Villa opinions please!

[seaera]

Hi everyone!
I'm planning to go to St. John in the last half of next April (when off-season starts) and would like your opinions on:
Inn Paradise and
Mar de Amores

We were thinking of Villa Catalina as well but after the reviews stating that it's gotten quite run down, I've scratched that one off.

It will be myself, my husband, and our 4 year old daughter. Any other recommendations would be great as well. Our criteria is that it has a nice view, a pool, and a sunny deck. We prefer the Cruz Bay side and AC is not mandatory as long as there are breezes and ceiling fans. Budget is about $2000 approx. a week as we are going for two weeks. Thanks in advance!

[bnsilly]

I don't know a thing about either one..but looked at the websites...Can't get a good feel for views at the Inn....personally, I would lean towards Mar de Amores. Have you checked reviews on these 2 and are the reviews coming back ok on both? You will have a great time either way...Enjoy!

[djmom]

you might want to ask about things like steep dropoffs on the property and the pool situtation since you have a four year old. most villas that rent to children are family friendly, but not all.

[bnsilly]

I thought about the safety factor too. I remember reading that there are sliding doors or something out to the pool deck...I would make sure your pride and joy can't get out to the pool without you knowing it....especially at night..

[seaera]

Thanks for the tips on checking into the safety factor...I'll definitely look into that.
She's not really a wanderer and I wake up to a pin dropping, but you can never be too careful.

[sailorgirl]

Mar De Amores was the owner's primary residence with young children, so they may have considred these safety issues. On thing which may not be obvious from the photos, the master bath has no standing shower, but a jacuzzi tub with a hand shower, if it matters to you.

[seaera]

Thanks Sailorgirl. I did note that and it's not that big of a deal since it'll be just the 3 of us. We can use the shower in the other bathroom and I'm sure my daughter would like the nice bathtub.

Any idea if the shower in the other bathroom is decent? Also, any idea if there is a nice view from the living room area?

[sailorgirl]

I have not stayed at Mar De Amores, rather we stayed at Villa Catalina, because we correctly thought it was better set up for two couples. I posted a review back in 2007.

The pics from the owners website show that the LR is off the deck which has commanding views.

I can't be of any help with respect to the condition of the second bath, but we dealt directly with the owners and found them to be very responsive, so if you are interetsed I would give them a call directly.

[seaera]

Will do - I'll contact the owners.
Thanks again...this forum is the best!