USVI-On-Line

Hey everybody,

My significant other and I will be on St John for 8 days mid May. It's our first time, so we're still a little unsure where to stay.

We've been thinking of staying 3 or 4 nights in Cruz Bay to get familiar with everything and then head over to Coral Bay for another 4 or 5 nights. When in Cruz Bay we thought about staying close to the center so we don't have to rent a car. We hope to go on day trips to other islands or on a sailing trip. When going to Coral Bay we'd obviously rent a car.

Does this make sense? Would it be better to just stay in Coral Bay? We've had trouble finding a good villa in Cruz Bay which is in walkable distance to the center. We're aiming for between $150-$180 per night. Any ideas for the period of 05/17-05/20 or 21?

In Coral Bay we're thinking about Paper Moon, New Moon or the Coconut Hill Villa (with the amazing 60 mile views). Any other ideas there?

Generally we plan to go snorkeling, swimming and hiking on the island, but also want to do day trips.

Hope somebody can give us some recommendations

Cheers!

This May? Like a week or two from now?

Don't know about who's available but my man & I went a couple months ago and fell in love with the east end of the island. The island is pretty small so we easily traveled from one end to the other pretty much every day. But if your into shopping and crowds Cruz is for you. Good luck on a place (We met the owners of Sea view cottage and they were super nice)

When we first began traveling to STJ we used to go for 2 weeks and rent a few different places. Now we prefer to stay put and not lose a day to packing, unpacking, etc. We have stayed all over the island and love all the parts equally for what they are and what they offer. As long as it is peaceful (no construction nearby, or road traffic) we are happy. We have always travelled last minute, usually in May, and have yet to have an issue with finding a car (knock on wood). A bunch of times we have called a car rental place with no availability, only to have them send us over to someone else who did (just one of the small things I love about St. John). You can go through vrbo by date now, if you are traveling soon, and also lots of rental outfits offer last minute discounts.

We'd probably all be of more help in telling you where we think you'd like better if you told us a bit about yourself and what your likes and dislikes are. Do you love a late dinner with drinks? If so, Cruz Bay might be the place for you. Do you like to cook in, and have breakfast at the villa? If so, it doesn't matter where you stay, just find a great deal and a great view. Do you need a pool? Do you like to lounge on a sandy beach, or snorkel a rocky shoreline?

Let us know and we can help

Yes, I am cross-posting on TA And yes, we're traveling in two weeks!

We're looking for two things, really: one, being out in the "wild" in a somewhat secluded villa with great views (thus Coral Bay), but we also like being in walk-distance to restaurants and drinks at night (hence Cruz Bay). Also, we want to go on some day trips (sailing, snorkeling or the other islands) which would be easier from Cruz Bay.

Given that you can't really combine walking distance and secludedness in Cruz Bay we thought about splitting it between both bays.

Cheers!

There aren't very many places to stay in Cruz Bay that are walking distance to the restaurants. You can be on the Cruz Bay side and still very much need a rental car. Also, with the craziness of the steep roads there may be places that seem like they're in walking distance to restaurants but aren't really. You've also got a pretty tight budget that will limit things even more.

There are also great beaches close to Cruz Bay that you'd need a car to get to (like Hawksnest).

We've stayed here, and it was just remodeled, but it's more than you want to spend:
http://www.caribehavens.com/casablanca.htm

It is walking distance to town, although it isn't the most fun walk in the world because there is a steep hill, but it's certainly doable.

Have you checked out Grand Bay ? I have found a couple of units that would fit your budget. Also, Star Villas...his homes are walkable to town. We have stayed in Sugarbird with them. Great people! Good Luck...You are braver than I am about last minute. We will be there in June with our family. m

Sherry in SC

Thanks again everybody for the comments.

We've decided to take a risk and switch between places We're just going to travel with very little luggage so moving around won't be a problem. We've made a reservation for 4 nights in Grande Bay.

Does anybody have a preference for a villa in Coral Bay? We're currently thinking of:

- New Moon (www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p146588)

- Little Easy (homeaway.com/vacation-rental/reviews/p983014)

- Coconut Hill Villa (http://www.vrbo.com/115186)

Other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!