Dream Catcher, Time Out or Peace o Heaven ?

[Ksea]

I think we have it narrowed down to these three villas for next summer. Does anyone know if Dream Catcher has a washer/dryer? We will be two couples and a mild mannered teenage boy. We dont want to have to rent a car for the entire week if possible, so we would like to be able to walk to Cruz Bay. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks!

[ATG]

Stayed at Peace O'Heaven a couple years ago. The house is blazenly hot, there were great breazes outside, but the way the house was situated, they would never make it into the house. The bedrooms had these portable ac units that did not really cut it. Plus the way the doors were, a lot of mosquitos and other biting insects got in the house. There also was a lot of moldy musty smells amongst the books and other stuff that was stored. The refridgerator handles were moldy too! There was no safe and the house was not really secure, the bathrooms only had screened windows, and the front door a flimsy handle lock (they didn't give us the key to the bolt lock above the handle!) Had a nice pool and washer and dryer, though. And I suppose you could walk to town, although the walk back up the hill to the house would be difficult, especially at night. Personally, I would never rent here again due to the heat& other issues, but that's my opnion...

[nancyr84]

We stayed at Time Out Villa 3 years ago on our first trip to St John. Its a great place but probably too small for 2 couples and a teenager. Only 2 bedrooms. I would look for a place with more privacy for everyone. We loved One Particular Harbour but on other side of island but not sure if would be good for teenager. No TV. So many great places to stay, you will find a perfect one I am sure.
Nancy

[Ksea]

I think Dream Catcher is the winner unless I hear something bad about it! Now we have to choose an available week. Wish us luck.

[tropigal]

Hi, my family and I have stayed at Dreamcatcher a number of times. In general, I think it's a great villa and a great value. It does have a washer and a dryer downstairs. You certainly can't walk to Cruz Bay but you can walk to the Westin--though the walk back uphill is a little sleep. Three bedrooms will be fine for two couples and a teenager. It's biggest plus is a large beautiful pool and hot tub and a lovely view. Caveats: if you're renting in the hotter months, it can be hot and buggy because it faces due west into the afternoon sun and doesn't get good breezes inside (hence bugs). AC are window units in bedrooms, (not working so well when we were there a few years ago) and to use AC you had to close metal louvred windows so any view is blocked . I love to look at the water from my AC bedroom so for me that's a significant disadvantage. Also the house is somewhat older, a little "tired" in the furnishings and the kitchen is small and cramped. But still, for the money ,it's a great place.

[snorkelqueen]

Just got back from Dream Catcher. It is tired for sure but its all about the view. Have all ready booked again july 08.

[Wolfhound]

Stayed at Dream Catcher. Concur that the location and view are both perfect. But, it is a tired villa and needs a lot of updating. The pool leaked down into the area were the washer/dryer is located. CV was great about coming out and seeing to issues.

[Ksea]

Thanks everyone. Looks like the search is back on. I guess the rental companies post old pictures. I may re think just renting at Gallows and getting two units close together. Or, I may contact Seaveiw homes and see if they can offer me a deal since I will be a repeat customer.

[pipanale]

ATG hit the review of Peace O'Heaven right on the head. We stayed there twice, and I need to find us a new house. The awesometude of the pool, view and access to town can't compensate for the heat of the house and the need to have it freshened up and upgraded.

Not to toot my own horn, but my assessment of the house is in the link below. It's from my dreadful blog.
http://nogooddaddy.com/st-john-trip-arc ... t-20-2006/

I'm in the market for a house for next summer. 2BR, nice pool, easy access to town, as close to $2200 for the week as possible. We're cheap and we know it. Maybe I'll get Jeff and Russ to give me a break if I offer to clean BB or something.

[Ksea]

It's final. We are getting two units at Gallows Point! We decided being able to walk around town was very important as well as central A/C, and not having to rent a car for the entire week. Im just waiting to hear back from someone at Gallows about which two units would be best for us. We requested lower level with a view of the pool so I can keep an eye on the teenager! Feel free to chime in if you have a suggestion!

[snorkelqueen]

Try to get as far away from the construction noise as possible. They are still working on the monster condos down the street from Gallows Point

ps I called Caribbean Villas in Maine when we returned from Dream Catcher last Saturday and mentioned that the house is looking pretty shabby and they said they had received similar comments and would pass them on to the owner but since the house is booked all year, a year in advance, they weren't sure she would think it necessary. As I said in previous postings, it's all about the deck, the pool and the view - price works too.

[ScottB]

You'll love Gallows. Just a word of caution:

If you book directly with Gallows, they do (NOT) guarantee unit choices. We booked with Suite St John, and were guaranteed the Gallows Unit we requested. Prices are the same for either way you book. We had 9A lower, which was 15 steps from the pool patio, and great ocean views....perfect!!

Walk to town is a breeze, and the main reason we chose Gallows. It's great not having to worry about parking in town, and also not having to worry about driving home after a few cocktails which seems inevitable most nights Have a great vacation!!

[mbw1024]

When I booked with Gallows they told me I would be in 10A. It will be interesting to see if that is where I am when I get there!

[ScottB]

Chances are good that you will get your choice. All I'm saying is that it's not guaranteed. Gallows told me that if the unit owner decides to take the week you booked, they bounce you to another unit. Suite St John will not do this, and guarantee your choice.

[mbw1024]

gotcha, thanks!