Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We loved our stay at Samuel Cottages. It was just what we were looking for. No fills, convenient to Cruz Bay, and a great price. The owners were absolutely lovely people who I now count as friends. But, a cautionary note, these are not the type of accomodations that many St. John vacationers are looking for. This place is more like a Minnesota fishing cabin than a wanna be millionaire's home. We have been to St. John many times and have stayed at a variety of places. I have loved them all. Samuel Cottages are perfect for those of us who are coming to St. John to relax, enjoy the beaches and snorkle our fool heads off. The location allowed us to walk into town each night for dinner and not worry about parking, driving, etc. The money we saved by staying here is going to allow us to come back sooner than later.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband, my friend and I stayed at Samuels Cottage for 5 nights in July. When we decided to stay here, we were expecting nothing luxury but clean and simple. Samuels cottage went above and beyond our expectation!! Upon arrival to the cottage, we had so many good surprises by the owner, Patrice. First, the room was spacious. Our bed room had 1 double bed and 2 twin beds (easily family of 4 can sleep), and another bed (daytime couch) in living room. (plus 2 closets in bed room) Air conditioning in the bed room worked great for 4 nights and broke down at 5th night. But Patrice brought a big fan to ease the heat. Second, we were provided with bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels AND beach towels with bug spray! Third, the refrigerator was big, you can easily stock a week worth grocery in it. We bought 12 pack of water bottles and froze them to carry to beaches or town. We had breakfast on the porch every morning with great view and morning breeze. We didn’t cook dinner at the cottage but the kitchen is apartment size, you can cook anything if you want to (with oven, microwave and coffee maker). In addition, they also have a small grill (with charcoal) on the porch. The cottage provided us guide maps and books, and some paper back books that we exchanged to the ones we brought and finished. We did not rent a car, and took taxi to different of beaches everyday and I think we saved money by it. If you rent a car, you can bring the beach chairs that you will find on the porch. The cottage is within a walking distance from Cruz Bay (10 min) but if you are not in shape, on the way back to the cottage from the town may be a tough one (very steep uphill). All of us think that Samuels cottage was way better than camping in terms of location and value of money you pay (and hot shower you can take anytime you want). We recommend this place for people who are looking for simple relaxed vacation on the beautiful island, St. John, but not for people who want to stay at all inclusive or cookie cutter chain hotels.
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Date of stay: July 2005
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuels cottages, while certainly not the Ritz, is an excellent spot to hang your hat for a week or longer. It is just on the edge of town at the top of the hill next to a big white church in a more residential area. There is a small market a block away. The owners Julian and Patrice were very friendly and if engaged in conversation are only too happy to give suggestions. Also they have many guide books at the house for planning daily excursions. The cottages have the amenities inside of most state park cabins. stove, fridge, etc but also have a seperate kitchen and livingroom and a private bedroom. The front porch looks out onto the bay from the top of the hill. The money we saved allowed us to do the extra things we wanted when we got to the island. Rent a tracker and see the island. 33 beaches and we could only manage to visit 9 in a week. You are so busy throuout the day that where you sleep at night really becomes less of a priority but the cottages are quite comfortable to come "home" to just the same. The number I have is 340-776-6643. Its in the Sprint included area and your cell will actually work on the left side of the island. Give this place a try and be able to afford the things the other half enjoy.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was a little worried when my husband wanted to stay at Samuel Cottages on the island of St. John in the USVI. There was not any recent reviews out there so we were not quite sure what to expect. To my suprise, Samuel Cottages was an excellent, clean, and great location to stay. St. John is a beautiful island with not many affordable places to stay. Samuel Cottages is so reasonable for the price that it also allows you to spend money renting a jeep to see the island or use your money for other activities. The hosts are very accomodating and you really don't see them at all. We ended up having plane delays and could not stay our first night at the Cottages and they totally refunded us without us even thinking that it was an option. The cottages are not fancy but they are very clean, close walk to town, great views of the ocean and plenty of room. There is a kitchen if you would like to cook any of your own meals since most meals on the island are expensive. If you are looking for a low key clean place to stay I would highly recommend Samuel Cottages.
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Date of stay: October 2007
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I went to St. John's almost 2 years ago for a friends wedding on Hawk's Nest. I loved staying at Samuels cottage so much that I recommended it to everyone I came across on my way home. What a great price, great view and great owners. The cottages can hold from 2-6 people. Most comfortably 2-4 people. I had one all to myself and had no problems paying for it, because the rate is incredible for what you get. It is a nice short walk to the ferries and taxi's. Everyone was so sweet on the island. If you didn't want to go out to eat you didn't have to because the cottages came with microwave, oven, toaster and a small coal grill. Perfect!!! Yes my first morning I did wake up to a rainbow out over the ocean/bay that the cottages overlook. Most of the pictures of it without wires in the way. I will warn the driveway was steep if you are at cottage #3 and the walk from the "town" part is uphill, but great exercise and not hard to walk up with luggage also. Yup we did that too. Enjoy your time in St John's. It's such a wonderful enchanting island.
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Date of stay: March 2006
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Check-in / front desk
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent four nights at Samuel Cottages (cottage #1) on St. John. The cottage is about the size of a one bedroom apartment with room for parking a rental car. If you're going to be spending a lot of time in Cruz Bay, this is convenient, because you can leave your car parked at the cottage, and then walk into town. It's about a five minute walk--super easy. The view from our deck was gorgeous--it overlooks the ocean and you can see St. Thomas. Right around our cottage, we saw iguanas and hummingbirds--it was very cool! There's a kitchenette and dishes to use, complete with blender and toaster. We enjoyed breakfast on the deck in the mornings and drinks on the deck at night. Bring bug spray--we got bit something--we thought mosquitoes at first, but everyone else told us sand-fleas. If you're out on the deck at night, wear long pants or bug spray.
We had two beds in our room--I think they were full size. I wouldn't consider it the most comfortable bed I've stayed in, but it was good enough--no real complaints. "Clean" is a relative term on St. John--the cottage was "clean." We had ants in the kitchen, but we just kept food in the cupboard and fridge and it wasn't really a big deal. Staying in Samuel cottages, you just have to remember that you're essentially staying in an apartment, not a hotel, so you don't really have that kind of a maid service. It was kind of like staying in a cabin---it was cabin-clean. We didn't really spend too much time in the cottage--we were there to sleep, and hung out on the deck at night, otherwise we were out in town or at the beach. We had to close our windows at night because the roosters on St. John crow all day/night, and cottage #1 is right on the main road that goes through the island, so we did have traffic noise.
Customer service was great---Patrice called within minutes of us arriving to welcome us and ask if we needed anything--she and her husband were very helpful--great hosts! They provide beach chairs and towels, and there were even some beach toys on our deck. They also brought us a cooler when we wanted to take one out to the beach one day. It was a convenient location, extremely well-priced, and a cottage all to ourselves in the Caribbean. We would stay here again.
St. John itself was amazing--we WILL be back. We went to Maho Bay, Trunk Bay and Waterlemon and snorkeled at all three. Try to avoid the crowds that come over from St. Thomas or the cruise ships for Trunk Bay--we got there at about 9:30 the morning we went and it was great--the beach was mostly empty until around 11:30-12:00ish. Snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay was awesome--between Maho and Waterlemon, we saw sea turtles, sting rays, a barracuda and even a manta ray! I think one of my favorite meals was at Morgan's Mango.
I recommend Samuel Cottages if you're looking for a relaxing, nice place to hunker down while on St. John. It's not a five star hotel/resort or anything, but it was good enough for us. We really enjoyed our time, and I am already looking forward to planning our next trip to St. John!
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Date of stay: March 2011
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We like to feel like we're part of the local culture when we travel. These cottages certainly fit the bill. We stayed in #3, best views, farthest from road noise, but bright sunshine and heat for 10 days in June/ July. There is AC.The walk to town is easy downhill and you pass the Dolphin Grocery Market on the way. Another block and you're at some of the best hangouts--bars and restaurants. Another block and you are at the pier. We're in our 50s and in shape... the walk back is fun but you do burn off the bushwacker and burger calories. There are minimal sidewalks. The lodging itself is great if you like independence and privacy. Patrice lives close by, actually hollerin distance, so if you need anything, no problem. It was eezy to get the "I'm relaxed and at home" feeling. Fridge already had some good stuff in it, and we were sure to leave some more when we left. Played island music on the music box provided. If you like TV on vacation, don't stay here or go to a bar. Talked to alot of campers around the island. They had had enuff after about 3 days(rain, bugs. etc) We were only slightly above the prices they were paying and totally comfy for 10 days. Not to sound cheap, but we walked with our luggage from the pier and back down upon departure with just a little sweat. Patrice offered a ride but we declined. We do travel light, a small suitcase and backpack each. We recommend packing as much snackfood as possible. We rented a jeep for 7 days, parked it at the cottage for in town excursions and rented snorkel gear for 7 days as well. Oh, breakfast and evening cocktails on the porch, watching the commercial ferry port in operation, in the distance, was fabulous. We thought this place was the greatest and would def return. Great if you like to save money and have fun and meet folks in town.
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Date of stay: June 2011
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â #3 is quieter with best views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is adorable. We stayed 6 days and loved it. It is with in walking distance of downtown and the ferry. It is up a hill so going down is easy but the hike up can be hot but is achievable. The owner is SO sweet and gave us fresh towels in the middle of the week, checked on us a few times to make sure we were comfortable, and offered to give us a ride to the ferry at the end of our stay. The cottages even have a nice deck on the front with a good view, perfect for early morning coffee and a book. The cottage was also very clean and well kept. Absolutely recommend to others :)
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just a short walk up a hill from Cruz Bay Ferry Dock. Nothing fancy, but a good place to stay with basic amenities, including kitchen, TV, air conditioner, and separate bedroom. #3 is the best cottage because it is away from the road and the rooster. There is a good grocery store just down from Samuels. Also there aren't always sidewalks on the trek up the hill. Use the paths if you see them. Be aware they don't take credit cards, just cash or check. We would stay there again if #3 is available. Not a real great neighborhood, but a good value.
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Date of stay: April 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Basic clean value. Get cottage #3 if possible. It is the quietest with the best view.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An unbelievable value for St. John. I have visited St. John almost a dozen times, usually staying with friends who live on the Island. My girlfriend and I decided to try Samuels cottages for our most recent visit and couldn't have been happier. The aaccomodations were far from fancy but were fantastic overall. First, they are spotlessly clean and tidy, with mismatched linens and plateware, but wiith everything you could need to make dinner or go to the beach (chair, towels,small cooler, etc). The a.c worked great (to the point where we had to ask Patrice for an extra blanket.. she responded to our request graciously and quickly.. can't say enough about how friendly the owners are) The view is over cruz bay, and in march the huge porch is flooded with afternoon sun, perfect to enjoy a nice sundowner.. We rented a car to go to the beach during the day but the cottages are a quick walk to town.. no taxi or drunk driving worries after a night in town.. just a brisk ten minute walk up the hill.. I hate to let anyone esle know about these cottages for fear that we wonlt be able to book them again but the owners deserve to be complimented for their hospitality.. a great no frills spot for a vacation. One small concern is the construction of the beds... don't plan on getting too rambunctious in the sack.
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Date of stay: March 2008
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Check-in / front desk
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
North Carolina, United States247 contributions8 helpful votes
Keep walking straight off the ferry dock. You'll go straight up the hill past the roundabout (pass Dolphin market on your left), and it will be just up on the right. I haven't stayed there yet, but walked past it every evening last summer. Please post a review, I am considering Samuels for this summer! Thanks
"All three cottages have great views, but the claim is that #3 has the best view. #3 is also furthest away from the main road, so you don't really get any traffic noise."
There are more places to choose from in the St. John area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
samuels cottages hotel st. john
LOCATION
CaribbeanU.S. Virgin IslandsSt. John
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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