“Great place to stay”

Hillcrest Guest House is conveniently located just a short walk down to the Cruz Bay area. Phyllis was a wonderful host and we enjoyed our stay in the roomy Orchid Suite. When we arrived, we were greeted with a warm smile, some bacon and eggs in the fridge, some snacks and a bottle of rum on the counter. The house is old, but it is clean and well maintained. We had considered staying at one of the island resorts, but we were very happy to stay at Hillcrest instead. So many shops, restaurants, and Cruz Bay festivities were so close, that all the amenities we needed were right there. The only thing missing was a pool, but with such clear water and spectacular snorkeling all around the island, who needs a pool? If you visit the Virgin Islands to get away from it all, you want to stay on St. John. If you're staying on St. John, Hillcrest Guest House is a good place to stay to get the feel for the island life. Phyllis - Thanks again!

“Hillcrest Guest House was the perfect start to St. John trip”

Hillcrest is in a perfect location, easy walk to town (the hill is steep but not very long) and quick walk to Frank Bay for great local snorkeling. We stayed there for 3 nights in April 2011 and loved it. Phyllis is a wonderful host and supplied us with some staples in the fridge, not to mention delicious island rum. Her prices are affordable for nice clean basic rooms. When the rest of our group arrived in St. John we moved to a Coral Bay villa and while it was nice, we really missed the convenience of Hillcrest. If I am lucky enough to go back to St. John, I will be staying at Hillcrest again.

“nice guest house”

This guest house had a wonderful view from both the room and the porch. We enjoyed relaxing on the porch, which had chaise lounges and that view! Visitors should be warned that there is a steep hill leading to the guest house, but anyone in reasonably good shape should have no trouble with it. Phyllis, the proprietor was very friendly without being intrusive. Our refrigerator was stocked w/both food and liquor, which was a great plus. The kitchen was well equipped for cooking Overall, an very nice place to stay.

“St.John USVI excape”

We enjoyed staying at Hillcrest very much.The suite was clean and all of our needs were met. Phyllis the owner was very graceous and accomodating. The location was very close to downtown shopping areas and restaurants. The suite was located uo on a large hill. The view was beautiful. Older people may have an issue walking up the steep hill. However, there is an alternate walk into town which is relaxing. Taxis are also available and will take pick you up and take you downtown for a couple of dollars a piece. Also, Jeeps are available for rental. If you do come to St. John, I would suggest renting at St. Thomas and then taking a barge accross. Much cheaper I heard.

“good value”

Great place to stay, good value. Room was clean, water warm, food and drink in the fridge, ample space for stuff. Keeper is gracious and accomodating. Meeting neighbors easily as all access in common area. A B&B atmosphere. Bring lots of cash to St John as taxi's are a must (you can rent jeeps, good for getting to beaches and attractions but limited parking in town means you walk or taxi to restaurants) We spent about $35 per day to go to beach and dinner. Limited TV channels, no phone was OK for us but we had to go to bar for NFL playoff games (No ESPN). Cell phone had good reception.

“Holy, everthing you need is there!”

It was like visiting family you never knew you had and they left you alone but provided for dam near every need. Thanks so much! If you stay there you will be amazed at what is included.

“The Best Value and view on St. John”

This is exactly what I was seeking. A close walk to the heart of Cruz Bay. Remember that St. John is very hilly. This is a short walk but up a hill....which is perched with an awesome view of Little Cruz Bay and the ferry dock area. Also remember that most hotels in the Caribbean are priced high and if you pay a great price, you should expect some imperfection and older fixtures and such. This place was clean, safe, and very "Homey" . The fridge was stocked with bacon and eggs for us to cook--which we did the very next morning. Also a free bottle of Cruzan Rum was waiting on the counter ! There was no need to go shopping for little things like condiments and such as the cupboard was stocked with plenty...even a can of chicken noodle soup ! Great stay !

“The worst bed I've ever seen.”

The beds are awful, truly unusable. The basement room has concrete steps between the living area and bedroom and kitchen that are dangerously narrow - only deep enough for your toes. And a concrete step in the middle of the kitchen. We tried an upstairs room, which was 1/3the size for the same price. Soyour choice is a good size basement room with a porch and a kitchen, but a terrible, awful bed , or a tiny upstairs bed with no kitchenor porch. Same price. She does provide beach chairs and the frig is stocked with some basics, which is good. You can walk to town, but walking back up is steep. I cannot recommend this B and B.

“Wonderful, personal service!”

For travelers looking for an authentic island experience with a personal touch you must stay at the Hillcrest Guest House. St. John is a beautiful island that isn't as busy or commercial as St. Thomas. Phyllis - the Hillcrest Owner - goes above and beyond the call of duty to make her guests comfortable. She actually met us at a market when we arrived on the island and had trouble finding her house. Once in the home she showed us around and provided us with food, snorkling equipment, beach chairs, coolers, Rum, Coke and wine in our fridge. The rooms are clean and in good condition. The neighborhood is quiet with very easy access to Cruz Bay. It was much easier just to walk to Cruz Bay then drive but guests should be aware that the home sits on a steep hill and it is a little hard to walk back up. It isn't a big or long hill - just steep. Once you climb up the Hillcrest is right there at the top. We visited the USVI in August 2010 during off season. While the temps/humidity is very high, trade winds blow through and make it tolerable. It wasn't busy while we were there and we sat on the wrap around deck and watched the bay each morning and evening without interruption or much noice. The last part of our trip was spent on St. Thomas at the Marriott resort. It was wonderful too but more touristy and commercial as most resorts are. Two very different experiences- enjoyed both but we would love to return to St. John and stay with Phyllis.