Ok - DH wants to stay in the Cruz Bay area...

[Coden]

Ok - DH wants to stay in the Cruz Bay area...we have picked a couple places - his criteria is hot tub available - which we've found. He also likes the idea of not renting a car for 2 weeks.

What I need is reassurance - personally, I would like to be further out, with a car that I could jump into and go to 2 beaches a day. Which is what we did in '06.

So for all of you Cruz Bay people...lay it on me!!!

[mbw1024]

not sure I follow. do you want a villa with a hot tub that doesn't require a car?

have you considered a villa and then perhaps a place in town where you can walk or get a taxi to beach (Grande Bay perhaps).

[Pia]

I agree - no villa that I know of in the Cruz Bay area that you won't need a car to get to. Check out Estate Lindholm, Grande Bay Resort (do check Tracy's unit) Gallows Point, Palm Terrace but they are all multi unit accommodation.

Pia

[Coden]

mbw - I am a Coral Bay person. I love it out there. My DH has decided he might want to stay in the Cruz Bay area and not rent a car. His only other criteria is that he would like a hot tub, no matter where we stay.

I just need reassurance that I can handle staying in Cruz Bay ...and to not have a car at my immediate service.

I know this is silly...and I didn't realize that one of us might be a Cruz Bay person while the other is a Coral Bay person.

[Coden]

Pia - are you saying that most places in Cruz Bay you still need a car?

[petepie]

You still need a car to get to the beaches. Even if you stay close-in Cruz Bay (Gallows, Lavender Hill etc.). You can try taking taxis, but I think they only go to the main beaches (Trunk, Cinnamon, Hawksnest). I like staying in Cruz Bay. I usually call in a sandwich order at the deli in Mongoose station, then hop in the car, stop by the deli for pickup, and head up the hill towards the north shore beaches. We go out for dinner most nights when we're in STJ, so being close to Cruz Bay is great for that (no long drive back).

[Coden]

Petepie - I agree, we do still need to get the car to get to the beaches. So my view is, if we are renting a car, let us please go further out into Coral Bay!

Ok - we are back to square one...I'm putting this to bed for a bit and fixing an omelet.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Compromise. One week in Coral Bay area, one week in Cruz Bay area.

I agree with the others, you will probably want your own transportation, even if you are in the Cruz Bay area, to get to the beaches. Personally, I wouldn't want to rely on taxis to get around but, it's doable.

[54b]

If you're going to be on STJ for more than a day, rent the car for sure regardless of where you book a villa.

Not renting a car on STJ is like going to Disney World and never leaving Frontier Land.

Analogies are fun.

Seriously, rent the car...if fear of driving on the left side of the road or up a hill is holding you back, just remember, the average speed limit is like 20mph on STJ. It's one big school zone.

[ski2play]

We are choosing to stay in Cruz Bay also for our 10 day stay in June 2010. We are renting a car for only 3 days of our trip. We have done some planning to maximize and still be able to see a lot. Staying at Gallows, on days without jeep, we will snorkle at Gallows, hike to Solomon and Honeymoon to hang at those beaches, hike the Caneel and Margaret Hill Trails, take the Reef Bay Trail Guided trip with the Park Rangers (leaves from Cruz Bay and they return you to Cruz Bay), take a day trip to the BVI with Kekoa, and a sunset snorkle also with Kekoa, and a day trip to St Thomas to shop and visit friends. On our jeep days, we will explore the island from one end to the other, hiking, snorkling, and enjoying the various beaches....I will post a trip report when we return to let you know how we made out!

[Pia]

No - if you are staying in Cruz Bay (Gallows, Grande Bay, Lindholm etc) you can get by without a car - but a villa in Cruz Bay.......

1) I don't know any
2) if there is one you will need a car
3) actually my family stayed in a villa in Cruz Bay and I guess it is in Cruz Bay but 1000% they needed a car even though the website listed it as walking distance to town - ha if you are a marathon runner maybe (or a sherpa)

Pia

[mbw1024]

just me but I'd never stay anywhere without a car for 2 weeks. not even sure that is being suggested but just my 2 cents

[Seasister]

average speed limit is like 20mph on STJ. It's one big school zone.

Totally made me laugh out loud. So true.

[Coden]

Ok Gang - thank you for your input. It is all greatly appreciated. We have decided to stay in Cruz Bay and we have decided to rent a jeep for at least one week. I say 2, hubby says let's try 1.

This whole process has really turned into something I didn't want. I thought we had our rental unit...but then found out it had no a/c and that I better read things a little better...and...that I best ask questions. Thankfully the owners did not hold us to our agreement.

So - time to pack...oh, I already have my Forum beach bag packed, along with my snorkel gear. I am ready!

[Maggy]

Compromise. One week in Coral Bay area, one week in Cruz Bay area.

I was going to suggest that too. It sounds like a very good solution and you can the best of two worlds.