Marketplace Suites Blog
What to Expect During St. John Carnival
For three weeks every summer, Cruz Bay turns into the center of island life. St. John Carnival, officially known as the St. John Celebration, runs from June 14 through July 4, bringing steel pan music, parades, and a community celebration rooted in Emancipation Day and Independence Day to every corner of town.
If you'...
Best Snorkeling in St. John
Two-thirds of St. John is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, and 40% of that park is underwater. That single fact explains everything. No other island in the US Virgin Islands offers this concentration of healthy reef, seagrass beds, and marine life within such easy reach of shore. The water is warm. Visibility is...
Best Beaches on St. John
Why do St. John’s beaches leave such a lasting impression?
There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, but St. John plays in a different league. Much of the island remains protected inside Virgin Islands National Park, which covers roughly two-thirds of St. John....
Best Island for First-Time Visitors: St. John, St. Thomas, or St. Croix?
If you’re planning your first trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’re already doing the right thing by asking one specific question: which island should we start with? Because while St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix share the same warm water and trade winds, they don’t deliver the same kind of vacation.
Here’s the h...
Best Times to Visit the USVI for Suite Stay
If you’re planning a U.S. Virgin Islands trip, the “best time to visit” isn’t one perfect month. It’s a set of trade-offs: weather vs. crowd levels, price vs. energy, and how much planning you want to do before you arrive. The good news is the USVI stays warm year-round, with relatively small temperature swings, average winter temps around 77°F and average summer temps ...
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Book Marketplace Suites
If you’re staring down another winter of gray skies, early sunsets, and “maybe next year” vacation plans, St. John has a simple counteroffer: trade those stuffy layers for salt air, turquoise water, and days that feel like they last forever. Winter is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ dry season and peak travel window for good reason, milder temps, lower humidity, and clear skie...
Suite vs. Villa vs. Resort: What’s Right for Your USVI Vacation?
Planning your getaway to the U.S. Virgin Islands? One of the most important decisions you’ll make isn’t which beach to visit, it’s where to stay. The right accommodation can elevate your entire experience, whether you’re looking for luxury, flexibility, or something in between.
In the USVI, visitors typically choose a...
Marketplace Suites for Solo Travelers: Comfort, Safety, and Convenience
When you're exploring the serene beauty of St. John solo, where you stay matters just as much as what you’ll see and do. Marketplace Suites offers a sweet spot: modern suites, built-in safety features, and a location that puts convenience at the center. Let’s dive into why Marketplace Suites is perfect for solo travelers ...
How to See St. John on a Budget Without Missing Out
St. John, USVI is often painted as a luxury escape, and while it's certainly possible to spend big here, you absolutely don't have to. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a group, there are smart ways to enjoy this island's raw beauty, food, and culture without draining your savings.
The key is knowin...
St. Thomas vs. St. John: Which U.S. Virgin Island Should You Choose?
Planning a Caribbean escape is supposed to feel like anticipation, not analysis paralysis. Yet every winter, thousands of travelers with healthy travel budgets sit in browser‑tab purgatory asking the same question: Should I book St. Thomas or St. John? Both islands belong to the U.S. Virgin Islands, both spend their days sun‑soaked beneath the same trade winds,...
