Vacation Rentals in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- PART ONE- BOOKING

So most everyday I get an email, or multiple emails, which are inquiries for renting one of our properties as a vacation rental. My two most popular are at Sapphire Beach Resort. I mean really, who wouldn't want to be down at one of the nicest beaches on the island. Throw in a down island view, nice pool, tennis courts, refreshing breezes, and a location close to Red Hook, and you have the perfect rental.

The tough part about booking these units are the stupid questions. No, I am not referring to the ones like "Does this island go all the way to the bottom?" or "what kind of liquor is in the Rum Punch?" The questions I am talking about are the ones that ask: "What is your rate and are you available on these dates?"

So these questions come from VRBO. The particular property has a calendar and rates attached, making it extremely simple to look on your own. Why don't these people take the time to look at the calendar and the rates??? The answer is usually that they are sending the same email to every single property owner without taking the time ro research this on their own.

This is understandable for why it happens. But the underlying reason for nearly every one of these people is they are REALLY CHEAP. This is their way of shopping prices. What the REALLY CHEAP people don't understand is you get what you pay for. I have had several calls from guests this year that arrive to their "DEAL" to find it not matching the photos, dirty, crappy furniture, or even booked to another guest. What do these people want from me? THE SAME DEAL IN ONE OF MY UNITS !!!

It actually makes me laugh when I think of all the effort these REALLY CHEAP people make to save a few bucks then be unhappy with their entire vacation because of it. Let's get real, do you really want to spend money on airfare, along with all the other expenses involved with vacation (food and drink, not to mention activities or rental car), only to save $30 per night to stay in a kitty litter box instead of a nice clean and comfortable condo or home? It is beyond me how people can think like that. It is vacation for God's sake !!!

So I changed my approach part way through the season. When I get asked if the property is available and what is the rate, I simply reply with a link to the website. If they are not willing to take the time to see why our units stand out, and the difference with the other choices, then they are not going to book with me anyway and I will just be wasting my time.

My recommendation to vacation travelers in the Virgin Islands: Don't spend as much time looking for a "DEAL" as you do looking for the right property. One you can rely upon, know it will be ready, know it will be clean, know exactly what it will look like, know that if there is a problem, you will reach a person who can take care of it. Dealing with absentee owners that haven't seen their unit in a year is only going to lead you towards disappointment.