USVI-On-Line

I have to agree with your review of Candie's. Plus, you can make two meals out of one. I'll have to try Sosa's next week with the college girls.

I must have caught the Sutton's on a couple of really bad days. I fretted over that car all week. I thought he was going to pull out a microscope to exam it for any new dings or scratches. I even hosed it off in the driveway and completely wiped down the interior with wet towels to avoid any problems. As hard as he tried, he found none. It also took a half and hour to fill out the paper work. He also acted like I was breaking some kind of law because my driver's lisence expires in Nov. I told him this is July. That seemed to calm him down. Needless to say, I will be renting elsewhere.

My airport experience was quite different also. I printed out my boarding pass the day before, I spent a few minutes filling out the customs form, went thru customs in 5 minutes, and did not check bags so I was able to go right to the security check point. It was very quick and painless, but it was also a Tues. I'm sure Sat. is a different story. I picked up a couple of extra customs forms (great tip I got on this forum) to take home for the next trip. That's one more hassle to avoid at the airport.

It's kind of strange how we all have different experiences with the same places.

Kirk, it was very nice meeting you. I hope you get back soon and I agree with you about Ruth and Ron.

Cypressgirl,

Initially, I agreed with your view of Mr. Sutton. But, as the years went by I started to joke with him about how nervous he made me. Whenever we would go into town and have to park in his lot, I feared I would screw it up and that he would get angry. I kind of made it a goal to win him over.

Finally, about two years ago, after parking the car just the way I thought he would like it, he finally flashed me a thumbs up and said, "there you go now." We have joked about it since.

Funny story from this trip...we parked in his lot one night and returned only to find a post-it note on the dashboard. Mr. Sutton wrote to tell us not to worry about the scrape on the bumper, as he did that moving the car while we were at dinner. Thereafter, I would leave the car in his lot and tease, "Mr. Sutton, I expect to pick the car up in the same condition in which I dropped it off." He would chuckle at that.

Then, when we dropped the car off on our last day, he looked at the bumper and said, very seriously, "who did that?!" He had me going for a moment...then he started laughing.

I think he's a great guy and quite the character. I like people like him...he is unique and genuine.

Many people love him and his family and the car was great. I was just really intimidated by them. I'm sure renting to a group of 4 women didn't make him feel to at ease about his car, but I drove so carefully that one of my friends told me I was the worst driver she had ever seen. If I got within 2 feet of a bumper, I'd put her in reverse and back up until I knew I wasn't going to scrape anything. His parking lot was a little scary too. We used Slimmans's every day. But like I said, the car was in mint condition. Maybe I need to ask for a clunker.

Really, no need to be intimidated. Mr. Sutton is one whose bark is worse than his bite. As for Carmen, I can't imagine being intimidated by her...she has a great smile.

We all have "that" moment when we really feel on island again. For some, it occurs as the ferry approaches the dock, for others it is when the first painkiller arrives. For me, it is when I say, "good afternoon, Mr. Sutton, so good to see you again" and he says, "good afternoon sir, good to see you too."

For me, it really wouldn't be a trip to STJ without him. I dunno, call me goofy.

Sorry, I have to pipe in here. If for some odd reason I'd be traveling to STJ alone, I'd only consider Conrad's. Why? They take care and they are serious about what they do.

This "seriousness" may put some people off but not me. I like that they watch over what happens in their lot, that they care how things are handled there and that, heck, they ARE THERE.

Ya, the lot can be scary (steep) but, if you are in question, simply pull in, ask Mr. Sutton what he wants you to do with the car and let him direct you. With a smile, a little humor, and a few good attempts, you will learn. No big deal. Have some fun with it. It will become a challenge you will be proud of. As Pete is. Pete is now the master of that domain.

Again, I'm sorry to go on and on about the Sutton's but, they have been nothing but gracious and welcoming to us.

Marcia (Mrs. Pete)

We also had a broken hottub (different rental) last trip. Half of us didn't care but the other half was very disappointed. It was bummer for them as they planned to staying in and relaxing in the hot tub each night.

The rental agent was sort of like "heee hee, hope no one wanted to use it", which actually irritated me more than the daily visits by the repair guy. It was finally repaired the last night. Because the villa was otherwise so great, I didn't let it get to me too much.

We are putting Sosa's on the list. Hubs and I love that type of place.

Thanks for the report, Pete. Sounds like a good trip.

We also had a broken hot tub this last trip.I was upset because I was the trip planner, and one person on our trip has a back problem and regularly takes hot tubs at home because she says it helps. So I overlooked several other villas we liked to get one with a hot tub. I would have felt better if Caribbean Villas had acted even slightly apologetic---they didn't send anyone out---just said very matter of factly that a part was on order and it wouldn't be fixed for some time.

This is part of the downside of villa travel. Its not as reliable as a hotel. There are certainly many upsides too (much more space, privacy, a kitchen, etc.), but the service is not the same. I've always thought Vistaero looks nice--would be interested in any pictures.

Our favorite Beach Bar waitress was Boo. She made special virgin drinks for my son and some darn good Pain Killers for me and Bill! We went back another day with the rest of the group and there was a grumpy girl there who insisted Marty ordered a Mahi sandwich when he really ordered the grilled burrito. She could not come up with anything non carb for my son to drink so she gave him watered down lime syrup. Yuk. We will go back there for sure, but I hope we get Boo!

I agree with the OP about Sosas. Very nice people, great food, and reasonable prices to boot. I think too many people get freaked out by the vibe, but it really is a great place. Sogo's is great as well - I wish they would both get more business. I would rather see 100 Sosa's and Sogo's than another Subway (or worse...)

Thanks for the report. I've got Sogos, Sosas, and Candies on the list for October (hopefully they'll be open!). I'm looking forward to trying some new places.