Mini Vaca!!

3,8 en mayo 17, 2016

This B&B was everything the ad stated, and in a good location. It even came with food and booze. Very comfortable accommodation's. I would and will stay here again. Thank you Miss Phyllis

Respuesta del propietario

It was a pleasure having you here and you are most welcome to return. Hopefully soon.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

Hillcrest Stay

4,6 en mayo 05, 2016

Excellent room with view. Everything clean and all essentials provided. We enjoyed our stay.

Respuesta del propietario

Thank you for your kind remarks. We did major work on all the suites last summer and will continue to make improvements as needed and suggested by guests. Again, thank you.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

Hillcrest Guest House, St John

3,2 en febrero 24, 2015

We spent a week at Hillcrest and had a very relaxed time. Phyllis, the proprietress, was very friendly and gave great guidance when we needed to find a laundromat, the closest grocery store, etc. We rented the Orchid Suite and our toddler slept very well on the futon that was available. The air conditioners cooled the suite quickly each time we returned from an outing. Although there was some general "wear & tear" to some of the structure probably due to age and the local climate, the rooms were very clean and the linens were like new. While there was a good selection of beverages available in the suite (soda, coffee, tea), we were underwhelmed by the 12 eggs, 8 bacon strips, and 3 muffins available for a full week's worth of breakfast. Perhaps we were supposed to ask for replenished supplies when we ran out, but that seemed an awkward thing to do. Not a huge deal though, because the Dolphin Grocery was just down the hill and the suite had a great selection of cookware for the meals that we prepared. I should also mention that there was a selection of liquor available in the suite if we had been interested. The stove, microwave, etc were very clean as were the shower, toilet, and sinks. Also, we genuinely appreciated the availability of DVDs to watch while our toddler napped and the beach toys and snorkel gear that we were free to use for our beach outings. Potential guests should know that the availability of Wi-fi was hit or miss. Hillcrest is conveniently located within a few blocks of the shopping, restaurants, taxis, and ferry dock of Cruz Bay, but please note that it is aptly named; walking to and from town involves a short (perhaps 50 yards) but very steep hill. For the price, we think that Hillcrest is a great value if you want a comfortable, clean place to sleep and cook while visiting St John. We would stay there again.

Respuesta del propietario

It was a pleasure having you and your family here. Guests make request prior to arrival and also once they arrive at Hillcrest Guest House. Some don't want bacon, some don't want liquor, some want bread and many let me know what type of beer they want. I make every effort to comply. Many are surprised of all the items placed in their suite at NO EXTRA CHARGE. My welcome card encourages guests to make request. They can do it personally, by texting (340 998-8388 cell) or calling me at Hillcrest (340 776-6774). Regarding Wi-Fi, I am so tired complaining to "Choice" about their service. St. John is limited in the choices of Wi-Fi, unfortunately.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

First Time Visit to Saint John

3,8 en febrero 14, 2015

Although the guest house was not the most updated, I did not have any of the problems of cleanliness mentioned in other reviews. The fridge was well-stocked and we enjoyed sitting in the common screened in area. The hill up to the guest house was definitely steeper than I expected. It was fine to walk up when we didn't have bags with us, but I would probably take a taxi up with my suitcase next time. Phyllis was helpful and accommodating with holding our bags after we checked out.

Respuesta del propietario

It was a pleasure meeting you. Many guest need a little extra time before departing St. John. The Hillcrest structure was started in 1966 by my parents; specifically the Peaceful Retreat (Ground Floor Apartment). I was away at school, around 1969 when they built the second floor (Where my apartment and the Orchid Suite is located). The top floor should have been built around 1973 when my first born, Tanya, was born. Mom and Dad were real pioneers, since a lot of the roads leading up here were dirt roads and turned to mud after each rain; not paved like they are now. Every step was a major ordeal, but Mom pushed ahead and enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. Her second language was Spanish and she was great at it.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

Great location

3,6 en febrero 10, 2015

Very short walk to town. Great place to prep breakfast in the morning, clean up before dinner, and rest your head at night after a day of island adventure.

Respuesta del propietario

Thank you for your kind review. Many updates were completed in time for this season. New Mattresses, Egyptian Towels, Egyptian Sheets, Peaceful Retreat Updated to include a screened porch, Lounge Updated to also include a screened in porch, security lights, ceiling fan were purchased. Trying out a international style of Coffees and Teas, which the guests all seem to enjoy. The coffees include Italian, Spanish, French and Santo Domingo Coffee. The teas include Irish, Japanese, British, Chinese, India, Kosher and American Indian.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

Quaint and Cozy Hillcrest House

2,8 en agosto 14, 2014

rooms and facilities are "island clean". Host is very helpful with info guests may need. bed is comfy. 360 degree views. host provides equipment you may need to enjoy beach (towels, ice chest, chairs, etc), movies for the evening, and a hook-up for your mp3 in-room. keyed safe in bedroom is helpful but hackable. generally quiet neighborhood. walkable distance to town and amenities but really steep hill. "mahogany-bird" traps on main counters. Mosquitoes n no-see-ums can easily get inside from cracks and holes in screens etc, but thankfully its a dry year. Not all items on grocery list were included in room as advertised but owner will tell you where to go buy them. Not sure if water was potable, gallon of water in fridge was open/unsealed. It felt a little dicey walking back from town at night as some of the route is in pitch black, seems straight up-hill (will wind you in temp/humidity) and there are rude-boys running the street up to the house that have no respect for adults and especially tourists and are aggressive even if you are polite or alternatively, ignore them. we found it Best to take the $4 taxi from town than risk the possible danger, but judge for yourself. It's all typical USVI, so you just have to be aware. Overall, we would likely stay again.

Respuesta del propietario

I now have a new cleaning lady who spends from 2-3 hours minimum on each suite. She is very efficient and takes her tasks seriously. Repairs are made as the problem occurs. Now that we are near the end of the season (August), my workman and I will be going thru each room for anything not reported. Items on the complimentary menu have been reduced for several months, but guest were and are still encouraged to make personel suggestions. The Peaceful Retreat will be placed back on line and the Orchid Suite rates have been reduced, to attract more customers to $175 to 205/day/double occupancy. The young men can be flirtacious. Just ignore them or politely respond. Regarding security. I am here 98% of the time and so are my rottweiler dogs, Taj and Dora. I live on site and keep an ear for unusual noises and so do my dogs. I have security cameras all around, so that I know what is going on. Im around and about the premises. Hillcrest enourmous light bill clearly reflects that my place is well lit at night. Motion lights are also on site. Each door has a dead bolt lock and guest are encouraged to use it. The lock box is the last deterent and helps to keep things out of sight. Some places don't have it. St. John is a country town with normal pest. Electronic devices from HSN and QVC has curtailed visitors from entering the suites. Doors should be kept closed to prevent entrance. This is also explained at arrival. The Peaceful Retreat has a screen door and will have a screened in porch for the new season in October.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

Great stay

5 en mayo 03, 2014

I stayed at hillcrest With My 11 year old son and we had a great time. The lady helped us when we Got in a little trouble and the room was great.

a value stay

2,8 en enero 03, 2014

Great location!

Ok but issues

3,0 en julio 09, 2013

The view from our suite was stupendous. The value of this room is very good compared to anything else you can get in St. Johns. Phyllis was a wonderful innkeeper. The issues are lack of real cleanliness in room and loud music from town during some nights when there is entertainment in Cruz Bay. The breakfast was packaged muffins and other packaged goods from the grocery store. On the plus side, frig equipped with complimentary rum and wine.

Respuesta del propietario

St. John has Carnival from the end of June to July 4th. It includes music, food, parade and finally fireworks. I remind all who book around this time about the event. If the suite was not up to the guest standard, I apologize and will let the head housekeeper know of your displeasure. Upon arrival, I do a walk thru with all my guest,but I may have missed something. I will try to be more through.

- Phyllis Hall (Owner)

First St John Visit

4,0 en abril 11, 2013

Room was very clean, and the bed was very comfortable. The frig was very well stocked. Great location. Owner is very nice and helpful. I would definitely stay here again.