Calicaribe Villa and Car Rental question

[alw1977]

Our group of six have finally booked a villa. We've rented Calicaribe from Destination St. John. Thanks to those who helped for your villa input on multiple threads and PM's. After Calypso Del Sol got booked for part of our stay (bummer) we decided to skip the whole Pond Bay mess and chose this villa in Contant instead.

I know Badger5 stayed there this year, but if anyone else has toured or visited this villa, I'd love to hear input. DSJ tells me that the pictures were all taken before A/C was installed and before the owner made some upgrades. I can't wait until our trip, and as always, I promise a report and review.

Oh - and good omen? After I sent my check yesterday, I walked out of the post office and the first car I passed had a "St. John, USVI" sticker on the back window.

Okay, so on to my car rental question. We have three couples and are thinking of getting two cars. To be budget minded, we'll probably do two small jeeps that seat four instead of one large SUV (which will cost us as much as the two small ones anyway). Has anyone ever rented a small Vitara? Are those that much smaller than the Wranglers?

[Nancy_B]

It looks beautiful! Congratulations on booking - it's always such a relief. DSJ have always been great for me to work with - Tommy is a great property manager.

I'm sure you have but have you seen this website for the villa: www.calicaribe.net/

[alw1977]

Thanks Nancy. I have seen that website, and in fact it was instrumental in getting the rest of my party on board. One of my friends says she was sucked in by the zen, spa-like decor. That, and the fact that it's a short cab ride to the watering holes of Cruz Bay!

[Gromit]

On the car rental question: keep in mind that you need to fit the people and your luggage in the vehicles-- uncles you are all doing carryon only I think that's going to be tight to say the least.

Sometimes the rental co's will help you out with getting your luggage in their vehicle but you can't always count on that. And that only works on the way in-- you have to consider getting back to Cruz bay with people and luggage. And as hectic as the departure day can be you don't want to be making two trips.

I know folks want to save $$$ but IMHO it's best for each couple to have their own vehicle. Too much togetherness can be toxic to a vacation and there's always that one person dragging their ass and holding everyone else up.

That extra $$$ may seem like a lot now, but that $400 can end up saving a vacation and a friendship. Worth it in MHO.

Just my 2 cents.

[alw1977]

Thanks Gromit. We've traveled with this group before with 2 cars so we know what we're getting into. Our villa is only 5 minutes from the ferry dock and my husband and I will check in to the villa before everyone else arrives. I'm not really worried about the lugguage logistics. Also, one reason we chose this villa is because it's a few minutes walk from catching a taxi along the main road by the bball courts. We're comfortable with getting only two cars - and if that changes, it's October and we'll be able to find another rental car if we need one.

[Gromit]

No worries then. I've just seen it become a major problem for folks.

As for the Vitara v Jeep Comparison. The Vitaras are less bulky but it depends on the model year of each vehicle to determine trunk space. Oddly enough sometimes the newer models have less room IMHO.

[onthelake]

The villa looks great!

We tryed a jeep, but went back to the Vitara. They handle great on the roads and seem more roomy.

Have a great trip.

[msgcolleen]

Great villa choice!

We always choose the Vitara over the jeep for some reason. They handle so well up and down and all around the island.

Looks like we will be there the same week too! Forum gathering @ Beach bar Oct. 5??

[alw1977]

Forum gathering on the 5th? I don't see why not - I've never been to one!

In talking about the Vitara, I'm referring to the two-door small one, not the larger Grand Vitara. Is that the one everyone likes? It seems like very few rental agencies have them - Courtesy, and maybe that's it?

[Nancy_B]

I vote for the Vitara also - seems a bit roomier and two will work well for the 3 couples. It's also great that you if you want to have a 'fun' night in Cruz Bay, you can also cab it.

[onthelake]

We do the 2 door Vitara rented for Courtesy. This was our 2nd time with them and they were great. We had to pick it up late (around 6:30) and they had no problem with that. We also used their lot to park in several times.

Wish I could be their on the 5th

[msgcolleen]

I guess it was the 4 door Grand Vitara since we had our kids in the back and ALL the stuff in the trunk. You will definitely need the 4 door or it will be cramped if you are packing coolers, chairs, beach bags, groceries, luggage ect., ect...

Never been to the forum gathering either but looks like fun! The only worry I have is driving all the way back to Coral Bay after that shin-dig. One Painkiller max. . . o.k., maybe 2.