A Step Up From Camping?

nikkiki · Post by **nikkiki** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 6:17 pm

I'm hoping to bring 3 first-timers to St. John (my fourth trip - official addict). I'm looking for a 2 bedroom villa for 2 couples, and I'm hoping to pay less than $1,800. We have virtually no requirements - I'd have us camping but the other gal is not the camping type. We don't even have dates picked yet, because I'll have to prove this to be affordable for us first. I've been searching my usual go to places (including the villa review and rental section of this site), but would greatly appreciate any advice! Keep your fingers crossed for me...mama needs her medicine.

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 7:37 pm

What are your dates?

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 7:38 pm

Oops, just saw that you have no dates, off season is obviously cheaper, if you can travel then, you will have a better chance

PaminMaine · Post by **PaminMaine** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 7:47 pm

You might want to start here to get an idea of what is available. You can set a price limit here as well.

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/ca ... vi-st-john

I get so excited when I can start the planning process. Have fun !!

sailorgirl · Post by **sailorgirl** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 9:07 pm

http://www.vrbo.com/380848#rates
Not a villa but off season in your range.

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 6:02 am

That looks like a great little place sailorgirl - a 2 bedroom for between $200 and $320 per night - I think camping in a "bunker" at Cinnamon costs $163.00 per night and thats just for one couple (unless you want four people in a 15'x15' room)

Pia

BillVT · Post by **BillVT** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 10:34 am

Depending on when you'd like to go, check with Cimmaron Property management and see what is available at Sunset Ridge Villas. They are a 6 unit timeshare above Cruz Bay with awesome views and lots of space to stretch out. Although it is a hike, you can walk into town in about 20 minutes. (Full disclosure: we are proud owners. Most of what is available is off peak.)

http://www.vrbo.com/321094

http://sunsetridgevillas.com/index.shtml

nikkiki · Post by **nikkiki** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 11:17 am

Thanks everybody! These are some amazing places. Can't wait to show my friends our options! BillVT, you have a gorgeous place!

donna ristuccia · Post by **donna ristuccia** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 2:40 pm

Www.vrbo.com/497846

AquaGirl · Post by **AquaGirl** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 3:42 pm

sailorgirl wrote:http://www.vrbo.com/380848#rates
Not a villa but off season in your range.

This condo - Bliss - at Cruz Views is beautiful. I had read it was re-done, but didn't realize how nice it is now. I put it on my "some day" list. It looks like from the pictures that the upper bedroom is open to the great room, so not as private. There is also only one bathroom for the 4 people.

If you decide you want more private space and a bathroom for each couple than what Bliss offers, you may want to take a look at the other units in Cruz Views. Some of them are $125/night for a 1BR, 1BA unit off season. You may be able to rent units next to each other and still be close to your target price. (Be aware that there is a 5% fee for villas/condos rented via caribbeanvilla.com, so include that in your cost comparisons.) In the past, I have seen some of these units on sale in the summer/fall for as low as $110/night for a 1BR, 1BA. Cruz Views gets mostly good reviews and the units and the pool deck have a nice view.

I spent a lot of time recently on numerous villa websites, vrbo.com and homeaway.com recently looking for just the right villa. As the other poster mentioned, you can narrow down your search criteria by price to see what is available, which I found to be helpful. Happy villa hunting!

dreamshark · Post by **dreamshark** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 7:38 pm

My first choice would be Tree House (the one on Mamey Peak). 3 BR, spectacular view and a hot tub at an amazingly low price point. http://www.vrbo.com/155320

Closer to Cruz Bay, Innstead looks nice for 2 couples: http://www.vrbo.com/341566

If you're in a position to make a last-minute booking, check out PrivateHomeVI's Last Minute page: 15% off if you book within 30 days of the trip. This page has a great layout that lets you see all the available dates and prices in one place. http://www.privatehomesvi.com/availabilities.htm

For a selection of basic low-cost rental homes, look at Caribe Havens: http://www.caribehavens.com/. Be aware that the owner (Nancy) has gotten mixed reviews on the forums. Do your research and draw your own conclusions.

And if you really want to keep expenses down, consider Treetop Hideaway: a cluster of little cabins made from industrial cargo containers! http://www.vrbo.com/454512. Even if you go at high season and each couple rents their own cabin it fits your budget. Not fancy, but a great valley view.

CHM · Post by **CHM** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 12:45 am

Aqua Gem or Ocean Pearl might fit your needs. We stayed at Aqua Gem this June and we really liked it. Very close to Cruz Bay. 2 bedroom, 2 bath with AC in bedrooms and a pool.

lazylane · Post by **lazylane** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 10:15 am

We have stayed at Periwinkle Cottage in Coral Bay (and I know of a couple other forumites who have stayed there too!!) We rented it thru Great Caribbean Getaways but for some reason they have no photos on their page so here is the VRBO link. Super low rates and a great location at the end of a private cul de sac, not too far from Love City Mini Market.

http://www.vrbo.com/176761

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:02 pm

I second Periwinkle in Coral Bay (I forgot about that one) Great little private home - private pool, private hot tub, screened in porch, nice harbor/ocean view, 2 bedroom (although I "think" only one has a/c) all for $1485 low season per week = fabulous

At $106.00 per couple per night or $212.00 for two people heck I might need to move in

Pia

nikkiki · Post by **nikkiki** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 5:15 pm

Knew I could count on you all to keep the good ideas coming! Thank you! Has anyone ever stayed at Banana Cabana?

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