I talked to smoe tourists who were staying there, and I specifically asked them about the noise. They said it wasn't a problem at all.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is another option, because all the rooms are so close to the beach. I think they have more entertainment than Emerald Beach with a Caribbean theme night on Wed with fire eaters, etc. (additional charge for the buffet). The rooms are okay - nothing to write home about, and I've seen some people posting less than satisfactory comments about some of the rooms, but after complaining they got moved to better rooms.

Don't know anything about the boating scene, but I'm sure if you Google, there'll be lots of pages with the info you need.

Thank you very much. I was looking at Bolongo Bay also. I googled searched for boats,and found some charters that looked very nice. Also taking day trips to St John's looks very nice.

If you will do a search on "Emerald Beach" on this board you will find loads of Q&A's about what you are asking. If I had children I would definitely consider Bolongo instead - better location and appears to have more to do (I have stayed at EB, not BB). Definitely do a day trip over to STJ - you'll probably find the next trip that will be your destination (sorry, that's my opinion - I love STJ!) - you might consider doing a day trip on the Limnos or some other charter that visits and tours STJ and/or definitely a day sail to the Baths (if you have passports - I think you need them now as of 1/1/06 - I might be wrong.) Have a wonderful trip!

Hey Rick!
I stayed at Emerald last march with my family. Im 20 and I liked it there...but i probably wouldnt stay again just because i am more fond of St. John. The airplanes were noisy but nothing that was too crazy. We only spent 1 day at the beach at our hotel. I enjoyed the other beaches alot more. The sunset from Emerald Beach is very nice though. Emerald Beach is quite a ride from Red Hook and the ferry to STJ. I didnt like being so far from all that. With a family of 4 make sure you rent a car. We didnt with 5 and it costs $10 pp everytime we went anywhere. Gets pricey! Enjoy your vacation. If you have any other Qs about the rooms let me know!..

Lyndsey

Thank you all. What are some good,reasonably priced accomidations on St. Johns? My niece just got back from STJ for her honeymoon. They loved it! I don't remember where they stayed though.

What do you consider "reasonably priced".. STJ is a tad higher than STT (but worth every extra dime!) - it would definitely be worth looking into getting a villa/condo/house if it is going to be the family - the convenience of having a kitchen and separate bedrooms, etc. is so worth it and actually you would probably pay about the same or less than if you stayed at the Westin, Caneel or Gallows. If you are going in low season you will get a better rate, also. There are loads of websites that give info on accomodations on STJ - one being on the VINOW. Do a search on this board and you find LOTS of advice and opinions. We LOVE STJ, took our kids (ages 12 and 17) last June for two weeks...it was great! You will have a wonderful time!! 🙂

If Sapphire Beach still takes the Entertainment Card for 50% off rooms, you can get into their beachfront suites for around $125 night. Look here for the card. Call Sapphire and ask if they take it for summer reservations. I think I recall you have to pay for the room up front when you make a reservation.

I remember Secret Harbour also taking the card and their suites are less than Sapphire, and are also beachfront.

Look here:
http://www.travelersadvantage.com/

IMO, with children, Sapphire is THE spot. Last time I was on STT (July 2005), we stayed in a home...but we visited Sapphire and my D met kids from all over...one of whom was visiting her grandmother who offered to host my D at the STT Yacht Club for a day....kids galore at Sapphire! You'll see when the Disney Cruise comes in....they head right for Sapphire.

Believe me, I've griped and groaned about Sapphire...this and that. But, all in all, Sapphire is still one of the few BEST options on STT and is my top choice for kids.

I am making February plans to visit now. Sapphire is on the list of options 🙂

We just got back from Emerald Beach. 4th time in four years. We like the place. We think the beach is one of the best. Large beach, calm water, shade when needed, and not crowded. All rooms have balcony on the water. The restaurant is under new managment. Chef used to be at Figoli's.

Airport noise is no problem. Most flights are mid-afternoon and the noise is only for a few seconds when larger jets leave.

Definatly rent a car!

Thank you. I will look into villas and homes on STJ.I believe I still have some older brochures STJ.My wife has already told me she does not want something too secluded, like the last time we were in the Bahamas(Exuma). We had to change flights 3 x's in order to get to our destination.In my opion it was very well worth it.

Rick