There is the Green Iguana and the Galleon House in Town (Charlotte Amalie) on STT... There is the Maho Bay Eco campground on STJ. The "Town" spots aren't necessarily great though. Maho is quite a ways away from most everything on St John. If you don't mind paying for a taxi, depending on where you want to go can be upwards of $20 each way, then you can go without a car.

It all depends on what you want to do while you're on island and how much spare cash you have.

Are you going alone or with others?

There are some nice condos for rent above Red Hook. You would be able to walk down the short road to the town of Red Hook and you would be close enough to walk to Sapphire beach. You would also be able to walk to the ferry to go to St John. The ferry would let you off in Cruz Bay, the main hub of St John. If I had no access to a car, this is what I would do.

I ask if you are going alone or not because I believe the "treetops" condos for rent are 2 bedroom/2 bath and are $140/nt off season ($180/nt in season), which isn't really cheap for one person....but good for two.

http://www.usvi.net/treetops/html/treetop.html Here is the link to Treetops

Check out Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds on St John. http://www.cinnamonbay.com/

You can camp in a baresite for $27 a night, a tent for $58 or a cottage for $70

The beach is beautiful and they have shower and restroom facilities as well as a small restaurant/snack bar.

Thanks for the replies, and I'll be travelling with my boyfriend. I worry about us being able to get a car b/c we're both under 25, plus it is an added expense, but a stay somewhere like Red Hook looks promising. If anyone else knows of a cheap place to stay for two people who don't mind being a little cramped together, and/or a good location, please let me know 🙂

Not sure if these meet your financial needs or personal likes, but the Eco-tents on STJ are a low cost option. Doesn't address the car issue, but a little planning and more leg work while there might limit dependence on taxis.

http://www.maho.org/

When I first went to STJ as a 20 somethinger a couple of times, I stayed at Cinnamon Bay without renting a car. I took taxis into Cruz Bay most nights for supper and partying and just chilled on Cinamon Bay's beach during the day (which is absolutely beautiful) on most days. There is still lots to do without a car. You wouldn't see all of the island, but it'd be an awesome vacation nonetheless. You could always treat yourselves to a car for a day or 2. If $70 is okay for your budget, the cottages would probably be more than adequate.

crickett : )

Rebecca, all the responses about the camping spots on STJ are right on the (lack of) money. From either Maho (my choice) or Cinnamon, you can walk, hike, take a campground shuttle, even hitch into Cruz Bay or way out to Coral Bay and you'll have an awesome time. The campgrounds are upscale compared to some mainland USA spots, both are on the water and can't be beat for convenience, comfort, cleanliness, etc. Good food, stores you can pick stuff up at, great beach recreation, easy transportation, really great choices, do-able for those on a limited budget. Just read through all the threads here for money saving tips like bringing sunscreen and film from home to save the cost of some items. You won't regret it!

I would vote for Cinnamon tents for the budget minded who want to stay on STJ (or find a place in Cruz Bay). Maho is $125/nt and the shuttle is $7pp/each way and they stop running around 9pm. The taxis are $13 pp/each way. You're away from the hub of activity at either place. There has to be a decent/inexpensive place in Cruz Bay.

when are you planning to go to the vi's ?? prices change according to the time of year...would be cheaper to travel after 4/15..prior to that it's "high" season. i think that Cinnamon Bay camping is a great option..there are buses that run to cruz bay so you can hop on one of them...also hitchhiking on st. john is very acceptable and common / since there are the two of you you'll feel safer/i've not heard of any problems/great way to meet people. we pick up hitchers all the time. another option for is Tamarind Court in cruz bay/has a restaurant & bar and very reasonable rates..just a few min walk to the "main drag"..wwwinnattamarindcourt.com just my 2 cents.. stay on st. john and visit st thomas for a day..you won't regret it !!!

I'll be coming down mid-March, so I'm afraid we'll have to deal with the peak prices. I just called Cinammon Bay campgrounds, and they're already full up for that time, so now I'm looking most seriously at Tree Top Villas (usvi.net) and Tamarind Court, which looks very nice as well, and is slightly cheaper. Any thoughts between these two? Thanks again, everybody - Rebecca

Tree Tops are $180 nt high season. If you don't need the space of the 2 beds/2baths and full apartment, I would go with Tamirand Court. TC is less expensive (@$148 nt) and will place you right in Cruz Bay. IMO, Cruz Bay is more attractive to college aged people (I have a son @ UPENN and he has had much experience on both STJ and STT - he loves Cruz Bay at night - he also enjoyed Duffy's on STT, but Red Hook doesn't have the "strolling around" ambiance that Cruz Bay has).

If Tamirand Court has a room, book it and enjoy! For location, convenience and economy, you've found a winner.

You'll probably meet others your age and make enough friends to get rides to and from the beaches. And the other posters are right about hitching...it is common. I always give rides.

Hi Rebeccaa!

We have been staying at this great little spot for a couple of years now. The Sunflower Studio is literally on the water! Its located about a 15 minute walk from Red Hook, and even better only 5 minutes from Secret Harbor Beach which is the best on the East End! The website is www.stonehousevi.com. 340.775.6920 Tell Joanie hello from us! We are planning to come back again next year!
Holly

Hi everyone, I just booked a room at the Tamirand Court, and am very glad for all your advice. Thanks so much! - Rebecca

Get yourself an Entertainment book. I think they are available all across the US. In addition to local coupons etc., take a look at the international destinations in the 50% off travel section.
We stayed at Secret Harbor on St.Thomas for $90 per night, beachfront, in a big room with kitchen and AC. It's one of the bargins I've found.

Hello All
If you want inexpensive on St Thomas and a great location, try Bunker Hill Hotel. It's in Charlotte Amalie on a hill side with nice harbor views, also serves breakfast. It is walking distance to the ferry, to cheep transportation on bacstreet and of course all the fun shops. Though you don't have to buy, it's fun to look. There is also great island history in town, and beautiful architectural buildings to visit. Bunker Hill has its own website which gives all kinds of info.

Rebecca... glad to hear you got a place/considering you're going in march you are lucky to find something/very busy time!! you won't regret the choice.. this is not the "ritz but clean and comfortable. you'll be able to enjoy all the night activities in cruz bay and just walk "home". be sure not to miss
Woodys daily happy hour(s)!! www.woodysseafood.com --just a short walk from tamarind court.!!! take advantage of the time you'll have on this island paradise..i'm sure you'll find yourself, once home, yearning to return.. we keep going back!!

St. Thomas Rentals Available

Email [email protected]

Phone 340-775-1155

Or visit website

http://www.bananapages.net/USVI/ellickrealestate/default.asp

Prices are like 50 a night.

Also you can catch dollar safaris to east end, or town.