We really enjoyed our stay at the BW Emerald Beach Resort from July 10 through 17! Our room was wonderful, large, airy, far enough way, but just close enough to everything on the property. The view was excellent. And yes, you have to pay $1 a day to use the room safe, but there's a sign that tells you so before you use it. The refrig is very convenient in the room. We used the coffeepot daily. Housekeeping was there every day...we liked the option of saying when to refresh the linens and towels, especially since it was just the two of us. Fresh water on these islands are very precious to them...

Lindbergh Bay is a beautiful stretch of beach and seeing it every day from our room and balcony was so relaxing. We snorkeled every day and came upon different fish and marine life each time. Stingrays, starfish, and an occassional sea turtle. The best area is, of course, towards the left, where there is a rocky bottom. You can rent your gear or bring your own. Kayaks are reasonable by the hour. We never used the pool (we love the beach) but it is a beautiful place to set your eyes upon when walking towards the restaurant, beach bar, and beach. We had no problems with bugs of any type on the beach or in our room. We loved the resident Iguanas and skittish geckos. Mild tradewinds kept the humidity on the beach at bay.

It was well worth checking a week ahead to see when cruise ships would be in St. Thomas in order to decide when we would be heading to other beaches & St. John. Less crowds and worth it. We booked Tropic Tours for St. John and were very pleased. They picked us up and returned us to the hotel...you will appreciate that alone once you realize how expensive it is to move around St. Thomas by taxi...plus it includes the ferry, lunch (including drinks), taxi tour, and snorkeling at beautiful Trunk Bay at St. John. Our tour guide, Ken, was informative and wonderful!

As far as the airport being nearby, you hardly see it, and you really do get use to the occassional noise. There isn't as much activity as you would think because it's small in comparison to what we are used to in the contiguous States....in our case, PHL.

The free continental breakfast was very satisfying. There was a variety of cereal, granola, fruit, yogurt, english muffins, toast, jams, jellies, an interesting corn cake (very good, flavored with almond), and pound cake. Coffee, juices, tea, and milk. Of course, the earlier you are there, the better the selection. If you plan to snooze, well, you know the rest of that saying...

There were a few weddings, very lovely, each one unique in it's own way, and were not an inconvenience at all. The settings and views at Emerald are so perfect for them....

We had lunch and dinner at the Palms a few times which were good. We also walked along the beach to the Beachcomber a few times for lunch, dinner, and drinks. We had dinner at Victors New Hideaway at Sub Base which was good. We ate at the Green House on the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie a few times, known for their two for one specials . We also had lunch at Bobby's Hardwood Grill, which is within Drake's Passage in town. Excellent caesar salad! We also had Dominos delivered one night to the hotel.

There is a store within walking distance from the airport road on the main highway where we bought sundries, snacks, and sodas. The store has a big sign on it that says something like "VODKA!" but sells just about everything else.

The free AM shuttle to town holds seven to eight people, but will come back as often as needed to accomodate those who miss the first one. It is a one way offer so you have to find your own way back to the hotel when the time comes. A taxi is always available when needed. We discovered the $1 VITRAN taxi from town and it will drop you off just before the airport road. From there it's a five minute walk to the hotel. It is much cheaper than taking a regular taxi. We used that savings for our sunset "Bushwacker," a specialty of Rolston's, at the beach bar.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Emerald Beach Resort and definitely recommend the place. We love St. Thomas & St. John and plan to return!

Post Edited (07-25-04 19:02)