Help me decide

[Keksie]

Last time we were on St. John we stayed at Gallows Point. We really liked it especially the location. This time we are thinking about "Casa Blanca" which is a small home offered by Caribe Havens. Is there any reason we should not stay there and stay at Gallows Point again?

[Xislandgirl]

I think that if you liked Gallows then you should stick with it.

There is not much info on the Caribe Havens site on Casa Blanca, but it looks to me like it may be an apartment in a larger house.

I would want more information on it first before making a decision, but you won't get maid service at Casa Blanca.

[sea-nile]

Sometimes when you know of a good thing, it is best to stick with it. That goes for the island of STJ itself, too. I liked Gallows, bit I haven't stayed anywhere else yet on STJ!
I am sure you will have a great time no matter where you stay!

[promoguy]

If it's the place around the corner and up a bit from Gallows, we stayed there a bunch of years ago, maybe five, maybe six or seven. Not sure why we stayed there but must have been something to do with not finding something during the time we wanted to go. At that time we stayed at Lavener.

It was owned by Doris Javan. It is a small but comfortable 'condo'. You step out of the screened area to a pool. We enjoyed it at the time but can't vouch for the condition as it's been a long time. It was at one time the only rental handled by Cruz Bay Realty. I also remember it was quite reasonable.

[Steve S]

Casa Blanca is actually a building with two apartments. The upper is Casa Blanca, the "A" offering with it's own pool and views off the deck. The lower "B" apartment, Blue Marlin, is more focused on economy has a very small outside patio with no view. I've spoken with Caribe Havens about Casa Blanca and I understand it has loyal return renters that book for multiple weeks. If you can find an availability that matches your schedule, I'd give it a shot. I believe it is a fraction of the cost of Gallows and is almost as close to town.

[nothintolose]

Keksie,

What is the reason you are considering somewhere else? Is it wanting more privacy? Price? Just wanting to try a change?

If price has a play in it, you may want to check into Estate Lindholm. The rates are much cheaper per night. It may not be as fancy as Gallows, but we have stayed there twice now and have been very happy with it. One time was just for two nights at the end of a trip, and the other was when it was just the two of us. We also like it because it's a bit closer to the North Shore beaches.

Don't know if that was a waste of info for you or not but maybe it might help someone

nothintolose

[Keksie]

Thank you everyone for the information so far. The main reasons we are thinking about somewhere else are price and having a little more privacy. I don't mind the no maid thing. I do want to be able to walk to Cruz Bay. We like to walk and I like to have a drink or two in the evening and then be safe by not driving. I do want a pool, a safe, a kitchen and a well maintained place. I am really excited about returning to St. John and showing my new husband how beautiful it is.

[jayseadee]

I had considered Casa Blanca on a previous trip, but ended up with a 2BR this last time at Villa boug. I didn't realize Casa Blanca was right next door. but there was a couple staying there that said they returned every year for multiple weeks.

As for location, it is up the hill and around the corner from Gallow's. Not a bad walk at all.