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My wife and I are coming to STT in late July for 3 weeks (first time visitors, and seriously considering relocation to either STT or STJ. We only want a basic efficiency apartment/condo, small cottage, or small B&B during our stay, as we will spend the vast majority of our time out and about, getting a sense of the beautiful place you live, and whether we can afford to live there with you ourselves. I am hesitant to book any place now, sight unseen, ignorant about the locale, the problematic weather (possible forfeit of a deposit if the weather does become a problem), and also the possibility finding more economical accommodations after arrival. My thought now is to book someplace now for only a couple of days, rent a car, and then look for accommodations after arrival, perhaps in Red Hook (close to the ferry to St John where we want to spend 4-5 days hiking about, beaching, etc.). I would appreciate of any advice any of you may have on our plans in general, and specifically on: (1) whether there will be ample accommodation options to chose from after arrival; (2) the best way to find out about available accommodations (meeting our minimal needs) after we arrive; and (3) whether we can expect to find a better rate on those accommodations than what we are finding now on the posted summer rates. We have appreciated reading the posts on this terrific web site, and all the valuable information and insights that you have taken the time to share.
Have you gone through the VIMovingCenter site (link top of page)? This will afford you a ton of information about living in the USVI and give you a good head start. As far as accommodation is concerned you might want to take a look at Sandals By the Sea which is in the Red Hook area (Estate Nazareth). I wouldn't worry too much about weather problems in late July. That's very early in hurricane season and not usually cause for concern.
You can also get trip insurance to assure you and the place you book are protected.
We always recommend our guests get trip insurance.
another vote for trip insurance!
in my opinion, no matter when you travel, you should protect this investment.
you can get it to cover your entire trip, including air, lodging, and car rental - check with your provider - and for a variety of reasons for cancel. for example, job situations, illness, military deployment.
it's just cents on the dollar. keep in mind that sometimes even if we don't have stormy weather, it's hurricane season in other places, sometimes you are delayed as you travel through on the way to us.
have fun, and enjoy your visit!
We stayed at a beautiful, very affordable studio near Secret Harbour, very close to Red Hook in January. It's VRBO #86184 on vrbo.com. The owners are extremely generous and welcoming and would be great people to contact about renting their studio. I would contact them in advance to see what the availability is and if they are open to your idea as they are very busy people. We cannot wait to get back there!
Most definitely rent a place with either VRBO or HomeAway. Your booking is always guaranteed and trip insurance is at very little cost. Apartments or condos will be reasonable and will cut some meal costs, we like to prepare breakfast and lunch and go out for dinner. This is usually a more economical option then some of the resorts. I find it easier and more comforting to book in advance to avoid finding lodging, but i suppose if you are more adventurous give a shot. As far as advice when you are on St Thomas, definitely a rental car is a must to see everything. Take the ferry to St John or BVI. No matter what you will have a wonderful trip, it rained for 4 days straight in October of 2010 and we made the best of it. Good luck to you!
you can get trip insurance on your own, just google it. big ones are tripinsure and travelguard...
your local island management team will assist you should the weather get iffy. check if your rental company has a hurricane policy and ask for a copy. at that time of year, i think it's important to be sure there is a local presence.
Might as well visit during Hurricane season - it is something you will have to prepare for every year if you do decide to live here - trip insurance is a fine plan - but you probably should experience Aug/Sept weather -- it makes the winter weather all the more appreciated.
A great spot to start out on STJ for the first time is the Garden Cottage B&B, not over priced and is close to Cruz Bay so you can walk if you wish.
I agree you need to see the islands during rainy season to understand the issues and delights of that time of year.
RM
