I just returned from St. Thomas where I booked a stay in a beach front villa at Sapphire Beach. They recently had some issues where all food facilities on the property abruptly shut down. So there is no way to get any food on site. They offer to shuttle you to town but there is only one minivan for the entire property and it only runs on the hour. They negelcted to inform us of this when I checked in and the room we were assigned to was falling apart. The floors had dirt on them and some were stained beyod repair. The drawer facings of the kitchen cabinets were falling off. The ceiling fans made lots of noise and it looked like any minute it was going to fly off. There was no phone in our room, the deck had been burned and they never repaired it. Everything we touched either broke or fell off. We complained and asked to see the manager but he never showed up or returned our call. We were told they didn't pay their electricity bill so they were cut off. Antillies Resorts also manages a few other properties and we were informed by some locals that they were over extended and that's why they couldn't pay their bill. I'm not sure even if they turned the power back on it would be worth what the charge. It needs to be renovated badly. I advise anyone thinking of going there to book elswhere.

Yup its pretty much a dump. It was like that years ago, things have not improved.

Caligan- I just wanted to extend my sympathies to you. We stayed at the next-door Crystal Cove Condos and were also somewhat affected by the lack of services at the bars and restautants, but obviously not like someone who stayed there. We were wondering what it was like for people who were staying there. Too bad it was a dump, on top of the power shutdown.

We heard the same story about the reason for the closure as you did, from a taxi driver.

At least the beach had easy, good snorkeling.

Better luck on your next trip.- Dave

Gee, my next door neighbors (in Fla) just bought a studio unit at this place. Claim it's a gold mine. Glad I didn't get caught up in it...

Caligan--Thanks for the warning!

It's really too bad it's been allowed to run down like that. It has such a great location. Wonder why they don't sell it & let somebody make it a good resort as it was when it opened?

Sorry you were stuck staying there. What a shame.

Don't worry, if they continue to outrage customers they'll lose their bookings and they will be forced to sell. Anyone who has purchased a timeshare should look into their documents to see what happens in the event of negligent operation of the facility.

Can you all tell me is this the same place you all are talking about.

Check out this link please, because I was just thinking of booking and now I'm worried!

http://www.vrbo.com/96451

Sorry about your really negative experiance! Perhaps you should consider contacting the credit card company that you paid with and try to dispute the charge. Maybe you can get some or all of your money back that way. I know generally Amex is pretty good about that.

All the best!

Cheers,

Shark Diver

I am so sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience at this property. My family and I have stayed at a few crummy hotels but nothing as bad as what you experienced. Many years ago on our first Caribbean cruise we stopped in St. Thomas and the tour bus drove past Sapphire Beach. In 1991 surely it was just a new place and very nice, but apparently the quality has slipped badly. Thank you for the warning.

TTT

I would also like to know if VRBO #96451 is in the place you are talking about. I am looking at it also.

Thanks!

I agree with Sharkdiver. If you used Amex, give them a call. They have come to my rescue many a time!!

Sorry about your trip.

I was also looking into unit e201, #vrbo96451. anyone have any comments? please let me know, as i have the check written out now (have'nt mailed yet) Joan

joan, yes it is the same place.

there is a new owner now on board--a local who will restore to its geatness..

Contact PR person to get help"

[email protected]