USVI-On-Line

We stayed at the Westin for our first trip to STJ and were happy, but now we are planning a second trip for Summer 2009. We are ready to try renting a villa and know that is the way to go, but we are looking for some basic tips.

There is plenty to choose from so I am not concerned about specific villas as much as rental companies.

Who would you suggest? Are there any that should be avoided?
We came up with a list of potential villas and most are with...
Sea View Homes (we got a good recommendation from someone on our last trip, but the specific villa is under a new company now)
Carefree Getaways
Caribbean Villa

Looks like the cheapest flights are on off days, so can you book a villa any day to any day or does it need to be Saturday to Saturday, or something similar?

How late can you arrive and still get into the villa for the night? Some flights we are considering (but trying to avoid) arrive in STT after 9:00 pm.

Can you generally get a good last minute deal in the summer, or is that too big a risk, not worth the trouble?

Any other tips or tricks?

FYI, We will probably be looking for a two or three bedroom in the Cruz Bay area. I think we also prefer something closer to the water as opposed to high up on a hilltop. We like going into town and back and forth to different beaches, so convenience is a consideration.

Thanks.

Who would you suggest? Are there any that should be avoided?

So far I am a big fan of Destination St. John and Windspree. We are renting our '09 house through Viva and so far they have been EXTREMELY helpful and responsive as well.

I am not a fan (after two rentals and the experience of some others) of Caribbean Villas.

I have chatted with Seaview homes folks and they seemed good and if I recall they came highly recommented by some on the forum.

Sometimes Caribbean Villas just happens to have the "perfect" house for folks and that I get, I just know I won't rent with them again. Sorry to any toes I am stepping on.

Reasons:
Management/Booking is off island
Houses tend to be more dated (but in fairness they also tend to be less expensive)
5% service charge with no additional serviceLooks like the cheapest flights are on off days, so can you book a villa any day to any day or does it need to be Saturday to Saturday, or something similar?

I do everything I can to avoid Sat-Sat or even Sun-Sun. I've never had a problem getting the house I wanted. I think they might be less lenient "in" season than off and I only travel in the off season.

How late can you arrive and still get into the villa for the night?

The latest we've arrived is 6ish, so I can't help you here.

Can you generally get a good last minute deal in the summer, or is that too big a risk, not worth the trouble?

Haven't tried it but depending on your pickiness it would be possible. I am too anal for that! Any other tips or tricks?

Think about the Maria Bluff area - very close to Cruz Bay, just past the Westin - but fairly quiet with great views and breezes. Also don't limit yourself to 2-3 bedrooms as often a 4 bedroom will be in the same price range and give you a bit more flexibility.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you choose!

You did not indicate how many would be in your
group. If you are taking children, some villas
have an age requirement of 8 and over for example.
We have stayed in the Maria Bluff area the last four
years. Close to town for dinner. All areas are pretty.
Coral Bay not that far. Maybe 20-25 minute drive.
Best to rent a car so you can explore.
We have loved VIVA villas-very responsive.
Agree about the 5% fee for Caribbean Villas not being
worth it.
Some villa companies require security deposit.
Best to talk to a few companies and ask them a lot
of questions. Do you want all the bedrooms on the same
level (good idea if you are traveling with young
children) Do you require AC, pool etc. The companies
are patient with lots of questions-I found VIVA to
be super patient and good at explaining the area when
I was not familiar with St. John. Call a few. There
is a list on this forum "villa rentals" on top right
scroll down that and call a few. This board is super
helpful. I remember being new to all this and everyone
is so nice. Good luck.

We rented from Carefree Getaways for our honeymoon in May and they were fantastic. The staff was happy to help with anything you needed and everything went very smoothly except for our ship ahead package.
Our daughter thought she was helping out by saving a few bucks and shipping our package Parcel Post. It certainly was no fault of the folks at Carefree. They were more than happy to let us ship ahead and the shipped our package back when it arrived....three weeks after we left! They were some well traveled provisions!

Cindy, Mo and the gang were great and the villa (Inn Paradise) was perfect. It is up on a hilltop, but Carfree has some other nice properties that might work for you.

Peace,

Cid

I am currently using Great Caribben Getaways and they have been responsive and helpful in alot of different ways (such as vehicle rental, etc) I have used Destination St. John and found them to be very helpful and responsive. I met Karen from Windspree and she gave us alot of information, although I've not had the opportunity to rent from her yet. All of these companies are on-island, so if there is an issue with the property, I'm sure the response will be quick, and that is important. We got a last minute deal "in-season" from Destination St John and that worked out well, if I could travel in the off season - I think I would always try a last minute deal. Good luck and I'm sure things will work out great.

We love Lisa with Vacation Vistas and really liked that her company does not wipe the house clean of what the last people there left (including alcohol, spices, paper products, etc.). She and KD are GREAT to work with and take care of the properties they manage.

We probably won't rent from Caribbean Villas again for the reasons Flip-flop mentioned and also that there is NOTHING in the villa in the way of basic provisions which adds to extra costs.

We also rented from Kathy McLaughlin and Island Getaways. She was also great to deal with. A friend just used Carefree Getaways and thought they were great as well.

We frequently arrive late and opt to stay on STT the first night so as not to waste a night at the villa, but we usually go longer than a week. Just keep in mind that you will have to check out of your hotel in the morning and probably won't be able to check into your villa till the afternoon. Lisa has let us put our bags at the villa and go back later.

Thanks for the assistance.

You did not indicate how many would be in your
group. If you are taking children, some villas
have an age requirement of 8 and over for example.

Won't be bringing children (this time), we are expecting 4 to 6 adults.

We frequently arrive late and opt to stay on STT the first night so as not to waste a night at the villa.

Any suggestions? Since it is just basically a bed for the night, some thing clean, convenient to the airport or ferry, and not to expensive.