the condos exist here. i have not been inside any of the units in quite some time, though.

Thanks, Anita. I'm sure there is. I'm a little gun shy after finding that review of what I thought was going to be the perfect place for us.

The bad experience person suggested Bolongo, Sea Cliff, and Frenchman's Bay as much better than Sapphire. Anyone have any insight on those?

I must add that the poster who complained so bitterly about their accommodation at Sapphire Village was not a vacationer but someone who I believe was here on an employee contract basis (possibly a visiting nurse?) and whose accommodation was provided through their travel nurse association which typically situates their contract employees at Sapphire Village,

Please let me be bold enough to assure you that this one person's experience is absolutely NOT typical of usual reviews from those who book their Sapphire vacation rentals through the condo owners at vrbo. I have no stake whatsoever in Sapphire and although I empathized with that poster I was very put out that their review was posted on a vacation forum and - as happened in your case - was sufficiently detrimental to potentially turn off visitors from the Sapphire condos in general.

The Sapphire owners who advertise their condos on vrbo are very meticulous where their units are concerned and all the units I've been in over many years have been very well appointed and extremely comfortable.

If you decide against Sapphire in general because of one negative post then I can tell you that you'll sorely miss out in the long run as Sapphire Beach is beautiful. Do some more research before you look elsewhere. Cheers!

$140 per night, INCLUDING taxes is, I think, a stretch. Less than $1,000 a week total for what you are asking is low, IMO.

I would recommend that you read the reviews with the individual listings on VRBO. As owners we cannot prevent any negative reviews from being posted, only add our own comments in reply. That said, the price you are looking for may be hard to find in March for a place with good reviews. Good luck in your search.

We have stayed at Sapphire 3 times. Once up in the Village (on the hill) and twice at the Beach.

Everything you have asked for can be met at Sapphire. Even your price. The last time we were there was in November and we loved it. Keep in mind that most units are not the Ritz, but they certainly can be very nice and well taken care of. We have rented off the same person, so I know his units and I know what I am getting.

You're on a beautiful beach that you can walk right out onto. You have a gorgeous view all the time. The kitchen has everything you could need and queen size bed. The thing is.....you're not going to be in your room that much, but of course you want to feel comfortable when you come in.

If you need the contact of the person we rented off of, please let me know.

Also, rent a car, you're going to want it to get around and then you can also take it over on the car barge and see some of the beaches on STJ. Depending on taxes just don't work in a place like STT. There's sooooo much to see.

Good luck

We stayed at Sapphire Village (my wife is a travel nurse) and have nothing bad to say about the place. We had a wonderful time and were happy with the condo. And the people that work there are great. We had wonderful views and great breezes (never used the a/c all summer). I guess it all depends on one's level of expectation on anything. We have been going to the islands for years and are pretty laid back. But we are planning on returning this year and would be very happy to have the same condo if that is any indication of our level of satisfaction.

Many people come down here, expecting to stay in paradise, basque in Ritz-Carlton type rooms, which are both downtown and at a beach at the same time (no such thing), views all the way to Alaska, and want it for next to nothing. The fact is, you get what you pay for. You will have to make sacrifices in either quality or money you're willing to spend. Beach or downtown. If you come expecting everything for nothing, you are going to be very disappointed. (Keep in mind that eco-tents on the beach with no amenities are $80 a night....so finding a room for your price for what you're asking is not overly likely). That being said, be aware of posters to trip-advisor and other sites. Always read all the reviews and look at the big picture. If someone rated you, your house and your work 24-hours a day, would there ever be a complaint? Understand how impossible it is to keep 100% of people happy, 100% of the time (especially when expectations are too high..............). Sapphire IS a little run-down, but it's still a great place, with a lovely beach right there. It's also on the safari route, so you can get to Red-Hook and/or Downtown Charlotte Amalie for $2 per person, per direction.

Someone once told me that there are 2 types of people who go out about the world. Tourists and travelers. Tourists want to escape where they are and go somewhere entirely different, then get to that place and it isn't good enough, pretty enough, back--home-like enough.... travelers simply relish the experience. So, my advice, ask yourself what you want out of this trip and make every day count. That's my 2 cents worth. Good luck!

1littleindian says that, "Sapphire IS a little run-down ..." and although going on to say what a great place it is, I feel compelled to address the negative connotation, with the repeated caveat that I've no stake in Sapphire whatsoever. I guess it depends on what you consider "run down." Basic exterior weathering isn't "run down" and in fact the repainting and in some cases the replacing of the exterior has been an ongoing project for several years now. Salt water takes its toll on wood! The units themselves are very nicely appointed and those individual owners who rent out their units when not on island continually upgrade their places as competition is high.

Although the beach bar and restaurant have been closed for some time now there is a simple but very nice BBQ operation going and the Grapevine Grill up the hill delivers food and drinks beachside. The units also have very nicely appointed kitchens so you can "do your own thing" and the general location is very convenient. So, without rambling on any further, I just wanted to address the "run down" comment. Cheers!

we have guest rooms for 120/night.

Right above Sapphire Beach which you can walk to.

PM if interested

billd