I have recently returned from the USVI St. Thomas. I will not go back. I was disapointed in the island. The historical town of Charlotte Amalfie is in shambles and the old warehouse district is now the jewelry sales tourist trap. The beaches and restaurants are nice but getting there is miserable. The roads are narrow, and very rough, with many blind turns up and down the hillside. locals have no patience , honking at you for any delay. The travel to any planned day ruins the day.
St Thomas has no plans to enhance the historic district and make it a reason to visit. There was a power poutage om the entire island during our stay. Although our hotel, and most, have a generator is jus shows how poor the infastructure really is.
My recommendation is to go to St. Croix, Infrastructure is better and good historic district.
On eother island you will be driving on the left with an American made car.
I will say people at our hotel were very nice. The Mafolie , a 3 star hotel, with a great view and fine restaurant. I said I would not go back but if i did I would stay at the Mafolie.
Another shot out to Sibs restaurant, 3 minutes up the hill from our hotel it is the local hangout you want to find.
Posted by
TX
3729 posts
Thank you for your report and I am sorry that you did not have a better time
St Thomas was my very first port on my very first. cruise many years ago. I went and looked at my pictures. I went in 2013.
I did not yet know how to travel and money was tight.
I did my own thing. I remember a lot of work being done around the port and I had to walk over construction materials.
I went somewhere and took a cable car up a hill. It was a beautiful area and I could look down on my ship and the port. But it was raining and did not stop. I walked a little bit but did not stay long due to the weather.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7377 posts
Its a pity you found out about these things after your arrival. None of this is either new or unknown. St Thomas has suffered from overtourism for years, thanks mostly to it being one of the most frequently visited ports on Caribbean cruise itineraries. Consider that last year it had almost 3 million visitors, but a population of only about 50,000. Unsurprisingly, the retail centers of Charlotte Amalie have degenerated into the usual unimpnspiring, and repetitive, shops catering to the tourist crowds (of which you were one).
Posted by
California
563 posts
I am sorry to hear about your disappointment with the island. But glad to hear your hotel had lovely staff and great views.