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Hello,
We're planning a trip to St. Thomas, after Thanksgiving - 11/27 - 12/4. Trying to figure out if it's best to use taxi service throughout the entire stay or rent a car. We will be staying at the Bluebeard's Castle hotel. Any idea how far that is from the airport, restaurants, beaches?
We're looking to do some shopping downtown, and near the pier, a few days, as well as go out and sample the great restuarants you have. Just not sure I want to deal with the hassle of a car rental and trying to find places to park at the various locations. But if taxi costs per person, per activity, add up then it might be more economical.
Thoughts?
Also, any lasting affects from the various hurricanes? There were reports on Nassau being hit but St. Thomas is far enough away to not feel the affects - I hope!
Rent the car. You will want to get around and taxi fares will eat you up, not to mention the inconvenience of finding one if you are not at the popular locations.
From what others have said, USVI have made it through the season without any problems.
But what about parking? Will that be an issue? Especially downtown shopping? Or do you suggest leaving the car at the hotel and take a taxi that day?
Bluebeard's is in town, on a hill overlooking the harbor. You can walk down and take a cab back up with all your goodies! You might check with them, but they used to run a free shuttle to the beaches at their other properties- Elysian and Bluebeard's Beach (Limetree). The shuttle may go to town also, I don't know. There are two great restaurants right there- Banana Tree Grill and Room With a View. The restaurants in town and Frenchtown are the closest, just a few minutes away.
Hello,
Taxis do charge per person and per destination. Bluebeards Castle Hotel as mentioned has two great restaurants on site so keep that in mind. Other good restaurants closeby are in downtown Charlotte Amalie and in Frenchtown... which would run about $3 a person each way in a cab for a short, less than 10 minute drive.
Often you get a better deal renting a car for a week, then you day day by day... but you might consider renting a car for a couple days out of your trip and then on the days you are rental-car-less you can take a taxi to town to shop, use the hotel shuttle to the beaches they allow and eat at the restaurants on site. Explore the island, beach hop... on the days you have a car.
No hurricane effects here.
Pretty much all restaurants, resorts, beaches have parking. Downtown, there is a parking lot - it often fills by late morning in my experiences. Havensight Shopping area has parking.
--Islander
Rent the car.
It's convenient and you'll see much much more of the island.
If you're a AAA member ask for their special rate (usually a 10% discount). I've rented a Hertz midsize twice (for a week each time) on STT in the last 6 months and paid about $190. (with all taxes) each time. That's about $27. per day. It was well worth the freedom.
Have a great time.
Regards,
F.I.
Great! Yes I am a AAA member so I'll be sure to ask for the discount.
Thanks for the tip!
By the way, whomever is responsible for this site is doing a FABULOUS JOB!!!! Great resource to have. Keep up the good work!
