USVI-On-Line

I am looking way ahead to June 2009 when our family of 3 will be going back to STJ with another family of 3 (newbies). The other couple really likes Gull Cottage. Anyone stay there recently? I also looked at Belvedere which is comparable in price, but that cliffside pool and hot tub . Is that safe for the young teenagers? There will be 2 couples and two teenagers who can share a room with twin beds. Any suggestions are welcome. We prefer the Cruz Bay side of the rock and our budget is $3000 - $3500.

We stayed at Gull Cottage last February and LOVED IT!!!
The location on the water with the sea wall is absolutely gorgeous. It's unusual to be right on the
water. We loved all the goings on right there. The boats, the kayakers, etc. It's a hop, skip and a jump to the Westin which, if you
play tennis, is fabulous. We loved it. It's great having the third bedroom for kids. We didn't use it since we were just 2 couples but in you situation it is perfect. All the bedrooms are air conditioned, which you'll probably need in June. Since the house is not in the mountains there won't be as much breeze and it could get really warm. My only problem with the house is that one of the bedrooms is pretty dark and much smaller than the other which has the office attached. But we didn't spend much time in the bedrooms... The pool is small but great for plunging at the end of the day after the beach or at night for a midnite dunk. Kitchen is good and the living room is very comfortable. As you can tell, we loved it and would stay again in a heart beat. Maybe next year. Good luck and enjoy.

We stayed there in August and loved it. We loved being right there on the water and so close to town and also to the Westin. The house is layed out very nicely with the bedrooms spaced out for lots of privacy. They enclosed the dining room since we stayed there last and that was a nice addition. I can't think of anything I would change and would stay there again in a heartbeat!

We stayed at Belevdere in 2004. The pool and hot tub are safe....there's no way to fall over the edge or anything like that, if that's what worries you. The house has full ac which can be a plus in that location.

If you have any specific questions about the house just let me know.

Can you swim right off the villa?

Is the third bedroom in Belevedere enclosed or open to the living room below. Does it have adequate privacy ... wink wink nod nod

Thanks everyone! Tough decision, but if the newbies love Gull, Im fine with it too!
Sailorgirl, there is no water access from Belvedere.
Liamsaunt will know about that 3rd bedroom, pm her. She may not be back to read this thread.

Thanks Kesa I was actually refering to water acess from gull

Saiorgirl
You can definitely get right into the water from the Gull but it is a bit rocky. I am rather clumsy and in my 50's but was able to get in without much trouble!!

Great to know Nancy, I was expecting the answer to be "no". Another plus for Gull cottage.

We stayed at Splash this summer which is right next door to Gull Cottage. It was a great location. Our 2 teenage children were able to swim over to the Westin. I looked at Gull cottage and it looked nice. I would like to stay there. It is in a very convenient location.

Im thinking about a trip with friends who have two teenagers, being close to the Westin seems like a good idea so they will have some entertainment.

ihoch and Nancy-
Had to go take a look at Gull Cottage after reading your comments. Looks nice!! We stayed at Beach Villa a few times, right down the road and also on the water. this year we are up the road on Maria Bluff. Tell me...the bedroom with the office...can 2 people sleep in there, one on the futon and one on a rollaway? It would be nice for 2 kids and 2 parents to share that space of the bedroom and office. Or 4 kids to share that space. Just looking ahead!!

Suzi, the office is definitely suitable for 2 kids.
If I remember there is a futon and a chair but the room
is big enough for another futon or roll away bed. It's
large and roomy and has air conditioning. It's attached to the master bedroom so the parents can be right there keeping a close eye on the little ones (just kidding).
Really, it's a great house. It can easily hold 8 people
quite comfortably. The view is breathtaking and believe me, I'm going back.

I agree, the den could easily hold a couple of kids. There in no door that closes between the den and bedroom-just an archway- but with the air
conditioner on it blocks out a lot of noise--if you know what I mean!!