“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.

“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!

“Wonderful hospitality!”

Very nice place to stay!

“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.

“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.

“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 !

“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.

“You Won't Want To Leave”

This hilltop guest house is not easy to find but when you finally get to your room there is one thing that stands out. This room is fully stocked with food and alcohol! And we were told if you run out of anything let the proprietor know. Tequila, Rum, Vodka, Pina Colada mix, Marguerita mix, almonds, muffins, bacon, eggs, etc... and a whole lot more! It's all there! The TV has a built in DVD player and there are many, many DVDs to choose from including TV series, movies, etc. My wife and I were going to go back out at night but we decided to stay in for obvious reasons.

“Retreat”

The Inn owner, and her daughter, were wonderful. They did everything to ensure a pleasant stay. The room was clean, the view of Cruz Bay was fantastic, and the Inn made available gear for use, such as mask and snorkel, umbrella tent, and other items. While the bed was a bit too soft, the overall comfort of the room and the Inn was perfect for our stay.

“STJ Hillcrest”

The guest house sits atop a hill overlooking Cruz Bay so the view was as advertised - Great. Cozy setting with just the right amenities in the rooms, they even through in eggs and bacon. Having a cooler, beach chairs and towels, etc...was very convenient. Definitely within walking distance of Cruz Bay. The walk back and the roads leading to and from the guest house was built from old donkey trails and are quite steep as with several other area roads around the island. Driving them is quite a thrill which provides some quite outstanding overlooks. The guest house is also only a couple of minutes from the StarFish Supermarket which also has restaurants (Japanese, Bistro) a liquor store a drug store and doctors office. The Japanese Restaurant is reasonably priced. The other neat thing is that the Guest House is just up the hill from the new car ferry landing and the passenger ferry is in the heart of the downtown area just a coupe minutes away. The rooms have window air con's, satellite TV/DVD with a host of DVD's available to pick from, radio/CD player. Wine is definitely in abundance in the room along with some soda's.