late arrival

Travel discussion for St. John
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pawleysgirl
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:00 pm
Location: champaign, il

late arrival

Post by pawleysgirl »

Hi! If arriving in STT st 7:30pm in July, is it feasible to go to STJ that night, get a rental car, and find your villa? Would you recommend staying in STT and heading over in the morning? Oh, first time visitors as well...........Thanks!
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Bill in Va
Posts: 442
Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:56 pm
Location: Lake Gaston, Va

What I would do

Post by Bill in Va »

Yo....If it was me and my bride I would stay on STT the night and go refreshed over to STJ the next day. I did this before. I went on priceline and got the Marriott for $75 believe it or not. Your day has been long enough at 7:30 and you haven't even got your bags...God bless...Bill
You are never too old to have a happy childhood...
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deejayjay
Posts: 408
Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 2:42 pm
Location: Kansas

Post by deejayjay »

We took our first trip to STJ last year. We also landed at STT at 7:30 pm. Took the Red Hook ferry. We rented our car from Courtesy Car Rental. We arranged ahead of time for them to meet us late at the dock in Cruz Bay. They were there with are car and paperwork. Then they directed us to Maho Bay where we were staying. We got into our suite at Harmony Suites about 11:00 pm. It was an exciting evening. (Taxi thru Charlotte Amalie to drop others off after dark, waiting for the ferry at Red Hook in the dark, Ferry across in the dark, Driving across STJ to Maho, in the dark, on the left.) Do you see a theme here? But it was just fine. Although this year we expect to arrive at 3:30, if our only option would have been a late arrival, I would not hesitate to head on over to STJ that night.
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Chickadee
Posts: 376
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 10:17 am
Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Post by Chickadee »

We've done it both ways and each has its advantages.

Staying on STT that first night lets you slip into that island-time frame of mind a little sooner, you can get to STJ earlier the next morning, you don't pay $300 a night for the villa you're going to be in for only a few hours, you'll arrive hungry and it's nice to get food sooner than later (especially if someone in your group gets crabby when hungry like my hubby does), navigating STJ in the dark on your first trip would be an adventure.

Going right to STJ, of course, gets you right to where you're going and there's some sense of "ahhh, I'm here now and don't have to screw around traveling any more", after having driven to your place in the dark waking up to that first STJ morning is the most amazing thing, you'll be able to spend that whole day on-island rather than making that last leg of the trip from STT.

For me, arrival any time after 4:00 or so I'd prefer to stay on STT.
Jennifer

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Nic in KC
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Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:45 am
Location: Kansas City

Post by Nic in KC »

We actually like spending the first night on STT. It's worked out that our villa is a Sun-Sun rental twice and we decide to fly down on Saturday and stay on STT so that we can have an extra day. Being able to get off the plane, go straight to the hotel and get a drink and some food is very nice. Then, we wake up refreshed the next morning, go have breakfast and head over to STJ before noon.
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RickG
Posts: 5397
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:06 pm
Location: Coral Bay, St. John

Post by RickG »

We spent the first night on STT in March. It was a very relaxing way to start the vacation. Crystal Palace was great, comfortable and relaxing. I would seriously consider doing the first night on STT if you have the flexibility.

Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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