8:00 pm Arrival - Where to Stay the 1st Night

IA Joe · Post by **IA Joe** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:21 pm

I booked my flight for our May visit, and we have an 8:00pm arrival on American. Is that flight usually on time? Would you stay on St. Thomas that first night, somewhere near the airport, and head to St. John the next morning, or would you head over to St. John that same night. We are staying at Grande Bay, so we would be very close to the ferry dock when we arrive on St. John. I see pros and cons each way, so I thought I'd tap into all of the experience on this board.

Joe

needmesomesun · Post by **needmesomesun** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:44 pm

I'd head right on over so that you have a nice full day on St. John when you wake up! Get all the travel out of the way on the first day.

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:56 pm

I have picked people up after 10pm for that MIA American flight but it is usually closer to 8:30. You can check it historically here.
http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightRat ... yFlight.do

There are 3 hotels right by the airport:
Emerald Beach
Carib Beach
Island Beachcomber
You could get a taxi, for a 5 min ride into Frenchtown for a late dinner if the hotel has closed the dining room.
The STJ Red Hook ferry will run until Midnite so you could make it to STJ for a place like STJ Boutique Hotel ---- http://www.cruzbayhotel.com/
or another recommendation by other respondents. If you can get into your own place that night I would go to STJ for sure.
There is a 10am ferry from Charlotte Amalie or earlier ones from Red Hook if you stay in STT overnight.

poidog · Post by **poidog** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:26 pm

I'd head right over and stop by the beach bar on your way to your condo!

jayseadee · Post by **jayseadee** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 9:54 pm

We have arrived late and headed over to St. John. We couldn't get into our villa and spent the night at the St. John Inn. They were aware of our late arrival and just left the keys taped to the office door.

We had a taxi bring us down and wait until we got the luggage in the room, then he drove us back up to the Beach Bar

ski2play · Post by **ski2play** » Sat Sep 14, 2013 6:38 am

Always, head directly for St John, do not stop, other than for a cocktail while you wait for the ferry.

cocosmom · Post by **cocosmom** » Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:16 am

I would have to agree.. Head over to STJ !

iheartsj · Post by **iheartsj** » Sun Sep 15, 2013 1:34 pm

If you are staying in Cruz Bay area I would definitely come over to SJ immediately. If you are staying on the east end of SJ (especially the Concordia area) I would stay on St. Thomas and make the trip early the next morning. If you arrive STT at 8 pm and have checked luggage, you probably will make the 10:00pm ferry. Arrive on SJ around 10:30 and about an hour ride to Concordia area. Makes for a mighty late arrival.

We have historically flown with American. However, they recently eliminated the flight that arrives in the afternoon. So we have switched to a Delta flight that arrives St. Thomas in early afternoon.

Monkeynoclimb · Post by **Monkeynoclimb** » Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:05 pm

Look at staying at The Mafolie Hotel which is about a 15 minute ride from the airport HIGH on the mountain overlooking the harbor. Quite a contrast to the Grande Bay elevation. Stunning view of the harbor, sea planes, St Croix, PR and the airport. Very good restaurant, free breakfast, free morning ride to the downtown ferry in the morning. The rooms maybe a bit tired but the price is right, its cute and has a pool. Check out their website. My wife and I stay there every time we come down to stock up our rental villa.

vi lover · Post by **vi lover** » Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:32 pm

We also like the Mafolie. Very well described. They also, at times, require a multi-night stay during peak season.

We are arriving the day before our villa is ready this February, and are staying at Island View Guesthouse. We stayed there 3 years ago. Similary to Mafolie, it's a modest hotel with excellent prices. The view is not nearly as nice as Mafolie, but with a late arrival - who cares. It's very close to the airport and easy to find.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

iowaguy · Post by **iowaguy** » Mon Sep 16, 2013 2:54 pm

We usually take the AA flight that arrives on STT at 8:00 or 9:00 depending on the season. I prefer heading straight to St. John. As others have said, the ferry runs until Midnight, so it is highly unlikely that you won't make it. Enjoy your trip!

cliffnchristi · Post by **cliffnchristi** » Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:31 pm

I would go straight to STJ especially since you are staying at Grande Bay and it's right there at the ferry dock. If I were staying in Coral Bay or out on the East End, then I'd probably spend that first night on STT. Imagine how much easier it will be to get up that first morning and already be there and not have to worry about getting to the ferry and getting over to STJ.

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