TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Emerald Beach Resort

Thinking of booking the Emerald Beach in St. Thomas near the airport at the end of our charter. Does anyone know if it's in good shape after the storms? This would be in July. Do they have a shuttle to the airport in the morning? Free? Cost? Thanks!

Just there a few weeks ago. It's certainly your best bet to be positioned for a flight the next day, which we did for our post Sunsail charter. The only obvious construction was at the bar and restaurant during the day, which will certainly be done by the time you get there. Our room was clean, though only one of four lights in the room worked. We asked if somebody could come by with bulbs, but nobody ever showed. We booked a month in advance, and it was around $320 with tax, tag, and title for one night. Almost certainly rate should be lower in July (lower season). They no longer run their courtesy shuttle to the airport. We'd used it many times, but they said they no longer did it. We took a cab- quite a few were waiting out front at any given time. I think for the two of us was ten dollars plus tip if memory serves.

Beachcomber had only it's bar open- no rooms yet. Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas had no rooms yet when we called, but all the above could change by July.

It’s a very short walk from the airport, about a quarter mile with sidewalks, I will be there for the day before and day after my Moorings charter in July.

Well, probably closer to 3/4 mile. I've walked it without bags several times when staying at Lindbergh Bay Hotel to get a meal at Emerald. Short enough either way, but in July and dragging bags, I think I'd recommend the cab!

We stay at Lindbergh Bay Hotel and are doing so after our charter in April. Rooms are about $130 a night. Not the nicest rooms but clean beds, safe location and warm showers are fine for 1 night.

We typically rent a car for $50 for the afternoon after we ferry back from BVI and the morning of our departure and take our luggage to the airport before returning the car. It seems to work out very well as we slowly acclimate to reality.

Not looking to go tit for tat but according to google maps it is a 1/2 mile. The point is it is a leisurely safe walk. I have 8 people in my group, I believe it’s $4 per person plus tip and possible charge for luggage. That’s about $40 enough to buy a round of beers. You take a cab and before you put on your seatbelt u are at the hotel. Most soft luggage have wheels, not an issue.

Not looking to go tit for tat either....but I have done that walk in the summer months and it’s not as much about the distance as it is the heat and even with rolling soft-sided bags? We were dripping with sweat by the time we got to the airport....not ideal...LOL. And then there’s that chance of a shower....

The Emerald Beach is our go to place..but a couple of things to know. They add a total of 17% tax and service to your bill. The rates are all over the place from about $180 to $400. And, even the ground floor rooms, you have to negotiate stairs as they are below the path level. I agree with humping bags..get a cab! That said..great bar..OK restaurant. Nice rooms..

This was at the bottom of the Emerald Beach booking I made in January for one night in June at the end of our trip:

State Tax - 10%
Government Tax – 10%
Total Room Tax- 20%
Convention Tax- Tourism fee $1.00 nightly charge
Resort Fee- 10% resort fee

Cheapest rate I found was $197! I reluctantly booked it and then was shocked my final total was $285! Have a while to cancel. By the time I get there it's just for a drink, bite to eat and sleep. Ridiculous. Girl on the phone tried to give me a bunch of sales speak telling me about the location, amenities and "sir this is the caribbean, in summer time, that's when people like to come here so rates are high". She got silent when I told her I've been all over the Caribbean, at least 30 trips and I know what low season is in the islands. In fact, I'll be there July 29th. We all know places start shutting down just after that! I usually stay at Sebastian's but without the West End ferry/customs now it's not really worth the cab drive, lack of choices for food/drinks around there, then there's Mooring's Mariner Inn. No thanks. Already giving them enough money and paid for a sleep aboard which is a bigger rip off than any other charter company. Most places are offering free sleep aboards and/or extra days on charter!

You might try http://www.lindberghbayhotelandvillas.com/. Just across the street from the airport. Rates start around $134 and with taxes and fees $168 in May.

Is Sebastian's open? I didn't think it was..

Sebastian's is till closed. They are working everyday on it but seem to be mixing and matching what they do..work on the restaurant..work on the rooms..add some paint. I say..get one thing done..we need some options here on the North Shore. Good to see The Sugar Mill going full bore with their new, improved beach bar and restaurant..

I heard someone say recently that Sebastians was taking reservations? Oh well, glad I ruled that one out. I thought about the Lindbergh Bay place, definitely cheaper but didn't think or know if it was very nice. Went with the recommendations for Emerald that I've heard on TTOL for years. The other couple in our charter jumped on it so fast after I made the suggestion, I didn't have time to even discuss it! Thought we could share a room but no one, them or my wife seemed to keen on that plan! I don't get it, we go camping with no issues or expectations! Our third couple already backed out of the charter so what else is new? Hey, just got my notice for my annual fee on my credit card too! Amazing how money just seems to flow in one direction.

Sebastian's is expected to open the hotel in May. Hoping they do since we have reservations there in June.

I booked Emerald Beach today for June and got a $164 rate on their web site.

Lindbergh Bay's bar/restaurant is currently not open.

Lindbergh Bay restaurant and pool to reopen May 1.

I believe that is the base rate before 30% taxes and fees. They won’t charge your card until you check out. Still reasonable and a nice place and easy walk to/from airport. Sorry had to add that in.