Questions for Jan 2009 trip

Travel discussion for St. John
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tamlyn63
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Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:51 pm
Location: Springfield, IL

Questions for Jan 2009 trip

Post by tamlyn63 »

Jumping over to STT from the Dominican Republic for 4 or 5 days to use up some Marriott rewards. Have the option of The Frenchman's Reef (stayed there in 2005), the Morningstar Beach villa's, or the Frenchaman's Cove. It'll be me, hubby, our 13yr boy, and 15 yr girl. It's our 3rd visit and our kids 1st. Which accomodation would you pick and why?

It's our 3rd visit and our kids 1st. We want to rent a jeep for our stay to explore STT on our own and also take the car barge to STJ for a day. What's my best rental deal for 4-5 days? I've emailed several and haven't heard back yet. If we do the car barge and buy round trip tickets are you guaranteed a spot on the barge back to STT?

We're going to try to budget ourselves on food, breakfast at the resort is included, but what are the best less pricey places to eat luch and dinners?

The next thing I'd like to arrange is a BVI day trip. We did the New Horizons II on our 1st trip and although we loved it, we would prefer to go with more of a private excursion that will let us choose the itinerary. Any recommendations or will the marinas charter out a power boat and captain for the day? Are you listening CapnJay? :roll:

Depending, on the length of our stay, would also like to ferry over to Jost for a day. How do we do this?

Well, I'll appreciate any feedback I can get. If anyone will be there same time as us and wants to get together(kids welcome) let us know! 1st drinks on us! 8)

Thanks,

Tammy
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waterguy
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Location: Green Bay ,WI

Post by waterguy »

I can't anwser the resort ? But as far as the car barge buy one ways that way who ever gets there first you can get on.
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Schnell
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Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2007 1:18 pm
Location: Sunny FL

Post by Schnell »

Personally I would stay at the Cove. Nicer and newer facilities and they are 2 or 3 bedroom villas. I am a bit biased though as I am an owner there, but we have stayed at both so have first hand experience. The pool and the beach is more private than over at the hotel side. You can also use all the facilities of the hotel side whenever you want. There is 24hr resort transportation back and forth. You also have very convenient parking beneath your unit rather than parking in a lot and walking like at the hotel. It is also a bit more budget friendly as you can grocery shop and cook any and all meals in your units full kitchen. One drawback is the beach at the cove is not that friendly to swimmers. Its great for lounging and average snorkeling, but there is some rocky areas right along the water line that make entry interesting. Those are supposedly in the process of being removed, but thats been a rumor for over a year. To us this is not a big downfall as we end up visiting many beaches on STT and STJ during our stay.

Jost ferry runs friday, saturday and sunday from red hook on the east end. Check out the ferry schedule on this website. And it is $60, not $40 as mentioned (thanks to MrsJay for that tidbit). We are thinking the same trip next week for us.

Car ferry is simple. Buy a one way ticket, back on and go. Repeat on the STJ side. Just keep in mind the time as you don't want to miss the last car ferry back to STT. We usually try and be back between 4 and 5 to catch one of the last car ferries.

We rent our jeep from dependable. Clean and much newer vehicles than other rental places. May not be the cheapest, but imo one of the best.

At the cove (and the hotel side too) they have a enormous book of activities including many daysails. Probably was 30 or so options to choose from and they all pick you up at the hotel dock rather than driving to red hook. One year we booked our own daysail with NH and it was great. This year we are waiting until we all get there and make a choice as to what we want to do.

For the amount of points it requires to stay at either the hotel or morningstar it would not even be a choice for us to stay at the cove. The place feels more like a "home" than a vacation hotel room and we both like that.

Any other specific questions feel free to ask. I can probably answer a bit better about the cove next week as we are headed there this weekend 8)
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
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Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin

Post by Marcia (Mrs. Pete) »

I know that Dependable will let you take your Jeep to STJ but some of the other rental companies do not. Be sure to check that out before making a commitment.

Sorry I can't help with any of the other questions.
Marcia (Mrs. Pete)

Missing St. John. As always.
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Bug
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Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2006 12:21 am
Location: PA

Post by Bug »

You can combine the BVI and Jost day by taking a private boat. Rev. Stu lives on STT and will get the boat and take you where ever you want to go for the day. He knows all the great snorkeling spots, the history & stories, and the best drinking spots (not that you'll need them for the kiddies - he). PM for his number or more info if your interested.

XOXO
Bug
tamlyn63
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Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:51 pm
Location: Springfield, IL

Post by tamlyn63 »

Thanks all! Sure send me the # or email, Bug. We actually want to do one whole day at Jost cuz we loved it so much on our 1st visit and then a separate BVI day trip for the kids to do The Baths and The Caves and maybe the Indians or the Dogs. Thnx again!

Tam
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byado18
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Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:11 pm
Location: Central Illinois

Post by byado18 »

I've never stayed at the Cove, and the pluses mentioned by others make it sound ideal for a family.... but if it ends up being between Frenchman's and Morningstar...definitely stay down on the beach...they are the usual hotel room but right on the beach.
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