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Thank you all in advance for taking time to read this!
Ok, here is my problem:
We made reservations for my party of 10 at Absolute Paradise/Pineapple Villas months ago, only to recently disconver that the Grand Palace has closed down, and the amenities listed will no longer exist. So, I have been trying to find new accommodations, but all of the great rentals within our price range are booked up. Can't change dates because wedding is planned and most of our party has bought airline tickets.
I did find an amazing home for rent 6BR/5BA with all the bells and whistles, hot tub, sauna, bar, etc. It PERFECT and well within our budget of $5000.00 for the week. The only issue is no AC!!! The owner says it isn't really needed, there are tons of fans and a constant breeze. The home is mostly patio style sort of opened up to the outside pool areas.
So, I guess my question is, would you stick with the Pineapple, no amenities or pool, possibly a beach covered in sea grass, but WITH AC. Or take the gorgeous home with no A/C. Will be suffering at night sleeping with no A/C?? We won't be home much during the day.
Thank you again! I'm in desparate need of advice!
Kasey
I would go with NO AC. Use the fans!
I can't speak specifically of St. Thomas but we have rented homes in Jamaica and Mexico and have never had A/C. It really is not needed. You would be suprised how a nice breeze, fan and open space can keep you cool. Don't forget about a nice cold beer or tropical drink, too.
I assume NC is for North Carolina (good luck tonight) and relative to someone from Wisconsin, you should be used to warm evenings. That said, temperatures in July are not much different than other times of the year and if the villa does get steady breeze, you'll find the ceiling fans very comfortable at night.
We actually turned our fans down and used a blanket. The only 'dead' times tend to be mid morning and dusk, but that really depends on the location.
I have a trip to STJ scheduled in early August and initially rented a villa without A/C. As a Texan, I figured mid-high 80's with fans and trade winds would be no problem given the August temps we're accustomed to.
However, after talking to others who had been to the islands during the summer and specifically asking the advice of our Villa rental company, I decided to shift our reservation to a villa with a/c. I still have a feeling we would have been okay without it but given this will be a wedding/honeymoon and the villa with a/c was in a little better location (chocolate hole rather than coral bay) I decided it would be worth the extra cost to have one less thing to worry about.
John
Hi guys! Thanks for the quick replies! Yes I am in North Carolina, and the rest of the party is from S. FL, and ID! I think I am leaning toward the no AC and then getting two rooms for the day at the resort where the wedding will be held, for everyone to get ready for the wedding in AC:-). More opinions definitely welcome!!
Kasey
I'm from the coast of SC and was in St John last May. We rented a villa with no a/c and I too was worried that the heat would keep me from having a good time. I did have a few moments when walking around STT, shopping that the heat got to me but a cool drink always helps. Other than that, I survived the heat well. The villa was never an issue since there was always a breeze. I was never awake at night. 80 degree weather in St John is not the same as 80 degree weather at home!
I agree that no A/C is no problem. We always travel to St John in July or August and always are comfortable with the ceiling fans in our villa. We're heading down for Carnival in July this year.
Kasey,
Last time in the islands, we stayed at Caneel w/ A/C, in July. We never turned it on. You'll be fine!
We were on STJ last Dec. and used the ac constantly to keep the mosquitos at bay. It really seems to help. We have stayed in a villa without ac, but would really prefer it. We're from Texas and really are used to our ac.
I'm sure whatever you decide, you will have a great time.
After the winter cold, the warmth would feel good! Seriously, there's usually a breeze blowing and the addition of a fan should keep it comfortable. No worries! Enjoy!
I cannot live here without my ceiling fan so I understand the concerns. Where is the WONDERFUL villa located. The location will make all the difference in the world. In St. Thomas facing the Atlantic the breeze is so brisk I have a hard time keeping the window screens in late at night. On the east end of the island I used AC constantly. It was literally never shut down. We went through about one window unit every 15 - 18 months. So - location and direction the areas which will be most used. Take into account that you are probably not going to be in house the hottest parts of the day. But is would be a nice touch to rent a room for the wedding party .....
Pamela.
