Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE ISLAND LOWDOWN
»
Virgin Islands Now (
www.vinow.com/stthomas
)
is a comprehensive website put
together by locals. Useful facets include St Thomas ferry and cruise ship schedules,
'beaches at a glance' information, taxi rates and an active message board. The 'Colors
of Paradise' videos and 'Podcasts from Paradise' audio clips are good for setting the
mood pre-departure.
»
St Thomas/St John This Week (
www.virginislandsthisweek.com
)
is a free
magazine widely available on the island. The website has links to restaurant menus,
happy hour drink coupons, maps and a handy events schedule.
» Keep in mind that many attractions are only open when cruise ships are in port.
Check VI Now to see how busy it'll be on the day you're visiting. Tuesdays and Wed-
nesdays typically see the most traffic, Fridays the least. If it's an off day, consider
heading to the beach instead.
Sleeping
Small, simple, independently owned hotels and guesthouses comprise Charlotte Amalie's
lodging scene. For chains and resorts, you'll have to motor outside of town. Lodgings add
an 18% tax to your final bill.
RENTAL ACCOMMODATIONS
St Thomas has hundreds of time-share or individually owned vacation condos and
villas that owners rent through property managers on the island. You will see advert-
isements for these rental agencies splattered throughout tourist brochures, newspa-
pers and websites. Rentals are usually by the week. Most properties cluster on the
East End.
»
Calypso Realty ( 340-774-1620;
www.calypsorealty.com
)
Manages a wide
range of condos and villas all over the island.
