St. John Cottage
Policies and Logistics

RESERVATIONS

  • A 50% deposit of the rental amount and the 10% tax is required to secure a reservation
  • The balance plus a $100 refundable security deposit is due 60 days prior to the date of your arrival.
  • Personal checks are the best method of payment. (We do not accept credit cards)
  • Last minute bookings may be made using a cashiers or certified check.

CANCELLATIONS

  • No deposit will be refunded unless a replacement rental is obtained.
  • If forced to cancel with no replacement rental a 10% administrative fee will be charged.
  • Because of our strict cancellation policy we urge you to obtain Travelers Insurance.

SOME TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES

  • Global Care 1-800-799-1917.
  • Travel Guard 1-800-826-1300.
  • CSA Vacation Guarantee 1-800-348-9505

REFUNDS

  • Refunds are not granted due to weather or acts of God
  • A security deposit minus any damages will be refunded within 45 days of departure.

RATES

Rates are subject to change without notice.

SMOKING

Innstead is a no-smoking residence.

Telephone

Long Distance Phone Calls are not allowed from Innstead's phone. Some cell phones do work, but we suggest you check with your provider for both availability and cost. Roaming may connect with towers in Tortola, BVI and the cost could be an unpleasant surprise.

Attire

Summer clothes are appropriate year round. Bring a light sweater for winter evenings that may be a "cold" 75 degrees. Clothing requirements are very casual. The only place a sports coat is required is at the Caneel Bay Resort. Even the 4 star restaurants on the island are very informal. We do suggest that in your carry-on you include necessary medications, toiletries, one change of clothes and a bathing suit. Luggage occasionally gets lost.

Food

There are two supermarkets, a number of smaller grocery stores and at least two delis where whole meals may be purchased - a great boon when you don't want to cook, but would like to have supper on the balcony. There is also a gourmet wine and cheese shop, and several bakeries... The prices are higher than in the States because everything gets here just the way you did.

PASSPORTS

Today a passport is required for travel between the US and St. John. This will also allow you access to the British Virgins such as Tortola and Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, which are great day trips from St John.


Ferry Dock in Cruz Bay

Ferry Dock in Cruz Bay

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION

  1. When you arrive at the airport on St Thomas, collect your luggage and just step outside the baggage claim area to get a taxi. ASK TO BE PUT IN A TAXI WITH OTHER PEOPLE HEADED TO ST JOHN. They will drive you to Red Hook at the east end where the ferries to and from St John are docked.
  2. JUST BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT CALL VIKY on your cell phone at 340-514-2477. This will give her plenty of notice so she can be at the dock in St. John to meet you.
  3. IF YOUR LUGGAGE DOESN'T ARRIVE, find out when the next flight will be. If it is a short period of time you may want to wait. Otherwise, file a lost luggage claim, leaving Innstead's phone number: 340-693-8184. (Lost bags will usually be delivered to St John by the next day.)
  4. Viky will meet you at the dock, help you pick up your rental car, escort you to the house, give you a residence orientation and leave you with a set of keys.
  5. Check in time is 3:00pm. Should you arrive earlier arrangements to leave your luggage at the house may be made.
  6. Check out time is 10:00am. This is to allow adequate time to prepare Innstead for its next guest
  7. You should check the ferry times and allow enough time to turn in your car, and purchase your ticket. You must take a ferry that leaves AT LEAST TWO AND A HALF HOURS BEFORE YOUR PLANE IS SCHEDULEDTO DEPART. Remember you will have to GO THROUGH CUSTOMS BEFORE BOARDING YOUR PLANE.

Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor

For Bookings and Information
contact Mary Grimes
phone: 978-652-5115 (Massachusetts)
email: maryegrimes@comcast.net

MISC. INFORMATION

  • English is the main language.
  • The U.S. dollar is used on both the USVI and British Virgin Islands.
  • We drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. To rent a car one must be 25 years or older. You must have a valid Stateside License to operate a car.
  • Beach towels, chairs and coolers are provided, but you may want to bring snorkel gear if you have it. Otherwise you may purchase or rent it at the dive shops.
  • We have a safe for valuables. Combination and Key. If key is lost there will be a $50.00 charge.