USVI-On-Line

A year ago we rented the same condo on Sapphire Beach. This would have been our third time working with the same owner.

We had sent in our deposit. Got the airfare. Knew where we would be located and were happy with it.

The first thing that gave me that "something isn't right" feeling is when I contacted him to send our balance in. He said "I have to switch you to a first floor unit because I was able to get a longer term rental from somebody". We were ok with that, but I still had a bad feeling about it.

Couple days later, the owners name and a review popped up on tripadvisor about how bad this owners unit was on the 1st floor. That's when I got really nervous. I also started to put 2+2 together.

I was so upset that I couldn't even call him. I had my husband do it. Glenn asked him if that was the unit he was planning to rent to us and he said yes. That's when husband said it was unacceptable and that he wanted his money back. No problem, just like that he said he'd write us a check. And we did receive it.

I believe this owner is over booking and representing something that it's not.

I would have never known that he was switching us unless I called him. I would have never known we would have been put in a terrible unit unless I contacted him. It just felt like I was chasing him.

It's not just me that is having this problem with this owner. So far, 5 people have contacted me about the same owner/units. In fact, just today somebody told me that 10 days before she was to to go STT, he canceled on her. She also had to scramble for another rental.

I believe what he does is...he low balls his condos and then if a better offer comes along he takes it. Somebody accused him of tha about 2 years ago and he came with a really nasty reply (I thought), but now I believe it.

We were able to get another condo on Sapphire and amazingly enough, right before I called her, another person called her about him. His name is Alan Rockman.

I just don't want anybody else to go through the hassles like we have.

Connie-
So sorry for you & hubby to be put through something like that.
Hopefully we can still meet up at the end of the month.
Smiles-
Jimmy

WOW Connie, I read those posts about "that guy". Just glad you got it all straightened out and you'll be in the sun and fun in no time.

P.S. I did check out Big Bambooz during our trip and liked it very much (went 2x's). I just had to sit with my back against the traffic cause it was just too weird being at a tiki bar right there on a busy street! As long as I faced the boats I was fine, LOL.

Jim, we'll catch up.

Eliz, I'm looking forward to going there at the end of the month. Lots of new places to try )

Connie...what an eerily familiar story. I will have to search back and look...but we were GOING to stay at Sapphire Beach in July 2008 and found a "great deal" thought we'd give it a whirl. Then, we got an email from the guy that said he sold his unit and the new owner wouldn't accept old rental agreements, but he could move us to another unit. Hmmmm....sounds a little familiar. We opted out and he sent the check back. We ended up at Cowpet Bay and had a really nice time. Weird. I'll have to ask my husband what his name was...he remembers everything!
Holly

I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same owner. I've never seen or heard more complaints. Although, he was good to work with before. I just don't get it. I'm an honest person and I just wish everybody was as honest.

Lesson learned.

Connie -
Sorry to hear you almost had a bad experience. Good thing you were on your toes and found another owner to rent from. We just got back from a fantastic week at Sapphire, rented from the Azeman's on VRBO. The condo was perfect and everything was as described. Sapphire is such a terrific location.

Don't miss the $1 Cruzan drinks at Caribbean Saloon happy hour. Oh what a fun time we had. Good food too.

Yes, Sapphire is a great beach. When it's just the 2 of us, that is where we stay. Super convenient.

You just have to make sure you get as much information as you can for the condo that you want to stay in.

Connie - So glad you have this worked out now.

I appreciate your giving me a heads up on this when I was looking for a Sapphire condo for our niece and nephew. They are all sorted out now - 5 nights on STX, 2 with us at Island Time and then 3 chillin' on their own at Lymin' Beach House, then they head on over to STT for 2 nights at Emerald Beach as they get a quick look at STT and STJ.

Thanks, again!

- Margy

I know you like to go to Molly Malones...well did you know they have unlimited mimosa's or bloodymarys (and something called a Hibiscus) for 8.50 during breakfast? We did this on our last full day after having too much sun for the week and we were happy to sit and relax and eat and drink! Got our money's worth!!! Later we just sat in our pool on our floats (me in the shady part) and napped till dinner (needed to after all those mimosa's, LOL). There's also a new restaurant where Off the Hook was, can't remember its name but they have outside seating! If you have a car you should check out this place on the Northside call "Northside Bistro"...OMG...excellent excellent excellent. Can't say enough about it. they have a website and fab. view of Hull Bay!

Thanks for all the recommendations.

Can't wait to try to Northside Bistro. Menu is printed out, have directions and we'll hit that.

Molly's is the best for breakfast and those bloody mary's. What a deal!

Can't wait.

Place where Off the Hook used to be is called Fish Tails. Ditto on North Side Bistro. Island time is always good too for pizza, sandwiches, and the view!