Kristen
Listen to those m=negative reports as most are true. Yes it isn't a fancy resort, nice beach. But very poorly run. I stayed there in 2004 & hated every minute of my stay. Noise from each room by you>>paper thin noise/ Checked at 3pm only to have to wait two hours to have room ready, I wasn't the only one waiting. When they said it was ready I was told someone would bring my luggage up haha that was a joke. Plus room wasn't even finished cleaning but there was a maid doing the next room so so finish it. I waited about 1 hr for my luggage & call down & was told sorry. So I had to go back down & carry it up three flights of stairs. This was rather hard as I had a sprained elbow & couldn't really be carrying the bag had no problems at either Washington Reagan Airport nor on the air lines. But oh well, such is life going solo. But overall the room was just okay, no water pressure no hot water at times. Noise due to next door. I would never stay there again unless it has change management. Might be okay for just one night. Beach was nice if no weddings if so plan on not going to beach they wouldn't let you nor the pool as it was being used for a wedding party.

From what I've read on other boards it's a convenient place to stay the night before your flight home (which is what we're doing) but it's not necessarily a place you would want to stay for your entire vacation.

It's a perfect location to stay for one night, there's a pool, a nice beach, a beach bar, and a fairly decent restaurant on site. We stayed there in February the night before we had to fly home. It was perfect for unwinding, sitting on the beach and doing nothing else plus it's a 5 minute walk to the airport. I wouldn't recommend it for an extended stay, one night is enough.

We are seniors and have stayed at Emerald Beach for 3 weeks every Feb. for the last 5 yrs. We like to just enjoy the beach and laying around. This last Feb.(2006) there were many changes. All rooms have been repainted. No more weddings at pool. There is a designated place for them at the far end of the beach. New chef in Dining Room, now serving a Italian Menu, besides regular sandwiches. We requested a 1st floor room as I have a hard time with steps and have always been given one. Actually always the same room. (2105) The hot water heaters are in each room in a small box under the counter. We have never had a problem with hot water.
They have a shuttle to take you to town every morning.(free) You must find your own way back. We took taxi. (12.00) Beach is never crowded and beach man Don will have your chairs & towel waiting for you every am. if you ask him . Housekeeping was always effecient and brought extra coffee packets every day if you asked for them. I know a lot of people have had problems, such as the above reports but as many have no problems. Should you have a problem, ask for Joel(manager) and he will have someone there fixing it right away. We have been meeting 9 other couples there for the last 3 yrs. and a couple of times a problem has come up but was corrected immediatly. Wherever you stay, enjoy it. The VI are addictive.

It's the old saying, "you get what you pay for." If you go expecting to get a 5 Star Resort at a budget price, you are going to be disappointed. If however, you are just going to use the room for sleeping I think the place is great.

I've stayed there before and it has some very good points. The hotel is on the beach. You could probably throw a stone from your private deck into the water. The beach is not crowded. Finally the view is wonderful. Frankly, I thought the place was great and an exceptional value.

I'll be honest, most of the time I stay at expensive Villas on St. John, but I wouldn't hesitate to spend a week or two at the EBR.

JFP

Thannk you for your input. Please let me know of any other opinions you may have

Well, you can throw a rock into the water from your balcony, and you can also throw a rock onto the runway of the airport. Since its not a busy airport it shouldn't be too big of a problem, but you will hear and feel the planes.

As a local I think there are much better places to stay. For the same money, well cheaper I think, I would rent a Sapphire Marina condo for $115 a night and have a kitchen with fridge and be on a gorgeous beach, with Red Hook within walking distance, and tons to do just steps from my door.

You might consider renting a house on Water Island. Water Island is just a short ferry ride from St Thomas. There are several very nice beaches and it is very private and noncomercial. For about $230 a night you can rent a house for the week that includes a golf cart for transportation. You can watch the crowds on St Thomas from afar while you enjoy great views and privacy. If you feels like shopping just hop on the ferry.

Check out www.vinow.com and click on Water Island accomodations for info.

Just to put in my two cents on SloMocean's post about Water Island, I don't think this would be a really good recommendation for a first-time visitor. Water Island is indeed beautiful but the present ferry service is rather self-limiting, don't you think?

I would absolutely recommend it to those who've visited STT and STJ several times, who've savoured everything that's offered on both and now looks for that total very laid-back getaway experience which hasn't yet been soured by over-development and is still available at a reasonable price.

It would help to know how old Kristen is, when she plans to visit and exactly what she's looking for from her vacation but I have to concur with previous posters that she could probably find a generally better deal and location than Emerald Beach.

True the ferry limits trips to Stt in the evenings. But really no more than being in a hotel and needing to take a taxi every where$$$.

If you are looking for night life-- Water Island is not the place. However, if you are looking for quiet unspoiled island adventure-- Water Island may be the place. Our children loved it because of the harmless wildlife and beaches we drove to in a golf cart. No car rentals--no taxis. Often we went to the beach and no one was there but us.

No Traffic, no crime, small deli and cookouts on the beach. Each island if different. Read up on each before deciding.

How's the snorkeling at Emerald's beach?

Good swimming. Not good snorkeling. Sand bottom. The dive shop took me near there for scuba certification because it was easy and sandy--but nothing to see. It is very pretty. But if you want to see fish you need to go elsewhere.

Snorkle somewhere else!!!

As far as being right by the Airport, it's hard for me to judge. I live near McChord AFB and I live on the flight path to SeaTac Airport, so I hear airplanes constantly. But trust me, St. Thomas airport is not busy, I don't think it would really bother you.

Also, I don't think the Saphire Marina Condo was a bad idea either.

JFP

My cousin just stayed in 2105 for the week,he loved it. He has stayed there before and I always manage to fall asleep in the bew waiting for him to get dressed.