Vacation Rentals by Owner

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Guest: Rick L.
Date of Stay: 04/26/12 Review Submitted: 05/18/12

We were pleasantly surprised by the kitchen facilities - there was everything I needed to cook some gourmet meals when we were not going out. The rooms were well equiped and comfortable and the streaming netflix provided us some good entertainment - We had been to MIMS before and had a very nice meal our first night - then as a cap to our trip (8 days) we went to the Lobster room (?) I would definitely recommend the condo to another party. Earl called us when we arrived and made sure all was as expected - the location is ideal - we took the ferry to St Johns one day made a trip to Saphire beach - which was great super place to stay

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Second stay was even Better

Guest: Ann V. (Albany, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/25/12

We stayed in Earl's condo once before almost exactly a year prior to this year's visit. Returning was a great decision. This year we knew what to bring, which restaurants we preferred, where to get groceries, etc. We were also pleased to find that the condo was still lovely and had some new additions and improvements. There is an new television which includes access to Netflix instant watch. The french doors between the two bedroomss were heavier doors, giving more privacy. The things that we loved the most were still the same- falling asleep to the sound of the ocean waves, the relaxed atmosphere of Bolongo Bay and the fantastic wildlife right in the bay. I highly recommend Earl's condo as a place for anyone who is looking for a relaxing escape from the 9-5 world.

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Great time in the Virgin Islands

Guest: Renfro R.
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 03/30/12

It was nice and clean. It has an OK kitchen, which is nice so you don't have to eat out all the time. the beach is nice and you have nice restraunts on this beach as well. The location is good. We had a great time and Earl was great and very accomidating. The only thing we wished was different was the two bedrooms are attached by double louverd doors so not to much privacy between bedrooms, Be great if you had young children though. St Thomas, and St John are beautiful and would highly recommend as a vacation destination

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Clean and well stocked

Guest: Silva Y. (Roseville, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

Earl's waterfront beach condo served our family of four well, with everything we needed for a seven-day stay in St. Thomas. Having been to the island three times previously, the Bolongo Bay location halfway between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie is convenient base to experience the best of St. Thomas and St. John. And we did it all--ferry to St. John, day snorkel/sail on Heavenly Days, powerboat to the BVI, beaching at Magen's Bay, Lindquist, Sapphire, laying by the condo pool, and shopping in Charlotte Amalie. My husband and son also played golf at Mahogany Run. The place was clean, well stocked with beach towels, bath towels, kitchen utensils, and much more. The view from the balcony is a great place to drink coffee in the morning and watch the waves roll in. The three restaurants on property were very convenient and we ate in all of them. The one negative--Driving on the left side of the road in St. Thomas can be stressful and challenging. Most of the signage is hidden behind shrubbery and the locals have a tendency to drive fast. We made several wrong turns but eventually ended up in the right place. Parking in town is also tight. It's best to park in the main town lot that Earl suggests. You can save a lot of money by renting a vehicle, instead of using taxis, but beware--one person needs to navigate while the other drives. For the price, Earl's condo is a good value, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting St. Thomas.

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Plans To Return

Guest: Robert A. (Riverside,R.I. U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11 Review Submitted: 02/14/12

So impressed with our stay that we're planning on returning in the future! Perfect place for a quick getaway!Can't express enough how perfect the condo is....completely equipped with all that one could need for some enjoyable beach time R&R....watching the sun rise and set from the fabulous balcony! Snorkeling and watersports right there on the beachfront...... a catamaran outing for a day just soaking up some rays......stay in and cook a great meal before taking a romantic moonlight walk on the beach! Grab a swim in the pool or grab a bite to eat @ three of the restaurants within a stone throws way from the condo!All without ever leaving the Bolongo Bay!Sounds perfect right?! LOL....that's because it is!!!!!!!

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A Delightful Surprise

Guest: Robert A. (Riverside,R.I. U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

All I have to say is Thank You Earl!!!! This condo is a hidden jewel in the Bolongo Bay! Perfect location for a quiet relaxing get away by tranquil waters with a wonderful view! The condo itself is spacious,clean and well maintained. Earl could not have been more helpful and accommodating of our wants and needs. The condo contained everything and anything we needed to not only enjoy our stay at the condo but also to enjoy our time on the beach! There are three fantastic restaurants along the beach front with one located right under the condo balcony! The property being connected to the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is very convenient for arranging taxi rides to visit nearby beaches or to take in the sights. The condo is located in a fantastic secluded area where you can sunbath,jetski,arrange for a catamaran day excursion or just spend the day snorkeling(hey you just might come face to face with a turtle like I did......lol). This property was a perfect choice for us. It gave us the option to have fun in the sun,as well as, the opportunity of rest and relaxation! It came equipped with cable tv,internet,a pool just below the balcony and a full kitchen to whip up a meal in......with all the conveniences of home. A quick stop at the Gourmet Gallery on your way to the condo is a must,as it has anything you need to stock up on some food essentials and drinks! Be sure to read all the info Earl provides as it's a great helpful resource to hence your vacation stay! We definitely will be coming back for another stay in the future! Earl.....you are the best! Robert and Kim Atherton

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Fantastic condo!

Guest: David O. (Fremont Michigan USA)
Date of Stay: 11/30/11 Review Submitted: 12/11/11

Lovely, well-maintained condo! The lead photo of the bedroom is a bit misleading, however--you will not step out of the window and fall to the ground! There is an 8 x 30 foot balcony that runs the width of the condo; much of which is shaded most of the day by palm trees or the overhead roof. Since this second floor unit faces southeast, if you are an early riser, you can take a chair out the front door overlooking the small parking lot and read in the shade there. All the amenities are provided--towels, paper products, linens, even a couple of snorkel setups. The complex is kid-friendly with a pool (not kiddie-bring water wings for the little ones), but a sandy beach is a few yards away. We only stayed three nights, so we opted not to self-cater, but we found that Iggie's Bar was a good place to split a sandwich and fries and be satisfied. Mim's Bistro is a must for a special dinner--in fact you can watch them set up each afternoon from your balcony. We found the staff overall at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort next door to be friendly and helpful. The bedrooms are large and comfortable, with A/C and fans in each. The kitchen is narrow, but fully equipped, and there is a TV in each bedroom, plus a large flatscreen/DVD in the living area. But with the view, who needs a TV? We found Earl the owner to be very accommodating, and he answered all our questions (even those we didn't think to ask). We have visited the Caribbean more than 30 times in the past, and we have not found a condo better equipped or located for the price. David and Barbara, Michigan

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Would stay again

Guest: colleen m.
Date of Stay: 11/02/11 Review Submitted: 12/18/11

Great accommodations for an extended stay walking distance to a handful of good restaurants and bars. Place was clean and comfortable and ready for us when we arrived. Downside no public transportation available except taxis. Best to rent a car to see the rest of the island.

Owner response:Fortunately, we are located in a private, secluded, tropical paradise setting on St Thomas. We are away from all of the crowds and confusion sometimes associated with most tourist destinations. We have the peace, serenity and calmness that many visitors come to the tropics to experience during their respite away from everyday experiences. However, many of my guests don't find it necessary to rent a car because we have access to so many activities right here on our beach. We have 3 restaurants, tennis, all types of water sports, snorkeling, diving, beach volleyball, deep sea fishing, catamaran sailing trips; along with a list of other activities that can fill your vacation with fun things to do for a complete vacation experience. These activities are all located steps away from our front door on our beautiful tropical beach. I also provide a grocery delivery service where I can have the condo stocked with all of the grocery items and supplies that you want, prior to arrival at the condo. This means that you don't have to spend your valuable vacation time or expense in taking care of grocery shopping. Nevertheless, when you do want to venture out beyond this complete vacation spot, car rentals are readily available at about $40.00 to $60.00 per day. Taxis can be expensive if you use them a lot, but are economical for infrequent use. Two or three cab trips will definitely be less expensive than a car rental. However, new visitors should consider renting a car if you think you will like to get out and explore St. Thomas and possibly take your car on the ferry to visit our beautiful sister island St. John.

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Great Value Condo In Bolongo

Guest: Casey J. (Boise, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 10/26/11 Review Submitted: 11/24/11

Me and a few friends stayed in Earl's condo late October. We just moved to St. Thomas, so we used it as a transition until we were able to get into perm housing. We came to like this area, and moved to a condo up above in Sea Cliff just up the hill. We also stayed at a few other condo's here for a few days during that transition. That being said, this condo was clean and ready upon arrival, it was the best bang for the buck we found in Bolongo area for vacation rentals during off-season, and Earl was very accommodating and made himself available if we needed anything. The description is of the condo is accurate, location is close to Charlotte Amalie, and Red Hook (about halfway between both) and was stocked with pretty much everything we needed to enjoy our first week here; kitchen suppies, towels, etc. I'm a tech guy, and like to stay connected, so internet was much slower than I'm used to, but was glad there was access. 2 rooms, 2 baths. Rooms have own doors, but are also shared by french style doors, which I enjoyed, it made everything more open, and allowed the other room to have more light and hear the surf. The view is great at Bolongo. 3 pools to choose from, but the Bolongo pool is a 30 second walk from the condo, and overlooks the beach. Although a more rocky beach than others, it is still a good beach to walk along and get into the water; or if into snorkeling, many turtles and rays hang out here due to the grass in the bay. The beach and grounds were very mellow and fairly quiet (especially off season). Iggies is a great mellow beach side bar to just hang out and enjoy the scenery with live music nightly. 2 other higher end restaurants within walking distance. Activites can be arranged with bolongo beach hotel also. Overall a great stay! Thanks for your hospitality Earl. When family comes down, I'll send them your way!

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Huge Disappointment

Guest: Ellen A.
Date of Stay: 10/06/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

We just returned from this St. Thomas condo, and we are quite confused by all these 5-star reviews. Our experience was very different. We found the condo to be dirty and poorly-maintained. It’s advertised as “non-smoking”, but we were greeted by ashtrays, one of which had not even been emptied! There was a greasy, sticky film on everything in the kitchen from the appliances and counter tops to the dishes and glasses. There was food on some of the cooking utensils. We had to wash all the dishes before using them, so we had to purchase dishwashing detergent, as there was only enough for one load supplied. There were no spare trash can liners, so we had to supply those ourselves too. There was a foul, vomit-like odor in one of the kitchen cabinets. In addition to the serious housekeeping issues, we found the condo to be in need of maintenance. The bathtub faucets and drains were rusty and loose. The wall air-conditioning units had apparently been repaired or replaced so there were was bare concrete patching around them—it hadn’t even been painted. Many of the beach towels and some of the bath towels had rust stains, and some of the bed linens had holes in them. The bathtubs still have the flimsy fiberglass lining mentioned in a previous review. The common areas sported broken light fixtures and sloppily patched decking. The bathroom storage (and the bedroom closets) were full of what we assumed to be the owner’s paraphernalia and were dirty. We had to clear out the closets in order to hang our clothes. Also, we found the description quite misleading. The second bedroom description includes this characterization: “Louver doors open to spectacular sea views.” Not really! The louvered doors open to the master bedroom, and the louvered doors are the only thing separating the two bedrooms! On the plus side, the view from the balcony was indeed beautiful.

Owner response: As long time owners of our unit that we use ourselves on a regular basis entertaining family and friends I usually eagerly look forward to reviews -- whether positive or negative-- since they help me appreciate what I'm doing right and on the other hand what may need more attention.. For this reason I was particularly disappointed to read this most recent review that is based more in fantasy than reality. Lacking any real facts some very damaging comments were made that just make me "scratch my head " in wonderment. Also, my housekeeper Merlyne met the guests during their visit and in response to her asking them "How is everything" was told " "Everything is great. We're having a good time". I call my guests when they arrive at the condo and contact them several times during their visit to assure that everything is OK and to their liking. My guests also know that I, my housekeeper and maintenance staff are readily available and just a phone call away if any thing that needs attention arises during their visit. I have attempted unsuccessfully on numerous occasions by telephone and email to contact this guest to try to get to the bottom of her displeasure. She has been unresponsive. I am sorry that this guest was disappointed and somehow motivated to post comments that are malicious and disingenuous. Her comments are in direct contrast to the more then 100 positive comments, posted here on my guestbook by my other guests. The comments below are a few of my other guests comments that are in direct contrast to the puzzling ones posted above. They date from just prior to this guests visit a couple of weeks ago: Submitted: September 10, 2011 Date of Stay: August 2011 "The condo is very well stocked with everything you could possibly need - kitchen supplies for cooking, plenty of extra blankets, linens, and towels, and even snorkeling equipment. It's clean and well-maintained. " Submitted August 10, 2011 Date of Stay: July 2011 "We really enjoyed our stay at Earl's condo. Our family of four-2 adults and 2 teenagers were very impressed with the amenities. Comfortable beds, clean kitchen filled with microwave,dishwasher,toaster oven, blender,3 t.v.'s-everything we needed or wanted was there. !" Submitted: August 7, 2011 Date of Stay: July 2011 "Stayed at earls condo and it was great. The condo was very clean when we arrived. Everything needed was at the condo."

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Wonderful place and a generous host!

Guest: Ben M.
Date of Stay: 08/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

My partner and I stayed in this condo for a week during low season (late August) and we had an absolutely wonderful time. The location of the condo is just as perfect as it looks in the photos, right on the beach and right next to the Bolongo Bay resort, which offers several nice restaurants only a walk away. The resort also offers scuba diving, snorkeling, and other trips, which we happily took advantage of - again, just a short walk down to the docks. It's also a short cab ride from Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook (where you can take the cab to St Johns), and a number of lovely beaches. The condo is very well stocked with everything you could possibly need - kitchen supplies for cooking, plenty of extra blankets, linens, and towels, and even snorkeling equipment. It's clean and well-maintained. Our trip actually overlapped with Hurricane Irene, and Earl, the owner, was extremely thoughtful, flexible, and generous, checking in with us by phone about travel schedule and doing all he could to make sure the hurricane didn't disrupt our stay. I cannot recommend this place more highly! And if you go to the VI during low season, you not only get a better price for accommodations and airfare, you also get to spend time on beaches with no crowds at all, a nice bonus.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect accomodations for our stay on St.Thomas

Guest: Kevin M.
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

We really enjoyed our stay at Earl's condo. Our family of four-2 adults and 2 teenagers were very impressed with the amenities. Comfortable beds, clean kitchen filled with microwave,dishwasher,toaster oven, blender,3 t.v.'s-everything we needed or wanted was there. Breathtaking view! Iggies was next door on the beach good food and beautiful outdoor spot to eat. Earl was excellent to work with. He called to check on us and make sure any concerns we had were addressed. He also offered info on great sightseeing spots. The pool was great and was just steps from our door. We found at Bolongo Bay there were lots of water sports available just a short walk down the beach. We were there 8 days and we would have been just as happy if we never left the condo area because everything was there (beach,pool,restaurants,etc). We rented a Jeep and drove to beautiful Magens Bay Beach one day, (well worth the visit). Driving on the left was new to us so that took some getting used to. If you rent a vehicle, be prepared for a learning experience. Another gorgeous spot that Earl recommended we see is called Lindquist Beach, it is absolutely perfect and we did some snorkeling there. We also visited Sapphire Beach which was great as well. We rented jet skis and went para-sailing which was a blast. This was best vacation we have ever been on and we are recommending it to everyone. We would love to go back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great relaxing stay

Guest: Mike h.
Date of Stay: 07/25/11 Review Submitted: 08/07/11

Stayed at earls condo and it was great. The condo was very clean when we arrived. Everything needed was at the condo. Plenty of options to dine within walking distance. The condo is right above mims bistro which is a very nice place to eat. I would definitely recommend this condo to anyone looking to visit st Thomas. Earl was available whenever you needed him and gives great suggestions on things to do. Great experience

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great Location

Guest: Michael M.
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

We just got back from a wonderful stay at Earl's condo. The entire experience was wonderful. Earl called after we arrived to make sure everything was OK and to see if we had any questions. He checked back later in the week and again at the end of our stay to tell us we didn't have to rush to be out by a certain time. Unfortunately we did have to leave to catch a flight. We definitely hope to go back. The deck overlooking the ocean and beach was wonderful for meals with a nice breeze blowing most of the time. Iggies on the beach was fun and not overpriced. We had rented a car and found the location very convenient to Red Hook and all the East End beaches. We loved everything about our stay.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Great STAY!!!!

Guest: Richard D.
Date of Stay: 06/27/11 Review Submitted: 07/21/11

We stayed here June 27th thru July 2nd. Wow what a great View!!!! Condo was great and clean just like Earl said it would be! Pictures are real. Mim's seafood is great!! Earl gave us alot of tips on beaches and jeep rentals. We drove the whole island and saw St. John's. Thanks so Much Earl... We will be back!!!

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Well worth it!

Guest: Ralph R. (New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 06/15/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

By now you should have read several of the previous comments about this villa on Bolongo Bay. The great location and the even greater service you will get from Earl. It’s all true. My wife, two teenage sons and I spent 9 days there and it has been the best vacation we have taken so far. The villa was very well equipped and a great “home base” to come back to after a long day of sun and sand. If I do hear of any of my friends planning a vacation to the USVI, I will be sure to tell them about this place to stay.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Excellent view, not crowded, and a great price.

Guest: Chris M.
Date of Stay: 06/07/11 Review Submitted: 06/28/11

We searched through a large list of available properties for our trip to St. Thomas and were looking for the right balance between price, amenities, and location. See the pros and cons of this property below. The PROS The first thing to know about this condo is that the view from your balcony is one you can post on Facebook every day to make your friends back home jealous. Along with the pool and the beach, you'll find a seaside restaurant right outside - Mim's Seaside Bistro (we actually talked to a waiter from our balcony to get an idea of what they served). The second thing to know about this condo is that the owner, Earl, will take care of you through the entire process. He gave clear instructions regarding the keys, advice on car rentals, where to eat, etc. He called when we arrived to make sure everything was okay and chatted with me like we were old friends toward the end of the trip to get feedback on what could make it better. He truly cares that you have a good experience and even offers discounts for repeat visits. There are three restaurants on the beach: Iggy's, Mim's, and the Lobster Grille. Iggy's has great prices, lunch items, and V.I. root beer. Mim's and Lobster Grille are more pricey, but have excellent seafood and pasta. Be sure to check out the shopping and Senior Pizza just down the road at Red Hook. For grocery shopping, we recommend the K-Mart on the island. They have most everything except ice cream. They also have an impressive display of Cruzan Rum for only ~$7-8 / bottle. For car rental, we found Budget to be the best in our experience. We made reservations with Hertz months before our trip, but when we arrived they didn't have our jeep and offered no consolation or alternate vehicle. The next day, we secured a jeep from Budget and they bent over backwards to help us even though we had no reservation. The CONS We found the dishwasher was old and didn't clean very well. The bathtubs in both bathrooms had a fiberglass casing that was a bit flimsy and flexed when you stood on them. I discussed these issues with Earl at the end of the trip and he listened. He ordered a new dishwasher from Home Depot on the island and is looking to replace the bathtubs with a more rigid construction. OVERALL Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this condo. The price and location were excellent. The hotel beach was never crowded and offered fun excursions. We would recommend this place to friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lifesaver for wedding @Bolongo Bay.

Guest: mimi (st thomas, USVI)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

Earl's condo was a lifesaver for my sister's wedding @Bolongo Bay. I am not a fan of all-inclusive resorts; but my sister's wedding was booked @Bolongo Bay in St Thomas, USVI mid of May. Earl's condo was 2 min walk down the beach; much nicer/cleaner & all amenities than Bolongo. I would definitely book the condo again for long-wknd/week stay in St Thoams! Earl was also very helpful w/sites, shops, beaches, etc. in the surrounding area. It was little hidden treasure!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great View

Guest: Mrs. Hernandez (Evanston, WY)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

My husband and I stayed at Earl's condo for our wedding/honeymoon trip. We had another couple stay in the guest room with us, and family members and other friends renting condos from other owners in the next building over. The view is awesome, morning (sunrise) and night (moon reflecting off the water). Also a short walk to the cliffside pool, amazing sunset while taking an evening swim). Iggies is right down the beach, fun spot with nightly entertainment. The only slight complaint I would have would be the poor water pressure, but considering everything else, you really can't go wrong. Earl was very helpful in every way. We even thought we had left some items behind, and he was right on top of it working on how to get it shipped to us. Turns out we hadn't forgotten anything afterall, but it's nice to know he is so willing to put forth the effort. This is just a general tip to new travelers to the area. BEWARE OF CABS! They will charge $10 per person, each way, period. Better off renting a car and it's really not too hard to find your way around.

Owner response:I want to thank Lois for taking the time to share her experiences  during her recent visit at my condo. I appreciate this forum for getting feedback from my guests. It helps to let me know what I am doing right and on the other hand an opportunity to address anything that needs my attention.  In this instance there was a problem with a clogged water filter on a newly installed hot water heater. This problem  was taken care of as soon as I was informed about the water pressure issue. I call my guests when they arrive at the condo and contact them several times during their visit to assure that everything  is OK and to their liking. My guests also know that I, my housekeeper and maintenance staff are readily available and just a phone call away if any thing that needs attention arises during their visit. Many of my guests don't find it necessary to rent a car because we have access to so many activities right here on our beach.  We have 3 restaurants, tennis, all types of water sports, snorkeling, diving, beach volleyball, deep sea fishing, catamaran sailing trips; along with a list of other activities that can fill your vacation with fun things to do for a complete vacation experience.  These activities  are all located steps away from our front door on our beautiful tropical beach. I also provide a grocery delivery service where I  can have the condo stocked with all of the grocery items and supplies that you want, prior to arrival at the condo. This means that you don't have to spend your valuable vacation time or expense in taking care of grocery shopping. Nevertheless, when you do want to venture out beyond this complete vacation spot, car rentals are readily available at about $40.00 to $60.00 per day. Taxis can be expensive if you use them a lot, but are economical for infrequent use. Two or three cab trips will definitely be less expensive than a car rental.

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Lovely Stay in Bolongo Bay!

Guest: DC Mom (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

My husband, myself, and our two kids (ages six and seven) just returned from a lovely week in this condo in Bolongo Bay. The owner is an absolutely lovely host and could not have been more gracious and helpful both prior to our arrival and during our stay. His condo was clean, spacious, and had all the modern amenites, such as free wi-fi and several tvs with dvd players. The kitchen set up included a blender and a toaster oven, which we appreciated. He provided thoughtful little touches -- a generous stock of both bath and beach towels, beach sarongs, etc. - that made our stay all the more pleasant. The condo is ideally situated on pretty Bolongo Bay (the view from the balcony of the condo is fabulous) and adjacent to a small family resort, which was wonderful. In addition to the pool at the condo, we had the full range of resort amenities at our disposal (beach toys, water equipment rental, etc.) and 3 full-service restaurants within an easy stroll. It was a wonderful, relaxing week - we would definitely consider visiting again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Fantastic Experience and Great Snorkeling

Guest: Ann V. (Albany, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/06/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

The condo is beautiful and very well maintained. It is stocked with all the amenities. Earl is without a doubt the best owner I have ever met. He was available before, during and after our trip. He checked in the first couple of days to make sure all was going smoothly. The location was fantastic. My husband and I loved falling asleep to the lapping of the waves. We toured around the St. Thomas and St. John and we concluded that we picked the best spot to stay. We layed out in the sun and spent a lot of time snorkeling. St. John is beautiful no doubt, but we loved the wild life that lived in Bolongo Bay- 3-4 sea turtles, beautiful manaray, squid and loads of colorful fish. The sea grass and giant bolders provide a habitat that out weighed any of the other beaches we visited on either island. The beach had a moderate number of people, but never to crowded. There are 3 delicious restraurants along the beach. When you eat at Mim's plan to eat around sunset, it is absolutely breath taking. We have already been recommending to our family and friends to visit St. Thomas and stay at Earl's.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Lovely condo at Watergate

Guest: Peggy and Don (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/09/11

We have just returned from 3 weeks of vacation at Earl Thomas' lovely condo. Once again we found the condo comfortable, clean, and Earl providing many amenities. He is also constantly updating -- we noticed beautiful drapes and a new floor this year. Housekeeper Merlyne is excellent. Through the entire process of booking, Earl is most helpful, gracious, responsible. He answers queries very promptly. During our stay Earl called to check on our needs several times. He is genuinely concerned about his guests. We certainly are eager to return and do not hesitate to recommend Mr. Thomas and his condo to others. The complex is filled with very friendly owners and guests which always makes a stay here utterly pleasant.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Fantastic Location, Great Host

Guest: Doglips (Champaign, IL)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/14/11

For our needs, this was ideal. We went for simply "doing nothing" and enjoying the sun on the beach. The feature of this property is location: South-facing beach for all day sun, three restaurants within walking distance, and pool. The complex is not new, but more importantly, everything works and is kept clean and maintained. The owner takes great care to ensure that guests are satsified, and is always available. Having a condo with a kitchen versus a hotel room means you don't have to eat out every meal, but when you want to eat out, it's easy.

Recommended for:Age 55+

Not Accurate

Guest: cape cod (chatham ma)
Date of Stay: 12/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/07/11

First I must say that The owner is very nice and definitely contacted us several times about the issues, but unfortunately the issues couldn't be fixed with a phone call. When we arrived, there was no internet or tv, or telephone. Well that isn't to big of deal, but the ants that over powered this villa were. From the kitchen to the bathroom , to the bedrooms. A can of raid doesn't do it. The bathrooms were in desperate need of a full gut. Not sure if i really wanted to bath in them , let alone shower. The master bath show water came out a a trickle, and i mean trickle which my husband tryed to fix. The tub shower combo , when you stood in it, felt like you were going to fall through, to the first floor apt. The tub was black so baths for me. The second bath was " ditto". On to the kitchen, a toast oven to make toast, really? you had to stand there and hold the glass door shut, or no toast. it definitely needs to be replaced.Old appliances with rust on them. when you opened a cabinet to get a dish, there was a horrible smell, like something died in there. So we ate out daily.The pictures are surely not what we expected. He needs to put some serious work in this villa, to bring it up to par. I looked for a spare set of sheets to change the beds, but no luck.The maid never appeared once, in the 10 days we were there. So we went down stairs to the laundry room with towels and sheets in tow. Oh, its time for some new sheets as well. I will not describe the condition of those. He mentioned he just put new tile in. the tiles to the deck were not even cemented down and several were broken and cracked. You can not swim anywhere near your villa as it is all rocks, you must be able to walk a good 1/4 to 1/2 mle to get to a good area. the villa overlooks a restaurant named Mims. They open at five and the waitresses are islanders, which is fine, but they are very loud and abnoxious. They yell and carry on till well after 10:00. I like to keep my sliders open to get the ocean breeze. but you can't here if your looking for quiet. The complex is in need of a paint job as well as the surrounding areas. The patio furniture peeling and cheap. We won't be returning to St Thomas. a poor example that represents the U.S. Virgin Islands. Spectacular this villa is not. Sorry!!!!

Owner response: As  long time owners of our unit  that we use ourselves on a regular basis entertaining family and  friends I usually eagerly look forward to reviews -- whether positive or negative-- since they help me appreciate what I'm  doing right and on the other hand what may need more attention.. For this reason I was particularly disappointed to read this most recent scathing review that is based more in fantasy than reality. Lacking any real facts some very damaging comments were made that just make me "scratch my head " in wonderment. I have attempted unsuccessfully on numerous occasions by telephone, text messages and emails to contact this guest to try to get to the bottom of her displeasure. She has been unresponsive.I am sorry that this guest was disappointed and somehow motivated to post comments that are malicious and disingenuous. Her comments are in direct contrast to the more then 90 positive comments, posted here on my guestbook by all of my other guests. Similarly, observations and comments made by the maintenance staff, telephone repair persons and a neighbor, who had occasion to be inside the condo during this guests visit, will attest to the fact that this guest has distorted and misrepresented the condition of this meticulously clean well cared for condo.   Comments from my neighbor: "Earl Just wanted to let you know what I observed with your tenets staying during the first week in January time frame.  The lady of the house seemed unhappy and complained but when asked about any problems, she made the comment that the only real problem was the ants. I did not see any ants in your unit and the maintenance man did not see any when he went to spray for them.  The family appeared to be enjoying themselves. I don't know what the lady might  be going through personally but at the same time that is no excuse for her to write such a negative and derogatory review. WVE Neighbor"

Recommended for:Age 55+

Earl is the MAN!

Guest: mark e b (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/29/10

This was my first vacation utilizing a rental property and I was extremely apprehensive about sending payment to a stranger but Earl made the whole process very easy. Prior to my vacation we corresponded via email and he responded to all my questions quickly. During my stay he kept in contact with us to ensure all was well. The condo is large enough to accommodate a family of 4 comfortably. It is clean and has everything to make your stay pleasurable. My outgoing flight was delayed due to snow in NYC and Earl made arrangements for us to stay at another rental condo (1620)in watergate villas from Ed. Ed understood our hardship and even offered us the use of the condo for free after after the 1st night if we could not depart. Great vacation!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Condo Stay

Guest: Sherry (Columbus, Indiana, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

I definitely recommend staying at Earl Thomas's Condo in Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas. The condo is very clean and tastefully decorated. I loved being able to walk out of the bedroom onto the balcony and see the ocean every day. Earl made a point to call and check to make sure we had arrived safely, which was a pleasant surprise. He (and his housekeeper) also called to make sure we were okay after the storms (from Tomas) rolled through on Saturday night. Iggie's and Mim's are great places to eat, as is Lobster Grille (past experience). If you are a diver, I highly recommend St. Thomas Diving Club, which is right there on the property and within walking distance. You won't go wrong!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WATERGATE STUDIO CONDO RENTAL

Guest: Happy Vacationer (Ft. Wayne, IN)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/30/10

We actually rented a different condo than the one in this picture (we only needed room for two), but we were very pleased with our choice and with dealing with Earl Thomas. He gave us a fair deal and was readily available to answer our questions. The condo was clean and comfortable. The view was gorgeous! I would rent through Earl again in the future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a Great Week!!!

Guest: Steve (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/23/10

My husband & I planned our beachfront wedding at Bolongo Bay and the condo we rented from Earl was everything described. Everything in the condo was exceptionally clean and well maintained. The view from the balcony each day was breathtaking and we enjoyed the close proximity to Iggie's and the Bolongo Bay Resort where we were married. When visiting a small island such as St Thomas, finding such great amenities as cable television and WiFi within the condo was great for us and we shared our pictures over the internet with those that weren't able to attend the wedding. Earl's phone calls to ensure that all was well and our ability to reach him at any time was great. I would recommend a visit to St Thomas to anyone and would recommend renting this condo as your home away from home to anyone visiting the island.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Piece of Paradise!

Guest: Brooke (Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/25/10

My husband and I just returned from one week at Mr. Thomas' condo at beautiful Bolongo Bay. The pictures and description of his property was spot on! The condo is wonderfully decorated and furnished with all the essentials you need to make a home away from home. Mr. Thomas called upon our arrival to the island to ensure we arrived safely and checked in on us throughout our visit. His recommendations on where the locals go was just in line with our style. His housekeeper also called our first morning to ensure everything was in order. The attention to detail and customer service was above and beyond our expectations. We would highly recommend booking with Mr. Thomas!! We look forward to returning ourselves one day.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wow!!!

Guest: jiff (Cherry Hill, NJ, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 09/01/10

Had a wonderful week at Earl's place! Rented a car and had a chance to see other places and kept saying "I like ours better" to my wife. The location looking out on Bolongo Bay is perfect! The complex which, although shows it's age in spots (early eighties I'm guessing...) offers everything you need to have a wonderful time. I do recommend you bring quarters for the washer and dryer though, no change machine anywhere to be found. Earl was a fantastic host, staying in touch with us whenever needed. The most relaxing week my wife and I have had maybe ever!!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent Service, Villa as described

Guest: C H (Chicago Area)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

We recently stayed at Earl's Watergate Villa located at Bolongo Bay in STT. The listing description was very accurate. Compared to other condos we have stayed in, Earl's had a lot more of the staple type items that we did not have to purchase (i.e Toilet paper, garbage bags, dishwasher soap, paper towels, etc). This was very nice not to have to buy these things. The villa was clean and appeared to be in good maintenance order. The air conditioners were great to help keep us cool during our stay. The kitchen had plenty of items that were needed. Earl provided excellent customer service before our stay, during our stay, and after our stay. In fact, about 1 week prior to our visit, we called to ask if our niece could stay in the condo with us since she was going to be On Island at the time, and he said no problem at all and made the arrangements with the housekeeper to make up the extra sofa sleeper bed. He called to make sure we arrived safely and that we had everything we needed in the villa. I would recommend this property since the location and views were great. This condo is located at the Bolongo Bay which includes 3 on-site restaurants, several pools, and a swim up bar. The restaurant located the closest to the unit, about a 30 second walk, MIMS, was excellent and I would highly recommend it. We also took advantage of the Bolongo Bay Heavenly Days day sail which was very nice and walking distance. Compared to other beaches on St Thomas and the beautiful St John island, the beach at Bolongo Bay is not as nice, though it certainly has great views and will suffice if you want to be at a beach without having to drive anywhere. The second bedroom is separated from the master bedroom by two doors between rooms rather than a solid wall. This was not a problem at all. The location of the villa on the island is great, only 10 minutes from downtown, and 10 minutes from RedHook. Laundry facilities are located on the lower floor of the building and was convenient and easy to do. How can you beat doing your laundry and then sitting at the pool with an ocean view while waiting for the clothes to dry :) Thanks to Earl and his villa we had a great experience in STT. Thanks Earl.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just like home

Guest: Johnika D. (Prince George's County, MD)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

As I walked into the condo, it was so accurately described with two comfy beds, 2 full bathrooms, plenty of space, 3 tvs and although the kitchen looked small via the photos, it worked very well. I had everything I needed to cook breakfast each morning (the condo comes stocked with some seasonings), and pots and pans to cook almost anything you desire. We stopped at the grocery store on the way and we didn't want for much during our stay. Earl called within 15 minutes of my arrival to check on me making sure I found everything ok and asked if I had any questions. The housekeeper checked in on us about 3-4 times for provisions with towels, etc. I loved waking up to the view of the beach each morning. The pool is near and accessible. Mim's is a 2 minute walk and right in front of the condo. The food is tasty. Be mindful of refills--they are not free. Iggies and Bolongo Bay Beach Club is so close as well, just right around the corner. About a 4 minute walk. Just follow the path to the beach. My husband and I only spent one day there but our neices were there every night for their various entertainment shows. The area had plenty of parking. I do suggest a car rental if you desire to roam beyond the condo and Bolongo Bay Beach, as the beach does not showcase the beautiful caribbean waters of the island well. Magan's is about 30 minutes away. WORTH THE VISIT and the $4/ppl+ car fee. Coki Beach is nice. Smaller, but closer and you can snorkel. Reasonable prices. I didn't find the Coki Beach Ocean Park worth the $19/ppl ($16 with a coupon) but it gave free parking and access to closer showers and bathrooms while at the beach. If you go, the park food station is cheaper than the beach. Whatever beach you go to, get there early for best seating, etc. Save some money by packing a lunch. Downtown is nice. Prices are okay. If you visit, visit on days that the cruise ships are in port, as all the stores downtown cater to the cruise ships. We went on a Friday and many places were closed, especially Blackbeard's which sucked because we'd walked the 99 steps and more to get there. Bolongo Bay Condo is also very close to the Red Hook Ferry which we took one day over to St. Johns. Worth the visit. $45 for a roundtrip pass with our car. Pretty simple to get around. We drove the entire island in an hour and a half. Most beaches are free. Visit the ruins. Wonderful condo. Great location. No disappointments.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A great home base to enjoy the VI.

Guest: Dave (Westchester NY)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

Everything that was written about this rental was accurate. This is a well cared for two bedroom condo, centrally located on St. Thomas between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie (couldn't be a better location). It's clean with comfortable furniture and fully functional kitchen, complete with microwave. The views are spectacular. It was especially wonderful to wake up to the bay view right outside the kitchen/living room and master bedroom. There are ceiling fans in every room so that it wasn't necessary to use the AC that much. The owner, Earl was most helpful in discussing plans, day trips, etc.. as well as overall accomodating our needs. I would recommend this to couples with and without children as there were plenty of kids and teens at Watergate Villas. Iggys is a must. They had great nighttime activities, eg. carnival night with a band and entertainment. Mims is great and both restaurants are right on the beach. The upper pool is a must. I've never seen a pool with such an unbelievable view (it's on the Atlantic ocean side and there is a 180 degree view. The only cautionary note is watch out for jellyfish. My son was stung badly at Sapphire Beach.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Trip!

Guest: ~Cathy P (Roswell, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/25/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/10

Thank you, Earl, for a very nicely furnished condo for our St. Thomas vacation. Our family of four fit perfectly in the condo and we had every amenity necessary for a fun stay. We apreciated the coolers, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels...anything we needed to pack for a day out on the island was there for us! Also provided and very much appreciated were the games, DVD movies, books, etc. for the nights we decided to stay in and enjoy a relaxing night cooking at home. Thank you again...we had a wonderful vacation!

Recommended for:Families with young children, sightseeing.

Best place to stay on St. Thomas

Guest: Carol and Gordon Gholson, Moreno Valley, CA
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/10

St. Thomas wedding Best place to stay on St. Thomas This condo was even better than we expected. It was very clean and spacious. The location is excellent as it close to downtown Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook for a variety of restaurants. It has a well stocked kitchen for eating in as well. There were plenty of bath towels and beach towels and the beds were comfortable. It is right on the beach with fantastic views of the ocean and pool. The beach is not crowded and has two restaurants. You can book catamaran tours that leave right from the beach. It was a pleasure dealing with the owner Earl. He even called us the first day to make sure we made it there OK. We will definately return. We have rented other condos on St. Thomas from other owners in the past and have been disappointed. Not here! Thanks Earl. Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure seekers, Tourists without a car, Sightseeing, Families with teenagers, Families with young children, Romantic getaway

Recommended for:

Guest: Johnny & Christy Terwilliger (Sneads Ferry, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/03/10 Review Submitted: 03/03/10

My husband and I took our son and his soon to be wife to St. Thomas over Thanksgiving. I loved everything about this condo, we felt quite at home there. Everything in the condo was great, it was very neat and clean. Everything that we needed was there, which was great. We enjoyed being able to get up in the morning and cook breakfast. I loved the thought of there being restaurants within walking distance. We had booked a overnight charter on a boat while we were there, which was an awesome experience. There are so many fun things to do in that area, we try to go to St. Thomas as much as possible. Earl called to check on us and even called on the day we were to leave to let us know that we could stay until we had to leave for our flight since no one else was checking in on that day(I was very appreciative since I had injured my ankle on vacation and did not want to be on it much). I will be looking forward to renting this condo again, loved every minute of it!!!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/21/10

We stayed the first week of Feb 2010 with another couple. The pictures are very accurate but the descriptions are an understatement. You will get a better feel of the location by reading the guest comments. Bolongo Bay is a wonderful place that is away from all the cruise traffic and congestion. Earl was very friendly and professional checking up on us to make sure all was going well and responding to several email inquiries in a very timely manner. There were nothing but pleasant surprises with more dining choices, better snorkeling, and more things to do than expected right there along the beach. Definitely sign up for one of the catamaran trips aboard the Heavenly Days. A car is a must if you want to explore the island but is not needed if you are looking to just hang out and relax.

Recommended for:

Guest: Peggy and Don (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 02/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/10

My husband and I very much enjoyed Earl Thomas' Watergate condo Jan. 12 - Feb. 2, 2010. Throughout the entire process of booking through stay, Mr. Thomas was most gracious, dependable, prompt. He always replies to queries in a timely and pleasant manner, and it is indeed a pleasure to work with him! The wonderful gift basket upon arrival was so appreciated, and we enjoyed its contents throughout our visit. Mr. Thomas called several times to check on us and our stay. He is truly concerned with his guests' comfort and enjoyment. The condo is attractive, furnished well with comfortable bedding, and is so delightfully clean and well maintained. The housekeeper is conscientious and excellent. This was our 4th stay at Watergate, but our first at this condo, and we will definitely return to this particular condo and Mr. Thomas. We had done the sights, beach hopping, and trips on other visits, so this year spent considerable time enjoying the pool and the warm, friendly owners and guests at the complex, many of whom we had met on previous visits. Some nights we ate on the condo balcony, enjoying the view; many nights we enjoyed local restaurants such as Roberts, Room with A View, North Side Bistro, Wikked, Shipwreck, Jacks, Tickles, Hook-Line and Sinker. Our 3 weeks passed very quickly, and already I miss not being lulled to sleep by the gentle waves. Snow and cold here in Ohio cannot compete with this balmy paradise.

Recommended for:

Guest: Janice Bobholz & Brian Toth (Beaver Dam, WI)
Date of Stay: 12/29/09 Review Submitted: 12/29/09

We stayed at Earl's place the week of December 5-12th, 2009. We cannot say enough about the wonderful time we had. It was everything Earl said it would be and more. When we got there the condo was decorated for Christmas, what a nice surprise as it was 90 degrees there and -5 degrees at home. We weren't used to seeing a Christmas tree while having the windows open or the airconditioning running but it was a great experience. Earl called to check on us to make sure things were ok. They were great. It was a slower week on the island just before busy season and we loved that. We had the whole place to ourselves. Once in awhile we ran into some folks at the pool. We loved the laid back atmosphere. We spent a lot of time driving around to other beaches and seeing the island of St. John all which was very doable with the location of Earl's place. He gave helpful directions and attractions that saved us lots of travel time. We loved it. We have traveled all over the Caribbean and this was one of the most relaxing spots we've stayed. Although things are very pricey on the island, having the condo and a kitchen was just right. We put the blender to good use each night as we watched the sunset from the balcony patio which was awesome! Thanks Earl for making this a trip to remember, but hopefully not our last to Earl's condo! We're looking forward to booking this again. By the way, Iggies had great food at reasonable prices. The bistro right on the property also had great food but like most upscale places it was expensive but a nice treat once in awhile. Thanks also Earl for the use of the snorkeling equipment and lawn chairs. Our friends are covinced snorkelers now that they had equipment to try before they buy. Thanks again for everything Earl and we hope to be back in 2010. The Toths & Weikerts from Wisconsin

Recommended for:

Guest: Emily Patrick (-)
Date of Stay: 12/06/09 Review Submitted: 12/06/09

Had an absolute ball at Earl's condo! The place is so comfortable and cozy. Very clean and had everything we needed and more. The view is great and the food at the nearby restaurants was superb. Thanks for yummy basket full of goodies Earl!! Hope to see you again soon! Emily, Becky, Susan, and Julie :)

Recommended for:

The sunset from the balcony patio which was awesome!

Guest: Janice Bobholz & Brian Toth, Beaver Dam, WI
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

12/29/09 Positive We stayed at Earl's place the week of December 5-12th, 2009. We cannot say enough about the wonderful time we had. It was everything Earl said it would be and more. When we got there the condo was decorated for Christmas, what a nice surprise as it was 90 degrees there and -5 degrees at home. We weren't used to seeing a Christmas tree while having the windows open or the airconditioning running but it was a great experience. Earl called to check on us to make sure things were ok. They were great. It was a slower week on the island just before busy season and we loved that. We had the whole place to ourselves. Once in awhile we ran into some folks at the pool. We loved the laid back atmosphere. We spent a lot of time driving around to other beaches and seeing the island of St. John all which was very doable with the location of Earl's place. He gave helpful directions and attractions that saved us lots of travel time. We loved it. We have traveled all over the Caribbean and this was one of the most relaxing spots we've stayed. Although things are very pricey on the island, having the condo and a kitchen was just right. We put the blender to good use each night as we watched the sunset from the balcony patio which was awesome! Thanks Earl for making this a trip to remember, but hopefully not our last to Earl's condo! We're looking forward to booking this again. By the way, Iggies had great food at reasonable prices. The bistro right on the property also had great food but like most upscale places it was expensive but a nice treat once in awhile. Thanks also Earl for the use of the snorkeling equipment and lawn chairs. Our friends are covinced snorkelers now that they had equipment to try before they buy. Thanks again for everything Earl and we hope to be back in 2010. The Toths & Weikerts from Wisconsin Janice Bobholz & Brian Toth, Beaver Dam, WI

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We cannot say enough about the wonderful time we had.

Guest: The Toths & Weikerts from Wisconsin
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/29/10

We stayed at Earl's place the week of December 5-12th, 2009. We cannot say enough about the wonderful time we had. It was everything Earl said it would be and more. When we got there the condo was decorated for Christmas, what a nice surprise as it was 90 degrees there and -5 degrees at home. We weren't used to seeing a Christmas tree while having the windows open or the air conditioning running but it was a great experience. Earl called to check on us to make sure things were ok. They were great. It was a slower week on the island just before busy season and we loved that. We had the whole place to ourselves. Once in awhile we ran into some folks at the pool. We loved the laid back atmosphere. We spent a lot of time driving around to other beaches and seeing the island of St. John all which was very doable with the location of Earl's place. He gave helpful directions and attractions that saved us lots of travel time. We loved it. We have traveled all over the Caribbean and this was one of the most relaxing spots we've stayed. Although things are very pricey on the island, having the condo and a kitchen was just right. We put the blender to good use each night as we watched the sunset from the balcony patio which was awesome! Thanks Earl for making this a trip to remember, but hopefully not our last to Earl's condo! We're looking forward to booking this again. By the way, Iggies had great food at reasonable prices. The bistro right on the property also had great food but like most upscale places it was expensive but a nice treat once in awhile. Thanks also Earl for the use of the snorkeling equipment and lawn chairs. Our friends are covinced snorkelers now that they had equipment to try before they buy. Thanks again for everything Earl and we hope to be back in 2010. The Toths & Weikerts from Wisconsin

Recommended for:

Guest: Charlie13 (Fort Collins, CO)
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/25/09

My husband and I plus another couple stayed in this condo and had a wonderful time. We could not have asked for anything, all was supplied at this condo. Earl was very helpful and just a phone call away should we have needed to know anything about the island. If we get to St Thomas again we would not hesitate to stay here again.

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Had an absolute ball at Earl's condo! Thanks for yummy basket

Guest: Emily Patrick
Date of Stay: 11/14/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

12/06/09 Had an absolute ball at Earl's condo! The place is so comfortable and cozy. Very clean and had everything we needed and more. The view is great and the food at the nearby restaurants was superb. Thanks for yummy basket full of goodies Earl!! Hope to see you again soon! Emily, Becky, Susan, and Julie :) Emily Patrick

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We could not have asked for anything, all was supplied at this condo.

Guest: Charlie, Fort Collins, CO
Date of Stay: 11/04/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

11/25/09 My husband and I plus another couple stayed in this condo and had a wonderful time. We could not have asked for anything, all was supplied at this condo. Earl was very helpful and just a phone call away should we have needed to know anything about the island. If we get to St Thomas again we would not hesitate to stay here again. Charlie, Fort Collins, CO 970-227-9569

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Guest: Gary Keller (Omaha, Ne)
Date of Stay: 09/24/09 Review Submitted: 09/24/09

My family stayed at the condo September 10 - September 17. This was our second stay at the Bolongo with the first being at the resort it itself. We much preferred renting from Earl. As often mentioned in other comments, Earl was very easy to deal with and we corresponded many times before I rented from him and his responses were very timely and helpful. His concern and attention to detail was very helpful. Upon our arrival, he had a fruit basket delivered which we very much enjoyed during our visit and his housekeeper presented us with bottle of rum to start us on our way. There were five of us staying at the condo and with the king size bed, twin beds and pull out sofa, the room was adequate. The kitchen is a little small and hard to maneuver with more than two people but this was a minor issue. The overall appearance of the condo is very nice and very clean. Earl has added a few touches which were very helpful and appreciated such as the snorkeling gear, water boards, water shoes and the rope on the balcony which was used continually for wet towels and clothes. We used the swimming pool every night for several hours. There were very few people staying at the condo during this period because of the off season and we generally had it to ourselves. Very nice facility and the visitors and residents were very nice and helpful. We used the facilities at the Bolongo resort whom I am sorry to say are not very friendly or helpful. Prior to checking into the condo, we stayed one night at the resort. Holel clerk very unfriendly to the extent of being rude. I would not recommend. On one paricular day we were using the beach and had our towels on a beach chair and were requested to remove them since we were not staying at the resort. There were 4 of us on the beach and didn't apprear be a problem! Small issue for using the beach however. Enjoyed Iggies and would recommend. Thank you Earl for your attention and the use of your great facility. If we return to the St. Thomas, we will definetly use your facility.

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Guest: Ann63 (Salem, OR)
Date of Stay: 09/19/09 Review Submitted: 09/19/09

Earl, We had a great time, thanks for sharing your vacation home with us! Previous coments mention all the amenties and extras it's all true so I won't repeat.

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Upon our arrival, Earl had a fruit basket delivered

Guest: Gary Keller, Omaha, Ne
Date of Stay: 09/10/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

09/24/09 My family stayed at the condo September 10 - September 17. This was our second stay at the Bolongo with the first being at the resort it itself. We much preferred renting from Earl. As often mentioned in other comments, Earl was very easy to deal with and we corresponded many times before I rented from him and his responses were very timely and helpful. His concern and attention to detail was very helpful. Upon our arrival, he had a fruit basket delivered which we very much enjoyed during our visit and his housekeeper presented us with bottle of rum to start us on our way. There were five of us staying at the condo and with the king size bed, twin beds and pull out sofa, the room was adequate. The kitchen is a little small and hard to maneuver with more than two people but this was a minor issue. The overall appearance of the condo is very nice and very clean. Earl has added a few touches which were very helpful and appreciated such as the snorkeling gear, water boards, water shoes and the rope on the balcony which was used continually for wet towels and clothes. We used the swimming pool every night for several hours. There were very few people staying at the condo during this period because of the off season and we generally had it to ourselves. Very nice facility and the visitors and residents were very nice and helpful. We used the facilities at the Bolongo resort whom I am sorry to say are not very friendly or helpful. Prior to checking into the condo, we stayed one night at the resort. Holel clerk very unfriendly to the extent of being rude. I would not recommend. On one paricular day we were using the beach and had our towels on a beach chair and were requested to remove them since we were not staying at the resort. There were 4 of us on the beach and didn't apprear be a problem! Small issue for using the beach however. Enjoyed Iggies and would recommend. Thank you Earl for your attention and the use of your great facility. If we return to the St. Thomas, we will definetly use your facility. Gary Keller, Omaha, Ne

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Guest: Gray Family (Benicia, California)
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

We had the pleasure of staying here August 20-27, 2009. I corresponded with Earl Thomas a dozen times before confirming our reservation and each time Earl was quick to respond and answered all my questions every time. Even after we signed the contract, Earl was quick to answer my miscellaneous emails and was very easy to work with. I had a couple mini meltdowns regarding the threat of hurricanes prior to our arrival and Earl was really flexible if we had to change our date. Fortunately, we didn't have to and the weather ended up being wonderful, despite my worry but it was nice of him to give us an alternative. It gave me the peace of mind I needed. Earl even called to check on us to make sure we arrived and he sent over a lovely fruit, wine and cheese basket, which we appreciated so much! We loved the condo, or what we now refer to as home! The views of Bolongo Bay were stunning from the master bedroom, kitchen and living room. We enjoyed the sunrises with coffee on the lanai each morning. It was clean, well stocked with all the comforts of home and the beds were very comfortable. It was also fully stocked with beach towels, chairs, ice chests, boogie boards, snorkel equipment, etc. The AC in each of the rooms worked well and was definitely necessary! Parking was easy and plentiful. The three pools were definitely a bonus. We loved the wireless internet too. It was also conveniently located between Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook and the beautiful beaches on St. Thomas. We loved Iggie's restaurant and the St. Thomas diving club and both were within walking distance. We had the perfect vacation and intend on returning next summer and will definitely stay here again. I am counting down the days…!

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Guest: The Prichards (Cary, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

First of all, to Earl, thank you so much for addressing our needs and making suggestions. It was a pleasure to get to know you. We rented the unit at the other end from Earl's when his became unavailable, and it was very convenient with a great view overlooking the pool and sea. It was so peaceful sitting out on the long deck with the breezes off the water, and the kids loved the beautiful pools up the hill. The one with a 200 degree view of the sea is spectacular, especially at sunset. The unit was convenient to the beautiful beaches on the east side. Coki Beach had fantastic snorkeling, and Sapphire and Smith's Bay beaches offered white sands and spectacular scenery. Red Hook is 10 minutes away so we took the ferry to St. John's from there with our car. We had a wonderful day there seeing the sites and Caneel, Maho, Cinnamon and Trunk Bays. We enjoyed eating at Glady's Cafe in Charlotte Amalie and when we were near Red Hook, at Duffy's Love Shack, which years ago was in Charlotte Amalie (at Creque's Alley) and ties in to the Mamas and Papas spending time in St. Thomas in the 1960's. We too thought we were in a much more relaxed location at the condo than the neighboring Bolongo Bay Hotel. Iggie's was a bit disappointing to us in our one visit there. All in all it was a great vacation and we highly recommend contacting Earl if you want a great place to hang out for a week on the beach.

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