Island View Guest House - St. Thomas, USVI

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Island View Guest House is an affordable accommodation with personality. Visited: October 2007 Posted by thesatisfiedcustomer My husband and I stayed here two nights on our recent adventure to St. Thomas and St. John. The first night, we got in after a marathon traveling day. Ron was cooking in the kitchen and made the best grilled fish, and we had a nice salad. The honor bar system worked great with ice cold beer at $2 a piece. That was a steal for the island. We then went to St. John and camped on the beach for seven days. We came back to the guest house for the last night. The view was incredible, and the veranda was a great place to hang out. Ron, Beth and the staff made it very welcoming and homey. The room was basic and clean, but felt like heaven after spending seven days sleeping in a small tent! Ron went out of his way to drive us back to the airport and get us on our way. He also made a mean cheeseburger and fries. We really enjoyed our stay, and would love to go back the next time we are in town. 13 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Wow! They made it my home! Visited: July 2007 Posted by anothermorgan I read all the reviews both good and bad. Forget the bad reviews! First of all, Island View is under new management. My brother told me to stay here, and he was right! The new owners, Ron and Beth, were always finding new ways of making this place my home! These people cracked me up. They were great! I felt like it was my own estate. I had the run of the place morning, noon and night. You can even stay up long past midnight sipping cocktails from the "Honor Bar" enjoying the moon and stars! The hospitality was outstanding. Ron had a large boat and will offer to take you out on a tour of the cays and islands - your own personal tour! Beth will come along and entertain your kids, too! Try it. The rates are great if you shop around. But it was the attention to detail that really got me. When you leave St. Thomas, you will leave with a warm heart from Ron, Beth and their staff. 7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We encountered an amazing view and amazing hospitality. Visited: November 2006 Posted by beccamay My husband and I stayed here for two nights, and absolutely loved it! For a modest price, we got a full breakfast, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality. The owners, Ron and Beth, went out of their way to make us feel at-home and cared for. Also, it was very close to the airport and cruise port, which made it very convenient. We will definitely be back! 4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Does anything work? Visited: November 2006 Posted by toddontour I stayed here one night with my girlfriend in a not so "deluxe" room. We were opting to go cheap, but didn't rate this place much. We've done plenty of travel in third world countries and were not quite ready to pay this price for this place. I rang up asked if they had cable and a restaurant, we just wanted to chill for the night. I discovered the restaurant was closed, and the TV didn't even switch on. Also, our toilet didn't flush. The shower streamed out cold water, but literally dripped out hot water. When we drew the blinds, less than half of the row of vertical drapes were actually there! The coffee maker was a nice touch, but alas, there was nothing to drink it out of! I mentioned the toilet and TV situation on our way out to dinner, and nothing was done. I also went to complain in the morning - hoping for a little of the $120 back - but no one was even around to talk to. I would have had no complaints had the price been about $50 a night, but it was definitely not worth any more than that. After all, we did have the "deluxe room". It makes me wonder what the 'standard' room would be like! 5 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a funky place -- fun, but very basic. Visited: June 2005 Posted by jhog We really enjoyed our stay here. Jon was great, and the view was fantastic. Don't come here looking for luxury accommodations. But if you want "low key", local flavor, a great view, B & B-styled living, this is the place. We will stay here again! 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Here you find hospitable hosts and staff, a peaceful environment and a great value. Visited: April 2005 Posted by roses4 I was torn between four and five stars for this property but decided on five because it was exactly as advertised - no more or less. It was not exotic, but offered basic amenities, friendliness and a fabulous view. My husband and I, and a good friend spent three very pleasant nights at the Island View Guest House. We were more than happy with our experience and thank the staff for affording us such a lovely stay! Do rent a car. The inn was not far, but a steep ride from the main roads. It was also an easy ride to downtown shopping, beaches and restaurants. We are "food people" and had wonderful meals at "Virgillio" downtown, and "Oceana" and "Craig and Sally" in Frenchtown - an area that had many restaurants and bars that were all appealing. Magens Bay was not as beautiful as we expected. We really enjoyed Lindberg Bay Beach which was about a five-minute drive away (right by the airport). Also, make a day trip to St. John, if you have a car you can take it on the car ferry which is great. St. John had one beautiful beach after another and great shopping as well. A ride to Coral Bay was worth lunch at the funky "Skinny Legs" bar/restaurant. For "people-watching" downtown or people "waiting" (while your companion(s) shops) try "Happy Buzzard". They had good drinks and lunch food - and say "hi" to Robin! We are now back home, happy and rested from a very pleasant change of scenery. Thanks to everyone at the Island View Guest House. We hope to be back before too long! 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Nice people, clean room, a little noisy Visited: March 2005 Posted by dchmiele1992 We were at the Island View for only night. We arrived from the airport about 5:30 pm. This place is up on the hill not really close to anything (food, beach, etc). We were hungry and the staff was nice enough to have the night manager take an order and pick something up for us on the way in. This was a real life saver at the time. The view from the dining balcony was very pretty. I made myself a drink at the honor bar (which was also a very nice touch). All and all a pretty good start. We stayed in a Deluxe room, which was not very deluxe but I think you could do worse for $119 a night on St. Thomas. The big problem here was noise/light. Island View was right above Scott Free Rd. This sorry little excuse for a road has a nasty little blind hill right in front of the hotel. As is the local custom, nearly every car coming to this spot honks. This stops late and starts early. Throw in the chicken and dog noise that is a given on the islands and you have one sleepless night. Also the lights from St. Thomas were very bright, so it was tough to get the room dark (we used the cot in our room to block half of the window). All and all this was a nice place, with very nice people and clean passable rooms. In our experience, if you value quiet, you should probably get the heck off of St. Thomas, if not at least get further out of Charlotte Amalie. I would give the Island view 3 1/2 stars, but because 3 did not seem fair, I went with 4. 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We had an extremely great "at home" experience. Visited: February 2005 Posted by kaiserbk I visited the Island View for a short stay for family business. I have been to St. Thomas on several occasions, and I was never quite that fond of it until my stay at The Island View. It made my stay a radiant, spectacular and truly glorious visit which will linger in my mind longing for the next time. The staff hospitality was wonderful, which enhanced its tranquil atmosphere. Thanks a lot, Island View. You helped with changing my perception of St. Thomas making it one of my most favorite places to go. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I will never go back to this place. Visited: December 2004 Posted by rita The room I stayed at was small and uncomfortable. The design of the room was ridiculous. The bathroom was bigger than the living room. In order to watch cable, you have to call front desk first and tell them what channel you want to watch. The hosts were initially friendly but acted strange afterwards. The breakfast was a joke with only bread, butter and cheap cereals. The only thing going for this place is the price. It's cheap compared to other hotels in the Island. But you get what you pay for. Believe me after this place, my husband loves to spend money on hotels. 2 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Island View is a wonderful value with beautiful views. Visited: March 2004 Posted by cacrph Island View Guest House had a beautiful open air dining room with a view of the harbor where the complimentary continental breakfast was served. We had a simple room with a private bath for a very reasonable rate. There was a fridge where we could take food/beverage items and mark off on a board what we took--also very reasonable. They also had snorkel equipment, beach towels, books, binoculars, etc. that guests could borrow. The owners were very friendly and helpful in arranging our taxi service and recommending nearby restaurants and things. Overall, we thought it was a great value and would definitely recommend it. 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Island View had a very friendly atmosphere. Visited: February 2004 Posted by kristyco My friend and I stayed here three nights and had the most wonderful time. The owner/operators were knowledgable of the local area and offered rides when they could. They also had free snorkel gear. In addition, the rooms were clean, and the view was unbeatable. 2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? An outstanding, good value and a taste of the islands. Visited: February 2002 Posted by jkadlubkiewicz My husband and I just spent our 21st consecutive vacation at Island View Guest House in St. Thomas. In our years of traveling, it is consistently the most authentic and best-run small hotel we have ever stayed in. Island View is perched on the side of a hill overlooking the beautiful Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Having previously been an expansive doctor's house years ago, it has the feel of a genuine island home. Adding to the homey atmosphere are the "honor" bar, where you make your own drinks and record them, and the dinners that Barbara posts on the board several nights a week. On our stay, Barbara's dinners included recipes from Gourmet and Bon Appetit that were outstanding. And eating on the open air "gallery" with a fabulous view of the harbor is like being in heaven. Our room is the two-room suite built over the main house. It is furnished very tastefully, with an extremely comfortable king-sized bed in one room and desk, small refrigerator, table and chairs, and loveseat in the other. There is also a private balcony with a gorgeous view of the harbor in the distance. The view of the moon over the harbor is one that can't be matched. In all our years of visiting, the high standards kept up by the owners, Barbara Cooper and Norman Leader, have never wavered. The guest house is always scrupulously clean and well maintained. Barbara and Norman--outstanding owners and managers--are always ready to help you with anything you need, from beach towels or reservations for outings or to one of the many very good island restaurants, to information and advice on any subject. While we generally like to try new places, St. Thomas is an annual favorite. And in St. Thomas, there is no place we would rather stay. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Outstanding view, wonderful accommodations and great people. Visited: January 2002 Posted by musicmann WOW! What a wonderful place! We reserved the suite (the only accommodation on the top floor). The suite consisted of a very nice sitting room with a ceiling fan, Murphy bed, small refrigerator, writing desk, two-seat sofa and round table with four chairs. The bedroom also was very comfortable with a king-sized bed, night tables, a large dresser and a television. One thing we really enjoyed were the cross breezes in all rooms. While we did use the ceiling fans, we were always comfortable and never too warm - day or night. The suite also had a lanai, which affords a FABULOUS panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie - from Long Bay and the West Indian Docks to Lindbergh Bay. The lanai had four chairs and a table, so we had a place for drinks! Many very pleasant hours were spent sitting there watching the ships arrive and depart the busy harbor, and enjoying the balmy evenings. Island View had adequate parking on both sides for rental cars. There were convenient laundry facilities for guests to use for a nominal fee, which included detergent, wash and dry. Insulated coolers were also available for guests' use, which we found extremely convenient. Reservations for various boat trips, all day excursions, etc. were gladly made by the office if you wish. The entire staff at Island View was very pleasant, courteous, and helped in any way possible to ensure we enjoyed our time there. Proprietors, Norman Leader and Barbara Cooper, ran a very clean, attractive and comfortable guest house. Continental breakfast was included with our room, and there was a larger breakfast menu from which to choose when we wanted more than the Continental. We found the food at Island View to be exceptional. Barbara was an excellent cook/hostess. And more often than not, we ordered breakfast from the menu. Several nights a week, Barbara served dinner for those who would like to join them for the evening meal. A menu was posted in the gallery (a covered deck overlooking Charlotte Amalie, where there was a small refrigerator, honor bar, and all meals were served). Guests placed their reservation by noon for dinner that evening. We dined at Island View three times during our week there. The meals were truly outstanding, as was the fine company and conversation. Barb certainly had a flair for the kitchen, and was quite pleased and agreeable to sharing a recipe. We wish we'd been able to take all our dinners there! This was our seventh trip to St. Thomas, and each time we've stayed in a different place. We really enjoyed Island View Guest House and found everything to our liking. We'll return to Island View, and can't wait for that time to come! 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beautiful view at an affordable price. Visited: August 2001 Posted by jsm My wife and I have stayed at the Island View on many occasions, over the past several years. We have found the owners, Barbara and Norman, to be most friendly and helpful. The place is very well maintained and clean! The views from most of the rooms and especially from the terrace are really wonderful. The point is that when we go to St. Thomas, which is at least once and usually twice a year, we stay at the Island View. It’s our kind of place. 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Fantastic place! Visited: August 2001 Posted by ALetha The Bel Canto Singers from Barbados were very pleased with these accommodations. We had a good time staying there. The view was magnificent, we were impressed with the tidiness and surrounding of the Guest House and the service was excellent. We will cherish the memories of St. Thomas and Island View Guest House forever. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Island View provided a nice pool and a nice view. Visited: January 2001 Posted by davidwatkins Island View Guest House in St. Thomas was a great bargan, but make sure you rent a car. Also, get the suite on the second floor, because it had a nice private balcony. As far as the beaches went, we liked Saphire Beach the best. In addition, Barbara and her husband were very nice. 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Can't wait to get back! Visited: January 2001 Posted by millfiller What a beautiful and peaceful setting for this facility, located high in the hills. The owners are very friendly, warm, and accommodating. They made my stay extra special. All of their recommendations about things to see and places to dine were excellent. My deluxe room had a covered balcony, which allowed for a spectacular view of Charlotte Amalie. The room was very well maintained and clean. Reasonable rates also. I’m going back next March! 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Excellent value, great view and management. Visited: December 1969 Posted by bob We have been going to Island View Guest House for several years and have found it to not only to be a great value, but clean and comfortable. The management has given us many tips on local places and prices. It is a homelike atmosphere where you can talk to different guests in the dining area and enjoy their stories. 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? One year later and I still miss this place. Visited: December 1969 Posted by ATraveler We originally chose this place because we were on a tight budget but would return because it was wonderful! The staff was very personable and grew to know us - they were full of suggestions for "islander insider" things to do. Breakfast on the terrace was the very best part, with the view and the breezes. We're still in contact with some of the other guests we met on our stay. Great place for someone who wants a personable and homey atmosphere. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?

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