Boating Inquiry ~ Along with many others!

What would be my best bet at receiving a good rate on a place for our 2 week visit?

Ask for a discount, which probably won't be hard to find in October, and don't set your heart on just one place. Waiting until the last minute may also give you an advantage, because at that point the owner is thinking that some money is better than no money. But don't over-haggle, because you may alienate people, and one goal of your PMV should be to make friends and contacts.

Ck. with Star Villas @ www.starvillas.com
They may have availability.
340-776-6704

They have 1 and 2 bedroom vacation rentals on hillside past Gallows Point overlooking Frank Bay.
Easy walk to town if you don't want to hassle with finding parking in town while exploring.
Great owners, nice, clean places to stay plus affordable and comfortable.

October still quiet but things begin to pick up a bit after September where many business close for vacation, renovations and just because it is the slowest month of the year as well as height of hurricane season.

There won't be many people on all our great beaches until later on in season (mid Nov.- April) so enjoy them by yourselves while you can.

Since it is still hurricane season (until Nov. 30 but rare to get Nov. storms), it is advisable to invest in travel insurance as many places will not allow guests to be in residence during a hurricane event. Not saying there'll be one but since you have to spend money to be here, you may as well protect your investment, just in case something does come our way.
Have a great time and say Hi to Marl and Bob at Starvillas!

What would be my best bet at receiving a good rate on a place for our 2 week visit?

Ask for a discount, which probably won't be hard to find in October, and don't set your heart on just one place. Waiting until the last minute may also give you an advantage, because at that point the owner is thinking that some money is better than no money. But don't over-haggle, because you may alienate people, and one goal of your PMV should be to make friends and contacts.

Vacation rental owners usually are at rock bottom pricing at this time of year so haggling over price may not be endearing to rental owners who must pay for your use of electricity and all the other services as well as the occupancy tax and gross reciept taxes. A/C usage alone can be incredibly expensive if one gets inconsiderate guests that leave it running 24/7. That can cost a great deal.
Helpful hint when visiting or living in the VI, be conservative with water and electricity!

Alana33 makes good points, but if you're staying 2 weeks, I think a discount may be warranted. Just ask nicely if a discount is available and see what they say.

couple other things to consider, some condos owners have already figured in the condos fees, housekeeping, maint, caretakers etc so agree ask for a discount but remember some condos may have alreay set their lower end limits, so maybe private apts or places in homes maybe more flexible.

Thank you for all of the suggestions 🙂 I think we are leaning more toward trying to find an open rental on Craigslist or some classified site. I'm hoping that apt owners will be happy to have some sort of $$'s coming in during the off-season that we'll be able to get a good rate. Are there any neighborhoods on St. John that we should try to avoid? Or does anyone have suggestions on their favorite neighborhoods? I understand if you prefer to answer via PM.

Be careful of the scams on Craig's List - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
There have been lots lately. I had someone inquiring about rental properties in the last week that asked me about at least 3 that were scams.
Most regular apt. rentals won't have the basics you need for just a 2 week rental even if basically furnished.
Will they have dishware, pots n pans, silverware, TV, internet, sheets, towels, beach towels, etc.????
Best to go with a short term/vactaion rental on your PMV.
You'll be glad you did as the vacation rentals are fully eqquiped and supplied, plus most owners available for help and recommendations.
Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

Try Vrbo
Last year we rented a place on Sanabel Island Florida during a slow rental period. It was last minute and we directly emailed several VRBO owners with our needs and what we would pay. We received some positive responses and rented at 50% below their lowest season rate.
Worked out great for everyone. We left the place virtually spotless to thank them for the good deal.

Don't do craigslist - scams galore on STJ and the USVI. If looking for STJ try Samuel Cottages - very convenient and cheap 🙂

Pia

Go thru VRBO ask about discounts. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Get this. Several years ago we rented a very nice house (2000sqft, pool, lots of land, decks, patio) on PR for four months (june-sept) for the four week VBRO price + the monthly contracts for pool, garderner, house keeper, some random old dude with a gun and 2 dozen grandkids who swam in the pool a few times per week. (job unknown but very helpful indealings with local fuzz). The place came with 3 bikes,1 kayak, 2 surf boards, 4+ horses & basic tack, free eggs, assorted fruits, No A/C, no land line, no in lternet, no tv. The owners were happy to have thier isolated finca occupied (and thrilled to have costs covered) in off season. STJ is pretty busy year round and much more "profit orriented" but it can't hurt to make an offer.... Depending upon where you live now, you may want look into house/apt swaps. I've 'traded our STT home for park ave nyc apts and condos in Rome.

As far as hoods to avoid on STJ....beggers can't be choosers. Cruz bay is HOT and NOISEY but is close to pontential employers. Anything past coral bay is away from the "night life" but peaceful. Just make the best deal you can inside your budget and arrange a car for least part of yor visit. Beware of the VITran.. Access to a pool is plus for me.

Do yourself a favor and contact Marl and Bob @ starvillas@msn.com
The website is www.starvillas.com
The tel # is 340-776-6704

Thank you all for the rental suggestions! I'll be doing alot of research over the next month and a half to find the best deal.

As far as my neighborhood inquiry is concerned, I wasn't very clear. I'm worried about neighborhood safety. Are there any areas of st John that we should avoid setting up a base camp for our trip? I wanted to ask about this before making any final decisions.

Thank you all for the rental suggestions! I'll be doing alot of research over the next month and a half to find the best deal.

As far as my neighborhood inquiry is concerned, I wasn't very clear. I'm worried about neighborhood safety. Are there any areas of st John that we should avoid setting up a base camp for our trip? I wanted to ask about this before making any final decisions.

Not really. Like everything in the islands, it varies, but STJ has much less crime compared with STT and STX. You should be able to feel safe in most areas here.

Ok Great! I don't scare very easily & my husband and I generally get along with anyone. So I figure that if there are no areas worth mentioning that we'll be fine! Thanks again!!!!

~Meagan