Emerald Beach Resort

The Emerald Beach Resort draws a mixed group of guests, including families, couples, retired folks, and friends. The pool, bar, restaurant, and beach are all situated close together and are lively and fun. Due to the hotel's location close to the airport, many guests stay at this hotel for a night or two before continuing on to another destination.

The hotel is located on Airport Road and the entrance is large and commanding (you can’t miss it). A long, straight driveway separated by a strip of flowers takes guests to the lobby. There is plenty of parking on either side of the drive.

The buildings are yellow with red doors and wood balconies, and look a bit tired. The grounds are nicely landscaped with tropical plants and stone walkways. The lobby is large with two seating areas and a computer for guests to use.

This hotel and has considerable upgrades from its neighbor property, Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas, which can be seen both in the rooms and in the amenities offered.

The hotel is located directly on Airport Road. Plane traffic can be heard during the day, however, the airport closes at night so there are no flights after 10 p.m.

Its slightly removed location means that it is a five-minute walk to catch taxis or public transportation. There aren’t many restaurants and amenities within walking distance, although the hotel does provide a free shuttle to the Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas, which has an on-site restaurant and bar.

• 10-minute walk to the airport
• 8-minute drive to duty-free shopping in Charlotte-Amalie
• 15-minute drive to Magens Bay
• 12-minute drive to Paradise Point Skyride
• 10-minute drive to Blackbeard's Castle
• 10-minute drive to Yacht Haven Grande
• 15-minute drive to St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens
• 17-minute drive to Mahogany Run Golf Course
• 25-minute drive to Red Hook

The rooms, with either one king bed or two double beds, are modern and generic, with a few dated tropical touches. There are modern white sheets and pillows and light blue runners on the beds with a large wood headboard. There are silver lamps that provide convenient lighting around the bed. Towel animals and flower petals greet guests when they arrive. The rooms come with a desk and chair as well as a seating area. The heavy floral curtains and the plain bamboo furniture lend a tropical vibe, but look more dated than the rest of the decor. The best part of the rooms are the private patios and balconies, which overlook the beach.

The bathrooms are updated as well with white modern bowl sinks and new fixtures, and come with a variety of toiletries. There is an additional sink outside of the bathroom.

Amenities include safes, flat-screen TVs, iron and ironing boards, iPod docks, tea and coffee making facilities, and hairdryers. While the rooms are well-appointed, the decor and features are certainly chain-like. For a similar or even cheaper price, the rooms at some of the small bed and breakfasts such as Villa Marbella Suites, At Home In the Tropics Bed and Breakfast, and Bellavista provide more character and charm.

The beach is the highlight of the hotel. The water is calm, blue, and clear, the sand is white, and palm trees dot the beach. There are large hills on either side of the bay that provide great scenery. Guests can use chaise loungers for free.

The pool is large, clean, and inviting. With a winding, rectangular shape, the pool has a stone waterfall and is landscaped with palm trees and other greenery. Plenty of chaise loungers surround the pool as well as straw hut umbrellas. The pool is lit with multi-colored lights at night and makes for some scenic night swimming.

There is a small fitness center on site, although it is a bit dingy. The fitness center has a treadmill, two stationary bikes, a stairclimber, and strength training machines. The hotel also has a small but well-stocked boutique with clothing, souvenirs, and other vacation necessities like sunscreen and toiletries. There is a 1,200-square-foot on-site meeting room that can accommodate up to 60 people.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Caribbean Fusion, is large and modern with brown tile, its own bar, and plenty of seating. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner and has buffet nights, a Sunday Brunch, and live entertainment. Food is a bit pricey, however. The Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas next door has a restaurant as well which is more affordable and still delicious.

The Emerald Beach Resort hosts weddings, with ceremonies and receptions on the beach, at the beach bar, or in their on-site restaurant. They offer various weddings packages that can include an on-site wedding consultant, the marriage license, a minister, photography, the wedding cake, and music.