What's your price range? Typically, to be on a beach here you are going to be spending at least a couple hundred bucks a night, depending on season, but you can get mighty close to beach for less. For example, to stay at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef (which has a beach attached to it with it's sister property, Morninstar Beach Resort, but technically it is not on the beach. Ride an elevator and walk a short walk, maybe 2 hundred yards,and your toes will bein the sand), will cost a minumum of $268 + taxes per night in mid-June (more in high-season), and that's for just a 'water view'. https://marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi

Whereas, the Best Western Emerald Beach is right on the beach at $229 + tax http://www.emeraldbeach.com/, but it's right at the airport. Nic place, but you have to put p with airplane noise every once in a while. Sapphire Beach might work for you, as they have a wide range of prices, depending on season and type of room. Check out: http://www.antillesresorts.com/resorts_rates.htm Crystal Cove comes to mind and pretty inexpensive for being close to the beach. By 'close' I mean you have to walk across the lawn to get to the sand, but it's right there.

Give us your timeframe and price range and we can better help to direct you. Either way you go, you willboth have a heckuva time here!

Marty, you didn't mention Bolongo. Very kid friendly, but I don't know the rates. There's a playground/park close to Emerald Beach with swings, slides, etc if want something else to do.

Maureen,

You may want to consider not one of the major places but find a condo owner. We stayed at Sapphire in a privately own place in Jan that was about was 200 yds off the beach. The place was beautiful and had a large private patio that was fenced so the little one could safely be outside. We were the first people to stay there and I am not sure it has a name. Pretty sure you have pool priveleges at the Sapphire Resort, but we just did the beach. Send me a PM if you want the owners contact info.

http://www.secretharbourvi.com/

Great restaurant, great beach...

I would also suggest the Wyndham Sugar Bay. They have a Kids Club program that my kids enjoyed. They have iguana feedings, scavenger hunts, make/race sailboats in the pool, etc. The people in charge are wonderful! This would also give you a bit of "alone time" as well. They have shuttles down to the beach and a great pool complex. CHeck www.cheapcaribbean.com for a deal on flights/hotel (all inclusive). It's cheaper than the Marriott.

Bolongo is as low as $210 + tax per night if you come in September:
http://www.bolongobay.com/html/ClubE.html

There are a BUNCH of places that I didn't mention, just because it would take days to list them all! haha! That's why I asked for her price range and time frame. That would really narrow it down as to what I would recommend.

Maureen We found this studio by owner and had the best 10 days there, it is next to Bolongo but much cleaner! newer! and quieter! and less expensive, the studio would be perfect for you. website is
www.home.earthlink.net/~stthomascondo/ Scott and Leah are great and have everything you need, including a float and swim noodles!

Hi Maureen,

We always stay at Sapphire Village on the East End - about 2/3 mile from Red Hook. Great beach and pools, etc.

The studio unit we rent is very affordable and was just completely updated late last year. It looks out over the marina, so there is always something to see from the patio.

See their web site: www.St-Thomas-Condo.com

Hope this helps !

Maureen,
I would not recommend Best Western Emerald Resort near the airport. It may have good deals but not worth the trouble you will have there. I am speaking from my experience only & from others who had worst experiences than I did. First of all they are slow , slower than Island time lol. The rooms are okay, water pressure really bad, at times no hot water & this was 2am so no reason for it. The walls are paper thin so if next door is noisy you will hear it. House keeping is very slow, no one to take your luggage up & I bet your room won't be ready even if you get there after 4pm. It does have a great beach but if you want to take a rest in afternoon in room you will hear the planes taking off. This is my view only. I would try Secret Harbour which is very nice, Sapphire Beach Resort but not know what your price range is hard to give any good input. The only one I would stay away from is Best Western Emerald Beach. Good luck

I would suggest what someone mentioned earlier, get a condo at Sapphire. They are typically under $120 a night, and you get a kitchen so you can save some money there too. The pool is nice, the beach is good, although it can have rough surf if the swells are up. Plus its right near Red Hook which is a nice safe place to hang out, and the ferry to St John is right there too.

If you search on Yahoo for Sapphire Marina condos you should get a listing if not let me know and i will post some.