Our day at Best Western – Emerald Beach in St. Thomas.

[audcc77]

I looked for a recent thread and photos about Emerald Beach before we left but could not find one so I thought I'd post one upon my return.

 

We just returned from our trip aboard Carnival Liberty (Aug 1-9, 2014). We wanted to go to a beach with food, lounges, restrooms, and Best Western at Emerald Beach seemed to fit.

 

We started out trying to find the taxi dispatch area, which is located quite a walk from the ship. It was only 10-15 minutes but since I’m recently recovered from a broken foot & wrist, it seemed a long distance to me but probably wasn't. We just followed the people walking off the ship. Once arriving at the taxi dispatch area, it was pandemonium and it seemed that everyone wanted to go everywhere but Emerald Beach so it was difficult for the dispatcher to find one to carry 4 people. Lots of open air taxis for 10-16 people. The taxis are kind of in a hurry so my 14-y/o son almost was run over by one as it was backing out, so watch out.

 

Finally we were assigned a taxi and the cost was $7 pp plus tip. It was about a 20-minute drive if I remember. The taxi driver was really nice and pointed us in the direction to walk once we arrived at the Best Western. The grounds were very pretty with lots of flowers. We walked out to the beach and it was lovely and picturesque. Lounge chairs ($7 each) were just nylon stretched over plastic, but it was okay. We sat on them under a tree for a good hour before the guy showed up asking for money.

 

The beach itself was very pretty, with nice sand and very small waves. There were not very many people here, which is another reason why we chose it. The food is okay for pub fare, and cost was $12 for a chicken sandwich & fries or $14 for a cheeseburger (huge) & fries. They had fish tacos which is what I should have bought. The food is piping hot & is easy to get “to go” to bring it to your chair. There is a bar right on the beach. No servers walking the beach area though. They had very good free wi-fi and a code is needed. Restrooms were dark and kind of dingy for a hotel, IMO.

 

We relaxed and swam for a bit, and then just walked out to the front of the hotel where there was a taxi waiting. All in all, it was a nice and relaxing day. Here are photos of the beach area.

 

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[rlkubi]

Was there a way to rent umbrellas or shade?

 

Thanks!

Edited September 4, 2014 by rlkubi

[Life is Good Cruising]

Was there a way to rent umbrellas or shade?

 

Thanks!

 

They do not have regular umbrellas only the tiki umbrellas. There is plenty of shade and trees a little further back from the water.

 

 

Edit--2nd picture in post#1 you can see the shade on the beach.

Edited September 5, 2014 by Life is Good Cruising

[blue_water]

Thanks for sharing, glad you were able to enjoy a quieter day!

[canadarocks]

Was there a way to rent umbrellas or shade?

 

Thanks!

 

They do not have regular umbrellas only the tiki umbrellas. There is plenty of shade and trees a little further back from the water.

 

 

Edit--2nd picture in post#1 you can see the shade on the beach.

 

Have things changed? I received this reply from reservations at the Best Western Emerald Beach last year:

 

Lounge chairs are available at a cost of $7.00 each and umbrellas are

>> $10.00 each and can be paid directly to the beach attendant on the

>> beach.

>>

[just4steven]

Have things changed? I received this reply from reservations at the Best Western Emerald Beach last year:

 

Lounge chairs are available at a cost of $7.00 each and umbrellas are

>> $10.00 each and can be paid directly to the beach attendant on the

>> beach.

>>

 

I am not sure on this but my guess is it should be roughly the same? Hopefully someone else can chime in with more recent pricing.

 

Anyway, I did want to babble about Emerald Beach for a second. When we stay on St Thomas not on a cruise we stop here before catching our flight back as it is so close to the airport and such an awesome way to sit and chill with decent food to end a trip!

 

The OP was spot on with how much quieter this beach would be than some of the popular ones, and it does have everything you need right there. The only thing I wanted to point out to those not familiar with the island is that while Emerald is awesome, there are other beaches on St Thomas or even easy to get to ones on St John that are "blow your mind spectacular"! It's kind of a give and take though. The pandemonium (love that by the way, so true!) will continue on for a little longer if you want the "spectacular". Just throwing it out there if you have never been to St Thomas it might be worth it once (but be prepared) to go through some hassle just to see the "spectacular" beaches. All depends on how many cruise ships are in port too.

 

I love the pics too OP! Especially the first one facing towards where the runway of the airport would be! I could picture myself there!

[Life is Good Cruising]

Have things changed? I received this reply from reservations at the Best Western Emerald Beach last year:

 

Lounge chairs are available at a cost of $7.00 each and umbrellas are

>> $10.00 each and can be paid directly to the beach attendant on the

>> beach.

>>

 

We were there in March and sat under a Palm tree. I walked the entire beach and did not see any regular umbrellas only the tiki ones. For some reason, we were not even changed for the loungers.

[shots n beer]

Thank you for the pictures. I like this beach as it is calm and in a way seems "upscale" to some other beaches. As others mentioned though if you want any snorkeling at all it is not here and other beaches facing St John and the BVI are much more amazing. If you want away from everyone it is definitely a spot to go.

[L&J]

Can you confirm if we can rent stand up paddleboards here? Thanks!

[audcc77]

Can you confirm if we can rent stand up paddleboards here? Thanks!

 

I did not see anything like paddle boards, jet skis etc., however, according to its website, the hotel says it is "right outside your door" ... whatever that means. It was a very quiet beach. I don't even recall seeing vendors of any sort or people even selling necklaces or anything.

 

I'd call the hotel :

8070 Lindbergh Bay

Saint Thomas, 00802-5901, VI

Phone: 340/777-8800

[L&J]

Thanks I just called them and was told there is a stand on the beach that rents paddleboards, jet skis, snorkels, etc. Great!