Overnight for 1 night on STT - who does it? Where to stay?

[BillVT]

The last two years we have stayed Friday night in St Thomas before going over to STJ on Saturday because I can't wait to get started. Both years we've stayed with Ronnie at the Crystal Palace. He will pick you up at the airport. Part of his reservation process is your flight # and day of arrival. Well, of course, that's night your staying with him. It is a few blocks up from downtown and it is an easy walk to the downtown ferry. It is not plush, been clean & comfortable. And then there is Ronnie. That's a good thing.

[patr]

If we are staying 2 nights - I prefer Secret Harbour - we love the Blue Moon Restaurant. I do not like the cab ride across the island tho'

We have stayed several times a Emerald Beach - they discount repeat guests.

Last year however - we had many complaints - young local boys in pool - this shouldn't have been a problem - but they were loud - expected - they were jumping and splashing - even climbed to the top of the rock formation and jumped from there, moved the patio furniture to the edge of the pool and jumped from that too. We left the pool as did many other guests. They could not provide beach towels (they seemed to always be in the laundry) Many guests were trying to get an early check-in - lots of people standing around in the lobby. How is it that ALL of the rooms were ready at exactly the same time?!

I love the short cab ride from the airport to EB - but will think twice this year.

[Linward]

On our trip to St John, we too spent the first night on St Thomas. We spent that night at a lovely small hotel?/villa up on the hill east of Charlotte Amalie called Villa Blanca. We had read some negative comments of this place on another forum, but took our chances, and boy-howdy were we glad! The proprietess, Blanca, was a jewel and the room (we stayed in the honeymoon suite) was lovely and had a beautiful view overlooking the harbor from the balcony. The room had a small kitchenette, but we did not need it as Blanca sent up warm bagels for our breakfast. The property also has a swimming pool, patio (with enclosed changing rooms) and lovely gardens. You can look up our trip report "trip tome" for pictures and other descriptions.

Would create a link to that report, but am not savvy in that way. You, or anyone else may PM us for further information

[msgcolleen]

Just a thought. . .
Take a taxi to Red Hook and have a few cocktails before the 11 p.m. ferry to STJ!! Walk or taxi to St. John Inn, (pit stop at Woody's) crash and wake up at your final destination!
We did this a couple of years ago and loved having the whole morning to pick up the rental car, have a nice breakfast in Cruz Bay and drive to our villa! We were relaxed and ready for the beach by 10 a.m.!

[PA Girl]

We are doing it! I just need to decide on a place to stay and work out a few logistical details.

[ClevelandDave]

Some years back we overnighted at Hotel 1829 and I would recommend it. We stayed in a huge room overloooking the harbor. The place is very unique with loads of character.

[WSUbeachcoug]

We just returned late last night. I would highly recommend Emerald Beach. We stayed one night before heading over St John to check into our villa.
The only negative is you can not check in until 4pm.
We arrived last Saturday and did not think it would be a issue, as we planned on dropping of our luggage and going to town to shop. That plan did not work. We tried to shop and you could not walk anywhere. It poured down rain.So we ate lunch and headed back to hotel.
They have a fun beach bar in the evening. They also have a decent buffet breakfast.
Rooms are decent. Snorkeling wasn't great.
I enjoyed our one night stay.