Great location and unit, but construction was disappointing...

Guest: Boston Travelers (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/05/12 Review Submitted: 01/21/12

I want to start by saying that we had a wonderful time exploring the island and the accommodations at the unit were great. However, we were very disappointed by the construction that was going on outside our balcony. There was no mention of construction or obstructed views in the rental listing so we were expecting a water view. Beyond being an eye sore, it was also very disruptive to our morning since construction drills would start by 7am and sound traveled very easily through the condo to the bedroom. We never used the patio due to lack of privacy, drills, and no view. John was very responsive and wonderful to work with during our planning process, but we felt that the construction should have been disclosed. The location is great for going out at night and the parking spot was a nice bonus! We just thought it would be fair to other guests to reset expectations of the unit and the view. I provided this feedback directly to John when we returned and I was disappointed he did not offer a response.

Owner response:Hello Lauren and All, I am very sorry that Lauren was disappointed. I value my customers and want everyone to be happy with their vacation. I want to start by saying I did not receive any complaints or concerns about their stay when they were on St. John. I talked to Rachelle, our on-island manager, she did not receive any calls about their stay. The first time I heard that the Lauren was disappointed was this review. There is construction nearby that is very sporadic, as is normal for St. John. I or Rachelle have not had any complaints about construction noise. I am very sorry that Lauren was unsatisfied, but I wish she had communicated this during their stay. I might have been able to move them to another unit. I did call and talk to Lauren's husband. As they said, they enjoyed the location and the condo, but were unhappy with the noise while they were on the patio. I talked to Rachelle about this and she said the workers normally start early and finish early in the afternoon while vacationers are by the pool or beach. This minimizes the disruption to the guests. Our unit is very quit inside and has a great view. Again I am very sorry that Lauren was unhappy. The construction will be completed long before this review is gone. Thanks, John Story

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.

Great Location!

Guest: Kim (Glen Mills, PA )
Date of Stay: 04/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/11/11

We had a great time on our trip to St. John. The condo was perfect and had everything we needed. We loved the location since we could walk to the restaurants and shops every night for dinner. We had a car to explore the island so the parking spot was great. We also liked that we could walk down to the ferry since we took it to meet a boat in Red Hook for a sailing trip one day. We recommend Simplicity Charters for Sailing and Pirate's Penny for a tour of the BVIs. We used the beach chairs, cooler and noodles that were provided every day. Thanks so much. The view from the condo is great because you can see over to the pool and also Cruz Bay. John was very easy to work with and always responded very quickly. Every beach was beautiful and all the restaurant were great. I think my favorite was La Plancha. We would recommend this condo and St. John to everyone!

Owner response:Thanks for the great review Kim. We love St. John and working with people who want to spend time there. We also strive to have everything available that the renters need. Your review is very helpful and because it lets people know what vacationers can expect. I just booked a week in January from a lady who read the reviews and was ready to book before we had even talked. So, thank you very much for staying in our condo. John Story

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

Great Condo with Large End-unit Balcony and Easy Walk to Restaurants

Guest: Wade and Vicki (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 02/27/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in your lovely condo. The gentle breezes on your end-unit balcony were enjoyed morning and evening. We loved being within an easy 5 minute walk to many wonderful restaurants. We especially enjoyed our dinners at The Banana Deck and the Fishtrap. John Storey was great to work with and provided many helpful suggestions for things to do on St. John. Also, Rachelle was great to meet us on-island and provide local assistance, if needed. Thank you, for sharing your beautiful condo with us. We loved our time there.

Owner response:Wade and Vicki, Thanks for the great comments. I do appreciate them. I always love when renters have enjoyed the condo, location and island. St. John is a great vacation spot and as you know I love talking about St. John. Rachelle, is our on-island manager. I appreciate the comments on her also. She does a great job meeting you at the dock, checking you in and answering your questions. Fishtrap is one of our favorites also. Thanks again, and I am glad you enjoyed your vacation. John and Diane

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Great Location!

Guest: Sandy (Parma, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 11/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/05/10

We stayed here for 9 days and it was awesome! This condo is awesome. We have used VRBO for years and this was truly one of the best. It had everything you need to cook a meal, make a drink or listen to music and even due a load of laundry. The balcony is awesome. We actually saw a shooting star! The owner John was always so responsive with questions that we had prior to arriving. We reviewed all tips prior to arriving including trip advisor and it made a difference. There is so much to do and see on this island. The condo is in a great location. Close to all the bars, restaurants, shopping, hiking, city bus and taxis. Even though there is free parking, you do not need a car (unless you have young ones or elders). We hiked and took the city bus and taxi's everywhere. It is very challenging to drive on this island. We will definitely be back! It helps that the weather was sunny every day for our entire trip!! Our only tip that no one tells you about is the City Bus. It is only a dollar. If you are in to hiking (good shoes) it is the best way to see the Island. The Visitor's Center will give you a map and tell you all about the trials. We cannot wait to come back!!! Thanks for a great place to stay! Sandy and Tony

Owner response:Thanks Sandy and Tony, I am glad you enjoyed your stay and we appreciate the review. St. John is a great island and a wonderful place to spend time. I look forward to working with you in the future. John

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

Great condo in a great location

Guest: Nanik (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

We spent 4 nights here (March 14 - 18, 2010), and had a blast. The condo is on Cruz Bay, walking distance from the ferry dock and there are a lot of things you can do within walking distance (lots of shops, restaurants, car rentals). The condo itself is first class, beautiful, clean, and comfortable (especially the king size bed!). I like the fact that this is at the end of the building, so you only have neighbor on one side. The washer and dryer is inside the unit, I find it extremely beneficial to have it within the unit. The pool area and hot tub(new) is beautiful with view of Cruz Bay. Then - the owners - John and Diane are flexible, helpful and super professional. I definitely will rent from them again in the future.

Owner response:Thanks for the review. We enjoyed working with and are very glad that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to hearing from you in the future. John

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.

Guest: Susan Ohl (Shiloh, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

We had the pleasure of staying in the Story's beautiful condominium 7/4-7/12 2009 for my daughter's wedding. We could not believe how stunning the condo was from the moment we opened the door. Gorgeously designed, exquisitely decorated, with no details forgotten. They truly thought of everything! And we cannot stop thinking about the view from the balcony! The location was ideal too...just footsteps from the beach and the heart of Cruz Bay. Thank you John & Diane for the best vacation accomodations ever. Our trip was beyond what we had hoped for. We hope to make the trip and stay in your lovely condo an annual tradition. Many Thanks. Warmly, The Ohl Family

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