Will I be disappointed?

[arenee]

We have been visiting St. John for the past several years renting villa's. We have become rather spoiled with the beautiful villa's we have rented. We were planning on taking a year away from St. John due salary reductions for a couple of us in our group. This morning I found a great airfare from Minneapolis which had me on a mission to find an inexpensive villa. We are a group of 9. Three sisters and their families. In April we stayed in a villa near Cruz Views. I had every intention of going to ask if I could tour one of the units but never made it. Now I am thinking we could easily swing a return visit in 2010 by staying at Cruz Views. Unit 7 & 10 look very nice. We are thinking we will need 3 or 4 units. How are the units other than 7 & 10? Will I be disappointed staying there? I understand the ammenities are limited which is fine, I am more concerned about cleanliness and I'm not crazy about super dated furnishings. I see that units 1 - 4 seem to be right near the pool. I think we would be looking at units 1 and either 2,3 or 4 and units 7 & 10. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Rick G, I know you have stayed there recently. Which unit did you stay in?

[cypressgirl]

I've stayed in Cruz Views twice, and I had as much fun, if not more, than I did at some of the expensive villas we rented. I stayed in #10, which is very nice, and either 3 or 4. I want to say 3 but not sure. The bath is awesome and the kitchen has been redone. You can ask Carib. Villas, and they'll tell you which ones are updated. If it was between CV and not going?......no way would I let that hinder me. The grounds are very pretty and it has a great, clean pool with wonderful views. There is no laundry, so that was the only drawback for me, but we made do by hand washing our suits in the shower. Three in a unit is very easy. Very nice decks and great views, especially the upper units, above the pool. I've stayed there over spring break, and it never feels like there is anyone there. Very quiet and private.

[arenee]

Thanks cypressgirl. That is exactly the answer I was hoping for. I realize you get what you pay for, so my expectations aren't huge. But if my memory serves me, everything I have read about Cruz Views has been positive. I love the location! Thanks again for responding. I am so impatient I didn't want to wait until tomorrow when CV opens. I have one more question, is there an onsite manager or do you deal w/ CV in regards to any on island problems. We did encounter a problem 2 years ago w/ a villa we rented from CV. In the end things were rectified but while we were on island I was less than happy with the service from CV...plus I really hate that 5% service charge. But like you said...if it is the difference between going or not going...I can handle just about anything. Our alternative was going to be a family condo in West Palm Beach. Florida is nice for a weekend but not my idea of a week long vacation. I hope this all works out.

[cypressgirl]

They don't have any kind of on site management. I've seen a really nice guy who is the gardener, and a couple of resident cats, but not an "office". When we were there the first time, we didn't have 3 workable beach chairs, and on our way to the beach we stopped by their office, which is in the Lumberyard area, (I think), and they were very helpful. It's not Peter Bay, but it's far from camping. I am kind of villa picky, but when I need a budget VA-CA, Cruz Views fits the bill just fine. PM me if you have any more specific questions.

[RickG]

We stay at Cruz Views for a budget friendly good value stay. We get our money's worth. If you are in the lower units with a group there is going to be more stair climbing. I would prefer an upper unit looking over the pool...... but, there was a burglary there reported recently in an upper unit (closer to the road). That would not stop us from returning.

Cheers, RickG

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