Pavilions and Pools Romantic, affordable - your own 1-BR villa with a private pool. 5-minute walk to beach. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet. Ask about Romance packages.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort Fun, friendly beachfront resort with a Caribbean flair. One of-a kind All Inclusive plan with 100% a la carte dining, and also Eurpean Plan rates.
Hillcrest Guest House All rates have been reduced by 20%. For additional discounts, senior rates, see website.
There are positives and negatives to the Westin St. John.Visited: July 2008
Posted by nhparrothead
I come to St. John each year, and stay at the Westin. Like most hotels, it is not perfect. The rooms vary, as does the housekeeping which is maintained by an outside company and not the Westin. Overall, the place is not bad. If you have issues, talk to the managers and they will fix it.
The pool is nice, and Dorsett (who works at the pool bar) is fantastic. She will take great care of you (if you take care of her). Unlike some of the other reviewers, I have not had weak drinks. I never eat at the hotel - except for lunch (which I either get from the bar or Mango's Deli).
The hotel is convenient, as it is only a $4 cab ride to town - or my favorite stop at Woody's for happy hour.
The beach is so so. If you really want to experience a beach on St. John, there are many, many to choose from - and well worth the cab ride to get there. Don't judge by this beach.
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We had an amazing vacation on St. John.Visited: November 2008
Posted by rdun
This was my husband's and my first trip to an island - much less to St. John. It was more than we could have ever pictured or imagined - from the villa accommodations to the St. John countryside!
The Villa was spectacular in every way. We enjoyed the view outside the villa's front deck overlooking coral bay and Tortola; lounging poolside every day after our trip to beaches; beautiful plants nestled on the grounds; and to resting inside this well maintained neatly decorated spacious home. We couldn't have ever expected more. We had every amenity you could imagine!
The trip was pure peace and relaxation. Our 30th anniversary gift was spent at a place we will always cherish. We will definitely go back.
8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
The resort was nice, but the rooms need an upgrade - the towels were rough, the floor was sticky, and the bathroom was old. The bed was good, though.
We stayed near the pool, and the pool was nice. The spa was not worth it, but the gym was good. In addition, the beach was clean, and the watersport offerings were excellent!
The staff was not consistent.
I suggest you eat outside hotel and go downtown for dinner. The buffet breakfast was not good at hotel, either.
St. John was awesome. We are going back - just not to the Westin.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
My fiance and I had the lunch buffet in the cafe here after hanging out at the beach. The food was mediocre at best. The lunch buffet was also $35 per person. Plus, there were birds hanging out on the buffet picking at the food, which was really gross.
My fiance didn't finish eating a piece of sausage because he said it tasted funny. When we got back to our hotel, he started throwing up- it was definitely food poisoning. He spent the next three hours in the bathroom.
Assuming this was a fluke, the food was still way overpriced for what it was.
It was convenient, though, because it was right on the beach.
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I have read many negative reviews of Caneel ranging from safety issues to service and accommodations. Everyone has their own opinion based on how well their expectations were met (assuming nothing terrible happened!).
Caneel is not about being plush or pampering. Caneel is about an environment and group of people who do everything they can do to help a person enjoy the most lush property, and the most beautiful, fantastic beaches in the Caribbean.
My wife and I have been twice in four years - with this visit the best. Transfers between St. Thomas and Caneel were perfect .
Our room was upgraded (we stayed in #2). The champagne was chilled, and the beds and AC were fantastic. The staff was extremely accommodating, and the boat crew was wonderful (we went back and forth to St. Thomas four times). Also, the breakfast buffet was more than adequate and tasty.
Is it the Waldorf? No. However, my wife and I, the staff, and the people who return year and after year don't want it to be. It is perfection in a way only Caneel can deliver.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
We just returned from Easy Breezes yesterday, and are already missing it! St. John has so much to offer, one trip isn't enough. Easy Breezes is located half way up a mountain, so views are amazing! This was truly paradise.
We will be returning!
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We've been to St. John twice, and Zozos fast became one of our favorite restaurants. The food is terrific, but the views at sunset and after are spectacular. With St. Thomas glittering in the distance, there isn't a better spot than at the bar for dinner.
It's the same great food with attentive service - and a view that's one in a million!
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We really liked Calypso del Sol.Visited: November 2007
Posted by shanh
This was the first time we rented a villa on St. John, and we really liked Calypso del Sol. The views at sunset were gorgeous, looking out over Chocolate Hole and toward the sound.
Although the villa was close to the road, there was a lot of vegetation to give you privacy, and there wasn't much traffic.
The large pool was fantastic at the end of a day on the beach, and an equisite spot for star gazing at night. The floorplan was great for two of us because the master suite was off the living quarters. However, if you have kids, you may not like that the other two bedrooms are only accessible by going out onto the deck and down stairs to a lower deck.
All in all, it was a great place to stay and very convenient to Cruz Bay and the beaches.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was surely a home away from home.Visited: July 2008
Posted by jgregory20
The Esprit Villa was an excellent location for my journey because of its unprecedented central location, giving me the quickest access to any spot on the island. Whether I wanted to visit Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, I found the journeys not as demanding as could be if I were down in the Bays themselves. Set high on Mt. Bordeaux, Esprit Villa offers an excellent common ground for the entire island.
As for the the villa itself, I felt the comforts, the conveniences, and the even the luxuries modern homes provide. The best part to me, though, was the view. Waking up in the morning and sipping tea or coffee on the multitude of porches was a luxury I will never misplace.
The sheer beauty of the landscape around you is a foresight to peace of mind you achieve by weeks end. Slopping mountain sides, tropical forests, and angelic waters warmed my soul like no other exposure could permit. If you are the type of person who admires nature like me, this place will surely set your perspectives straight for the irreplaceable beauty this planet has to offer.
The seclusive location of Esprit is unmatched by any villa on the island. It sits among pure nature, something you can't get at the lower altitudes. These lower villas tend to be urbanized. The island is 70% +/- Nationally Protected land.
A vacation here is for those who want to experience pure island life without all the capitalization of developed lands. Esprit is the perfect setting. Enjoy the beauty!
20 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We're a couple with two daughters. Eaglesnest is a perfect place to spend your vacation.
We spent a week here, and I don't know where to start!
The beaches were gorgeous. We swam with turtles, and saw a stingray and so many colors of fishes. It was really "white sand and blue waters".
Eaglesnest was close to many places - Cruz Bay, beaches, and the market.
In Eaglesnest, we felt comfortable (like at home) but with an amazing view and delicious nights spent on a deck chatting and watching the movies we made from the day.
There was also a very pleasant grill which allowed us to have great dinners on the porch.
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Francis Bay Estate is a first class property.Visited: August 2008
Posted by slivacz
A first class property, beautifully furnished and equipped.
However, I would not rent it again in August for three key reasons:
1)Sheltered from prevailing winds by the hills, it is very hot and humid at all times of the day.
2) It's buggy. Mosquitos and no-see-ums are always present. We could not stay outdoors without liberal applications of Off -- and our three grandchildren were still covered with bites.
3) Big drawback: The open plan great room/dining area has no air conditioning. All the overhead and floor fans could do is keep the 80 to 90 degree air moving a little. It is so hot, the refrigerator and freezer really can't cope.
The bottom line: this is an ideal property for winter rental. The wonderful ensuite bedrooms offer great privacy. Although remote, it's close to the best beaches in the world.
Despite the drawbacks, we had a great family vacation.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
attractions, St. John, USVI traveler review
Appreciate the beauty of this island park.
Posted by amf
One needs to appreciate the context of what St. John is all about - its preserved forest and natural environment.
When you stay at a place like Harmony Studios in Maho, spend time snorkeling. But where are all the Angels? I had been to Maho twice before this trip in the mid 80s. I snorkeled in three feet of water, and there were fish (Angels) abound. This year, sad to say, they were no longer abound. It is tragic, I must say!
My daughter was thrilled to see schools of tiny fishes, but not angels. Still, I must say, the waters from above and under is incredible in the Virgin Islands!
A morning tour of the entire St. John Island is a must. You will see the diversified terrain of this island - the different water shores; the harbors, coves and the marinas; the views of the mountainsides; the beauty of the preserved areas compared to over-developed sections.
The awareness to what this island is, is very crucial because the 'preserve' status makes what St. John!
I cannot see St. John losing its potable water - what happened?
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Pavillion is excellent, but I must add more comments.
Posted by amf
Yes, the Pavillion at Maho is excellent. My young-adult daughter and I ate our dinners there. The portions were so large - especially for dinners - we split the meal. There was always a variety of entrees to choice from, which was great, since meat was not always a preference.
Margarita Phil near Mongoose Junction by Cruz Bay was a nice place for lunch because they had a nicely prepared menu. Do try the conch fritters! They go well with the margaritas!
Now, one must venture and do the local color. I recommend the kiosk across the ferry docks in Cruz Bay - Sheila's. She prepares meat, chicken and fried fish that is so Virgin Islands. With piled up side orders, that is so unique to USVI.
If one has access to trying the pattes, do try them. They are actually a version of the empanada with a choice of fillings of conch, saltfish, the meats or shrimps or crabs. Yum! Also, try their homemade juices, too. I suggest passion fruit, guava, tamarind or ginger.
Forget mainland eating, and go the Virgin Island way. You will love it and will miss it when you get back home!
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Harmony makes up for creature comforts Maho does not provide.Visited: August 2008
Posted by amf
I just got back from St. John. I stayed four nights in a Harmony Studio. It was fantastic.
There was a fridge and a bathroom, and the balcony with its trees and resident birds made it just a relaxing accommodation. Steps up to the Harmony Studio clusters was not that bad, really!
Also, it was easy access to Maho's bays and the Pavillion for excellent meals (I did not need to turn on the stove); the store for sandwiches for lunch. They even had adequate wines, and it was not that inconvenient!
The staff was, in general, congenial and efficient - except one or two who need to be taught to be better mannered.
Requests for taxis and tour operators were available, even in short notice.
Response to two calls for 'maintenance' were instant, though they were not major disasters.
Harmony Studios has the best all-around-view - dawn to dusk, rain or shine. It is such a beautiful place to spend a few days of vacation. One can't miss the night creatures sounds that overwhelms the place, and one can't help but appreciate it!
8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
It was beautiful May 9th - 16th, 2008.Visited: May 2008
Posted by bostonmike
We actually stayed in unit 1W the same week as the previous review. This room was furthest away from the construction, and we knew that before we booked. We were here during some parts of the day while construction was going on, and found that it really wasn't that bad.
We spent some time on the wrap around deck even, and it didn't phase us too much. We also found at times that it actually ended at 4:00 pm, and a couple days around 6:00 pm.
Besides the construction, we visit St. John to enjoy the beauty that it offers - so there wasn't much time spent in the room during the day.
Lavender Hill was beautiful. 1W was very clean and comfortable. We really did feel at home. We can't wait until our next visit, and have already started the booking process.
Matt was very helpful and helped us out with anything we needed. The proximity of Lavender to the town was a very short two-minute walk. It was ideal for Happy Hour at the Beach Bar!
We strongly recommend Lavender Hill Suites for a stay on St. John. Besides the construction during parts of the days, this place was well worth the money and made our stay very enjoyable. On St. John walking distance is key.
7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Pavilions and Pools Romantic, affordable - your own 1-BR villa with a private pool. 5-minute walk to beach. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet. Ask about Romance packages.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort Fun, friendly beachfront resort with a Caribbean flair. One of-a kind All Inclusive plan with 100% a la carte dining, and also Eurpean Plan rates.
Hillcrest Guest House All rates have been reduced by 20%. For additional discounts, senior rates, see website.
There are positives and negatives to the Westin St. John. 
We had an amazing vacation on St. John. 
It's overpriced. 
Paradise awaits. 
