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

We drove our jeep up the steep road and were thankful we had a jeep but more thankful we chose lions gate for our week of solace! You will live up in the trees with the flowers, birds, clouds and sunshine! What an amazing retreat this was; we will never stay anyplace else on St. Thomas! Disappointed that we couldn't sail with Max due to the weather but it is a must during our next trip!

We spent two fantastic weeks at Lions Gate. Maxine and Chris have created a beautiful island getaway right at the top of the hill in Red Hook offering perfect views of the ocean, neighbouring islands and city below.

For our entire stay we had no car and got around just fine. Red Hook has everything you need just below our retreat, all the popular bars and restaurants, as well as groceries, shops and the Ferry. It’s a fairly easy walk down the hill (approx 10 minutes), walking up is quite a bit tougher though, we were fine with it, just stopped when needed and carried on. Only took taxi up hill (approx $5 plus tip) from Red Hook below a couple of times as we had groceries or a lot to carry.

It was nice to be greeted daily by our Ambassadors Louie and Nelson, they reminded of our own dogs, and Maxine and Chris couldn’t have been better hosts. They checked in from time to time with us to make sure everything was good, plus offered us much valuable information on all aspects of the island. Maxine also graciously offered us rides down the hill etc. if she was heading that way. My wife and I would definitely stay here again should we return in the future.

Thanks Maxine and Chris for all the memories!

You can’t beat the views ! This location in Red hook is great, close to everything you may want or need. Beaches, the ferry to St John, restaurants, grocery’s, and snorkeling.

Maxine and Chris, the owners are wonderful. They were very attentive to any question or concern, they are very friendly and very interesting people.

Their place is more than just a rental, it is a home. Cozy, comfortable and welcoming. We had a great time.

Thanks Max and Chris

We were very unhappy with our stay because of the following:

There was an ongoing roach infestation, even after we were assured that it was taken care of.

The owners dogs ran free and came in our room and on our porch, helping themselves to our food. We love dogs, but felt they should have been controlled. It was also annoying to hear the constant barking and growling between the two.

Privacy was nonexistent. The husband was working constantly, right outside our door. My wife stepped in spilled varnish, with her bare feet, and we realized he was using our chairs for step stools. The wife was also right outside our door when he wasn't.... Walking dogs that are not leashed and trimming bushes. I feel that maintenance should have been completed at times while guests are not there.

The bathroom has a glass block wall in the shower. We came home one afternoon and wanted to take showers after swimming in the ocean. That was not going to happen for my wife, as there were guys working on the outside of the shower. We should have been notified of the planned construction project. And yes, you can see through the glass block.

The kitchen is lacking many things, if you want to cook. We ran out of propane the first night, but the owner did take care of it the next day.

The driveway is crazy steep and is dangerous at best, for guests to negotiate. Cabs would never bring you home and walking is not a good option either. We had a rental car, but a hair raising experience every time we came or left.

On our last day, we were allowed to check out by 11am, but left around 9am. My wife was greeted that morning by the husband who asked "When are you leaving"

The owners, did give us wine for the roach problem.

We felt like we were intruding and a pain to these owners.

Ideal location close to restaurants, stores, beaches and St. John. Beautiful and cozy environment with a lovely views of the harbor St Thomas and St John. I was able to get some needed exercise when I chose to walk up and down the hill from the property. Chris and Max were charming and helpful.