newesttraveler

I'm looking for recommendations for a house/villa to rent for 7 to 10 days over the 2005 Christmas holiday. We are 5 adults and 4 teenagers, and are currently thinking about the US or British Virgin Islands (however, we are open to other suggestions as well).

We are willing to pay $900 to $1200 per day, and have found lots of beautiful looking places in that price range on a variety of websites. But I also know that photos on those sites can sometimes be misleading.

So I am looking for a recommendation from someone who may have stayed in a property like this, and found it to be everything they expected.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Traveler863

Newesttraveler,
I'll share with you my experiences with renting villas abroad, 20+ years and mainly Caribbean and Europe.

Firstly, as you know Christmas and New Years is highest of high season. Typically most rentals require a 14 day minimum for that period. You might want to consider possibly travelling over Thanksigiving, no 14 day minimums and low season rates.

For the properties and photos. I've always been pleasantly surprised by the property vs. photos. Nothing I have ever rented has been illrepresented. You need to look carefully at the photos and ask any questions about the property that are unclear to you and of course important to you....you also have to have the mindset of an easy going person because problems do happen, as with any hotel however dealing with them with a rental is different...though not alot and its more personalized...but its a different routine than phoning the front desk at a hotel.

Though don't ever assume anything, do ask if it has a/c (though in Caribbean typically if it does its only in bedrooms), is the pool fresh water? some can be salt water which makes a difference....needing to shower after swimming in the pool. Ask about bedrooms and beds (sizes) and ensuite baths if that is unclear. Remember 'seaview' or 'oceanview' does not mean beachfront...beachfront is what it is beachfront but seaview or oceanview can possibly be directly on the sea but no beach access or perhaps a rocky situation and clamber down a ladder type thing. It could also mean something hillside with a great view. Both are great situations and you need to pick what is best for you. Of course everyone wants to be oceanfront and thats great but the benefits of being hillside and drive to beach are its cheaper, you're typically higher up and more wind = less bugs and you get a better view.

kfusto

I've twice rented villas in Jamaica and been very pleased both thime with the villa and the staff.

My last was Caribbean Fairways in Montego Bay Jamaica. It was a very large with private pool and great views. The staff took wonderful care of us.

Included in the price was acess to Half Moon Resort where I went daily to use the gym, spa and beach.

It was a great vacation.

dee7493

I have rented homes/villas in Caribbean and numerous other desintations. I had inquired for Xmas/New Years a few times and will share with you a few things:

You may find a few 10 night minimums in Virgin Islands and Turks & Caicos. But most are a 2 week minimum.
I have worked with McLaughlin rentals in St. Thomas. They are great.
One destination that primarily does not have 2 week minimums is Mexico:
Cozumel
Riviera Maya
Puerto Vallarta
Los Cabos

Would also recommend utilizing an agency that is located in the destination - for best results.

Good Luck!

MIG

We stayed at Hanover House outside of Montego Bay, Jamaica over Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. I'd been somewhat concerned about some of the things I'd read about Jamaica on this board, but we had an excellent time.

The views and architecture of the villa are amazing. It is fully staffed, cook, butler, housekeeping, pool, etc. It also has a relationship with the Round Hill resort at the bottom of the hill to use their facilities (beaches, tennis, etc.). We really had a great time.

Hanover House is posted on many web sites, this is one:
http://www.fourseasonsvillas.com/Jamaica/hanover.htm

zachsarbean1

We go through "private homes for private vacations" on St.John in the US Virgin Islands and have never been disappointed!!
There website is "privatehomesvi.com"
Just so you are aware, for the price you are looking at spending could rent you two houses if you really wanted. We have stayed at Tree House and will be staying at Viewtiful. They are right next door to eachother on a mountainside with absolutely gorgeous views (only about a 1 mile drive to Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, etc.)
I would recommend calling them and asking for their suggestions...they are very friendly and helpful! They may have one you could all fit in, but you might also want the space! Good Luck!