car.

Ask them their must haves (AC, pool, etc) and get back to me.

My favorite rental agencies are Catered To and Vacation Vistas. Destination STJ is also good. Actually, there are may good agencies on STJ, it depends on what they are looking for in a villa.

I know the owner of this unit at Grande Bay. It is very convenient to town. Rent a jeep and explore daily and walk into town in the evening.

Grande Bay

Thanks Jay, I will pass on the info

Cleo, A/C and pool would be mandatory.

Our group size is typically larger so I am more familiar with 3+ villas. Some of the below we have stayed at and others are on our wish list for the future -

http://www.vacationvistas.com/villas/wings-over-water/

https://www.caribbeanvilla.com/vacation-rentals/island-time-devers-bay/ - the furniture was a bit dated when we were there but it has a lovely view and pool deck

http://www.seaviewhomes.com/splendore.html - it was a great house when we rented it and the listing says it was overhauled recently

http://apito-stj.com/WordPress331/ This is a great location, fantastic views and a short drive to the North Shore beaches as well as Coral Bay. We stayed next door at this one -

http://www.destinationstjohn.com/villa-details/48-bay-rum-breeze

this is only 2 people so they probably do not need a house. I will look into these options and forward them to my friends.
Thank you

Cleo, after reading over the options. Knowing them pretty well, they do not want to pay $4000 a week or $600 a day. They are looking for something in the $200-$300 a night resort type of accommodations, not villas. Any other recommendations?

Hmmm, STJ is short on resort accommodations. The only true resorts are the Westin and Caneel.

I have no idea on price but if they are looking for just a room that is decent, they should check out Gallows, Estate Lindholm, Grande Bay. All have a common area pool and AC.

There are a bunch of condo type units like Lavendar Hill but I don't know much about those.

Personally, I have found our accommodation dollars go further in the BVIs. STJ just doesn't have as many lodging options as other islands due to its small size and the fact that the National Park lands restricted development.

Thanks for that list Cleobeach. We are putting our plans to stay on St John during the Christmas holiday. Cheers

You said they DON'T want economy lodging, but on St John, that's what $200 will get ya! LOL How about a studio at Coconut Coast ? Walking distance to town and won't break the bank. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

What I meant is that don't need a 2 bedroom villa for $4000 a week for 2 people.

Coconut Coast is a great suggestion albeit after a night in town we have gotten lost on the walk back. There are a few hills. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

I can highly recommend Ilios, a 3-bedroom villa overlooking Hart Bay. The 1-week rate for 2 persons is about $2000 plus tax in off season (mid April to mid December), and double that in high season.

https://www.vrbo.com/464545

Wife and I stayed there for 8 days in Nov 2014. Large private pool. Large master bedroom with balcony overlooking pool with views to Hart Bay and Caribbean. Master BR unit is separate from the living/dining room/kitchen unit. Short walk on a private trail to the rocky beach at Harts Bay. Less than 10 minute drive to Cruz Bay.

We've also stayed several times in this 1 bedroom penthouse villa at Grand Bay. $300-$425/night plus tax. Fair bit of outdoor patio space with unobstructed views across Cruz Bay. Shared pool, hottub, fitness center. Indoor parking garage. Short walk to Cruz Bay restaurants and Dolphin Market.

https://www.vrbo.com/276983

I got it! http://www.stjohnguestsuites.com/current-rates.html

Really nice owners, nearly new units.

What your friends are seeking is very much in demand in STJ and there just isn't many nice, 1BR units in that price range with a pool and AC. They shouldn't wait to book.

Jay and Cleo both have very good recommendations. I know both owners, great people. Grande Bay is super convenient to walk and includes a reserved parking spot. St. John Guest Suites has killer views and a lot fewer people.

...my favorite vill is Allesandra - https://www.vrbo.com/729405?k_clickid=e7...fcpQaAq1j8P8HAQ

Cheers, RickG

If staying on St John for a week, are there any good grocery stores to provision from or do you have to shop in STT? Thanks

Starfish Market and Dolphin Market in Cruz Bay offer plenty of selection. Unless you are renting a car on St. Thomas and taking the car ferry over I wouldn't bother with provisioning on St. Thomas.

Not sure why but the responses seem clustered in Cruz Bay area, which certainly has more choices for bars, restaurants, but we have gravitated to Coral Bay for a much more laid back and relaxing time. Several very good restaurants, including Aqua Bistro, Shipwreck Landing and Miss Lucy's...no crowds, access to beaches, and much quieter. We have rented several one bedroom places with a pool (that does not have to shared!) for reasonable rates. There is a grocery next to Aqua Bistro as well. And should you crave anything they don't carry, a ride into Cruz Bay is not more than 20 minutes.

I'll frequently recommend Coral Bay after the first trip. Getting to Coral Bay in the dark after a long day of travel can be overwhelming. Not really an issue in this case.

Cheers, RickG