We've stayed at Gallows - it's beautiful and in a great location. Lavender Hill is next door to Gallows and I think it's a little more affordable.

If you like pristine, quiet beaches with great snorkeling, you'll love St. John! You can walk to Solomon and Honeymoon beaches from Cruz Bay. You can also rent a dinghy and do the north shore beaches (Maho, Francis, Leinster, Trunk, etc.). With a car, you can get even farther east to Coral Bay (great places for lunch and happy hour) and Salt Pond Bay, one of the best snorkel spots on the island.

Amy