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st john vs. st thomas vs st croix?????????????????
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:38 pm
by dasisme
HELP!!
We are newly retired (50's) planning a month-long trip to the USVI - looking for a reasonably priced condo in a good location to walk to restaurants, shops, etc. Close to beach (doesn't have to be beach-front), would like a pool though. We have investigated Sapphire Beach - both the resort and the village, since it is close to Red Hook and the beach. Rates have been in the $3000's range for studio and a few one bedrooms. Our plans are for Jan/Mar 2008. I am surprised of the good availability at this late date.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:54 pm
by Xislandgirl
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before we can start with answers.
When will you be traveling?
What is your budget?
Do you plan on renting a car?
What type of a vacation are you looking for?
I think that you will find that while you may find some of the things you would like, it will be hard on any of the islands to find everything. For example: If you want to be within walking distance to shops and restaurants you will not be within walking distance to a beach.
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:08 pm
by dasisme
Hoping not to rent a car - that whole left-side thing. We like to go out and about in the am, walking, biking, errands etc., followed by some quality time by the pool for sun, relaxation and socialization. Hope this added info helps.
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:24 pm
by California Girl
You would be amazed at how fast you get used to the whole left side thing. I did it, it was easy! 
If I were trying to decide which island & location I wanted to spend a month at, I think I would choose St. Thomas or St. John. St. Croix would be really cool, but it's more isolated. With STT and STJ, you have the option of going back and forth all the time on the ferry, so you get two islands for the price of one, and you still don't have to rent a car to get around. Taxis will take you pretty much anyplace you'd really want to go. Or maybe you could rent a car for a week after you got used to things, and use that week to explore the places taxi's don't take you. Regardless of what you choose, you're going to have a wonderful time! A month, wow! How jealous am I!
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:34 pm
by dasisme
Ca Girl - your pics are great - love the old caribe taverns - have not been to the islands for several years except on a cruise ship. Any suggestions on where to stay on St John??
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:41 pm
by California Girl
dasisme wrote:Ca Girl - your pics are great - love the old caribe taverns - have not been to the islands for several years except on a cruise ship. Any suggestions on where to stay on St John??
Thanks for the compliments! I'm sorry I can't point you to a place to rent for a month on STJ, but I know they exist. I think I'd just put "condo st john" into Google and see what comes back. One website will invariably lead you to another
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:46 pm
by Xislandgirl
What is your budget and when are you traveling? There are plenty of places to rent, we can help.
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:12 pm
by dasisme
Xislandgirl wrote:What is your budget and when are you traveling? There are plenty of places to rent, we can help.
Plan to travel for a month or so Feb/Mar, 2008. Perhaps in the $3000's if possible.
That seems to be the range in St Thomas for the discounted monthly rate. Just starting my search in SJ
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:09 pm
by captainjay
I think you are on the right track looking at the East End of St Thomas. Sapphire has allot to offer and you have easy access to both groceries and restaurants right in Red Hook without traveling far. There is also a dollar taxi stop at the entrance to the complex. You will be able to explore St John by taking the Ferry but won't incur the expense of staying on St John. The beach there is very nice there are two restaurants on site and a at least two pools. I have a friend that has a one bedroom at Sapphire Village with a washer/dryer and full kitchen. We stayed there in November for a week and its a very convenient location.
She manges the unit herself the web page is
http://www.stthomasrent.com/
Jay
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:15 pm
by promoguy
I'm with CptJay on this one. If you're going to be going for a month you'll find you'll get more bang for your buck on St Thomas. As he mentioned Sapphire is a great place to stay and it is very close to the East End with plenty of restaurant.
I would definitely think about renting a car. You'll find that will also be quite a bit less than staying or renting on St John.
On trips to St John, just take the short ferry ride and you'll enjoy. Get there and take the relatively cheap taxis tot he different beaches.
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:32 pm
by dasisme
Good advice keeps rolling in. Just got a good quote on Watergate condo on Bolongo Bay. Anyone been there? The pictures look nice. How about the location?? Comparing Bolongo Bay and Sapphire Beach -which one comes out on top?? Sapphire Beach resort is comparable in price to the Watergate, both of which are more expensive than Sapphire Village (still need to check locations of the units in the complex.
Thanks for all the continuing help!!
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:04 pm
by cocosmom
We stayed at the Watergate. Nice complex, nice pool, great sunrises and if you walk up the hill to the next complex you can watch sunsets and/or cruise ships coming & going. Right next door to Bolongo Bay.Don't know about the individual unit you are renting. Can't remember the name of the couple we rented for. Very nice people. Great info in the condo. A little dated but fine for the money. I think we paid $850 for the week before Xmas last year. We walked to Izzys most nights after returning from STJ or boat trips for drinks and/or food. You do need a car and the driving is not bad.
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:38 pm
by Schnell
You definitely need to rent a car. Taxi fares are not cheap and will eat up your money quickly. Driving on the left is really pretty easy, especially if you have a co-pilot to navigate/remind you to drive on the left. Couple days and it will be second nature. Tough part is coming back to the states and driving on the right
My wife and I personally do not like Sapphire. The beach is nice, but the place seems run down to me. At least from the outside. We were there about 18 months ago and then again 11-07 and it did not seem any better to me. Maybe we were just spoiled by the Marriott and its facilities
