Vacation Rentals by Owner

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

Guest: Va (Tennesse)
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!

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.

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

What an incredible view!

Guest: dhicking (Connecticut)
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:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Indianapolis Couple

Guest: Joe & Cindi (Indinanapolis, Indiana USA)
Date of Stay: 02/20/12 Review Submitted: 03/06/12

We could not have been more pleased with our stay in Maxine and Chris' great studio apartment. The view is spectacular and our hosts were very helpful without being intrusive. The apartment is exactly as it was described and Red Hook is a great location. It was so nice to have "Eva" greet us every day. What a friendly and well behaved pet. All in all we were very happy with our stay and would not hesitate to recommend to others.. Thank you Max and Chris. Joe & Cindi

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

Beautiful and Secluded Honeymoon Location!

Guest: traveljennie (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 01/12/12 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

My husband and I got married in St. Thomas in January 2012 and absoutely enjoyed our honeymoon getaway at Lion's Gate. It is a secluded location located almost at the top of a mountain, which was great for us as we had 30 guests on the island for our wedding and we could steal some time to ourselves. We called Max (the owner) on our way from the airport and she greeted us at the bottom of her the hill and we followed her to the residence. Any time we needed something, Max was accessible by phone to answer any questions. Our air conditioner didn't work our first night and Max saw that it was fixed the next day. The studio has every amenity you might need for vacation, including a fully equipped kitchen (we never cooked though), beach chairs, and beach towels (no need to bring your own!) The bathroom with the walk in stone shower was gorgeous. My only complaint about our stay was the lack of water pressure in the shower, but from what we heard from others staying at different locations on the island, it's the same everywhere. The views from the patio are amazing, you can see St. John, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke. Lion's Gate is in an excellent location to restaurants, beaches, and the ferry to St. John. We couldn't have asked for a more convenient spot to stay. You can hear music from the bars in Red Hook, but if you close the windows and turn the AC on, it will drown it out. I miss my daily visits from Eva (one of the resident dogs). On our next visit to St. Thomas, we would not hesitate to book another stay with Lion's Gate Getaway.

Owner response:I'm so pleased that Jeannie had such a wonderful wedding/honeymoon high on my hill. When she was here there was an island wide water problem that has now been fixed. This is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, be it a honeymoon or for someone who wants beauty and a slice of the tropics with a warm breeze washing over them.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely getaway

Guest: Barb (NC)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11 Review Submitted: 12/05/11

Lion's Gate is a lovely place for 2 to get away and chill out. The location is very private - located high up on a hill overlooking Red Hook. The studio is the ground floor of the owner's home but we felt like we had the place to ourselves - even though we did really enjoy our visits from Eva, their dog. We spent many hours enjoying the porch which provided great views of the harbor and over to St. John and Tortola. The sunrises are spectacular there and well worth getting up early, having a cup of coffee and soaking in the beginning of a beautiful day. The studio's kitchen was well equipped and we enjoyed dining in on several occasions. The bed was very comfortable and the breezes were so nice that we rarely used the air conditioning. We especially loved the spacious stone shower. The studio has such lovely touches that make it a very pleasant place to stay - nice artwork and photos, ceramics, beach glass trims, etc. The location was great as we were just minutes from the car and passenger ferries to St. John, restaurants, grocery stores and the beach. We rented a car for our entire stay and it provided us with great mobility on St. Thomas and St. John. Max and Chris are the owners. Max is a boat captain and we enjoyed a fun sailing trip with her. She is the best.

Owner response:Thank you so much for your kind words. It's nice to know that the love and care comes through for my guests. Eva is still my best ambassador. We hope to see you again Thanks Max

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Absolutely perfect spot!

Guest: Lynn (Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

I have visited St. Thomas a number of times, and have stayed in places ranging from very nice hotels to villas, and I have to say Lion's Gate is now my favorite spot to stay on the island! Such a cozy, inviting place, with truly incredible views. While lying in bed each morning we could watch the sun come up over the surrounding islands out the big kitchen window. And the stone shower! What a treat! We enjoyed the spacious porch both morning and evening: for reading, eating, drinking or just sitting and watching the view. I had plenty of room for my yoga practice outside in the morning, and we enjoyed wine and cheese on the porch before dinner each night. We were often accompanied for our outdoor meals by Max's delightful dog, Eva, who is the most polite young lady you could ever meet. The kitchen has everything you might need, and Maxine, the owner, loves to cook and is at the ready with whatever spices or extra cooking utensils you could want. We stopped at the market and picked up what we needed to make omelets each morning and snacks in the afternoons, and we enjoyed the variety of restaurants within walking-distance for supper each night. We also went for a day sail with Max on her boat, "Lou." Max is a wonderful captain, AND we got to experience her delicious cooking for lunch along the way. If you want a relaxing, easy place to stay, this is it! I will definitely stay at Lion's Gate again - alone or with a friend!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

A Little Piece of Paradise

Guest: Scott & Stephanie (Katy, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/15/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

This was our first trip to St. Thomas and we certainly hope there will be many more! Our entire stay here was a dream vacation. The apartment is clean, comfortable and well-appointed with every amenity you could possibly need. Waking up in the morning with a good cup of coffee on the porch overlooking beautiful Red Hook Bay and the breathtaking islands can't be beat! Red Hook has everything you need, great restaurants and shopping without all the hassle of the cruise ships. There are two beautiful beaches only 5 minutes away. The views each morning and evening, the beauty of the many bays, our sailing trip with Captain Max; all these created memories that my husband and I will always treasure. Can't wait to return!! Thank you so much Max and Chris for sharing your little piece of paradise!!

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

Perfect Red Hook Studio

Guest: Alison (Bar Harbor, Maine)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

Lion's Gate is a perfect place for a couple to stay during their time in STT. We stayed a week and found the studio to be a comfortable, scenic yet convenient place to stay. The porch is very welcoming to have your morning coffee as you watch the sun rise over St. John and the BVI's. A fully functioning kitchen w/ all the gadgets one would need should you decide to dine in. A queen bed, a tv and dvd player, and 2 large closets make the bedroom area. The bathroom is spacious w/ a wonderful rock shower w/ room for 2. A special treat was the daily visits we received from the owners wonderfully sweet dog Eva. She will pop down and see you every morning before Max leaves for the day .Eva is a gentle dog who won't bark at you, just give you the cutest dog eyes to entice you to feed her a sampling of your food or just a flop on the floor wanting a belly rub. We found the location of Lion's Gate to be convenient for all of our excursions. A ride down the rather steep hill puts you in the center of Red Hook w/ numerous dining options to entice you. A day trip to St. John w/ or w/out a rental car is also very easy to do from this location. Numerous beaches are within a quick drive from the studio. Sapphire and Coki are close but make sure you visit them after the cruisers have gone for the day or a day when the cruise ships are minimal in port. Lindquist(Smith Bay) is a hidden gem that only requires you to bring your own snacks as the beach has no food services but it does have portable toilets. The lack of amenities keep the traffic low so Lindquist may be the perfect idylic beach you are searching for. Would I recommend Lion's Gate to my friends? 100% yes. Would I return to Lion's Gate? 100% yes. Should you stay at Lion's Gate? Definitely.

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

Relaxing and Fun

Guest: Sue (St. Louis, MO, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/11

So often a rental place is less than it appears to be on the website -- Lion's Gate is so much more. As you arrive and walk across the long, private porch, the ocean scene in front of you takes your breath away. The apartment is spacious and had everything we needed, including a window by our bed to awake us to warm breezes and that glorious sunshine in the mornings! Having coffee on our private porch and enjoying the many birds that make their home in and around the many trees and bushes was a great way to start our day. Food is expensive in the Virgin Islands, whether you eat out or buy groceries and do your own cooking. Max and Chris brought us a grill, and we cooked many of our dinners at home. Red Hook is a great place to stay because it's so close to many beautiful beaches and the closest ferry to St. John. Max generously supplies you with a cooler, beach chairs and noodles for your trips to the beach. She also owns a sailing ship and my husband and I loved our day on the water, where we also had an opportunity to do some snorkeling. The sailing was the highlight of our trip and one that will stay in our minds forever. We would certainly stay here again and recommend it to our friends!

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

Bliss on a Tropical Hilltop!!

Guest: Rebecca (Bethesda, MD)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

I simply cannot say enough about what an amazing experience my husband and I had staying at Lion's Gate Getaway. The apartment is a delightful large studio with loads of charm and stocked with a lot of the necessities of a home away from home: beach chairs, towels and cooler for days on the beach. A kitchen with plenty of utensils for cooking basic meals and a bathroom with shampoo, hair dryer etc. The studio has a gorgeous wrap around porch with a sitting area with a view which my huband and I enjoyed every day. For those people who can't totally get away there is also wifi. Maxine (Max) who rents the studio and her husband Chris live in the main house above and are incredibly welcoming and helpful. Max was happy to answer our questions, brought us Christmas Cookies on Christmas and since she is also a sailboat captain we were able to book a day out with her on her boat. Truly lovely people. The apartment is a quick walk up the hill from Red Hook which has shops, dining AND the ferry which is great for getting over to St. John or a day trip to the BVI. In short, we would stay here again in a heartbeat!!! Thanks Max and Chris :)

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Privacy and Beauty

Guest: Andrew (Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 07/24/10

Lion's Gate was a nice, quiet getaway with a priceless view. Chris was out of town, but Max made us feel at home. The studio is on the first floor of the property (the owners live upstairs), but you never know anyone else is there unless you go looking for them. Felt very safe, especially with the property protected by a gate. AC worked great, water is drinkable, even had cold beers waiting for us in the fridge. The last minor detail that came in handy was the collection of 15-20 DVDs in the room. My wife and I got sick, and it was nice to have something to pass the time. We did not rent a car. We consider ourselves in shape and the climb up the hill was tough at times, but manageable. We already miss waking up and seeing Eva (the dog) waiting outside our door each morning.

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

Beauty and Privacy

Guest: Andrew (Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 07/24/10

Lion's Gate was a nice, quiet getaway with a priceless view. Chris was out of town, but Max made us feel at home. The studio is on the first floor of the property (the owners live upstairs), but you never know anyone else is there unless you go looking for them. Felt very safe, especially with the property protected by a gate. AC worked great, water is drinkable, even had cold beers waiting for us in the fridge. The last minor detail that came in handy was the collection of 15-20 DVDs in the room. My wife and I got sick, and it was nice to have something to pass the time. We did not rent a car. We consider ourselves in shape and the climb up the hill was tough at times, but manageable. We already miss waking up and seeing Eva (the dog) waiting outside our door each morning.

Recommended for:

Great location and views

Guest: DC teacher (Washington DC.)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/21/10

My husband and I spent a fantastic week at Lion's Gate. It's a perfect rental for a couple who is looking for privacy. Red Hook is a great location since it is near some nice beaches and the ferry to St. John. The best day of our vacation was spent at Linquvist Beach, a 5 min drive, with a picnic lunch (cooler and beach things supplied by Max). The views from the patio are fantastic, particularly at night. The pictures are very accurate. I would definitely recommend Lion's Gate.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Highly recommended

Guest: Kandy and Ted (Los Alamos, NM)
Date of Stay: 03/20/10 Review Submitted: 04/08/10

Great place to stay, we would love to stay here again, and we definitely recommend it! The photos and description of the property were very accurate. Maxine and Chris provided everything we needed for visits to the beaches ( chairs, a cooler, and floats). An added bonus is that Maxine is also a sail boat captain and we enjoyed a wonderful day aboard her 41' sloop “Lou”.

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

Guest: Linda Talbert (San Antonio, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

We had a wonderful time in this home. The tropical breezes and awesome views were incredible. I wish I could have brought them home with me. Thanks again, Maxine!

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Paradise indeed!

Guest: Troy & Rebecca (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 02/15/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

We stayed at this wonderful property about two years ago, and while looking on VRBO for a property in a different country realized we never wrote a review. Max and Chris were WONDERFUL hosts and did everything they could to ensure our comfort! They live right above the apartment, but they only showed up if/when they were needed and didn't intrude at all. We could not have asked for a better place! AMAZING views, very quiet and peaceful, clean and relaxing - even better than in the pictures! We loved lounging on the porch looking out at the ocean and enjoying visits from the beautiful little birds and lizards in the trees. Our hosts pointed out various restaurants and attractions and directed us to the best beaches! When we head back to St. Thomas we won't look to stay anywhere else! A belated thank you for a wonderful experience!

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

Guest: Anja1 (Kirkland, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/04/09 Review Submitted: 02/04/09

Max and Chris are owed a big thank you for the wonderful hospitality provided last week to accompany the lovely apartment we rented. We had a great time and couldn't have imagined a better place to stay, nor such generous and caring people to be near. We sincerely appreciate everything they did for us and being so helpful. If allowed, I'd love to stay on a longer-term basis if at all possible, so please keep me informed as this property is just hard to beat!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/23/09 Review Submitted: 01/23/09

Great place to stay - so convenient to everything yet you feel so far away from it all. Spectacular views from high up o a hillside! Great accommodations - crisp, clean and new. You can walk to restaurants, shopping, the ferry to St. John, etc. Max and Chris were so welcoming and great resources for things to do. You get a lot for your money!

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Guest: Dan and Rachel (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 01/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

Max and Chris - Thank you *so* much for making our stay in St. Thomas absolutely perfect. The apartment was fantastic, the pictures don't do the view justice and the location - right in Red Hook and central to everything - was ideal. Add to that your hospitality - maps, hats, even pumpkin pie! - and we couldn't be happier. Will definitely recommend to our friends and stay again the next time we're back on St. Thomas. Thanks again for everything! - Dan and Rachel

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