Lion's Gate Getaway- Lush Setting Overlooks St. John & Tortola

• Dallas, TX

  Dallas, TX

  • Guest Ivette
  • Date of stay 04/01/13
  • Review Submitted 04/13/13
  I loved stay in here. Maxine, Chris, and the dogs are so hospitable; they made me feel like family. It is located just walking distance from Red Hook. The view is spectacular. The condo has everything you need to have a great vacation. I loved the Italian decoration…good job Maxine! I also sailed with Maxine one day and we had so much fun in St. John. The food was delicious. I will definitely recommend staying in this condo 100% and do not forget to go sailing with her, you will not regret it. The same day I was coming back home I was already missing the family and the condo. Thanks! :)

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Having guests like Ivette is what makes this so much fun. She would walk the dogs with me at the end of the day and is a much better conversationalist than Eva or Millie. I love sharing this beautiful spot. And I don't get tired of the view. See you next time

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• Relaxing getaway

  Relaxing getaway

  • Guest Tpowers97
  • Date of stay 03/09/13
  • Review Submitted 03/16/13
  Perfect place to escape the hectic, fast paced life. Even the most hardcore work addict would have a hard time resisting! We just enjoyed the view, the sounds and the lovely mountainside plants and trees. The Studio is spacious with a very functional kitchen and fun bath. The best part is waking up every morning to the sunrise view of the horizon. It's breathtaking. Having a car is very helpful. We would definitely go back.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Breathtaking view and wonderful hosts that we'll always remember!

  Breathtaking view and wonderful hosts that we'll always remember!

  • Guest Leonore
  • Date of stay 01/25/13
  • Review Submitted 01/30/13
  My husband and I were hoping for a relaxing 4-night winter getaway on our first trip to USVI, and Chris and Maxine's rental ended up being perfect for us. While planning we opted for a view instead of beachside lodgings—but what a view! Upon arrival we looked at each other in amazement and said, "Maybe we should just stay up here the whole time." Enjoying the watery vista was awe-inspiring and ever changing: constant boat traffic, gentle breezes, dramatic clouds, the glowing full moon, radiant sunrise, lush plants waving in the wind—better than watching TV or a movie. The cozy studio apartment was charming and very nicely decorated, with lots of artistic flourishes, such as the inlaid mosaic tiles on the porch and the touches of blue that resonate throughout the premises (Chris is a massively talented woodworker and craftsman). On our aerobic walks up the steep mountainside (huff! pant!) from Red Hook we encountered parrots and lizards and cats and exotic cacti and tropical plants. Each day was an adventure. Music from the popular Red Hook bars was audible at night, but never a problem. However, the most exciting part of our short getaway was our all-day sail with Maxine on the seaworthy Lou. Max is an impressive and accomplished sea captain and a completely delightful individual, and a sail with her is highly recommended. She knows St. Thomas and St. John inside and out. An unforgettable experience. Super-comfy bed, well equipped kitchen, amazing porch (much bigger than the pictures can convey), wonderful hosts, sweet resident dogs, walking distance to the St. John ferry. Hard to beat! Overall, we are so glad we chose to stay here. Oh, and yes, they are building a fabulous cottage next door, which will surely make this spot even more enticing for a family or a group of friends.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway.

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• Outstanding view

  Outstanding view

  • Guest Ken
  • Date of stay 10/20/12
  • Review Submitted 10/31/12
  My wife and I have been using VRBO for over 10 years of travel. We have been blessed with rentals that always equaled our expectations and Lions Gate is no exception. As noted in the title the views of St John, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola are outstanding as you are sitting on the front porch about 400' above sea level. It is a one minute drive down the hill to the town of Red Hook. The little town is the beginning point for both the passenger and vehicle ferries to St John. Plenty of bars and restaurants in this town. No need to go anywhere else on the island for either fine dining or casual dining. The town noise at night that is mentioned in other reviews is easily drowned out by the fans in the studio. For us, it was a non-issue.....and we are seniors. The studio is equipped with A/C but it was not needed....plenty of breeze. The rental itself was a smaller space than we usually rent but it was not tight. It is as advertised. The shower in the bathroom is a focal point.....The rock shower can accomodate you and your wife and a few other family members.....it's more of a shower room. Kitchen is ample with all utensils and equipment, including coffee maker. The front porch is lovely and the owners dog, Eva, will visit you in the mornings around breakfast time....smart dog...loves bacon. If there is any negative it would be parking space. Even when the contruction is finished next door it will be tight due to the fact that all homes on this road are perched high on a mountain overlooking Red Hook....I would suggest renting the smallest car you can find and you will be fine. Overall, the rental was an excellent value and should be considered by any couple wanting privacy and easy access to St John.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• More Than A Room With A View!

  More Than A Room With A View!

  • Guest Jim & Joanne
  • Date of stay 08/11/12
  • Review Submitted 08/20/12
  To awaken to the view at Lion's Gate and to lie your head down with the twinkle of the harbor lights---comes under the category of "moments that take your breath away"! Our stay was delightful and truly very difficult to leave. The accommodations were clean, neat and we enjoyed the island flair of the decor. The location is perfect for enjoying all Red Hook has to offer. Max was helpful in every way, from shopping for provisions before our arrival to advice of where to go and what to do while on the island and/or traveling to St. John. In addition, her expertise as a sailboat Captain was appreciated and provided a very special day sailing on her beloved "Lou". Our memories of staying at Lion's Gate will linger for a long time! The view is priceless!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• All That We Hoped For!

  All That We Hoped For!

  • Guest Nelle
  • Date of stay 02/11/12
  • Review Submitted 06/08/12
  My husband and I stayed at Lion's Gate Getaway earlier this February. More than anything, we wanted a place where we could relax and enjoy all that the US Virgin Islands had to offer. We couldn't have found a better place as our starting point. The property is beautiful, well maintained, and tucked into the side of the hill giving you wonderful views of the nearby islands and the water. It was quiet and relaxing but was also only a minute or two from many wonderful choices for restaurants, beaches and water activities (in Red Hook and the surrounding area). Max was extremely helpful, always responding as soon as she was able and providing us with great insight to the best beaches, etc. We would definitely recommend this rental property to any and all of our friends and would love to stay there again ourselves.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Perfect way to see the island

  Perfect way to see the island

  • Guest Monica
  • Date of stay 05/20/12
  • Review Submitted 06/04/12
  My boyfriend and I travelled at the end of May. The weather was perfect. It rained a little each day, but quickly cleared. Max and Chris are wonderful host. They know the island well and are willing to help with anything. The studio is very private and has everything you need. It has everything from sun block to a telescope! There's a cooler, beach chairs, beach towels and noodles for the beach. There are so many amazing beaches nearby I don't think you could go wrong with any one of them. The "off" bug spray is under the kitchen sink, use it! The views from the patio are amazing! They have a dog named Eva. She has to be the cutest dog ever. She makes sure to stop by and say hi each day. I enjoyed having coffee with her most mornings. The studio is right near the ferry to St.John. You can take the car ferry or passenger. I would recommend renting a car, so you can see the whole island (be aware that the roads are steep and twisty) The town of Red Hook is cute, but it's nice to have the freedom to explore with a car. The locals are very nice, but you have to be aware of your surrounds. I would highly recommend this rental for those who like to explore at their own pace and who like privacy from the high tourist areas. If we have the pleasure of returning to St. Thomas, we would stay at Max's again.

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Great East End Location!

  Great East End Location!

  • Guest Ryan T.
  • Date of stay 05/26/12
  • Review Submitted 06/02/12
  This is a great studio up the hill from Red Hook. The pictures don't do the views justice.They are amazing!! The patio is the perfect place to begin and end your day in St. Thomas. It's a great space for a couple to stay. You can walk down the hill to the ferry to St. John, good restaurants, a little market, and other activities. We were there for 5 days and found it to be a great location for everything we wanted to do. We didn't rent a car - mainly took taxis or friends who were also in St. Thomas at the same time drove us around. The best part is that is that it fits into a tight budget. Max, the owner, is so much fun, too!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers.

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• What an incredible view!

  What an incredible view!

  • Guest dhicking
  • Date of stay 03/03/12
  • Review Submitted 05/10/12
  My wife and I recently stayed at Lion's Gate for our honeymoon and we had a blast! The location is incredibly convenient, the view is absolutely to die for, and Max was helpful any time we had any questions. Max's dog Eva was there to greet us every morning, and it made it feel like more than just a rental. Lion's Gate is definitely up on a hill, but that's pretty standard for St. Thomas. You'll want a car to rent to explore the island, but you're definitely within walking distance of all the shops, restaurants, and bars in Red Hook. We had no problem walking down to take the ferry to St. John, or to the marina to rent a boat for the day. The walk back up is steep but the view as you climb higher and higher is amazing. We loved staying at Lion's Gate, and we'd definitely recommend it to anybody who wants to be right in the middle of everything in Red Hook.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Living the Island Dream...Enjoying " Island time"!

  Living the Island Dream...Enjoying " Island time"!

  • Guest Va
  • Date of stay 04/02/12
  • Review Submitted 04/11/12
  The description of the apartment was very accurate and beautiful. The only thing that needs to be changed in the driving directions was: look for the ACE Hardware Sign(neon lights did on not work) on the left. Here is where you turn to get to Lion's Gate Getaway. Enjoy your stay and live the "Island Dream". The photos were perfect and was exactly what we expected to find. The property was very clean and had all the necessities we needed. All our qustions and then some were answered with great enthusiam. Yes, I would recommend this property to everyone I know. Especially my family. There are so many things to do I would not know where to begin. It also depends on what a person wants to do and things they are interested in doing. Snorkeling and visiting histortical sights are my interest. Shopping is fun also!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: I'm so glad they enjoyed my slip of paradise. Driving instructions from the airport are quite detailed. The island roads are not well marked so I meet my guests in Red Hook to make it as easy as possible. It's a fool proof method. If you happen to miss the town I'll come and find you. Come and enjoy the view, the birds and the sea.

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High Season ..... Dec 15-Apr 29 .. $140/night.
Holiday Season .. Dec 18-Jan 12 .. $170/night.
Low Season ...... Apr 30-Dec 14 .. $130/night.
This does not inculde the St. Thomas Hotel tax of 10%
Stays under four days are $150.00 per night plus $50.00 cleaning fee.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.