villa without dryer?

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:17 am

I think we're going without a washer and dryer for the first time on our next trip. But, I think it's still doable. As Rick mentioned, you can wash things in the sink. It is harder to dry things because of the humidity, but it can be done. Our last place had a clothesline and a washer and dryer, and we used the clothesline when we didn't have enough to "waste electricity" by running the dryer.

It can be done, but it's definitely not as convenient. However, I'm assuming you got a good deal on the villa because it has less amenities. If not, then I say go ahead and "upgrade."

stjohnjulie · Post by **stjohnjulie** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:56 am

What time of year are you coming? If you are looking October/November, it can be a little harder, but it definitely can be done. I don't have a dryer, only a washer, and line dry everything. I am in a "gut" that is shady most of the time without a lot of breeze and it and I put my clothes on the line in the morning and by 2pm everything is dry, including the towels.
WAPA is so very expensive (see Pia's post about WAPA) and I can understand why some people would rather not have a dryer. The dryer I had in another apartment almost tripled the WAPA bill. Yikes!
It is not as convenient to line dry, but it can be done. If there is one thing that I've learned living here it is how to be conservative with EVERYTHING...which, in my opinion, is a good thing.

emptynester · Post by **emptynester** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:39 am

During a bus tour of Costa Rica rain forests we discovered the joys of quick dry camping type clothing. For St John I only wear those types of shorts and t-shirts for the beach. We even bring microfiber towels to dry off at the beach. It really makes packing easy since they take up so little room.
Sharon

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:31 am

emptynester mentions a key factor, our shorts and button up shirts are all man-made quick-dry materials. A lot of our winter clothes are quick-dry as well.

Cheers, RickG

lazylane · Post by **lazylane** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:34 am

I don't consider a dryer a "high end" amenity. Electric bills are a factor that should be covered in the HIGH prices we pay to rent these villas!!! Let's see low estimate $3,000 per week x 4......???????

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:47 pm

I agree that a dryer is a pretty basic item to have in a house you're renting. BUT I've heard other folks mention that there's a laundry service in Cruz Bay-- you just drop your laundry off and pick it back up... I haven't done this but I know someone mentioned it on the forum. AT least that's a PLan B.

You're not being a princess just being practical and I don't think it's too much to ask.

Certainly a large portion of the world dries their clothes without a dryer but I don't begrudge someone wanting one to make doing laundry on vacay a bit easier-- especially with the extra added costs of luggage these days.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:08 pm

Thank you dryer lovers...he must be reading your posts, there has been no more talk of the "dryerless villa".

It was a good price but not exceptional, and there are definitely some kinds of vacation where that would be ok, like camping or roughing it across Europe.

But after about 5-6 days in St John in the summer, everything starts feeling wet, I start getting a little icky feeling because we are on the beach ALL day, especially on those days where it rains for a bit and you sit under a tree waiting for it to go away...and it might or it might not....(always happens to us at Maho for some reason!) and I want a nice cozy towel to come home to. We dont waste towels and throw them all over the place, but on vacation I do think it is not too much to expect a dry one. And that is where I will put my foot down, thank you!!

chicagoans · Post by **chicagoans** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:24 pm

I like to go carry-on only, so I appreciate a washer and dryer. If you end up with a place that doesn't have a dryer, I got these compression bags at REI http://www.rei.com/product/648622. They are great for packing wet stuff, and even if your stuff is dry they compress it to help you fit more into a small bag.

Margy Z · Post by **Margy Z** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:50 pm

Gotta have the washer/dryer. Although, a friend from Florida who has a pool just told me that she bought a bunch of ShamWows and has been using the larger ones for dry-off towels for her kids and LOVES them. I think they would also be great to roll wet swimsuits in after hand-washing to get out most of the moisture and then hang to dry. I always have to bring several suits and rotate them because they don't dry out fast enough. This ShamWow thing could be this year's NeatSheet - lol.

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:54 pm

I plan to try out the laundry service in Cruz Bay on this next trip, so I will report back!

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 4:04 pm

Gotta love the Sham wow guy too.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:08 pm

I admit to being a bit of a princess. I can't stand being wet or wearing sweaty clothes a second time.

I know there is lots of people that put on their suit in the morning and wear it until evening but I just can't. I take a dry set of clothese to change into for the drive from the beach to villa. (Yes, I change at the car after I rinse off with a jug of fresh water.)

I also can't stand sitting on a wet beach chair or towe. I have one of those super absorbent towel (back from my swimming days) and I LOVE it. I use it to dry off after swimming and save my towel for dry comfort.

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:25 am

I recognize how some people feel about their amenities. No judgment intended, even passively, but it is not our way.

We started traveling when we did not have many resources and the cheapest possible hostel was where stayed. That perspective stays, and we go for more cheaper trips rather than a Kismet-fest every third year. St. John, especially, has become so much more about the people and the beauty of the island for us.

That being said, Sweet Christine would grow horns if I suggest going to Maho just one more time. My daughters want a swimming pool, Internet and cable TV. I just remind them that they have that at home and are welcome to make a choice. With inexpensive last minute specials for Cruze Views we can get all that.

Cheers, RickG

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