...a bed & breakfast in a historic town house.
Enjoy breakfast while surveying the daily arrival of the
cruise ships, or sip a cocktail from the honor bar as the sunset casts a
rosy glow on the old town of Charlotte Amalie.
The Crystal Palace is located in Dronningens Quarter in
the heart of St. Thomas' historic district. She is surrounded by a dozen
other colonial mansions - hearty survivors of the golden age of St.
Thomas, when the merchant barons of the islands built their elaborate
homes on Synagogue Hill.
Old Glory:
Look up from Crystal Gade and you'll see this fine old
double-breasted colonial mansion. The Crystal Palace, the Lockhart
family home, was originally built in the 1830's and has survived natural
disasters and fires.
In the beginning, the Crystal Palace was built to be
fitted with glass casement windows. Hence, the name of the house, and
the street she so elegantly dominates.
The great room of The Crystal Palace is a dramatic frame
for the spectacular view from the enclosed gallery. Eclectic mahogany
and fruit wood furniture spans the ages, from please-don't-sit antiques
to 1960s & 70s pieces and everything in between.
The house is a treasure trove of traditional West Indian
architectural details: tray ceilings, wrought iron gates, hardwood
floors, chandeliers and Morocco tiles. Selected paintings from the
Lockhart collection of period and contemporary island art complete the
decor.
Rooms:
A massive interior staircase leads down to four large
guest rooms. Furnishings are simple, clean and comfortable. Three rooms
with twin beds share a bath and the fourth has a double bed and an
enormous tiled bath ensuite.
There is a communal area in the hall between the quest
rooms with a small fridge and microwave for preparing light snacks.
Location:
The Crystal Palace is located just steps away from the
luxury duty free shops of Main Street. There are plenty of easy historic
walks in the immediate neighborhood. Several restaurants in the area
range from local, inexpensive fare to world class cuisine.
You can call or find a taxi transportation to the
beaches, island attractions and sport venues. Your host, Ronnie Lockhart
is usually available to suggest local events and to help you plan your
day with interesting excursions.
The Experience:
Admittedly, The Crystal Palace is not for everyone. But
if you are a true traveller, one who values experience over amenities,
one who yearns to become a part of the places you visit then you will be
delighted with your stay in this fine old mansion.
