Alas, what I want doesn't exist...

gymnastika · Post by **gymnastika** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:32 pm

So I've gone through all the emotions--excitement, frustration, anger, and now...depression.
The good news--We are going to St. John for a month around July/August. Hubby can work remotely, via internet, and we decided that we'll just "find a little place there for cheap" and he'll work from the island, while I entertain the kids. Okay, seems easy enough to find the right place?? Uuhhhh, weeks and weeks later, after being holed up at my computer, oblivious to life around me (not good), even risking my certain death as I research on the iphone while I'm driving (don't judge me), stopping at nothing until I have looked at every villa, cottage, condo, that has ever existed on St. John, past, future, present, what have you...I've seen it all at least 20 times each, and I have no idea what to book!!

It is time I chime into the wealth of knowledge here.
Here's the skinny:
*need broadband
*pool or pool access for the kids
*washer dryer
*2 BR
A/C is not a must, and would go without if we are high up.
Do not want to be:
*far out in fish bay, east end, Saltpond.
Would love:
*to be able to walk to Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, but not necessary

The Ugly:
Our budget--very little HA!
We would like to spend around $4000 for the month, but could go as high as $6000.
We've debated on splitting the trip up between different cottages, but it seems we could get a way better deal if we stay at one place for the month.

We loved the idea of being able to walk to Coral bay from Stone harbor, but no internet.
Coral Breeze condo seems just right, but dates won't work.
Peace O' Heaven gave us a good price, but we could only stay there for prob a week.
We would rather be in Cruz Bay, Great Cruz Bay, then Chocolate Hole, Rendezvous, etc. But I'll look at anything.
Coconut Hill Cottage looks great but booked.
Aerie has lovely aesthetics, but looks too small??

We will stay a few days in Puerto Rico to do the rainforest/zip lines and will stay here: (why doesn't something like this exist on St. John--cute, affordable, pool, just the right size...)

http://www.villasevilla.net/lacasita.htm

loria · Post by **loria** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 1:21 pm

Gymnstika,
have you tried BO Atabey? it may be a bit out of your budget, but I think it fits all of your requirements.

another thing to think about--my husband had very good access (sometimes a bit slow) using ATT and his bluetooth--so if you could work that set up then you might be fine.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 1:30 pm

In light of the extended stay at one spot (lucky dog!) have you contacted the rental agencies again?

If you stayed four weeks, the owner's cost should be lower as there are fewer greeter costs, welcome baskets, cleaning charges, etc.

Maybe the management companies has a few owners quietly sitting back that would be interested in an extended rental?

(Except, of course, the most perfect house EVER

)

khud · Post by **khud** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 1:48 pm

Have you looked into Coconut Coast Villas? We've stayed there twice. Close to Cruz Bay (we walked into town with no problem); inexpensive; pool; internet; 2BB suites; washer/dryer; A/C; really nice managers; and currently running a special. I bet you could work something out with them for the month's stay Good Luck!

gymnastika · Post by **gymnastika** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 2:03 pm

Loria, I would love to stay at Bo Atabey. They are above our price range, but I guess it never hurts to ask

.
We do have AT&T phone card for the laptop and it can work really well, but that can't be our only reliance for a 40 hour work week. My At&t seemed to work fine in Coral bay and Cruz Bay, if I can remember, but not out at Lamesure or anywhere on the north shore.

PA girl,
I have been starting to go back to the rental agencies and ask about a monthly discount. But alot of the agencies mostly only have villas that their weekly price is what my monthly price is.

I bet there are some villa owners that would like a monthly rental out there. Hopefully...
If only our "favorite" would negotiate!!!!

Khud,
I have looked at Coconut Coast Villas, but I'll look again...

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 2:38 pm

Have you checked the relocation boards to see if there is anything posted there. I vaguely remember seeing a place in Fish Bay for rent by the month on a relocation board.

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:05 pm

How old are your boys? I checked Private Homes for Pirvate Vacations web site and they have a few homes that seem to be pretty wide open this summer but have restrictions on ages for kids. You could e-mail them (they don't take phone calls) and tell them what you are looking for and what you are willing to spend. I can't believe an owner wouldn't jump at the chance for a 6,000. month as opposed to 0. We're using one of their homes in June and I've heard nothing but great things about them as a management company and their homes are reasonable and well kept, just not brand new.

The Westin might have some owners that are desperate for renters too. I would not let the posted rate stop you from asking, even if your budget seems rediculously low for the property. Aftr all, we are getting close to summer. All they can say is no. Someone posted that the Westin is offering a 139. a night rate if you know someone that works for Starwood....or something like that. Anyway, it's worth a call.

gymnastika · Post by **gymnastika** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:26 pm

My boys are 6 and 8.

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:54 pm

How about this one? It comes in $600 over your budget, but maybe you could negotiate a discount? We're talking to all the agencies right now for our upcoming trip and almost every place is offering discounts.

It has a pool, ac in the bedrooms, wifi, no age restrictions that I can see, it's in Chocolate Hole, and it's available for the entire month of August.

http://www.vrbo.com/222303

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:57 pm

DELETED

captainjay · Post by **captainjay** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:09 pm

I would definately look at VRBO.com at http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/ca ... vi-st-john this page you will be dealing directly with the owners. It won't hurt to ask the market is down and it's low season.
Jay

Betty · Post by **Betty** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:20 pm

I would go through the VRBO.com listings and negotiate with the owners directly versus going through a rental company where they take a cut. Look at villas or condos in the area that you are interested in, then check the available calendar.
I don't know anything about Battery Hill Condos, but it may be something that would work for you. Offer on the low side of your budget you never know what they will accept and you may get a nice surprise. Good luck and let us know how it works out

gymnastika · Post by **gymnastika** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:20 pm

Thanks, you guys for the suggestions.
I think I have every listing on VRBO memorized!! I go thru the listings a couple times a day to see if anything has changed. What a sad life I lead

Betty · Post by **Betty** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:22 pm

LOL Jay, we had the same idea at the same time, i just took longer because I had a phone call come in during the writing

Betty · Post by **Betty** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:26 pm

This listing is nice for a budget rental and the couple that own it are lovely, I would call the Pennsylvania number and offer them $4000. for the month.

usvi-on-line

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Alas, what I want doesn't exist...

Alas, what I want doesn't exist...