Budgets suck... Serendip anyone?

[alw1977]

We're doing two trips this year. We have plans to go to Costa Rica in May, but those might have to change to St. John (long story). Anyway, we're looking at budget accomodations for May. Has anyone stayed in a 1-bedroom at Serendip? I know the location is fine, but are the units clean and well-kept? Luxury in our price range isn't going to happen, so simple and well-kept will make me happy. Anyone?

I'm also looking at Star Villas. My only requirements are as follows: view of water, A/C in bedroom, grill, full kitchen, closer to Cruz Bay, clean, not too close to any major construction. Pool or hot tub a plus, but not required. Trying to stay under $1200 a week.

Thanks.

[Beesmom]

We stayed in Serendip of May of last year - Echo unit specifically. I thought we got plenty of bang considering the bucks.

The condo was well-maintained - the kitchen appliances looked new and everything worked. It was fairly well-equipped.

There were two AC's - one in the bedroom and one in the living room. We didn't need to turn them on until the afternoon.

The verandah was the best part - they are huge. I loved sitting out there sipping beer while watching the barges come into the enighed dock. (You are far up so that if you hear anything, it's only faint. I loved the view).

The pool isn't large, but it was sure nice in the late afternoon. We went with our 2-year old and that was the best way to wear him out before nightfall.

The unit is small - it was me, my husband, and our son and you might be able to tolerate 2 adults and 2 kids at the most in one unit.

I'm working on a trip for our 10-year anniversary next year. I want 2 weeks and budget-wise I might be able to swing 1 week in a fancy-pants villa and then another week in Serendip.

-Sandy

PS: NO BUGS! I didn't see any in the apartment except the occasional stray mosquito that wandered in when we had the door to the verandah open (it had rained heavily a for a few weeks before we arrived).

[Xislandgirl]

I have not stayed here but it looks like a good deal
http://www.bookitvi.com/farhor.htm

[theshopper3]

ALW1977,
We just stayed at Far Horizon in late Jan & loved. I did a villa report you check out.

We loved it so much we are considering renting it again in Nov is the budget allows. We are going in May as well so we will see.

The location is great, 5 min to Cruz bay, the villa is very clean & up todate. Ther is A/C in the bedroom. The splash pool is cute.

If you have any ? just ask.

The Shopper

[alw1977]

The Shopper -

That place looks great. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that we're going to be there at the same time, so unless you want us to crash your party... We'll be on island 5/9 - 5/16. If I'm reading your trip counter right, we overlap, correct?

Man, it's harder to find accomodations in May than I thought. Even Serendip is down to 2 units out of 10.

[papabou]

alw,

cloud nine villas' palmello is available beginning may 10 and basement apartment below (gardenia) has availabilty including 9th so you might be able to stay there the night of 5/9.

website http://www.cloud9villas.com/Palmello/index.htm

never stayed there but got quick tour after one night stay at gardenia due to early arrival before moving to moonsong. she's clean, well equipped, full ac (window units) and good easy access location, just off south shore road past choc hole east rd and before begin step turns toward boatmen point. don't recall seeing much construction area as we came past daily in late feb. water views not best but will have good may sunsets over stt. all c9 villas we've stayed in had top of line grills, beach chairs & coolers, abundance of beach towels and washer and dryer and fully equipped kitchens with plenty of consumable supplies.

c9 people are great to deal with and have rented one of their villas 7 of our 9 trips. if you inquire, tell folks there (marcy the manager etra-ordinaire, allen & linda owners all on island) the folks in covington said hello.

good luck on your hunt.

papabou

[alw1977]

Thanks for the recommendation Papabou. I just spoke with C9 - looks like it may work out. It's about $200 less for the eight nights than Serendip... not sure how important the lack of pool is though.

[papabou]

alw,

i sent you a pm re palmello but i'm not sure it went out since it's not in my out box. do a post or pm if you didn't get.

papbou

[linne]

Hi!
Just want to tell that we stayed a few nights in a 1-beedroom condo at Serendip last year in July. We liked it, think it was worth the money. And as Bessmom says: the veranda is huge. In the condo we had there were 2 big fans on the veranda, which we enjoyed very much.

Linne

[theshopper3]

ALW1977,

Our vacations do overlap, however we are not renting Far Horizon's in May. We are coming with 2 other couples so we are renting Sundance.

So you can have the villa all to yourselves

There is also an upstairs villa as well, they just finished redoing it before we came. Didn't get a chance to see it as the owner Anna was sick while we were down.

The pool looks a little bigger but not as private as the downstairs unit.

Anna is great, you should give her a call.

Best of Luck.

We are down May 3-13.

Can't wait

[alw1977]

Papadou, I didn't get your PM... sorry! I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Thanks Shopper, I have a call in and hope to hear back from Book it VI tomorrow.

Thanks all!