St. Johns

If you need a hotel the night before your Sailing Vacations charter begins, here's a list of hotels that will accept short-term reservations. Guest houses that cost less are available on St John but not reviewed at this time.

Caneel Bay is perhaps the best known and one of the original world-class resort hotels in the Islands. Situated on 171 choice acres, Caneel Bay is built on the site of an 18th century sugar plantation. It has seven fabulous white-sand beaches and 168 luxurious rooms without the distraction of telephones, radios or TV's. Activities include diving and snorkeling, daysailing, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing. There are 11 professionally groomed tennis courts, too. In the evening you have three fine restaurants to choose from and live Caribbean music most evenings. Yachtsmen are welcomed ashore. Laurance Rockefeller purchased as much of St John as he could back in the 50's, carved out a choice piece of land for Caneel Bay, then donated most of the land to the Federal Government for a National Park. To this day, most of St John remains in its original pristine condition. Rooms range from $250 to $700 depending upon type and season, plus 15.5% tax and service. Children are welcomed with a full activities program for the kids. Phone (800)-928-8889. e-mail: rosewood@gte.net website: http://www.rosewood-hotels.com

For more about the Virgin Islands National Park visit http://www.nps.gov/viis/

Cinnamon Bay Campground is situated on Cinnamon Bay in the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park. Camping accommodations are private and serene and all sites are with a two-minute walk of the beach. 125 cottages, tents and bare sites for campers are blended into the surroundings so well that you don't notice them at first glance. The campground has a general store, a restaurant and a fully equipped watersports center. Affordable rates make this a much sought-after destination so book well in advance. Rates range from $20 for a bare site to $80 for a beachfront cottage during low season, and increase to $17 to $105 during the winter. Add 8% tax to all rates. Phone (800)-539-9998 for more information or e-mail the office at jgregoire@rosewoodhotels.com website: http://www.cinnamonbay.com

Gallows Point sits on a peninsula at the mouth of Cruz Bay harbor with water on two sides. There are 60 units. All have water views, separate living area with balcony or patio and a definite Caribbean flavor. There's a nice beach and a swimming pool. For other water-sports you'll need to travel to Cruz Bay, which is an easy 10-minute walk. The restaurant serves good food and breakfast is included in your room rate. Rooms are not air-conditioned but are situated in the breeze and further cooled by giant ceiling fans. Room rates run from $145 to $380 depending on the room and the time of the year. Children over 5 years of age are allowed but there are no special family rates. Phone (800)-323-7229. e-mail: information@gallowspointresort.com website: http://www.gallowspointresort.com

Lavender Hill Estates consists of 10 air-conditioned condominium units with a small pool, located in a nice neighborhood within a short walk of downtown Cruz Bay. Ellington's Restaurant is nearby and a great spot for dinner while watching the spectacular sunsets. Units are well equipped with full kitchen and there's a small swimming pool for guests. Rates are affordable with one-bedroom units costing from $140 to $235 depending on season and 2 bedroom units priced at $175 to $295. A minimum stay may be required depending on occupancy. Contact Destination St John for more information on this and other properties that they handle. Phone (800)-562-1901 email: destinationstjohn@worldnet.att.net website: http://www.destinationstjohn.com

Maho Bay Camps is located on 14 acres in Maho Bay and offers camping accommodation in canvas-covered cottages hidden in the hillside. The environment is vigorously protected and the Camp has won several environmental awards. There are a total of 105 tent-cottage units available, all connected by boardwalks to protect the flora and fauna. A pavilion-style restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and there's a well-stocked store that welcomes both campers and the occasional boater. Rates for double occupancy cost from $70 to $115 depending on season and children under 16 are free in low season through mid-November. For more information on Maho Bay Camps call (800)-392-9004, e-mail them at mahobay@maho.org or visit this website for more information on Maho Bay and three other ecological destinations in St. John: http://www.maho.org

St. Thomas

If you need a hotel the night before your Sailing Vacations charter begins, here's a list of hotels that will accept short-term reservations. Hotels and guest houses that cost less are not recommended as on St Thomas you'll want to avoid back street locations.

Bluebeard's Castle dates back to 1735. Built as a fort, it has been a hotel since 1933. It sits on a hill overlooking the main town of Charlotte Amalie and the busy harbor bustling with yachts and cruise ships. There are 179 rooms and suites. Prices range from $195 to $395 winter, $140 to $325 summer, plus 8% tax. Children under 12 stay free (maximum 2). Phone 1-800-524-6599. No email address available. Contact through their website: http://www.bluebeards-castle.com/

Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas feature 75 rooms on or near the beach. An affordable family resort, this complex has beach front rooms with King sized beds or two doubles. All rooms are air conditioned with ceiling fans, cable TV, VCR, phones and safes. European and all-inclusive rates available. 2 bedroom villas are also offered with 1 king bed, two twins in second bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa, full kitchen, safe and balcony. Bolongo requires a two night minimum stay during the winter season. All rooms and villas have a water view and there are two restaurants on-site. Lots of waterfront activities. Double rooms $125 to $195 and Villas $275 to $450 depending on season. Add 18% tax and service charge to all rates. Children 12 and under free in same room. Crib or cot $10 extra. Phone (800)-524-4746. e-mail info@bolongobay.com website: http://www.bolongobay.com

Best Western/Carib Beach Resort One of our clients liked and recommended this hotel to us and another who went there didn't like it. Take your choice! Located close to the airport, this is one of the least expensive hotels that we'd suggest on St Thomas. Pay less and you're on a back street that you may not feel comfortable with. All 69 rooms are air-conditioned, have a water view and have cable TV. The brochure states the restaurant serves lunch but we've been advised it only serves breakfast and dinner. It may also show the hotel as a little more attractive than reality. There's a local restaurant nearby, however. Rooms cost $155 in season and $132 during the summer, plus 18% tax and service. Children under 12 are free with parents on existing beds. Phone (800) 792-2742. e-mail CaribBeach@EmeraldBeach.com website: http://caribbeachresort.com

Best Western/Emerald Beach Resort is owned and operated by the same folks that have Carib Beach. It's nearby but has a much nicer beach and is in general, nicer than their other property but not a deluxe beachside resort. There are 90 rooms and every one of them has a balcony and a water view. All rooms are air-conditioned, have cable TV, refrigerator and coffee maker. Besides a nice beach there is a tennis court as well. While near the airport there aren't that many flights nor any late at night and the downtown shopping area is just 10 minutes away by taxi. Rates are reasonable by St Thomas standards with a double room running $189 to $259 in high season and $149 to $199 during the summer, plus 18% tax and service charge. Telephone (800)-233-4936. e-mail Sales@EmeraldBeach.com website: http://www.emeraldbeach.com

Hotel 1829 is located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, a couple of blocks from the downtown shopping area. It was completed in 1829 as a home for a French Sea Captain and his bride. Modified several times since, rooms are comfortable but not super-luxurious. The 15 rooms are air-conditioned and have ensuite baths, web bars and cable TV. Some rooms have private balconies. The hotel has one of the best restaurants on the island, but expensive. Be aware that the least expensive rooms are very affordable but do not have windows! A three night minimum stay applies between December 20th and May 1st. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Winter rates $105 to $245, summer $85 to $180, plus 8% tax. Phone (800)-524-2002. e-mail: hotel1829@islands.vi website: http://www.hotel1829.com/

Island Beachcomber Hotel reminds us of what most hotels were like in the late 50's/early 60's and it probably hasn't changed much since then. There are 47 rooms that are well furnished and air-conditioned and each room has a refrigerator and cable TV. Some overlook the water, others the garden. This property is right next door to Emerald Beach, close to the airport and a 10-minute drive to town. Low prices make this hotel a favorite with many clients and most enjoy their stay, the beachside bar/restaurant and the friendly staff, though some with expectations that were too high have not been happy. Prices range from $100 to $145 depending on room and season, plus 18% tax and service. Children over two years of age pay $15 to $20 each (same as an extra adult). Phone (800)-982-9898. e-mail: ibhvi@earthlink.net website: http://www.st-thomas.com/islandbeachcomber

Villa Blanca is perched high above the main harbour of Charlotte Amalie offering a breathtaking view of St Thomas, especially at night. The property was originally built as the residence of a wealthy automotive heiress who later converted her home in to the St Thomas Club. It was old to the present owner, Blance T. Smith in 1986 who remodeled the buildings into an island villa. The trademarks of Villa Blanca are Personal Service and true Island Hospitality. There are two Standard rooms with garden view costing $115 winter, $75 summer. All the rest have a stunning harbor view and range from $125-$145 winter, $85-$115 summer. Add 8% government tax and 10% service charge. All rooms except one standard have private balcony and all are equipped with king sized or double beds, private bath, kitchenettes with complimentary coffee & tea, air conditioners, ceiling fans and color TV. There's an honor bar in the Main House, an open air patio and a fresh water swimming pool. A Continental breakfast is included in the cost of your room. Phone (800)-231-0034 for reservations or email the villa at villab@viaccess.net website: http://www.st-thomas.com/villablanca

Marriott Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Resort If you've ever come into St Thomas on a cruise ship, this is the big white hotel on the right hand side of the harbor as you enter. There are 408 rooms in the main building and another 96 on the beach at Morningstar, accessed by an elevator from the hotel above. This resort complex has two pools, tennis courts, a dinner theater and five restaurants, a variety of bars and a disco. There's a gym with steam room and sauna, shops and a beauty parlor. The hotel's water taxi will take you across the harbor to town for shopping. All of this comes at a price though, with rooms costing from $350 to $1500 during the winter and $210 to $900 off-season. Children under 18 years of age stay free in parent's room. Phone (800)-524-2000 email: resorts@marriott.vi website: http://www.marriott.vi/ Check this site out as sometimes they offer specials.

The Holiday Inn Windward Passage Hotel has 151 rooms and is conveniently located in Charlotte Amalie, a short distance from the shopping area and less than two blocks from the downtown ferry terminal. This hotel rates a "good" rating from most of our guests, with neither excess praise nor complaint. The main attraction is its location. Rates range from $175 to $295 winter, $140 to $220 summer at this commercial hotel (Double room lowest, Oceanview Jr. Suite highest). 18% tax and service is added to your bill. Children under 12 are free with parent. All rooms are air-conditioned with telephone and cable TV. The better rooms are larger and have sitting areas and refrigerators. There's a courtyard pool and a restaurant on premises and many fine eating establishments nearby. The Charlotte Amalie shopping area is just two blocks away but please, for your safety, take a taxi after dark. We can make your reservations for you or Phone 800-524-7289, e-mail windwardpassage@worldnet.att.net website: http://www.holidayinn.st-thomas.com

The Renaissance Grand Beach Resort offers the amenities of an upscale, full service resort complex with 290 rooms and suites. Located on the east end of St Thomas convenient to Red Hook, this 34 acre property has a great beach, nearby championship golf, complimentary snorkeling, sailboats, kayaks and windsurfers, six tennis courts and a fitness center. Up to two children stay free in your room and there's a complimentary Kids Club for those 4 to 12 years of age with both day and evening activities. Rooms cost from $155 to $750 depending on room and season. Call (800)-468-3571 or visit their web site at http://www.renaissancehotels.com . This web site doesn't provide a great deal of information. We suggest you call for a brochure and don't forget to ask about the special packages that are sometimes offered.

Pineapple Villas is a condominium rental property located on the same premises as the Renaissance, including hotel privileges! Each single-level villa consists of one studio apartment and three bedrooms, which can be rented as separate rooms or as an interconnected unit. Each room has a private entrance, telephone, color TV, air conditioner, ceiling fan, full bath and walled-in garden patio. Every garden bedroom includes a refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker and full bath with sunken tub. The Garden Studio includes full living, dining and sleeping areas, full bath and modern kitchen with oven and dishwasher. Maid service is included Sunday through Friday. Pineapples Villas normally requires a three night minimum stay but will sometimes relax this policy depending on occupancy figures. Garden Bedrooms cost $100 to $150 and Garden Studios $150 to $200 depending on season, plus 18% tax and service charge. Phone (800)-874-1786 for more information. Leave a message if you get a recording.

TORTOLA

If you need a hotel the night before your Sailing Vacations charter begins, here's a list of places in Tortola that will accept short-term reservations. Hotels and guest houses that cost less are not reviewed and may not be as reliable as those shown.

Elm Beach Suites is located at Cane Garden Bay, with it's fine beach and six local bars and restaurants some featuring live Caribbean music. This property has been recommended to us by one of our clients as clean and neat and very affordable. Elm has five suites, each with air-conditioned bedroom, kitchenette, bath, and living room with TV and a porch. This is a nice spot to spend a few extra days before or after your trip, with prices ranging from $75 to $100, plus 17% tax and service charge. Children under 12 free in room with parent. Phone Elvert Myers at (284)-494-2888 or e-mail him at elm@caribsurf.com. website: http://www.intheislands.com/elmsuites/

Fort Burt is an historic landmark dating back to the 1700s when it was built by the Dutch as a fort to defend the island against pirates and invaiders. This intimate hotel high on a hill overlooking Road Harbour is a long walk or a very short cab ride from town, across the street from Conch Charters and near to TMM's base as well. This hotel was completely remodeled a few years ago and has 12 rooms and 6 suites, all different and some quite spectacular. Two of the suites even have private outdoor pools! All of the rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV and telephones. There's a small hotel pool for those not lucky enough to have their own, and an attractive bar and restaurant, too. Rooms used to range from $120 to $370 in high season and $100 to $345 during the summer months. (plus 17% tax and service. Now owned by Pussers, information is presently sketchy. Call Pussers at 888-873-5226.

Fort Recovery is located at the West End of Tortola, facing the Sir Francis Drake Channel. There are 17 villas ranging in size from single to four bedrooms. Minimum night stays vary with the season. Villas are located on the water and there's a fresh water swimming pool. Because this property is all by itself, a rental car would be advisable. High season rates range from $210 for one bedroom to $640 for four bedrooms, low season $135 to $450. Children under 3 free with parents. 3-11 $15 per day and 12 and up, $35 per day. Add 17% tax and service. Phone (800)-367-8455. e-mail ftrhotel@caribsurf.com. Website http://www.fortrecovery.com.

Hodges Creek Marina Hotel is located next door to Sunsail Yacht Charters in Maya cove. Completed in 1999, there are 28 rooms and 5 suites, all of them large and comfortable. The standard double rooms range in price from $125 to $200 depending on the season (double occupancy). All rooms have phone, TV, air conditioning and ceiling fans and there is a restaurant on site. 17% tax and service is added to all room rates. Phone (284) 494-5000. e-mail: info@hodgescreek.com. Website http://www.hodgescreek.com.

Lambert Beach Resort is located on the North Shore of Tortola a 10 minute cab ride away from Sun Yacht Charters in Maya Cove and 20 minutes from Roadtown. This fairly new hotel is set on 8 acres and consists of 8 villas in two rows fronting a lovely beach. There's a large swimming pool with bar area and a children's pool as well, and one Tennis Court. The restaurant is on a wooden terrace, open on three sides overlooking the ocean. Each room has one king or two large twin beds, direct-dial telephones, mini-bar, air conditioning, ceiling fans and a large veranda. Some suites are available. Recommended particularly for who want a nice, remote beach, out of town and away from the hustle and bustle. Recently purchased by Pussers, you'll need to phone them for more information at High-Season pricing (Jan 5-Apr 15 2000) ranges from $140 for a gardenview double to $320 for a beachfront suite in season and are a little higher over Christmas. Off-season, rates drop to $100-$260. There's a maximum of two persons in a room or four in a suite. Add 17% tax and service. Phone (800)-225-4255. email lambert@surfbvi.com. Website http://www.lambertbeachresort.com.

Long Bay Beach Resort is located on the North Shore of Tortola. It sits on 52 acres with one of the best beaches on the island and has 122 upscale rooms and suites, all recently remodeled. Swimming is not the best due to underwater rocks, but the two swimming pools make up for this. Most rooms are located about 100 yards from the ocean at elevations of 75 to 100 feet and have large balconies or patios with a great view. All rooms are air-conditioned, have phones, wet bar, coffeemakers and hair dryers. Beachfront cabanas are built on stilts near the water's edge. These and the deluxe waterfront rooms also offer lots of room and cable TV as well. Activities include swimming, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, diving, horseback riding and tennis. There's also a 9-hole pitch and put golf course. Double rooms/studios range from $92.50 to $525 depending on type, location and season. Children under 12 stay free in parent's room. Add 17% tax and service to room rates. Phone (800)-729-9599. email reservations@longbay.com. Website http://www.longbay.com/.

Maria's by the Sea is an affordable hotel in the heart of Roadtown, with 41 rooms, all having kitchenettes or wet bars, private bath and air conditioning. There's a swimming pool overlooking the harbor, and rental cars are available. Rooms are clean and neat but often something's not quite right or is missing. (One time there were no coat hangers, most bathtub drain stoppers are long gone, etc.) but as long as you're prepared for this you'll have an enjoyable stay. Rooms range from $120 to $170 in high season (Dec 16-Apr 15) and $110 to $150 in low season. Children under 12 are free in same room with parents, additional adults $15 each. Add 17% tax and service charge to all rates. Phone (284)-494-2595. email mariasbythesea@surfbvi.com. Website http://www.skyviews.com/bvi/tortola/marias/.

Treasure Island is an oldie but goodie nestled into the hillside at the foot of the harbor in Road Town, a 10 minute walk from the Village Cay Marina or the downtown shops, and just across the street from The Moorings and Footloose Yacht Charters. Rooms were remodelled a few years ago and are quite acceptable and reasonably price from $104 to $170 for a double, depending on the season. Suites cost more. There's a nice swimming pool and restaurant, with a bar overlooking the pool and the harbor. Phone (800)-437-7880. email info@treasureislehotel.com. Website http://www.treasureislehotel.net/.