Good Afternoon STT Resident, I do not see it as a rant but useful info for people who are unaware of how valueable resources are on an island. I will be sending an email to all in my party prior to staying at our villa on STJ to be aware of limited reources and get the most of them(water and electric) at a minimal use, while we are there. I practice conservation here in Florida and strongly agree more people need to also. Even though the villa we are really leaning towards charges the fee, we think it is minimal and will mostly likely book it.
Off topic, I know the island recycles cans , is there a place to take plactics and paper? Thanks, Laura:-)

STT Resident,
I don't see it as a rant either, and we have high utility rates, compared to many areas, where we live too, although cheap in comparison to yours...however I must say one deterring factor to booking the villa that advertised(but not in a conspicuous place in the listing) that they *might* charge a fee for excessive water usage was that it seemed so ambiguous. Not knowing when the definition of "excessive" would apply and even what they defined as excessive. Since we do plan on doing laundry and there are 6 of us, I just didnt want any suprise charges after our vacation ends, that's all. I didn't object to them charging the fee, its understandable, and I do my best to conserve water and natural resources anywhere, but especially in St Thomas and St John.

Thanks STT.......for telling the visitors, on this web-site, how expensive electricity is on-island.

At Point Pleasant we don't have an energy surcharge.

F.I.

Actually, you do. This is copied from the website:

Point Pleasant Resort St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Reservations/Availability: 800-874-7897 or 800-524-2300

Rates in US$ Summer '10
16 Apr. 10
22 Dec 10 Holiday '10 & '11
23 Dec. 10 -
02 Jan. 11
Feb 14-21 '11 Winter '11
03 Jan. 11
15 Apr. 11 Summer '11
16 Apr. 10
22 Dec 10
Junior Suite
1- 2 persons 180 320 300 180
Superior Suite
rate for 1 - 2 persons 195 340 320 195
Extra persons more than 2: $25 each per night. Maximum of four.
Deluxe Suite
rate for 1 - 2 persons 255 395 375 255
Extra persons more than 2: $25 each per night. Maximum of five.
Two-Bedroom Suite
rate for up to 4 persons 355 570 550 355
Extra persons more than four: $25 each per night. Maximum of six.
Cribs are $10/night. Children under 12 are Free.
8% Virgin Islands Government Hotel Room Tax and 10% Service Charge are additional to all rates.
All Rates quoted in U.S. dollars per night.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIMES: Check-in must be 3 p.m. or later, check-out must be made by 11 a.m.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
From April 15 thru Dec. 14- Inside 7 days of your reservation, there's a 2-night fee; outside of 7 days, no fee.

From Dec. 15 thru April 14- Inside 14 days of your reservation, there's a 2-night fee; outside of 14 days, no fee.

Ric:

And where do you see an "energy" surcharge?????

The web-site rates are "rack-rates"...try calling for the discounted rate.

I own at Point Pleasant.....I pay the electric bill.....there is NO energy surcharge!!!!!!!

F.I.

FI - I think Ric is referring to the "10% service charge" which could be a euphemism for an energy charge? In any case, as an owner at PP you wouldn't pay an energy surcharge in any event because aren't you billed directly by WAPA?

Hillcrest Guest House on St. John does not charge for energy. A suggestion is made to turn A/C, etc. upon departing for the day.

STT:

I believe that this thread is discussing whether the guests are charged an "energy surcharge", not me. At Point Pleasant we have individual meters on all of the condos.

The 10% Service Charge goes to Antilles Resorts (the hotel management firm), not me, for other resort services.....we owners do not receive any "extra" funds for electricity usage.

F.I.

My original point is that many resorts/villas had an additional manditory charge above and beyond the published room rate, be it rack or discounted, in addition to the government tax. This is the case with the Buccaneer on STX and with Point Pleasant on STT. It really doesn't matter what it's called or where it goes. It is an additional charge that needs to be factored into your actual costs.

So, if your nightly rate is quoted as $100 before tax, it is actually $110 before tax, or $118.80 including tax. That's all I'm saying.

wishiwasinthevi wrote:
STT Resident,
I don't see it as a rant either, and we have high utility rates, compared to many areas, where we live too, although cheap in comparison to yours...however I must say one deterring factor to booking the villa that advertised(but not in a conspicuous place in the listing) that they *might* charge a fee for excessive water usage was that it seemed so ambiguous. Not knowing when the definition of "excessive" would apply and even what they defined as excessive. Since we do plan on doing laundry and there are 6 of us, I just didnt want any suprise charges after our vacation ends, that's all. I didn't object to them charging the fee, its understandable, and I do my best to conserve water and natural resources anywhere, but especially in St Thomas and St John.

hope i can ease your mind by typing...

i work for a villa management company and we do note that excessive use of resources will result in a charge in our rental terms... but i rarely see it levied because it's understood that 6 grownups (or whatever size of the party) should go through * x * amount of water and power. the cisterns are designed to take on a full house and so is the electrical system. remember, it is someone's home and they build it for full usage. however, if we have to order truckloads of water while you are still there and there is no leak in the system, it's probably excessive use. i've seen people run through water like... water. very rare.

the maintenance person is called out and if necessary a professional consulted to determine if there is a leak and if the pre-arrival maintenance check was followed (including checking of cistern levels so we know from whence we begin)... and no charges are assessed without discussion first. the agent or guest is presented with testimony and evidence. in the face of same, people usually own up to the 3 hour showers, long distance phone calls, helping god cool the world or whatever. but it has to be pretty large which makes the alarm bells go off.

we know what to expect and we are honest.

cruisingal wrote:
Good Afternoon, We are looking to book a villa on STJ next summer. I have stayed at resorts in the Bahamas and Antigua and we were charged an energy fee. Is it common for villas to charge a daily $19.00 energy fee? Any input appreciated, Laura:-)

To answer your original question cruisingal, No, I have never seen a daily energy fee charged on a StJ villa. I have never heard mention of a daily energy surcharge on any StJ villas. As mentioned above, if excessive use of water or energy occurs you might be billed. It will be noted in the contract.

I find the cleaning fees very strange. If you are renting out a living space, shouldn't you be responsible for making sure it's clean? Why not just add it on to the villa rates.

I agree Linda J. To me......with the separate fees (energy, cleaning, etc.) it "feels" kinda like what the airlines are doing. "here's the cost of the flight.....now, do you a seat with that?"

Exactly! Oh, you plan on sleeping IN the beds? That will be extra!!

Linda J wrote:
I find the cleaning fees very strange. If you are renting out a living space, shouldn't you be responsible for making sure it's clean? Why not just add it on to the villa rates.

Because the villa has to be cleaned after each renter and prior to the next renter. It is not an everyday maid service like a hotel. The cost to clean the villa is the same if it rents for 3 days or 14 days. It is not a linear per night charge.

FL Barrier Islander wrote:
I agree Linda J. To me......with the separate fees (energy, cleaning, etc.) it "feels" kinda like what the airlines are doing. "here's the cost of the flight.....now, do you a seat with that?"

I agree with this 100%.
Just tell me what the price is, bottom line. I know that it will include cleaning and probably a service fee and who knows what else. Just tell me that it is X dollars and if it fits my budget, I will rent it.
Adding extra fees just seems like they are nickel and diming me. Don't tell me I can rent house for $2000, but after you add in cleaning, and service, and who knows what else, it is $2400. Just tell me the price is $2400