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Hi there. I am pretty new to this site. I visit a few other boards, but just recently found this one. My question is regarding villa rentals. I have been to St. John before, but never in September. I think we are going to book a very last minute trip, and I was wondering what to expect for discounts. A few of the villas we are looking at are very wide open. We were planning on booking a week or less before we leave.
Have any of you ever approached an owner or agency for discounts? Would you mind sharing what the rate was originally, and how much you wound up paying? Do you think they would be more inclined to discount for stays longer than one week? Obviously I don't expect you to share the name of the villa or agency. I am sure they would not appreciate it. But if you could, just the rental amounts. I am wondering if I should just ask, or name an amount we are willing to pay. Any help with the negotiations would be helpful. Please feel free to PM me, if you wanted to share specifics.
Also, am I crazy to choose September??
Thanks!
It never hurts to ask. I would try to get 20% to 30%. But, even tho you're allowed to ask, you aren't allowed to be pissed if someone says no.
September is very quiet. Bars and restaurants may be closed. The weather can be picture perfect or stormy. If it is good, it is very, very good... No crowds.
It is perfectly acceptable to ask but if they say no, don't be surprised.
Because September is such a quiet month for rentals, some management companies will hurricane prep the house and just leave it buttoned up, in case a storm comes. It is not worth it for them to put it all back together for one week at a discounted rate.
Make sure you get Trip Insurance, if a storm comes and you have to leave, having that insurance will be a blessing.
check out www.stjohnspice.com for restaurant closing, many will be closed.
Take a look at this website - http://www.calabashcottages.com/sago.htm. I've stayed here. It's a wonderful location and there is a very special price for September.
Thank you all for your responses so far. I definitely won't be upset if we are refused a discount! Everyone has their price. We are just wondering about the actual discounts renters have received in September/Off season for very last minute travel.
X - That makes sense, that if the home is closed up, it would be a pain to open it. Thanks.
EE - Hopefully, if we stay long enough, we will encounter some of the Very Very good!
LindaJ - We actually stayed at one of Susan's rentals before. They are quite nice and well cared for and yes that is an amazing rate for such cute places. We are looking for AC since it will be September, at a minimum in the bedroom.
