Samuels Cottages - St. John, USVI

With break-the-bank prices prevailing in St. John, Samuels Cottages provide excellent prices in a very convenient location. Sitting among lush greenery on the main road out of Cruz Bay, the
island's main town, the three cottages put guests within walking distance of the restaurants, shopping and inexpensive transportation to the beach. However, they're far enough off the beaten path that the noise pollution that afflicts Cruz Bay won't bother you.

The cottages are a bit on the tired side, with most in need of a paint job and a visit from Martha Stewart, but their location and price make them perfect for budget vacationers. And they're spotlessly clean. Owners Julien and Patrice Harley work hard to keep them immaculate. Julien, who serves as the island's administrator - a position that's kind of like an appointed mayor - and Patrice, a school teacher, can tell you about all the best local spots to visit.

The cottages, each with a kitchen/living room area, are painted barn red. They have dark wood floors, mismatched furniture and spreads. The bedrooms have an assortment of double, queen and king beds. The living room couch converts to sleep an extra person or two. The bathrooms are small with tiled showers. The kitchens come with small electric stoves and full-sized refrigerators.

Each cottage has a spacious porch with tables, chairs, and views of the ocean, the salt pond and the sewage treatment plant under construction. Ceiling fans cool the cottages on the rare day when the tradewinds die.