USVI-On-Line

I am trying to make a decision on what side of the rock to rent on? Curious to what everyone's perferance is and why? Can you help me?

Don't go on the north side, you'll grow moss

My 2 cents, go the country... Coral bay

LOL Moss really, interesting to say the least. LoL2funny! North no why? Coral Bay why?

We've always stayed on the Cruz Bay side. Primarily so that we would be close to most of the restaurants/bars in the evening - we eat out all the time. We would be able to either walk or taxi to town; therefore, not having to hunt for parking or have a DD for the drive home. We're not big drinkers, but I think even a couple of bushwackers would make driving on the left that more challenging.

We are considering staying on the Coral Bay side next time. It is a lot quieter - different views of course. We'll figure out the driving or do a lot of take out.

We've stayed on both sides and love them both, each for different reasons. Last trip we split the 10-day stay between the each side, which was a nice compromise, but required a move. This next trip we'll be on the north shore/Bordeaux area; right in between.

This decision is always a tough one - it really depends on your group's preferences, comfort level with regard to driving (we are very comfy with it). I can say that your comfort level will improve dramatically if you do decide on Coral Bay, as we did our first trip. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Rastababe- The preferred location is gonna be based on prioritization of what you want or don't want, like-
Easy access to shops and restaurants or solitude?
Located on beach/water or high up on a mountain?
View of St Thomas or BVIs? vista or close to water?
I prioritize view above everything else and I like "vista views" so I decided North Shore was "the best" for me, that's where I am planning to rent.
Hope these two cents help...

My two cents, and because I have only been there once, I still have is two cents!

I like the Cruz Bay side. We took a couple of day trips that left from the Cruz Bay dock. We really wanted to explore the North Shore Beaches--love them!

We took a couple of days to do fun things on the Coral side--the Reef Bay Trail and the Salt Pond Beach--the drive was easy.

Really, because it is easy to get around St. John, it doesn't matter a whole lot. I feel that most of what we wanted to do--especially because most of our pre-arranged activities started at 8:30--I prefer the Cruz Bay side.

It wasn't very busy while we were there so that might make a difference.

I just love St. John!

Gina

I just had an idea for how to have a little fun with a "photo showdown"....everyone show a picture of why you reccomend a cetain part of the island...here my submission for the North Shore (Catharineberg)


Photo is from this area in Catharineberg, all these villas have a similar view...

where is that taken from?

I do the West-side (closer to Cruz Bay) when I'm on island with adults that are more focused on going out at night and being close to amenities. Also, you can find a few houses that get sunrise and sunset in the Great Cruz Bay to Hart Bay area.



I do the East-side (closer to Coral Bay) when I'm there with the kids so that we are closer to horseback riding, beaches and moon rises.



Which side is better/preferred? I like both for different reasons. I need to try the East End and Salt Pond Bay sides of things.

Cheers, RickG

mb:

Pretty sure it's Cinnamon Tarn.

We really prefer the west side (Cruz Bay area) because I LOVE the sunsets & views on that side & the proximity to the North Shore beaches and restaurant/shopping amenities. Plus it takes us a LONG day of travel to get there & I don't want to have to go any further than I absolutely have to before I can finally flop in a comfortable villa with an awesome view & privacy. Personally, we've found tons of lovely villas that meet the above criteria that are very nice and private and quiet; sometimes some of the posters make it sound like Cruz Bay (west side) is crowded & noisy, and that is not the case at all unless you're staying RIGHT in the midst of town. I'm going to try & post a picture using the "img" link above & see if it works...

ok, it didn't work; I guess we still have to put the images on an internet photo site & then embed it's url after hitting the 'img' button above??[/url]

DELETED

Rasta
It really does depend on what you want to do.
Bars in Coral Bay close earlier and it is much more a laid back place.
Cruz bay has much more of an nightlife.
I tell people if you are a partier 2 things to remember
1. a DD and not to many switchbacks and no hair raising driveway
2. Remember we make drinks alot stronger on island then they do at the bars stateside.......booze is not $$$ the mixers are.......

beaches all over the island are gorgeous......
people are cool all over the island.
stay in between in Gifft Hill.......