What's a nice couple like this doing in a place like St. John?
Living the dream.
David Guidi and Denise Walker, a couple of transplanted Canadians, say that's what is behind their decision to develop an old downtown convenience store building into the Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel. Opening day is about three weeks away.
The hotel has six guest rooms and a penthouse suite. It is in the same building which used to house Oscar's store and is now also home to Da Livio Italian Ristorante.
With a background in real estate construction and hotel management,the Guidis oversaw renovation of the building this year.
"Blending chic Miami boutique hotel decor with the more casual style of an island villa," said David Guidi. "The result is a clean, simple, yet elegant venue."
Rates start at $175 a night during the winter season. A modest Continental breakfast is included.
"We've travelled to St John numerous times over the past 10 years, and got married here in 2009," David explained. "One thing that always stuck out in our minds is that accommodation on the island is expensive, and there is a severe shortage of good, affordable in-town options."