The Ritz Carlton is about a 40 minute drive, with traffic maybe a bit longer. You can take the shuttle, or a taxi or rent a car.

Renting a car is more of an issue of do you want to have the liberty of going when you please and not having to wait for a taxi. Also you can do more exploring, you can take the rental to St. John, beach hop..... I recommend renting a car, gives more freedom to explore the islands, eat out a couple nights = lots of great restaurants in St. Thomas, beach, shop, see the island.

--Islander

Hi.

I think renting is the best way to go, IF you are comfortable driving on the left! Remember it is not the wrong side of the road, it is just different than the Stateside way. Driving in St. Thomas is for the adventureous. Jitney busses and taxi rides are not a bad way to navigate the Island either. A good taxi driver can make an excellant guide. Make sure if you get a taxi it is a REAL TAXI ! You can tell by the taxi plate on the vehicle!

I would think about taking a taxi to your hotel and then getting a rental once you get settled. After a long plane ride finding your way around can be a bit perplexing.

A word of advice: Many people in St. Thomas like to stop and chat with walking people. Be prepared to pullup short! Reverse is another mode favored by locals. Occasionally you can come across cows, goats or yard birds (chickens) in the street. St. Thomas is very hilly too.

If you are careful, stay to the left and plan where you are going it can be fun to drive there. It is certainly different!

Good Luck!

Kate