Do you want to stay in a hotel - if yes try Westin Resort, its on a beach, has a pool restaurants, ac. There is also Caneel but thats more of a traditional Caribbean resort -I dont think it has ac?? Also with the teenagers I think Westin Resort would be more fun for them.

Or did you want to stay in a private villa?

--Islander

Caneel has, in the last couple of years, air conditioned all of their rooms! (Yeah!!!) However unlike the Westin, you can still open the windows and shut the AC off if you prefer the breezes.
Mary

I'd like to know about all our choices. We do want affordable but nice. I visited the Westin website and I could tell it was wonderful. Where else would you recommend?
Thanks!

PS We met a nice couple on our tour when we were there before and they told us they were in a Condo with a small kitchen. They said it was very nice and not exorbitant. Where do you think this might have been? Or what Condos do you suggest>
Thanks

Mary,
Would you recomment the Caneel? What is it like? Cost?

Thanks!

You can get all the info about Caneel Bay at their website www.caneelbay.com. Would I recommend it? You betcha and in a heartbeat! There are seven wonderful beaches on the Caneel property and many of the accomodations are right on the beach. There is also a jitney running regularly around the property for those who might choose the less expensive court side or garden rooms. There is no TV no phones in the rooms and it does date back to an era when luxury in the Caribbean was not defined by marble baths, jaccuzzis and glitz or high density resorts. Is it pricey? yup but you can sometimes find an oceanview room package listed at www.luxurylink.com up for auction.
The Westin is more of a "typical" corporate hotel feel with the feature of the pool. The beach there is man made, the rooms typically small and not the open spacious feeling that one gets at Caneel. You can tour their rooms and facilities at www.travelhop.com for St. John. There are all kinds of steals and deals out there for the Westin including Priceline.com. You will want to rent a vehicle (a jeep, preferably) to go to the Northshore beaches and others because the beach at the Westin is not particularly pleasant (IMO) being man made and having boats moored in the Bay. .It is a beautifully manicured property tho.
The other option is self catering in a villa. Most are hillside with views and few (the pricer ones) are beachfront. Often they come with a plunge pool or hot tub and you have the option to dine in or out. No resort amenities and you'll need to rent a vehicle to get around. A compromise is one of the condo/resorts where some amentities are available but you can still self-cater if you want. Gallows Point, Lavendar Hill and Cruz Views are just a couple them. Search this site and the other VI sites for reviews and information since there is a whole encyclopedia of information you can find on the web.
Of course, since I last measured, I'm looking at 6" of white stuff to shovel and it's still coming down so any of the choices sound just perfect right now! If budget were no object and I wanted a relaxing lounging upscale vacation, I'd head to Caneel. IF budget is an issue (and not sure for whom it isn't anymore) and I wouldn't mind the jeeping about and commuting to the beaches I would opt for a condo or villa.

Thanks Mary for the helpful info.

I should have said thanks KAREN. Sorry. Info was great

You may be thinking of Serendip condos on St. John they are very nice for the price you can check their web site at www.serendipstjohn.com
Tom