Have other people had this same type of experience at Maho Bay? I was just about to make my reservations to stay there. Also, how necessary is it to have a rental car on St. John? I plan to do some hiking and snorkeling.

We stayed at Maho a couple times when we first went to STJ in the mid-80s. We've returned to the island several times since, but stayed either in villas or condos. When we read that Maho's lease likely won't be renewed, we wanted to stay there once more to reexperience it and out of appreciation. We went in March and enjoyed it thoroughly. Gratefully we had a very experience with the staff there. We found them pleasant and helpful. One night we got back later than we'd planned and didn't bring our flashlight, so couldn't see to open the combo lock on the tent. Staff were very helpful. They couldn't turn up a flashlight, so went to the kitchen and gave us the striker for the stove which provided enough light to see the lock.

Maho is one place on STJ where you can do fine without renting a car. Several good beaches are within easy walk and there is a regular shuttle (there is a fee) to and from Cruz Bay. Still I'd recommend renting a vehicle for a couple of days so you could explore the other parts of the island. And the pavilion restaurant is one of the best locations on the island.

We also stayed at Maho Camp in March of this year. The staff was wonderful. It was our first trip to SJ and we can't wait to return. We ate great meals at Pavillion Restaurant. In the afternoon when the sun was hot at our tent, we went to Pavillion and had some liquid refreshment and watched an iguana sun himself in the tree. The last half of our trip, we stayed at Concordia Eco-tents for 4 days. We rented a car and toured the island which was total pleasure. We snorkeled where and when we felt like it and explored. It was wonderful. That side of the island is very different from the Cruz Bay side. Each was fun in its own way. The eco-tents were great because we enjoyed the private bath and refrigerator in our tent. The decks have water views that are magnificent. If you are not a high maintenance person, this is a perfect vacation.

ditto!We stayed at Harmony Studios at Maho in January and we found the staff very friendly and helpful at all times. We would go back in a heart beat. We rented a jeep for our 1st 2 days and then our last 2 days, for the middle 5 we hiked every where. It was great! It matched our personalities just perfectly.

I'm happy to hear that other people had good experiences there. I think I'll make my reservations tomorrow. Is it possible to hike from the Maho Bay tents over to Cinnamon Bay since that is where the park service hikes and programs take place? Or will I need the rental car for that? Also, do you recommend renting the car at the STT airport or renting on St. John? Thanks for all the advice. I'm really looking forward to my trip.

We walked from Maho to Cinnamon once. You can take a trail from the campground to Big Maho. After that you're walking on the north shore road. It's a bit of a hike, but we like to walk. Also, there is a shuttle from Maho to Cruz Bay that will drop you (or pick you up) at any of the beaches in between--such as Cinnamon.

We always rent our vehicle on STJ for various reasons: traffic on STT freaks me out a bit, we like to be able to park in the agency's lot when we're in Cruz Bay, we like to give our business to folks on STJ. Mostly though, should we have a problem with the vehicle,we want to be dealing with a company that's on the same island. We like Penn's. Also had good experience with ST John Car Rental.

And if you're thinking to only have a vehicle for part of your stay, renting it on STJ would make much more sense.

We also walked to Cinnamon Bay, it took us about 30 minutes one way. There were plenty of taxis that passed us along the way and offered rides if you want to bail. We also walked to Waterlemon, about 45 minutes. We rented the jeep on island with no reservations in advance. We enjoyed the freedom the rental allowed us and yet also enjoyed not having a vehicle for several days. Walking gave us a chance to slow down and really see things up close. There is some amazing snorkleing right at Maho and adjourning Francis Bay. Enjoy!!!

We stayed for the third time about 5 years ago at the tent camps and won't do it again. We had problems with the staff and found that they had opened themselves up to school groups and we got very little sleep as the noise carries throughout. We DO plan to go back in the Fall and stay at the newer tent cabins on the other side of the island (('ve forgotten the name) and can't wait!! Yes, you can easily hike down the "goat path" from Maho to Cinammon Bay, maybe 30 minutes tops but stay at the top in the Harmony section if the noise of school group kids will keep you from sleeping in the tents.