Joyce,

You may want to check some of the smaller hotels, like Hotel Villa Blanca or Island View Guest House. Not nearly as pricey as the tourist traps.

Also, YES, you can get a GREAT tan anytime of year in STT. The heat is actually manageable in December...about 80-85 degrees during the day. If you dont get a tan, it's only because you didn't go outside. Be careful, though...you cna get burnt to a crisp in no time flat.

Have a great time!
Heather

Joyce -- I have not yet been to the US Virgin Islands, but am going with my family in Feb. -- not as large a family as yours! Check the "Tents" at Maho Bay and Cinnamon Bay on St. John. They are really like cabins, many with running water and kitchens, and are relatively economical. You need to book your stay quickly, now -- things are pretty sold out.

Good luck!

I have stayed twice at The Galleon House in Charlotte Amalie - it is extremely friendly and walking distance to town. They have air con and a pool. Breakfast is served on the shaded open air reception deck each morning - great views.

Hello,

There is a Holiday Inn, no Super 8. http://holidayinn.st-thomas.com/

Here is the web site for Islandview Inn http://www.islandviewstthomas.com

--Islander

Gooding is recommending Maho Bay too but keep in mind that you'd need to rent two tent-cottages there due to the size of your family. We went down once when our two kids were about 10 and 13 and with four of us the one tent was VERY crowded and we're kind of skinny! At about $100 a night per tent, that kicks you up to about $200 a night so think carefully about that. You can cook on your own of course and the restaurant prices there are very good and you can pack some stuff in, but just keep in mind the size of the tents.Also, you mentioned two little kiddles- Maho is ALL stairs, and hundreds of them so be prepared to be carrying those 2 sets of little legs up and down the many, many steep stairs in the heat. I would never personally take any child that couldn't manage the stairs up and down from the beach on their own. Its bloody stinking hot mid day with NO AC there and unless you're made of ice, you'll be really uncomfortable carrying kids.
Pack a ton of sunscreen- the tan thing is good but you'll burn like crazy if you're not used to the constant sun exposure. I recommend, if you can afford it, doing a few , 4-6, sessions in a well controlled tanning bed to help prepare your skin. I did this for myself and both kids for our last two visits and I know us fair-haired celtic types avoided the burns, partially due to the pre-controlled exposure. Also, the tents at Maho have NO running water and only a hot plate, no frigs- Gooding above is actually recommending the condo-like solid cottages at Maho and Concordia (on the other side of the island) which cost more than the tent cottages. If you go on the Maho Bay website, check under "Harmony"to see the differences. Having said all this, and having been to Maho three times, I think I'd go for the motels or inns or villas due to the AC/fans and the creature comforts you may need for someone in diapers etc. Regardless, STJ is heaven on earth, sure ain't N Dakota, and you'll love it!!!

Joyce,

Not many Halbakkens around but I know a bunch and noticed North Dakota. We stay pretty reasonable at a place on St Croix. Email me if you want any more info. Are you from Pelican or Rothsay by any chance?

Sandcrab from Fargo