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Frank Bay Villa or Amora??
Frank Bay Villa or Amora??
Has anyone ever stayed at Frank Bay Villa or Amora? If anyone has any info it would be greatly appreciated!
XOXO
Bug
XOXO
Bug
I stayed at Amora a long time ago, when it was brand-new, so don't know how helpful my feedback will be, but we really liked it at the time. My husband and I were traveling with our then-teenage daughter and her best friend. The layout was simple with two nice bedrooms with open shower on both sides of a great room. The small pool was pleasant and refreshing and not too cold, like many. The kitchen was brand-new at the time (naturally) and well-equipped. Nice views to STT and a beautiful garden at the front of the house.
The best thing was that it was so easy to walk to town. This was really important when the girls were younger. For a long time, we wanted to rent it again because we considered it our favorite in that location; alas, we are last-minute planners and never did manage to do so.
At the time, the two bedrooms underneath the main house were not finished; I don't know anything about that part of the house except that there was no connection b/w the main house and it----you had to go outside.
The best thing was that it was so easy to walk to town. This was really important when the girls were younger. For a long time, we wanted to rent it again because we considered it our favorite in that location; alas, we are last-minute planners and never did manage to do so.
At the time, the two bedrooms underneath the main house were not finished; I don't know anything about that part of the house except that there was no connection b/w the main house and it----you had to go outside.
I haven't been to Frank Bay Villa, but we did stay at Amora in 2005. I posted a villa review here (it's still there). When I read back over it, I realize I was still a little starry eyed from my week in paradise.
Here are the more realistic pro's and con's.
Pro's...
--Price...very affordable for being right in town and having your own private swimming pool
--Location...yes you can walk to town via 2 downhill ways. (also see under cons)
--2 nice size bedrooms upstairs with enough privacy for 4 people.
--nice smallish deck to view twinkly STT lights at night
Con's...
--Price...Amora is a budget property. There is nothing flashy or upscale about it.
--Location...the walk back from town is like stair master times 1000. You may tire of that and take taxis back after once or twice. And the house faces the opposite side of town, so not over Cruz Bay.
--Kitchen...no dishwasher (UGH)and very spartan. If you are inclined to cook you will have very little to work with.
--Privacy...we didn't feel really safe in leaving windows or screens open at night. The house is right on the main road, and the layout (which was probably fine when it was built) doesn't provide for a sense of security.
--The downstairs unit...it's kind of like a basement. No view or breeze, and a little musty feeling as the air is always on. Also only one outside entrance from the bottom of the pool deck. The 20 year olds with us who stayed downstairs were not impressed.
I would stay at Amora again, but I would definitely lean toward Gallows, Lavender Hill, Coconut Coast Villas if price permits. If not, go for it! The walk is way easier (on the first 2), and the teens might like to meet others. I hope this helps.
Here are the more realistic pro's and con's.
Pro's...
--Price...very affordable for being right in town and having your own private swimming pool
--Location...yes you can walk to town via 2 downhill ways. (also see under cons)
--2 nice size bedrooms upstairs with enough privacy for 4 people.
--nice smallish deck to view twinkly STT lights at night
Con's...
--Price...Amora is a budget property. There is nothing flashy or upscale about it.
--Location...the walk back from town is like stair master times 1000. You may tire of that and take taxis back after once or twice. And the house faces the opposite side of town, so not over Cruz Bay.
--Kitchen...no dishwasher (UGH)and very spartan. If you are inclined to cook you will have very little to work with.
--Privacy...we didn't feel really safe in leaving windows or screens open at night. The house is right on the main road, and the layout (which was probably fine when it was built) doesn't provide for a sense of security.
--The downstairs unit...it's kind of like a basement. No view or breeze, and a little musty feeling as the air is always on. Also only one outside entrance from the bottom of the pool deck. The 20 year olds with us who stayed downstairs were not impressed.
I would stay at Amora again, but I would definitely lean toward Gallows, Lavender Hill, Coconut Coast Villas if price permits. If not, go for it! The walk is way easier (on the first 2), and the teens might like to meet others. I hope this helps.
I've also been to Amora-2 or 3 times...can't remember...either way, I agree with Scrumblin about its pros and cons-proximity is great for walking into town. I actually liked the walk back after a few drinks and/or dinner as I felt I was walking off some of the calories I just took in. Plus a little exercise helps sober ya up! 
The view is nice at night, but the last time we were there (2005), one of the trees had grown considerably and made the view a little obstructed as you were at the pool looking toward STT. It is definitely a budget property but we enjoyed it the times we stayed there. One thing I'd note is that the br's below do not have access from the upstairs. It's a separte entrance below and a bit "basement"-like. The teens would probably love that though.
I'm curious about Frank Bay as I like that area for proximity reasons and am headed back in October. Has anyone stayed there? Steve S-would love to hear your take on it.
The view is nice at night, but the last time we were there (2005), one of the trees had grown considerably and made the view a little obstructed as you were at the pool looking toward STT. It is definitely a budget property but we enjoyed it the times we stayed there. One thing I'd note is that the br's below do not have access from the upstairs. It's a separte entrance below and a bit "basement"-like. The teens would probably love that though.I'm curious about Frank Bay as I like that area for proximity reasons and am headed back in October. Has anyone stayed there? Steve S-would love to hear your take on it.
You have the same concerns as my wife... She'd grab the place in a moment if it weren't for the open air living room. The Bedrooms have a/c and can be closed up. The kitchen also can be closed, but the outdoor dining is certainly more spacious. I also felt there was super privacy for being in town. Arno, the owner, said that skeeters were not a problem. We've stayed in the Frank Bay neighborhood many times and bugs (sorry 
) are rarely an issue.
Bottom line is that I would give it a shot, but then again, I am not the boss of me.
) are rarely an issue.Bottom line is that I would give it a shot, but then again, I am not the boss of me.
We stayed in Amora June 2007. I agree with the other comments pros and cons, and would also add we liked the walk at night and not having to worry about driving/parking. I did feel safe staying there at all times, but wouldn't leave anything open while sleeping. Mainly due to being so close to the road.
We did have a lot of mosquitos inside, a lot. I never did call to report it as an issue, as I do think some had to do with the layout and some the prior rain.
Tons of iquanas hang out in the trees and property, that was cool. view was nice. And we really like Frank Bay area for something different.
We would/should be heading down now, but decided to break the annual tradition and do a Cali road trip! good call with the recent gas prices
It will be great, but I am a little sad to not be heading back. Sorry, I guess that could be a thread hijack?
We did have a lot of mosquitos inside, a lot. I never did call to report it as an issue, as I do think some had to do with the layout and some the prior rain.
Tons of iquanas hang out in the trees and property, that was cool. view was nice. And we really like Frank Bay area for something different.
We would/should be heading down now, but decided to break the annual tradition and do a Cali road trip! good call with the recent gas prices
It will be great, but I am a little sad to not be heading back. Sorry, I guess that could be a thread hijack?