USVI-On-Line

I haven't been at this long so I have some questions for the veterans out there:

Is it typical to see rates increase every year or do you find it varies from agency to owner, etc?

Has anyone ever booked very far in the future and locked in a better rate then they could have if they waited. IE if you were looking to book now for an early 2009 date would you get the benefit of the 2008 pricing?

Has anyone actually booked anything yet for 2009? I'm guessing that high priority weeks could be booked for 2009 already (Spring Break for example).

Based on my personal past experiences, rates usually go up in January of each year if they are going to go up. If you book under a specific rate they usually honor the old rate.

However, keep in mind that you have to send in a 50% deposit. That means they keep your money and earn interest on it(that you aren't getting the benefit of) during that time frame. Worse yet, if you charge the deposit to a MC or Visa and don't pay it off immediately you are paying that interest rate and it's costing you more for that trip.

Take some time to calculate the interest you would earn on that deposit amount over a year's time frame to determine what you' be losing if you send the deposit a year early (I usually book one year out but no more). Also call the rental co and ask them if the price for that villa went up from last year or the year before. If it did, chances are it may again. Find out how much of a difference it went up and compare that to the interest you'd earn on that money.

Of course if it's a really popular villa and you notice that it's booked up well in advance and you are absolutely certain that you want THAT villa then you reserve when you feel the timing is right.

It's up to you to decide what to do, but honestly I wouldn't give the rental co a dime any earlier than you absolutely have to.

all good points, thanks.
not booking, just looking and wondering how it all works. thanks for the input.

We booked a villa recently for June 2008. The owner offered me this year's rate (a $200 savings) and only charged me $15 per night instead of $30 for my son who is considered the extra person in a 4 person home. It does not hurt to ask for a special or a discount if it is benefits both parties. Yeah, he gets to keep my deposit for a year...but I have a year to come up with the rest of the cash, and we get the villa we want. If we were spur of the moment travelers, I would wait for those last minute specials.

We typically book at least nine months (11 months in one case) in advance and the ""old" price was honored the one time it did increase.

While it somewhat bothers me to have the cash tied up, we have a limited window for winter travel (due to tax season and other work issues) and I rather get the rental we want far ahead of time.

Well, since I am a "planner," I have to book everything as soon as I can. I think with rate increase posibilities, it may be wise to book in advance.

For example, last year we paid $2400 when we booked Villa Capiz. If we were to book now, the price would be $3150. I was surprised when I noticed the steep increase.

Another thought is if you're thinking about booking a newly built and offered villa to the rental market, you can get the introductory pricing by booking in advance. Randy's new villa Reef Madness is being offered for a pretty decent price and I know it will be lovely.

Mbw-
I booked my trip for Feb.2008 in May 07 (early for me) and called several rental agencys and asked this exact question. Some had prices a for 2008 and some didn't but they all said that you would pay what price was at the time of booking and that if there was an increase you wouldn't be charged the new price. As other have said, I guess it's because they have 50% of your money for interest but That seems fair to me to be able to lock into the villa you want. Scott

thanks, Scott. good info!