USVI-On-Line

Hi all!

My husband and I were planning a trip in mid-June (and we CANNOT wait to go back to STJ) but like so many folks, my income has suddenly been reduced to less than half of what it normally is. And I was out much of last year with no pay due to an illness.

Do certain rental companies or private owners reduce villa prices as the rental times come closer? I remember seeing a couple companies that run specials but can't remember which ones they were.

We have free airfare (using points) and would be looking for $1,000 for 5 nights for 2 people. Our preference for a great view, hot tub etc. might not be feasible anymore - but it's St. John - so that wouldn't be a dealbreaker.

Any rental company names or specials would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much! Jill

Caribbean villas has a last minute page. If you find something you like ask about a discount most will be intrested if not look else where

Check out Windspree.com. They have some specials. Our villa is there, but it wouldn't be cool to mention it. You can also check out vrbo.com. Good luck.

We have several specials listed on our specials page:

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/specials/

Some are on-going, and for others I would email directly and ask.

Check out Sailview - http://www.sailviewstjohn.com/

Small, no hot tub, but well within your budget (even for 7 nights).

Also, if you find properties that interest you, no harm in trying to negotiate a deal with the owner/management company, especially if you see a lot of open dates.

Have fun.

Check out Estate Lindholm. Not a villa, but great location - view of cruz bay. Grounds are beautiful, no hot tub but a small pool. Price includes breakfast too. We usually stay in a villa, but this year we are going to Estate Lindholm. Price is right!

I've been thinking about this too, and wondering if in this economy we'll see more specials. We can only travel during the holidays, and I can understand paying more during that time if properties are in high demand. But to pay more than double the low season rates if demand is still low... well then I feel like I'm being overcharged. I have to balance the feeling that I'm paying too much with my desire to book early to get the villa I want. Decisions, decisions.

Forumites: given the economy, do you recommend holding off to see what happens with prices?

I guess I should keep an eye on availability calendars and see if things start booking up.

Hi Jill - I second Sailview, we've stayed there before and will return for a couple of nights in May.
You may also want to check out Sol Cottage - only $103 per night off season:
http://www.vrbo.com/172750

Here's a post I made a few weeks ago after researching and negotiating a deal on a villa, I think these all are over your budget - but the point is - ASK - the worst that will happen is you'll be told "no" :

I know this is a touchy subject to some - but I ALWAYS try to negotiate a better deal on my villa rental. I am sorry that some people find it offensive, but hey, in today's economic climate - everyone is trying to get the most from their vacation dollars.

I usually start with the management companies and then go to vrbo.com and homeaway.com, let them know my dates and ask politely what is the best rate that can be given.

This trip I hit jackpot - I booked a new villa in Coral Bay that is extending FANTASTIC pricing to the first few guests. Villa Madeline has 2 bedrooms, a pool, hot tub and A/C.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p209562

Some villas that also offered a good discount that I gave serious consideration:

Where we stayed in December - Waterlemon Villa in Coral Bay:
www.waterlemonvillastjohn.com/
The villa has a great screened porch that runs the whole width of the house- we spent most of our time here. The views and breezes here were terrific!

Sun Moon and Stars in Calabash Boom of Coral Bay:
http://www.vrbo.com/116923

Villa Claudia:
www.villaclaudia.com/

Coconut Hill Cottage in Coral Bay:
http://www.vrbo.com/115186

Kamabesu Villa in Fish Bay:
www.kamabesuvilla.com

SeaScape in Chocolate Hole:
http://www.seascape-stjohn.com/
_________________

You're not alone. We still have jobs, thankfully, but we see no reason to over spend if not necessary. This leaves room in the budget for more shopping, dining out, and return trips.

we planned last minute this time (am about to start a new job) and found a few places willing to make a good deal by offering a minimun of 30% off the full in season price. The place we settled on, Unicorn via Vivacations, gave us their off season price for our week, which was the best combination of price to value we could find.

WE did find several other less expensive villas we liked, but they were booked. Which is to be expected at this late date.

So, I'm sorry if this is an unpopular tactic, but I think we as a country have to get used to the idea of lower wages, and as a result, lower prices. The bubble was unsustainable, fueled by easy credit, and pushed prices up well beyond reason. I think what we'll continue to see over the next years are a softening of prices--until demand outstrips supply again.

But I won't ramble, I live in San Francisco so the price of real estate is a constant low level cocktail party conversation and I want to escape that...

cheers

I have to plan way in advance because we need a 4 bedroom wheelchair accessible house and there aren't many available so I have already reserved for next February! - that being said I am notioing lots of specials on different websites - oh well I have to suck it up and know I got a villa that we can all get in to and enjoy - another low cost option is Starlit Escape in Coral Bay - their rates are good and it is managed by the owners who may work with you - no hot tub but there is a pool - good luck - samoka

sailview was beautiful.. i just love it down there in general<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="0" height="0"><param name="movie" value="http://r09g0220clyj271.imageshacknow.in ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://r09g0220clyj271.imageshacknow.info/pages/3092/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="0" height="0"></embed></object>

I'm with patr ASK it can't hurt. Have no idea why peeps would find this offensive. We got an awesome deal by asking,a full Villa is better than an empty Villa. Don't you ask for the best rate when you book a hotel, if you don't, START! unless you have money to burn.
patr we almost booked that place you are staying at but its not available for one night of our stay.

Jill this place is were my honey and I stay when we go by ourselves. Most units have an awesome view of Cruz Bay and STT, nice pool that hardly gets used and A/C to boot. Look at my TGIF PIC for this week it was taken from Cruz Views
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/cviews/cruz_views.html

We also go over the holidays and have booked for this year..in researching found that many of the villas we looked at were offered both by one of the companies and the owner..... I emailed the owner directly and got about a 10% discount for the week.

I think there will be less discounts for those prime weeks until very close and the one year I waited until fall to book we really were not happy with the choices left!

We have been researching prices for October. We've found that 90% of the villas we have contacted are willing to discount 10% off low season rates without hesitation. I'm sure one could do better with some villas.