Villa specials?

[chrisn]

We book our island trips about a year out. I booked a weeklong catamaran charter for this June last Summer and since we had an extra bed, invited friends along to join us as our guests.

Had we not done that, we would either be skipping this year or doing some budget travel. While we are soooo excited, I'm still feeling like it's not the wisest thing we could be doing. And to top that all off, I had to factor in an extra week after our friends twisted our arms into staying with them an extra week as their guests. Of course it's a sweet deal and all, but we still have to eat, drink and make merry for that extra week so...$$$$...

I think next trip back to the islands will be to Guavaberry on VG with an Anegada detour to check out our plaque!

[patr]

[quote="toes in the sand"]I too believe it doesn't hurt to ask politely for any discounts or promotions. (Hey, if it will get me back to the island any quicker I am all for it!) I imagine that the villa owners and management companies don't mind the free press they are getting on this forum but I doubt if they appreciate any public discussion of reduced rates or discounts that they have privately negotiated with clients. I just feel that if I get to enjoy a privately discounted rate that I should keep it private.

To repond to Toes - I asked the villa owner (the villa we booked) if he would mind if I made a post regarding his offer - and his reply was a resounding - "PLEASE DO" After his VERY enthusiasitc response, I felt kind of bad not mentioning other owners who offered a nice discount that I did not end up booking. So a brief mention was made of those too. I did hear back from one owner - who thanked me for the post. I believe that if the owners are willing to discount for me - they will probably discount for other guests as well.

I have gleaned great info here on the board and would feel selfish for not sharing such great news! I strongly believe that MOST villa owners love to see their house mentioned in a positive way on this forum, why would they not?

Lulu - I have always been surprised that there is not a "shoulder season" that would include the late fall and late spring.

I understand what you say about the weather not changing - but it is not as much fun in the hot, humid summer months as escaping ice, snow and cold weather in January or February.

[Lulu76]

Some villas do have a shoulder season with higher rates in the spring and late fall. I ran into this A LOT when we booked in November vs. October last year. Before last year, it really seemed like Dec. 15th, maybe the 1st for a few villas, was the cut-off for winter. But last year, there seemed to be more villas (and some car rental companies) charging more for you to do business with them in November.

And trust me, St. John was pretty dead in the middle of November last year, so it's not supply and demand.

[toes in the sand]

To repond to Toes - I asked the villa owner (the villa we booked) if he would mind if I made a post regarding his offer - and his reply was a resounding - "PLEASE DO" After his VERY enthusiasitc response, I felt kind of bad not mentioning other owners who offered a nice discount that I did not end up booking. So a brief mention was made of those too. I did hear back from one owner - who thanked me for the post. I believe that if the owners are willing to discount for me - they will probably discount for other guests as well.

I have gleaned great info here on the board and would feel selfish for not sharing such great news! I strongly believe that MOST villa owners love to see their house mentioned in a positive way on this forum, why would they not?

patr, thats great that you checked with the owner first. Like I said, "I imagine that the villa owners and management companies don't mind the free press they are getting on this forum" I just don't imagine that an owner who offered a discount for special circumstances would want a flood of inquiries for the same discount under other circumstances. Perhaps I am way off base here. Just my thoughts.