USVI-On-Line

Will be making our 3rd trip to St. John next spring and have a villa rented for one week. Will be arriving in STT 3-days prior to villa check-in and considering these 2 hotels based on price, location, beach access (Marfolie has a shuttle to Magen's Bay),etc. Any recommendations from those who have stayed at both? Trip Advisor reviews I've read are mixed for both properties.

Emerald allows you to be on the beach from wake-up to a moonlite stroll - a nice pool and an active beach bar - a short ride to Frenchtown for dinner or Charlotte Amalie for some shopping by day. Generally nice clean modest hotel rooms and Beachfront views and accessibility.
Mafolie Hotel rooms vary - some are excellent and some much less - the pool and view from there is top of the line - you can taxi to town easily - may experience town noise and traffic sounds depending on the room siting - going to Magens for the day is pleasant.
If I had to choose - and it was vacation! - Emerald Beach hands down - beachfront and except for the cruise ship visitors some days - pretty quiet - I enjoy the view and peaceful pool at Mafolie and except for the outdated variability of the rooms would choose it for a night [or 2].
Both venues have onsite unmemorable restaurant food - so really if the price is comparable and you have a rental car - which you will need for a villa rental I am sure - beach front access wins - where is the villa? If you have a town view from there you don't really need the Mafolie view experience.

Thanks for the information - our villa is actually on St. John, so I wasn't planning on getting a rental car until we get there.