Experiences with Great Caribbean Getaways?

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:59 am

We have never rented from Great Caribbean Getaways and I'm not very familiar with the company.

Anybody have any feedback on them?

Thanks!

stjdeb · Post by **stjdeb** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:23 pm

I have used them in Feb, 08 and Feb 09, without any major issues. They have always been responsive and answered my email in a timely manner (even when I ask stupid questions about things already posted on their site - which makes them extra nice). The first time we used them we stayed at Sunrise on Calabash Boom and the 2nd time was at Fairwinds Following Seas also on Calabash Boom. The only thing I did not like was the greeter they sent to meet us this past Feb gave us a checklist to read on our way up to the villa, which demanded a tip after our orientation. The first year we were greeted by Pam (who lives on island) and had no issues whatsoever, very pleasant, kind woman. I've never had to call them about a problem with the property, so I can't really say anything about their response in that aspect. Both properties were as presented on the website - nothing fancy, but had everything we needed at a fair price. Feel free to ask anything else. I would not hesitate to use them again, however I think I would request that I not be greeted by the same woman or by anyone at all if it were a property I've been to before.

toni · Post by **toni** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:30 pm

We're using them for a place in November. They were exceptionally quick to respond to questions. Pam (on island) responded as well as Dave (in North Carolina I think?). I believe that they charge a 5% service fee but we factored that into the price of the place we're renting and we're pleased so far. I had to change dates and that wasn't an issue. I really liked the rapid email responses. Good luck!
Toni

Iluvstjohn · Post by **Iluvstjohn** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:24 pm

we booked through them this summer for bay house....a greeter met us at the ferry dock...showed us the way to the house and gave us a quick tour of the villa. The person who did this was through a different villa company...Love City Villas....we did call them 2x during our vacation and they were helpful in answering our questions and coming over to check the tv....(kids were dying for spongebob!)....

Patty · Post by **Patty** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:42 am

We have rented through them many times and found them to be very responsive to any problems. In July we stayed in Fair Winds and Following Seas and the beach chairs at the villa were all broken. We called and they brought us two very nice chairs the morning we called. Like Deb, we had the same villa greeter and were not happy about the tip thing! We've never had to tip anyone before. Ruth told me that villa greeters are paid by the villa company so I don't understand why she asked for a tip? Since we have rented from them several times, they discounted our rental 5%.

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:54 am

The rude tip thing is more than enough for me to know that I will never rent from them! That is unheard of...wow.

Tack on the 5% fee that very few other companies charge and I wonder how they're still in business?

Thanks for the info. The forum proves to be an invaluable resource once again!

bevm · Post by **bevm** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:59 pm

I won't tip.....Sorry. I assume that's figured in to the rental fee.

Great Caribbean Getaways · Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:18 am

Concerning tipping your greeter. It has never been a policy of Great Caribbean Getaways to demand a tip for helping a guest check in. However, if a greeter is taking extra time out of their work day for making extra stops at the grocery or other, it is appreciated if a tip is given.

mdcoles1 · Post by **mdcoles1** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:53 am

Thanks for the feedback regarding the greeter....I will be using your service in just a few weeks!

IMHO, I wouldn't discount this one just because of the 5%...yes, use that as part of your decision making process, but look at the total cost... I have found GREAT last minute deals on their specials page ...and still got a deal when adding the 5%.

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:22 pm

I am glad someone from the company came on here to clear that up. I have my own personal tip policy: If someone ASKS me directly to tip them, I don't do it. A tip is something I give you because I feel you've gone out of your way for me. If you have to ask, you probably didn't deserve it. God knows no one gives me tips just for doing my job that I'm being paid to do.

That being said, I have yet to tip a villa greeter. The first trip, we were stranded at the ferry dock for two hours in the rain. We didn't know where we were going, but luckily the owner of the villa company finally showed up and got us situated. The second trip, the other girls checked in without me.

But if a greeter did extra stuff for me (got my rental car, took me to Starfish, etc.) I would tip them for the added service.

As long as they didn't tell me I had to.

usvi-on-line