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Our week in paradise(STJ)

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:40 pm
by jakeith
I should start by saying I was a lurker for many months prior to our trip, never registering. The reason I am now registered is the need to post to extend a thanks to Ruth and Ron at St. John Spice.

We arrived last Saturday, 5/23, after renting a villa in the Coral Bay area from VRBO.com. To make a long story short the villa was, in my opinion, misrepresented and combined with the hundreds of mosquito bites my wife obtained the first day we had decided to leave on Sunday after one day. For some reason, I thought let me stop in and talk to Ruth. She calmed our fears, made a few phone calls(to get us into Gallow's), signalled God(all I can figure?) to make the mosquitos go away, and wallah! We moved into Gallow's Point and had the best week of vacation of our life.

Ruth and Ron are genuine people who want others to enjoy their paradise as much as they do! Now that I am registered I will post a trip report in the next few days.

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:44 pm
by LMG
Wow, what a wonderful story! So glad you all stayed!

Way to go R&R! They've saved me a couple times, too. They're the best!

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:44 pm
by mbw1024
wow that's quite a story.
what villa was it?

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:53 pm
by jakeith
mbw1024 wrote:wow that's quite a story.
what villa was it?
I am still not sure if I want to post the name of the villa until the owner decides her own fate as to the correct thing to do.

By the way, MBW1024, after seeing you trip report, or pictures, I realized that we sat next to you and your crew on Honeymoon Beach on Tuesday.

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:00 pm
by mbw1024
jakeith wrote:
mbw1024 wrote:wow that's quite a story.
what villa was it?
I am still not sure if I want to post the name of the villa until the owner decides her own fate as to the correct thing to do.

By the way, MBW1024, after seeing you trip report, or pictures, I realized that we sat next to you and your crew on Honeymoon Beach on Tuesday.
funny! welcome to the board.
I talked to a woman further down the beach who was also a lurker. she was staying at hale lanai.

sorry for your experience but glad to hear you enjoyed Gallows. we like it there as well.

I hope your situation works out.
and YEAH for Ruth and Ron! always looking out for us tourists! :)
and Pia too .. had to PM her with a critical issue while we were on island. (critical like "where does my niece go to get a present for her doggie??") :lol:

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:06 pm
by bevm
Was this right after the onslaught of mosquitoes because I'm sure most of the people there during that time frame got eaten alive too...? I'm just curious because I'm getting ready to book in Coral Bay again for next year and have never had a problem.

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:09 pm
by Berlingirl
Congrats on a great stay at Gallows. We stayed there a few years ago and loved it too. Ruth is awful nice isn't she...excellent that she was there to help you out in your time of need! She is a great friend to all us forumites! :D

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:17 pm
by waterguy
Ruth didn't make you chase chicken did she :lol:

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:20 am
by lprof
Ruth and Ron certainly are listed among the best of STJ as well as the best of VIOL.

Glad your trip made such a great turnaround!

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 8:49 am
by PA Girl
We had a similar experience (not on STJ) with VRBO so I understand your frustration BUT I am so glad to hear you ended up having such a great vacation!

I agree that Ruth and Ron are an asset to STJ and the forum.

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:16 am
by mindehankins
That's fantastic! Thanks to Ruth and Ron for all they do. I wish I'd been able to meet them. Next time!

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:24 am
by liamsaunt
Welcome to the fourm! I'm looking forward to your trip report.

We love Gallows too. I'm sorry the villa you chose didn't work out for you. I hope that things end up settled to your satisfaction.

Finally, yay for Ruth and Ron! :D

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:19 am
by Gromit
If VRBO doesn't treat you right and doesn't do the right thing you absolutely SHOULD share the experience as long as you are candid and fair.

That's what makes this forum so helpful to everyone. We share our good stuff and bad stuff so that other's don't have to make the same mistakes.

Sorry you got off to a rough start but it sounds like Ruth waved her magic wand!

Go Ruth!!

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:43 am
by mahojim
Welcome to the board, congrats for a great vaca at Gallows, glad you met Ruth & Ron,...-
But come on!!!
Which villa was it???
I stayed in Island Horizons last fall, and plan to stay at Sago Palms this November ,both through VRBO.
A little "heads up" never hurt anybody, and, in fact I posted a full length Trip Report last year including our disappointment with septic trouble while we stayed at I.H. .
The problem was fixed, and we were very graciously compensated, by the way.
Just sayin'...
Welcome, and always
Smiles-
MJ