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We're finalizing our first trip to Jost and STJ and have an question... in order to catch the ferry to Jost on arrival in St. Thomas, we need a place to stay from 11pm Thursday (when our flight arrives) till the 1st ferry leaves for Jost Friday morning. I'm not against crashing at the airport if that is possible, or at the ferry doc if there would be a safe place. We've got camping gear (camping at Ivan's) so that isn't an issue. An inexpensive hotel is fine, I just don't want to pay Hilton prices for 4 hours of sleep.
Any of you travel pros have suggestions?
Don't suggest sleeping at the airport or ferry dock.
Do suggest the Best Western Emerald Beach right near the airport.
Not sure why you would suggest that hotel since it on the opposite end of the island from Red Hook, and really is not that inexpensive.
I'd go over to Vessup Beach and camp there, next to Latitude 18 where it is a bit more off the beaten path so people won't bother you. You shouldn't have any problem especially since its just for one night and you can thumb your way or walk to Red Hook fairly easily.
I would beg to differ with Stu. Please do not attempt camping at Vessup. Also, which ferry are you taking? If the downtown one, there are several guest houses and B & Bs, like the Crystal Palace, Galleon House, etc. If you are taking the Red Hook Ferry, something closer to Red Hook would be better.
Why not camp at Vessup they will only be there a few hours?
I would not suggest to anyone that they camp on any beach in the VI.
do these b&b's have websites??
East Ender can you elaborate? Are you worried about crime, or just don't want to see tents on the beach. For 4 hours I don't see him having a problem and I have seen tent over there before, so I'm not sure why you say that.
If you're ferrying from Red Hook you might try Pirates Cove Marina, listed in the phone book at (340)779-2799. I also would not recommend camping anywhere in the VI to visitors unless at a bona fide campsite (Cinnamon or Maho on STJ) for many reasons including, yes, vulnerability to crime as well as the fact that it's illegal to camp on VI beaches (or of course on privately-owned property without the consent of the owner).
Maybe StuScott hasn't been on island long enough to be aware of criminal acts against people in isolated places, particuarly after dark.
I do understand the possiblity of crime happening at night. But I was just saying since the person seems to be short on money to give it a whirl. And down by Latitude 18 which is out of eye sight from the road and it is JUST 4 hours you SHOULD be fine.
Looks like everyone is a little uptight this morning. Sheesh. Plenty of people camp safely on the beach each day, is it something I would do? No, but this person seems to be in a different situation.
It amazes me that so many people on this board give answers that apply to themselves not to the situation of the person asking the question.
Stu: When someone asks for an opinion, one is free to give it. After awhile folks on the board can kind of tell whose opinion they want to take. There are a few people that IMHO give very poor information and it is frequently balanced out by others. I think that your ad hominem attack on us "uptight" folk is unjustified.
I maintain that 4 hours on Vessup Beach in the middle of the night is not a good idea for anyone.
StuScott,
I and EastEnder and many others try very hard to offer "old-timer" advice to visitors. I have no idea who "East Ender" is and I don't know who you are other than that you are a mere two year resident of STT who persists in giving misinformation to visitors about camping out in the Virgin Islands.
"Looks like everyone is a little uptight this morning. Sheesh. Plenty of people camp safely on the beach each day, is it something I would do? No, but this person seems to be in a different situation.
It amazes me that so many people on this board give answers that apply to themselves not to the situation of the person asking the question."
Stuscott: Your point is?
I'm fully cognizant that on this forum one must not dun or malign others. A previous post concerning your business activities was pulled by Islander vith good reason.
I honestly suggest, and with all due respect, that if you plan on being a resident of the Virgin Islands and remaining so, you properly learn about where you be and where that "be" is at.
StuScott
People sleep in Central Park as well but I do not think the NYC travel industry (or residents) promote that suggestion to visitors...regardless of their "situation".
Time to move on with this one.
