Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with its finer restaurants and interesting bars, has become the place to go after dark.
To reach Frenchtown, take Veterans Drive west of town along the Waterfront, turning
left (shortly after passing the Windward Passage Hotel on your right) at the sign point-
ing to the Villa Olga.
The middle-grade hotels which lie to the immediate west of Charlotte Amalie
attract visitors who are seeking more moderate hotel rates than those charged at the
mega-resorts that lie along the gold-plated South Coast. The disadvantage is that you
may have to depend on public transportation to reach the sands. The biggest attrac-
tion is that you're on the very doorstep of Charlotte Amalie, with all its amusements.
EAST OF CHARLOTTE AMALIE
Traveling east from Charlotte Amalie, along a traffic-clogged highway, you'll see St.
Thomas Harbor on your right. If you stay in this area, you'll be in a tranquil setting
just a short car or taxi ride from the bustle of Charlotte Amalie. The major disadvan-
tage is that you must reach the sands by some form of transportation; if you want to
run out of your hotel-room door onto the beach, look elsewhere.
THE SOUTH COAST
This fabled strip, with its good sandy beaches, has put St. Thomas on the tourist
maps of the Caribbean. If you don't mind paying the big bucks, you can stay here in
grand style. Many visitors prefer the resorts on the South Coast because they want to
be far removed from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte Amalie, especially during the
day, when it's overrun by cruise-ship passengers and others. But if you feel the need
for a shopping binge, cars, buses, hotel shuttles, and taxis can quickly deliver you to
Charlotte Amalie if you wish.
THE EAST END
The East End is reached by traversing a long, difficult, traffic-clogged road. Once
you're here, you can enjoy sea, sand, and sun with little to disturb you (the East End
offers even more isolation than the South Coast). This is the site of great beaches
such as Sapphire Beach and Lindquist Beach. This section of bays and golden sands
offers some ritzy, expensive properties that compete with the mega-resorts of the
South Coast, but smaller, less-expensive gems also exist. The little settlement at Red
Hook is a bustling community with raffish charm and lots of loud bars and affordable
eateries. It is also the departure point for ferries to St. John.
THE NORTH COAST
The renowned beach at Magens Bay, celebrated as one of the finest strips of sands
in the Caribbean, lies on the lush North Coast. Be aware, though, that the beach is
often overrun with visitors, especially when cruise-ship arrivals are heavy. The North
Coast has few buildings and not much traffic, making it a destination for those who'd
like to dine in a less heavily visited area of the island. The vistas here are among the
most panoramic on the island, though traveling the roads is like a ride on a roller
coaster—the roads have no shoulders and are especially scary for those not familiar
with driving on the left. A lot of the northwest coast, especially at Botany Bay, Bor-
deaux Bay, and Santa Maria Bay, isn't linked to any roads.
Getting Around
BY CAR
St. Thomas has many leading North American car-rental firms at the airport, and
competition is stiff. Before you go, compare the rates of the “big three”: Avis
( &   800/331-1212 or 340/774-1468; www.avis.com), Budget ( &   800/626-4516
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