Vacation Rentals by Owner

perfect

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/27/12 Review Submitted: 05/04/12

This is my third year coming to Lameshur Cottages. It is my escape place. This year I came alone and I had a peaceful and restful week, as always. Russ and Liz understand what getting away means. In the middle of nature, an extensive collection of great music,all workable and well-maintained appliances everything clean, colorful, comfortable - immaculate - and "toys" for enjoying the beach etc. I will continue to come every year.

Owner response:Thank you maggie. Glad you found our peaceful valley .

Recommended for:

Fun & relaxing stay

Guest: Sara (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 04/04/12 Review Submitted: 04/30/12

This was our first time on St. John and we will be back! The honeymoon cottage is well maintained and cozy. We cooked a lot of our meals there, so we appreciated the kitchen and grill. My only issue was it was a little buggy, but I've heard this is just St. John in general. We did find several large (cockroach I'm guessing?) bugs in the bathroom- that was what bothered me. If you put all food away and wipe the counters after cooking, you shouldn't have any ant issues. This side of the island was quite and out-of-the-way, which is what we were looking for. Salt pond and Lameshur are excellent, uncrowded beaches and super close by. We loved that the cottage provided beach chairs and snorkeling gear, and used them daily. We rented a jeep to explore the island and the north shore beaches too.

Owner response:Sorry ,those are Waterbugs .Liz and I were home for Easter break in Delaware .We zapped them upon our return . Russ

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

"A great find"

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/19/12

From the first inquiry,until we drove away this morning ,Russ and Liz were the perfect hosts.Anything you need,they were there to help with the answers.The cottage was immaculate,the location we loved,and would return on our next visit.Thank you both,we hope to see you again ,real soon......!

Owner response:Don't forget we give 10% discount for returning guests .Bring another couple with you next time and rent MAIN HOUSE too. .Russ

Recommended for:

thegardenlady

Guest: thegardenlady (ohio)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 03/18/12

We LOVED this studio cottage! it was perfect for two people, clean, cosy, private and comfy. Location was fabulous for seeing St. John and visiting all the beaches. The description on the website was very accurate and Liz was welcoming and very knowledgeable and helpful - i would definitely recommend this place to friends wanting this kind of accommodation

Owner response:We are located inside the NATIONAL PARK which takes up 2/3 rd of St. John . We do not advertise waterview but we do have view of mountain lake from your deck .

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

St. John's Perfect Getaway

Guest: Jer Solo (Kunkletown, PA)
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

We just got back from 10 days and are already looking forward to spending 3 weeks next year. The information and descriptions of the cottage are spot on. We were so impressed by the entire property and the pictures were also right on. When we arrived the place was very clean and equipped with everything we needed to head off to the beach (chairs, towels, fins and snorkels). Russ and Liz helped to make our stay as carefree as possible and I would recommend this cottage to any couple looking to enjoy the best of St. John. Highlights of our trip include: Salt Pond Bay, Reef Bay, coffee on the deck in the morning and grilling of the deck in the evening. Absolutely can't wait to return.

Owner response:Glad you loved our deck in morning and evening .It is so relaxing out there .It was on that deck that I decided to buy the property .I don't know how to explain the visual you get when the trade winds blow the trees but the cactus stays rigid .It is just amazing . Similar as watching waves roll in at the beach . Russ

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Cottage for a Second Honeymoon

Guest: Toga Travellers (Saratoga Springs, New York, United States)
Date of Stay: 01/19/12 Review Submitted: 02/09/12

My husband and I just returned from an amazing trip to St. John. It was the first time we had been away alone for more than a few nights since our children were born and we were really looking forward to a relaxing and mellow vacation in the warm sun. Since it was just the two of us, we were looking for something on the quieter side of the island that wasn't too expensive and found Liz and Russ' listing for the studio cottage. The pictures looked wonderful, the location perfect, it had outstanding reviews and the price was right. So we went for it and, if possible, the cottage exceeded our expectations. It was just as it was pictured. It was beautifully decorated, clean, quaint and the bed was extremely comfortable. The kitchen was fully stocked and there was a small grill on the porch. We brought our own snorkeling equipment, but there is equipment available as well as beach chairs which we used every day. After picking up our jeep in Cruz Bay, it took us about 20 to 30 minutes to get to the cottage. We spent each day snorkeling at beaches near the cottage (Salt Pond Bay is within walking distance) and on the North Shore and ate most nights at one of the little restaurants in Coral Bay. We never spent (nor did we plan to) any time in Cruz Bay, so the location across the island was just perfect. There was no WiFi, which we didn't care about since we really wanted to get away, and every other day or so we would just drive over to the Aqua Bistro parking lot and tap into the free WiFi to check our email. We were able to use our cell phone (we have AT&T) to call home when needed - just be careful calling from the north side of the island where you can accidentally get linked to the cell tower in Tortola and then get hit with roaming charges. We will definitely be staying here the next time we return to the island.Thank you Liz and Russ for providing such a wonderful cottage and making our stay unforgettable.

Owner response:THANK YOU .We work hard to keep our rates down while still improving the cottages.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

The Perfect Getaway!!!

Guest: Valika (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/05/12 Review Submitted: 01/21/12

We stayed at the studio part of the cottage with my husband for 12 days, and we had the best time!! It really was the perfect getaway from a stressful job! Our host Liz was most helpful and tried her best to make us feel at home and relaxed. The cottage itself is the perfect size for a couple, with a fully equipped kitchen, a great little bathroom and an awesome terrace, where we spent most of our time when at home. The view from there is just lovely! We started our day with a cup of coffee enjoying the mountain view and bird watch, it was worth waking up to!! The location of the place couldn't be better! Its surrounded with quiet, relaxing and beautiful nature- forests, beaches, ponds. The first few days we stayed there we didn't have a car so we walked to one of the best beaches, which was only about a 7 minute walk. Our host provided us with beach chairs, towels, snorkeling gear and even a floaty! The snorkeling there was great, I could hardly pull my husband out of the water!! We didn't need to bring much for our trip, except for our clothes, sunscreen and bug spray. There are a few mosquitoes and ants around, but that's normal for a cottage that's surrounded by nature. Our host Liz was kind enough to drive us around when we didn't have a car and helped us get the things we needed, we could always count on her!! After a few days we rented a car and we visited all the beaches on the island. Our two favorites were Solomon and Honeymoon beach, but the others are just as great, and they are all so different, one better than the other!! We took about a thousand pictures! There's another beach close to the cottage that could be done by walking but better driving, Kiddle beach. It's rocky, but the snorkeling was one of the best we've ever experienced!! The food on the island is just what we were hoping for: different from anything you've ever tried! We visited many restaurants and just as with the beaches, one was better than the other. Our favorite was Shipwreck Landing, a 5 minute drive, and if you're looking for the best breakfast you ever had, you've got to go to Donkey Diner, which is only a 10 minute drive from the cottage. We really did have the best time, and still talk about our experiences there, the food, the beaches and our cute little - and so perfect - cottage!! Thank you Liz sooo much for everything!!

Owner response:Fabulous .Glad you discovered Kiddle and great snorkeling there .Many guests just go to sandy beaches and steer clear of smooth stone beaches .Fish are more prevalant there because there are less swimmers .You will also find a greater variety of fish and wildife .Finally just a word of advise .RENT A CAR . St. John is a large island with alot to see .You will triple your enjoyment if you rent a car .

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

an oasis of peace

Guest: cw (Arlington, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

I wasn't sure what to expect when my girlfriend and I trekked off to St. John's Coral Bay to live in Lameshur Cottage for a week...but I needn't have worried. Our goals for the week were to get AWAY from the hustle and bustle of D.C., mingle with some locals on a private island, watch stars at night in total silence, and have some adventurous sightseeing by day. Rusty and the Lameshur Cottage helped facilitate all that. From the moment my girlfriend first emailed Rusty, he was highly communicative and 100% helpful. He answered every question about the cottage, provided homemade documents on his "5 Top Day Trips" and also on how to prepare for cottage life at St. John. He mailed me a brochure for an excellent boat tour that was the highlight of our trip, as well as a map of the island. When we got to Lameshur Cottage, which IS a little tricky to find (just read and re-read his directions before trying to drive there...), we couldn't get over the beautiful mountain view, the absolute silence day & night, and how lovingly the place was prepared. There was a shed full of 'toys' (snorkel stuff, kayak, beach chairs, etc.), adequate dishes to prepare all the meals we wanted to at home, plenty of maps and adventure books to get ideas going, some basic spices for food preparation, and it was as clean as one can be on St. John :-) The pictures say it all. Lameshur has an enormous "corral" of sorts where you park your car after driving up a steep cement incline. Then there is a carport where Rusty keeps his vehicle, and next to that is the shed with the 'toys.' Next to the shed is a staircase that leads up to a walkway that forks left and right. To the left is a slightly bigger property. Our cottage was on the right. Once inside, there is the main room that has the kitchen, daybed that you sleep on, and TV/stereo setup (which has cable with a few channels, a ton of music CDs, and some fun DVD movies). Branching off of this main room is the bathroom with shower/toilet, and in the other direction is the small breakfast room (screened in) and that leads to the back porch with chairs. I guess I'm running out of characters, so I'll say this: this was the best vacation of our lives. We had fun listening to birds chirp at night, cook fresh meals together, dine in the sun on the back porch, and then adventure all day. DO not leave food scraps out, bugs are a terror! Rent a Jeep Wrangler. Have a blast and relax, watch your blood pressure drop... I did!

Owner response:It is very gratifying to Liz and I to hear your comments .We love St. john since the day we found it in 1988 on "day trip" from St. Thomas . There is a wonderful "peace" in our mountain valley . Come and take a week or two to find it .

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Back Again and Glad for It

Guest: Steve from Virginia (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/29/11 Review Submitted: 08/31/11

This was our second visit to Russ' cottage on St. John. We stayed here in December 2009 also. If we didn't think it was great, we wouldn't have returned. The other reviews give a good descriptions of the property. Like others we love the solitude. It is about a 40 minute drive from Cruz Bay to the cottage. The first time we didn't rent a jeep. We did rent one this time but for only three days from O' Connor with good results. For the rest of the time, we used the bus. The bus is certainly an adventure. If you don't mind a little roughing it; try the bus. Though I have to say, the jeep was certainly less stressful and easier on the body. There are supposedly well over 100 turns from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay and you feel everyone of them on the bus. It leaves about 10 minutes after the hour from the Salt Pond bus stop and about 25 minutes after the hour from the St. John dock. The last day we took the bus to the harbour. That day one of the buses was in the shop so we had to wait for an hour but since our flight wasn't until 4:40 p.m. we were still in good shape. I took the bus to the Reef Bay trail and walked back to the cottage via the Lamashur Bay trail. Make sure you have enough water. The climb over the hill is pretty steep. They have made improvements to Salt Pond Bay Beach which make the beach much more attractive to sun worshipers. This is big plus for Lamashur Cottages. The corral is great for parking the jeep. Ditto on leaving food out. Try putting as much of your food in the refrigerator. Other food should be in plastic bags. Those little ants will find any way of getting into your food. You also want to be careful not to open the screens at night with the lights on. You will get tons of little bugs. Not an issue with Russ' cottage just a fact of life on St. John. Make your reservations and you won't regret it. Once you go to St. John, it is hard to go back to the rough surf, cold water and murkiness of East Coast beaches.

Owner response:It is very gratifying to Liz and I to hear your comments .We love St. john since the day we found it in 1988 on "day trip" from St. Thomas . There is a wonderful "peace" in our mountain valley . Come and take a week or two to find it .

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

St. John Paradise at its best

Guest: John (LA, California)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

We arrived at the cottage on a rainy night and woke up to an amazing view and a beautiful garden that surrounded us. The cottage was perfect. It had everything we needed to make our vacation great. We made breakfast every morning and ate on the deck with the view. It is very charming and well kept. Salt pond bay is in walking distance and is a beautiful beach, one of my favorites on the whole island. Also don't miss the Ram's head trail especially to catch the sunset. We rented a jeep which I recomend as you will need it and explored the whole island. There are great places to dine just minutes away from the cottage. Miss Lucy's, Shipwreck Landing, and Skinny Legs just to name a few. We had an amazing time and plan to visit again. Thanks for everything Russ!

Owner response:Great idea about hike out to RAMS HEAD for fabulous sunset . Don't forget to take flashlight for hike back in dark. Russ and Liz

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Perfect Honeymoon!

Guest: lutmato57 (St. Louis)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

We've been meaning to write a review for this wonderful getaway. We stayed here for our honeymoon back in May. It's been about 6 months and we still talk about how perfect it was. St. Johns is beautiful and a great balance of adventure and tranquility. The cottage was exactly what we needed. We loved the breeze that came through the windows and the beautiful landscaping. Thanks for providing the snorkel gear, too!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Romantic Escape!!

Guest: Hillary (Oxford, PA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

My husband and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this cottage and its owners, Russ and Liz. It is located near several beaches with Salt Pond being the closest. While the cottage is very private, it is also close enough to Coral Bay. The cottage itself is beautiful - Russ and Liz have done a fantastic job providing everything we could possibly need during our stay. The deck is just gorgeous and is a great place to begin your day and a great place to end your evening. The photos reflect the setting well. It truly is the romantic escape that it promises to be. We cannot believe how lucky we were to have found this place!!! We will be back......

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Private Hide Away

Guest: Wayne (Zionsville, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

A perfect cottage for two... Clean with a complete kitchen, screened in porch and covered deck. Actual cottage better than the photos. The cottage is on the south east side of St. John so you need a vehicle to get to the major beaches. We loved nearby little Lameshur Bay... very few people, great beach and snorkling. Hit the Sunday Brunch at Concordia and have fun at the Skinny Legs Bar in Coral bay... Hidden treasure... meet Ester at the "Pink Corner" in Coral Bay for Barbeque. We will be back.

Owner response:Great to hear you had good time .I will pass along your praise to "cleaning " lady. Liz and I were back in Delaware during your visit celebrating our anniversary in Williamsburg. Thank you for taking time to stop at "pink corner" and trying ester's BBQ . Don't forget that returning guests get 10% off .See you soon. Russ and Liz

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Quiet Escape

Guest: WH (Little Compton, RI, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

Charming, clean, well-outfitted cottage on a hillside, with views to mountainous landscape. Considering how busy other areas of the island can be, this is a peaceful, out-of-the-way location, but privacy and quiet are contingent on whoever might be occupying the cottage next door. Good restaurants within a few minutes drive. Lovely beach a 10 minute walk in one direction, a second beach a 10 minute drive (via a 4 wheeler) in another. Good access to hiking trails.

Owner response:So sorry if guests in our other cottage (vrbo#256417) disturbed the "peace and quiet". Cottage decks are about 50 yards apart but sometimes guests talk louder to be heard over jets in hot tub .I will post a written warning and also speak orally with each guest to prevent this from happening.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Our little paradise at the quiet end of the island

Guest: domi (ithaca, ny)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

We stayed for a week in this studio cottage and we found it very enjoyable. The studio is really large and there is more than enough space. We spent most of our evening time grilling on the porch, watching stars or eating in the "breakfast nook" where the place has screens. The whole cottage is beautifully decorated and super clean. All what is needed is provided. There are also may small things that I found very useful (salt, pepper, oil, sugar). Russ as the owner is very helpful and even picked us up and provided everything that one may need during the stay in St John, there are beach chairs, cooler, towels, snorkeling gear and even a kayak! In the house there are also books and DVDs for you to read or watch. If we only could we would spend the whole month there. If you are coming to the island this is definitely an excellent place to book. It is on the quiet end of the island but we really loved this hideout. We definitely recommend it!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cute cabin, ideal location, lots of bugs inside due to maintainance required - Sadly we had to leave

Guest: Ms_Dragon (Gorham, Maine)
Date of Stay: 01/22/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

We understand that when traveling in the tropics there will be bugs, but I have an expectation that I can sleep relatively bug free in a rented cottage. We spent much time researching our lodging on St John. We settled here based on the photos, price & location and friendly correspondece with Russ. We liked being outside Coral Bay & near Lameshur beach. Russ explained the photos were taken by the prior owner in 2009, but they do represent the unit; which I would describe as a simple camp with lovely furnishings, but a rough structure. What the pictures don’t show is the wear & tear on the screens & the warped doors. The problem is that one screen had a large hole in it and all the doors have gaps around the edges which allowed an infestation of bugs and other critters to enter the camp while we tried to sleep. Our first night, we tossed, turned and swatted biting bugs all night long. When we complained in the morning Russ put a mosquito net over the couch/bed and sprayed. This was a nice gesture, but they still got to us. The netting didn’t go all the way to the floor so was no protection plus laid across our faces while we tried to sleep. The couch/bed is the only place to sit in the living room and it was impossible to sit under the net comfortably. The 2nd night there was a larger rodent that gnawed away at a plastic pepper shaker all night and knocked items off shelves. I am perplexed as to why we seem to be the only people that have had this problem, perhaps it had been particularly rainy prior to our arrival. Regardless, it is reasonable to expect accommodations to be built to keep out bugs and vermin. After 2 nights of barely sleeping and waking up itchy with bites all over, we sadly made the decision to salvage the remaining 5 nights of our stay on St John and spent the morning securing alternate accommodations. We expected Russ would gladly refund the unused portion of our stay, but he said he felt no obligation to do so. Since we didn’t purchase the VRBO insurance and paid by check we have no recourse but to go through small claims court. Our suggestion is to pay for your accommodations through PayPal (giving you credit card protection) and take out the VRBO insurance. Also ensure that Russ has repaired all the screens and replaced the doors to ensure a proper seal to keep out the bugs and vermin. If those problems could be fixed I’m sure it would be a fine place to stay. Saturday, January 22, 2011, stayed for 2 nights, many restaurants nearby.

Owner response:Three points in response : 1) I was on property in "caretaker" cottage during this guest's stay (Jan 22nd and 23rd) . All screens and doors were adjusted within hours of my being made aware of problem. In the tropics, if you leave food out, it will attract mice at night . We advise all our guests to store food in the microwave and refrigerator, and to close all doors, not just screen doors . 2.) We have 27 favorable reviews before and after this guest's visit . These reviews speak for themselves . We also had another guest 30 yards away in our other cottage(vrbo#256417) who posted a favorable review on their stay . You can read their review and others under this site . 3) The "bugs" that are referred to, are mosquitos, which are all over the island and at every cottage, hotel, and private home. In total we have 35 excellent reviews on our property. My wife and I are proud of what we have created . We value the health and safety of all our guests .

Recommended for:

A great way to see St. John

Guest: Mago (San Francisco, California)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 01/20/11

My husband and I stayed here and really enjoyed it. The long staircase climb pays off with a lovely view of the hills. The cottage is simple but clean and catches wonderful afternoon breezes. Russ was attentive and extremely helpful. All in all, a good place for those who like simple, no-fuss lodging on the quiet side of the island.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Best vacation we've ever taken

Guest: rachelnyc (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

My boyfriend and I spent a week this month in St. John, and we can't say enough about this cottage. The owner, Russ, keeps it in immaculate condition, and it had everything you could need for a vacation. It's cozy, well thought-out, and we had a great time both at the cottage and exploring the rest of St. John. We're hoping to go back soon -- maybe we'll stay in the bigger cottage across the way -- but I would highly recommend this property. Some people might not be crazy about the somewhat long drive from the ferry and distance from Cruz Bay, but that's what made this place so great!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A wonderful destination

Guest: sharon (Pembroke, New Hampshire, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

Lameshur cottage was exactly what we had been looking for, a cozy little hideaway to enjoy the island at liesure. The cottage was clean and came with many small touches, such as sugar for your coffee, that we appreciated. All the little things that you could need are there. The island guides were especially helpful in planning our days. The cottage is nicely secluded for privacy, although I would recommend renting a vehicle to access the rest of the island. We almost considered foregoing a vehicle and we are so glad that we did rent one. Not having a vehicle will severely limit your ability to explore the island. This cottage was wonderful for a relaxing and intimate vacation. We loved returning at the end of the day to our own hideaway. The restaurants,cafes, and shops nearby were just fine. I would particularly recommend Lienster Bay/waterlemon Cay for snorkeling with sea Turtles (our favorite part of the trip). We visited the smaller, less congested bays (cinnamon Bay, Maho bay) and found they were very nice. Haulover Bay is great if you can workout how to get there. We had a wonderful stay at St. John and would absolutely consider visiting this property again. Russ was extremely helpful and gratious, providing us with information when needed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Lovely Honeymoon Retreat

Guest: Brooklyn Bride (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 07/25/10

My husband and I found Lameshur Cottage in immaculate condition. It was clean, cozy, quaintly decorated, equipped with most of our needs, and offering enough seclusion and privacy for our honeymoon retreat from the big city. We loved the location on the Southeastern end of the island. We found that the restaurants, bars and shops on this end of the island were perfectly satisfying, were much more laid back than busy and congested Cruz Bay and offered easy access to the amazing eastern and southern beaches. The supplies of snorkels, masks and flippers and the single kayak were super helpful and great money savers. The cottage also has good maps and reference books for getting around. We're definitely coming back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place nestled in the hills near the beach

Guest: Ram (Cambridge)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

This was our first visit to the Virgin Islands and St. John. We were on our honeymoon and both of us really enjoyed staying in this cottage; the views of the hills while enjoying a nice breakfast in the mornings was lovely. We visited in July and were happy to have a constant breeze through the cottage, which made our stay cool and comfortable. The cottage was very clean, cute and comfortable; both Russ and Liz were wonderful hosts. Russ got in touch with me before we left for the islands to see if we needed any help or advice, which both of us greatly apprecited. They also provided us with snorkeling gear and beach chairs, which made our beach visits enjoyable. Salt pond beach, which is close to the cottage is within 5-10 min walk and was a nice place to enjoy the cool water and the warm sun. Although the bus stop is nearby, from our experience, it was useful to rent a jeep so that you could conveniently explore other parts of the island near Cruz Bay. We rented a jeep from Cruz Bay near Mongoose Junction, which is within walking distance from the ferry. The beaches we enjoyed visiting were Hawksnest, Maho Bay and Trunk Bay. Jamby Bay beach is also a cute little beach that we found interesting. We also recommend the Sweet Plantains restaurant (about 10 min drive from the cottage) for a nice dinner. We enjoyed staying at the cottage and would highly recommend this property to anyone considering visiting St. John.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

First Visit to USVI

Guest: lesliemr12 (Mobile, AL )
Date of Stay: 06/06/10 Review Submitted: 06/15/10

We just returned on Friday and already want to go back..the cottage was so nice and we enjoyed the solitude..It was VERY clean and the decor was exactly what you would picture a beach cottage to be..in fact we couldnt tell if it was new or if it had been an old house that had been remodeled..the only draw back was no A/C but we didn't need one at night (there was a constant breeze) and you dont come on vacation to sit inside all day..there is a larger cottage that conects to it but we never once heard the couple that was next door..If you are looking for a quite and romantic place to stay this is it..Salt Pond Beach was beautiful. We kept calling it OUR beach because it was secluded and not very many people there..in fact we took a swim at dusk and no one was there only a sailboat that was anchored in the bay..LOVED IT!!! LOVED IT!!! LOVED IT!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

My 60th Birthday Adventure in Paradise

Guest: ms maid (Linwood, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 05/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/05/10

After a few "bumps" in the road our first day (long flight delay, problem getting a taxi to Coral Bay at 9:30 pm, & no time to eat a "real" meal), we arrived at Lameshur cottage and found a little slice of Paradise! The cottage is just the right size for 2 and is a romantic getaway, or just a great place to get away from it all! The garden was in full bloom with wonderful fragrances drifting into the cottage day and night, hummingbirds whirring by, tree frogs singing at night, and our own personal goat buddies visiting occasionally in the corral. Russ's great communication and helpful hints made our first visit to St. John much easier . What a gracious host! We had planned to use only the taxi and bus systems for transportation but found that if we wanted to pack in as much sightseeing, snorkeling, and hiking as possible, we needed to rent a car.Driving on the left was different, as were the donkeys,goats, chickens, and iguanas in the road.Salt Pond Bay was practically our private beach the whole week-great snorkeling(and Russ provides the gear!) and relaxing! The deer and mongoose kept us company during our late evening swims. Little Lameshur Bay is just a hop & skip down from the cottage-actually the road is pretty steep and a little rough but the Bay is soooo worth it- a true gem. There are great hiking trails within easy distance of the cottage-Ram Head is breathtaking (in more ways than one-take plenty of water!), Drunk Bay, Lameshur Bay. Yawzi Point, Bordeaux Mt. and of course Reef Bay. There was so much to do and see on this end of the island that we were barely able to fit in the rest of the island. Coral Bay and surrounding area has some great restaurants: Sweet Plantains for my birthday dinner, Miss Lucy's, Concordia Cafe, Aqua Bistro-excellent dining and views! Our one night's dinner in Cruz Bay at Spyglass was great,too! I could go on raving about our vacation but I will stop by recommending Russ's cottage and St. John as one terrific vacation spot- I hope we can get back there and be on Island time someday soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We love Lameshur Cottages!

Guest: A+J (DC)
Date of Stay: 05/09/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

We just returned from our first trip to St. John. Russ' comfy cottage exceeded the expectations set by the listing description and pictures. The cozy studio has everything you need: fully equipped kitchen, plenty of towels, chairs, snorkel gear, etc. We especially loved the breezes that cooled the cottage day and night and the beautiful views from every window and porch. The grounds are beautifully landscaped. The location is perfect - we rented a jeep and spent our days beach hopping, snorkeling, and hiking and then walked to Salt Pond Bay to relax in the evenings. Russ was available by phone and email when we had questions, and he provided lots of useful information before our trip. We truly felt the cottage offered the best of both worlds on St. John. It was remote and private but still just a quick and scenic drive to Coral Bay for dining out (we loved Skinny Legs and Shipwreck Landing), groceries, etc. You can also walk to the Estate Concordia General Store for basic supplies. Don't forget lots of sunscreen and insect repellent! Overall we were extremely happy with our experience and would recommend the cottage to singles or couples looking for a relaxing and adventurous St. John vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Anniversary Getaway

Guest: ShawnandAngela (Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 04/05/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

My wife and I just spent a week in this property. We had an absolutely relaxing, romantic escape from it all! The accommodations were well kept and within a short drive to both Salt Pond Bay and Lameshur Bay, about 10 minutes out of Coral Bay. We laughed at the wild burros, goats and chickens on the road, reveled in the solace of having a place all to ourselves, and enjoyed the family-friendly, beautiful beaches and amazing snorkeling on St. John. By renting a Jeep in Cruz Bay, we took control of our schedule, deciding when and where to go, choosing between eating out and cooking in and making the most of our week. Russ was a great help during the week answering questions by email and providing snorkeling and beach gear. We can't wait to go back to St. John.

Owner response:Don't forget to drive on left . It is really not that hard .Just keep your speed down and pull over and admire the vista if "local" rides your bumper .KEY POINT: Be aware that in "panic" situation your instincts will be to pull to right .So stay cool and relaxed . CHILL. russ

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great week in ST John

Guest: Dave TC (Traverse City MI)
Date of Stay: 03/07/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

Russ, our host picked us up at the dock and made sure our first drive accross the island was safe and accurate. The smaller cottage was clean and lovely. If I changed anything it would be to get a larger bed. Russ helped get us acclimated then turned us loose on ST John. What a great place; safe, easy to navigate, and no end to hikes and snorkeling adventures. The cottage is on the end of the paved road so it is quiet with mountain side views. The Lamshur bays were an easy drive and Salt pond beach an easy walk. Concordia is close and the view from the restaurant makes for an outstanding happy hour. More than 2 people definitely want the main house. Thanks to Russ and thank God for such a great island to play on.

Owner response:This cottage is a "studio" and is perfect as honeymoon cottage or to those who want to fall in love again .

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Highly Recommended!

Guest: ST & MF (Salem, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/16/10

We spent a week at the Lameshur cottages in March and can’t wait to go back. We highly recommend staying here! We stayed in the studio cottage with a screened in porch and large deck. The cottage looks just like the photos. The décor is so adorable, providing a true feel of a Carribbean getaway. If you are looking for a quiet, get away from it all vacation at an affordable price, definitely stay here. This is a great alternative to a resort vacation. We spent most of our time at the cottage outside on the large deck. It’s so private, with a view of the mountains and a salt pond. We had coffee and breakfast on the deck every morning and used the grill often for evening barbeques. If we weren't eating in, we were usually at Shipwreck Landing. The food there was great! Skinny Legs and Island Blues are also great places for drinks and eats. The cottages are in walking distance to Salt Pond Beach and an easy drive into Coral Bay. We rented a car for the week which was very convenient. This was the best way to really see the island. Coral Bay is the quiet side of the island and the taxis are not a commonplace. But every time we went into Cruz Bay, we couldn’t wait to get back to our quiet cottage in Coral Bay. We truly enjoyed our stay here and we can’t recommend it enough!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Highly Recommended!

Guest: ST & MF (Salem, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/16/10

We spent a week at the Lameshur cottages in March and can’t wait to go back. We highly recommend staying here! We stayed in the studio cottage with a screened in porch and large deck. The cottage looks just like the photos. The décor is so adorable, providing a true feel of a Carribbean getaway. If you are looking for a quiet, get away from it all vacation at an affordable price, definitely stay here. This is a great alternative to a resort vacation. We spent most of our time at the cottage outside on the large deck. It’s so private, with a view of the mountains and a salt pond. We had coffee and breakfast on the deck every morning and used the grill often for evening barbeques. If we weren't eating in, we were usually at Shipwreck Landing. The food there was great! Skinny Legs and Island Blues are also great places for drinks and eats. The cottages are in walking distance to Salt Pond Beach and an easy drive into Coral Bay. We rented a car for the week which was very convenient. This was the best way to really see the island. Coral Bay is the quiet side of the island and the taxis are not a commonplace. But every time we went into Cruz Bay, we couldn’t wait to get back to our quiet cottage in Coral Bay. We truly enjoyed our stay here and we can’t recommend it enough!

Owner response:We provide everything you need fron flippers,masks to beach chairs and coolers .Allyou bring is you and bathing suit .Pack light and avoid those baggage charges at airlines. Feel free to pack a bag of groceries to save money if you like. We provide you with "full" kitchen plus outside gas grill on deck .peace russ

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Christmas in Paradise

Guest: Steve from Virginia (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 12/21/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/10

My wife and I rented the cottage over Christmas 2009. We had previously stayed at Maho Bay Campground so this was a step up in comfort for us. The pictures in the web page accurately represent the property and the area. If you are looking for a nice secluded, affordable place to stay on St. John, this will fit the bill. We did not rent a car for our visit. We used the bus, taxis and walking for our transportation. The bus is somewhat unpredictable but if you are patient you will be OK. One day we took the bus to the top of North Shore Road and then walked about 30 minutes to Waterlemon Cay for snorkeling. We then caught a taxi back into Cruz Bay and then the bus back to Salt Pond. Salt Pond is a nice beach and snorkeling at the partially submerged rocks in the bay is excellent. The walk to the Lameshur Bays took about 30 minutes with some fairly steep climbs. It takes about 20-25 minutes to walk to Concordia and enjoy their restaurant. Their general store could be used for getting supplies too. We walked back from Concordia in the dark and only had one car pass us on the road during that time. Probably should bring a flashlight. Nice local folks are your neighbors. We brought some of our food and bought the remainder in Cruz Bay at the Dolphin Market. The new owner Russ was easy to work with and very helpful.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Amazing Escape on St. John

Guest: Nicole from NYC (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/16/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/09

We cannot say enough wonderful things about this property (or its owner!). It's located near several beautiful beaches- the closest being Salt Pond. While private enough that you don't feel you are on top of other visitors, it's also close enough to Coral Bay and all that it has to offer. The cottage itself is wonderfully appointed- Judy has done a fantastic job providing us with everything we could possibly need during our stay- from crisp linens and fresh towels to everything you may need to make your own meals. The deck-which is just gorgeous- is a great place to begin your day with breakfast and end your evening- with wonderful breezes and nothing to disturb you. The photos reflect the property well – it really is the romantic escape it promises to be. We cannot believe how lucky we were to have found this cottage! We could have stayed several weeks- or forever.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Nicole
Date of Stay: 01/16/09 Review Submitted: 01/15/09

Review Rating : 5/5Review Title : 204443 - "Amazing Escape on St. John""We cannot say enough wonderful things about this property (or its owner!). It's located near several beautiful beaches- the closest being Salt Pond. While private enough that you don't feel you are on top of other visitors, it's also close enough to Coral Bay and all that it has to offer. The cottage itself is wonderfully appointed- Judy has done a fantastic job providing us with everything we could possibly need during our stay- from crisp linens and fresh towels to everything you may need to make your own meals. The deck-which is just gorgeous- is a great place to begin your day with breakfast and end your evening- with wonderful breezes and nothing to disturb you. The photos reflect the property well â?" it really is the romantic escape it promises to be. We cannot believe how lucky we were to have found this cottage! We could have stayed several weeks- or forever

Recommended for:

Awesome Nature Retreat!

Guest: Allie from NYC (NYC, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/03/08 Review Submitted: 12/18/08

Wonderful exhilarating stay in pristine natural surroundings! My boyfriend and I enjoyed 4 nights at the cottage, which was a nice change after staying at an impersonal mega-resort on St Thomas. As portrayed in the photos, the cottage and grounds are meticulously maintained and offer a comfortable and serene setting for guests. Everything was fresh; from the linens to the breezes. The outside porch was lovely place to relax from the day’s activities. Judy was fantastic as our host; both accommodating and helpful without being the least bit intrusive. This cottage is the perfect retreat for couples who appreciate and want to experience nature more so as a local than a tourist on the beautiful island of St John! The reviews posted on this website are spot on; we were not disappointed! Excellent accomodations; highly recommended!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: Allison
Date of Stay: 12/03/08 Review Submitted: 12/02/08

Review Rating : 5/5Review Title : 190019 - "Awesome Nature Retreat!""Wonderful exhilarating stay in pristine natural surroundings!My boyfriend and I enjoyed 4 nights at the cottage, which was a nice change after staying at an impersonal mega-resort on St Thomas. As portrayed in the photos, the cottage and grounds are meticulously maintained and offer a comfortable and serene setting for guests. Everything was fresh; from the linens to the breezes. The outside porch was lovely place to relax from the dayâ?Ts activities. Judy was fantastic as our host; both accommodating and helpful without being the least bit intrusive.This cottage is the perfect retreat for couples who appreciate and want to experience nature more so as a local than a tourist on the beautiful island of St John!

Recommended for:

wonderful retreat!

Guest: VirginiaP (New Paltz, New York)
Date of Stay: 11/15/08 Review Submitted: 12/07/08

I found Judy's cottage when I just needed to get away from it all. It fit the bill perfectly. neatly appointed, charming, and sweet. in a very quiet location, close to beaches, and yet ammenities and things to do were close at hand when the mood struck. :-) Judy is a wonderful hostess. familiar with all of the island, the flavor, the people, and what to see and do. I stayed a week, and could have stayed on two or more! I can't recommend the cottage highly enough. a delight and a great find. just go!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Guest: Virginia P
Date of Stay: 11/15/08 Review Submitted: 11/14/08

Review Rating : 5/5 Review Title : 187388 - "wonderful retreat!" "I found Judy's cottage when I just needed to get away from it all. It fit the bill perfectly. neatly appointed, charming, and sweet. in a very quiet location, close to beaches, and yet ammenities and things to do were close at hand when the mood struck. :-) Judy is a wonderful hostess. familiar with all of the island, the flavor, the people, and what to see and do. I stayed a week, and could have stayed on two or more! I can't recommend the cottage highly enough. a delight and a great find. just go!"

Recommended for:

Wonderful Stay, Great Cottage!

Guest: CeeGee (Aptos, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/19/08 Review Submitted: 07/25/08

My husband and I stayed at this cottage for the first few days of our trip before moving to a bigger property closer to Cruz Bay. We were sad to leave such a wonderful place. Judy is an exceptional host who made our stay memorable. The cottage is small, but it is plenty for two people. Above all, I have to say this was the quietest property I have ever stayed at. All you hear at night is the gentle breeze. The cottage is decorated in yellow, green and light blue hues and it is restful but cheery. We spent our afternoons on the covered patio enjoying the breeze and glasses of wine. The cottage was extremely clean, and small touches like candles, books and board games made us feel right at home. There are a couple of donkeys in a pen near where we parked, which were so cute! And be sure to say hello to Lady, Judy's German Shepard. We could not recommend this property more, and hope to be back soon. If you are on this side of the island, stop in at Sweet Plantains for the curry: it is completely amazing; the chef and her husband are from Brooklyn and this small restaurant is a "must"!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: CeeGee
Date of Stay: 07/19/08 Review Submitted: 07/18/08

Review Rating : 5/5 Review Title : 130517 - "Wonderful Stay, Great Cottage!" "My husband and I stayed at this cottage for the first few days of our trip before moving to a bigger property closer to Cruz Bay. We were sad to leave such a wonderful place. Judy is an exceptional host who made our stay memorable. The cottage is small, but it is plenty for two people. Above all, I have to say this was the quietest property I have ever stayed at. All you hear at night is the gentle breeze. The cottage is decorated in yellow, green and light blue hues and it is restful but cheery. We spent our afternoons on the covered patio enjoying the breeze and glasses of wine. The cottage was extremely clean, and small touches like candles, books and board games made us feel right at home. There are a couple of donkeys in a pen near where we parked, which were so cute! And be sure to say hello to Lady, Judy's German Shepard. We could not recommend this property more, and hope to be back soon. If you are on this side of the island, stop in at Sweet Plantains for the curry: it is completely amazing; the chef and her husband are from Brooklyn and this small restaurant is a "must

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/27/08

My husband and I stayed in this beautiful bungalow last winter and loved it so much we are retuning to the same area of St Johns with our grown children this winter. The bungalow is in an incredibly beautiful spot...walking distance to beaches and facing the national park land. We ate dinner every night looking out at the beauty of the land. There is a very large outdoor space to sit and read and sip some wine. The bungalow is pristine clean and pretty with a comfortable bathroom and large windows opening onto the scenery. OUr hostess was helpful and the week was heavenly.

Recommended for:

A Piece of Heaven

Guest: amyg (Martinsville, IN )
Date of Stay: 05/24/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

My boyfriend and I needed a quiet get-away and this was the perfect spot! Adorable little cottage, neat-as-a-pin! We grilled out some evenings on the porch, enjoyed the view of the mountains and the beautiful flowers! The best part was our hostess, friendly, kind, and made us feel totally at home! The donkeys were a highlight every day too! So many little touches, like books about the island, candles, and a friendly face made this our favorite stay! This side of the island is too good to miss! If you want to "get away from it all" this is definately the place! There are not enough words to describe how much we loved it here.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Amy
Date of Stay: 05/24/08 Review Submitted: 05/23/08

Review Rating : 5/5 Review Title : 135368 - "A Piece of Heaven" "My boyfriend and I needed a quiet get-away and this was the perfect spot! Adorable little cottage, neat-as-a-pin! We grilled out some evenings on the porch, enjoyed the view of the mountains and the beautiful flowers! The best part was our hostess, friendly, kind, and made us feel totally at home! The donkeys were a highlight every day too! So many little touches, like books about the island, candles, and a friendly face made this our favorite stay! This side of the island is too good to miss! If you want to "get away from it all" this is definately the place! There are not enough words to describe how much we loved it here

Recommended for:

Just speechless...

Guest: Grun (Edison, NJ USA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/08 Review Submitted: 08/13/08

As a veteran vacationer on St John, outside of Kokomo Cottage which Judy also owned, this place is great! Quaint, quiet and beautifully done. Judy is the hostess with the mostest. She is available to chat about the island and about things to do but also provides you with all the privacy you need. The accomodations are great, with a beautifully maintained cottage; a bed to die for, so comfortable; a nice little kitchen area to cook in and seating area to eat at; a little gas grill on the side porch to cook on and a wonderful breeze that just seemed to blow through the cottage at all times. We were there in April '08. We beached at a different beach every day, snorkled, took a day trip to "the Baths" in Virgin Gorda (BVI) which was spectacular and you really cn't go wrong in any restaurant. Make sure you go to Skinny Legs and tell Moe that Peter & Melissa say hi. Enjoy the stay, you CAN'T go wrong!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.