Warning-Grand Turk "Palm Grove Villas" a horrible experience!
May 17th, 2012, 07:38 AM
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Warning-Grand Turk "Palm Grove Villas" a horrible experience!
Pix say a thousand words:
Look out for two properties on Grand Turk, marketed by the owner as "Palm Grove Villas". All locals, including Tourism Board reps, know these as "the brown houses", having been trashed by hurricane Ike in 2008 and sleezing in the sun ever since! Owner markets these via VRBO and web site featuring pre-hurricane photos and descriptions! Compare: OUR photos s1051.photobucket.com/albums/s435/lsmith17s/
to HIS photos and descriptions (below): http://www.vrbo.com/310849#comments
http://www.grandturkpropertys.com/
Our brief tale: Our systems went on alert when we arrived at the airport on GT and were left high and dry, with no ride. This after I had called the "property manager" two days previously to remind him of our flight arrival day and time. A Salt Cay resident on the same flight kindly came to our rescue, using a cell phone to ring the "property manager", who was awakened and professed he had "forgotten all about it."
An hour later the "property manager" showed up in a pickup truck. Two of us squeezed into the cab with the driver for the ride to the "villa".
As we drove up to the property, we looked at each other with increasing alarm. From the outside, the view of the weathered exterior of the "villa" and the large, rusted container/dumpster out front were not encouraging. The Tom Sawyer fence with a rusty screw that tagged our backpacks as we squeezed through the broken gate and the view from the deck of the piles of badly weathered lumber and debris that once was the pool area, added to our dismay.
Once inside, we noticed little touches like jalousie panes that wouldn't close (by hand even!), shuttered windows lacking any screens, chairs with uniformly blown-out seats, a torn and sagging leather couch that had seen better days, and AC units that blew no cold air but roared and clanked, leaving us in no doubt as to sleepless nights with mosquitos nipping. Further inconveniences awaited, with no water supply to the house (the PM was working on that one), and no linens on the stained beds in damp bedrooms strongly smelling of mildew. A couple of frayed, tattered sheets and a towel were all we could locate, tossed haphazardly on a bedroom closet shelf.
Our dismay turned to concern as we noticed hazards such as exposed wiring, splintered deck boards jutting up in several places, and a staircase step edge waiting to tear a bare foot or toe.
Our overall impression was of a neglected property badly in need of repair; the peeling paint and weathered, water-logged and splintered wood of the exterior, added to the broken fixtures, worn-out furniture, and musty, mildewed interior simply left us in a state of shock and disbelief.
For this, we had paid over $1k US well in advance of our arrival. In spite of the potential loss of that money, we decided to move immediately to another, reputable property. Our year of savings and careful planning for a vacation on Grand Turk turned into an expensive mistake. Clearly, we were misled, which was confirmed as we spoke with a rep at the Tourism Board office on Front Street and resort/guesthouse owners, taxi drivers, and others we met throughout the week, including the lawyer whose services we secured to attempt to recoup some of our losses. We hope forum readers will look upon our example as a warning!
Look out for two properties on Grand Turk, marketed by the owner as "Palm Grove Villas". All locals, including Tourism Board reps, know these as "the brown houses", having been trashed by hurricane Ike in 2008 and sleezing in the sun ever since! Owner markets these via VRBO and web site featuring pre-hurricane photos and descriptions! Compare: OUR photos s1051.photobucket.com/albums/s435/lsmith17s/
to HIS photos and descriptions (below): http://www.vrbo.com/310849#comments
http://www.grandturkpropertys.com/
Our brief tale: Our systems went on alert when we arrived at the airport on GT and were left high and dry, with no ride. This after I had called the "property manager" two days previously to remind him of our flight arrival day and time. A Salt Cay resident on the same flight kindly came to our rescue, using a cell phone to ring the "property manager", who was awakened and professed he had "forgotten all about it."
An hour later the "property manager" showed up in a pickup truck. Two of us squeezed into the cab with the driver for the ride to the "villa".
As we drove up to the property, we looked at each other with increasing alarm. From the outside, the view of the weathered exterior of the "villa" and the large, rusted container/dumpster out front were not encouraging. The Tom Sawyer fence with a rusty screw that tagged our backpacks as we squeezed through the broken gate and the view from the deck of the piles of badly weathered lumber and debris that once was the pool area, added to our dismay.
Once inside, we noticed little touches like jalousie panes that wouldn't close (by hand even!), shuttered windows lacking any screens, chairs with uniformly blown-out seats, a torn and sagging leather couch that had seen better days, and AC units that blew no cold air but roared and clanked, leaving us in no doubt as to sleepless nights with mosquitos nipping. Further inconveniences awaited, with no water supply to the house (the PM was working on that one), and no linens on the stained beds in damp bedrooms strongly smelling of mildew. A couple of frayed, tattered sheets and a towel were all we could locate, tossed haphazardly on a bedroom closet shelf.
Our dismay turned to concern as we noticed hazards such as exposed wiring, splintered deck boards jutting up in several places, and a staircase step edge waiting to tear a bare foot or toe.
Our overall impression was of a neglected property badly in need of repair; the peeling paint and weathered, water-logged and splintered wood of the exterior, added to the broken fixtures, worn-out furniture, and musty, mildewed interior simply left us in a state of shock and disbelief.
For this, we had paid over $1k US well in advance of our arrival. In spite of the potential loss of that money, we decided to move immediately to another, reputable property. Our year of savings and careful planning for a vacation on Grand Turk turned into an expensive mistake. Clearly, we were misled, which was confirmed as we spoke with a rep at the Tourism Board office on Front Street and resort/guesthouse owners, taxi drivers, and others we met throughout the week, including the lawyer whose services we secured to attempt to recoup some of our losses. We hope forum readers will look upon our example as a warning!
May 17th, 2012, 09:44 AM
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Might annoy you to hear this -- but I don't think the place looks *that* bad. I see that there are signs of water damage and a downgrade in furniture -- I would have definitely asked for some money back. While the place looks thrown back together I'm not sure if it looks unsafe, unless there was dangerous mold that you would have been breathing -- I can't tell that from the pictures. The dumpster is a definite eyesore -- was that his, could he have had it moved?
I agree that his pics are a bit misleading but he honestly just needs to make more of an honest effort-- nicer linens, fix the blinds, etc. (Again, unless there's dangerous levels of mold/mildew....) I stayed at the Osprey Beach for $1000 for the week and while it was more nicely appointed than this house, it was a small room vs a 2 bedroom villa. The hardwood floors look to be in decent shape and it appears that at least some of the house was freshly re-painted.
I hope you're able to resolve this and had a decent vacation anyway. It's a fun little island.
I agree that his pics are a bit misleading but he honestly just needs to make more of an honest effort-- nicer linens, fix the blinds, etc. (Again, unless there's dangerous levels of mold/mildew....) I stayed at the Osprey Beach for $1000 for the week and while it was more nicely appointed than this house, it was a small room vs a 2 bedroom villa. The hardwood floors look to be in decent shape and it appears that at least some of the house was freshly re-painted.
I hope you're able to resolve this and had a decent vacation anyway. It's a fun little island.
May 17th, 2012, 10:14 AM
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i'm so sorry your trip was spoiled. i'd like to know where you moved to, as well. other than the housing issue did you like the island. we're considering it & always stay in villas.
please send a copy of your report & pics to vrbo. i hope they'll pull the house.
hope you'll post again to let us know what you're able to work out.
please send a copy of your report & pics to vrbo. i hope they'll pull the house.
hope you'll post again to let us know what you're able to work out.
May 17th, 2012, 06:10 PM
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I live on Grand Turk and I'm sorry to read that your experience at 'Palm-Grove-Villas' was such an awful one. Most of us 'on-island' would prefer that our visitors have a pleasant and relaxing vacation for their hard saved $'s. I agree with you that Dino's listing is TOTALLY misleading! Please report this listing to VRBO so that others might be spared the misfortune!
May 17th, 2012, 06:19 PM
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@ Jimmie........please note that 4 of the comments on VRBO are postings from Canada. If they are friends of Dinos they could have stayed in those houses for free!! There are 2 other comments (could be family)?? And one comment 'entered by owner' .......................go figure!!!!
May 18th, 2012, 08:08 AM
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Hi All, thx for replies. We relocated to Bohio resort, Tom and Ginny were simply fab, the experience there was a balm to our spirits. And yes it wasn't the "roominess" of our intended 3/2 "villa" but the hospitatlity went a long way to soothing our frazzled nerves. Per VRBO: one must purchase additional "Carefree Rental Guarantee" to increase probability of 100% refund. (Which I didn't do- I've had MANY excellent experiences with VRBO owners over the years, this is the first sour one.) I did post to the Homeaway Community forum but it was deleted, per their "policies"- (the post was same as here, no personal names etc in the post.) I WILL post a review of the property on the Homeaway/VRBO listing pages. And alert two key pubs of TCI and a letter to the Tourism Board, and an informative article will be published as well. I'm happy, if a bit sheepish, to share what I've learned. Been doing this for 20+ years, I'm a Web travel planner guru and a global marketer but this person snookered me good. My fault, I failed to read the warning signs early and throughout the process. BTW we got back 1/2 our $ but 1/2 of that went to a lawyer on GT who helped a lot, esp since we had less than 4 biz days to work a deal while we were on GT. (Based on "tone" of owner's emails, I didn't believe we would get ANYthing back once we were off-island- we had some leverage while there. Proved correct, owner was very beligerant in correspondence with myself and lawyer.) Courts process on GT not what it is in the States, it could have cost us a LOT more to take this to the Magistrate with crossed fingers on the amount of final compensation! Live and learn. And yes I agree positive "reviews" can be so easily created- it is terribly naive to fail to understand how people exploit internet communications. And the "not so bad looking" comments- my response is "Spend your money, go there, experience what we did, I believe you will change your opinion." In all cases, Thanks again, fellow travelers!
May 18th, 2012, 02:21 PM
#13
Saw your post over on TA, please keep us current with the outcome!
I've been many times to Grand Turk and they've never gotten my attention, I can't even think where the beach is of it. If coming from the airport is it before you get to Front Street?
Shame it can give VRBO a bad name, everyone in Turks and Caicos lists their properties on VRBO and every one I've viewed personally is very well maintained.
When reporting it, send in the pictures! The furniture doesn't even look the same.
I've been many times to Grand Turk and they've never gotten my attention, I can't even think where the beach is of it. If coming from the airport is it before you get to Front Street?
Shame it can give VRBO a bad name, everyone in Turks and Caicos lists their properties on VRBO and every one I've viewed personally is very well maintained.
When reporting it, send in the pictures! The furniture doesn't even look the same.
Apr 15th, 2014, 02:39 PM
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Sure pictures say a 1,000 words but depending on what the pics are focusing on they could certainly present a different angle and opinion. There are 2 sides to every story and I think it's time that I finally told mine just for the record.
CaribTrvler seems to have over exaggerated and pointed out details that are not and do not make this place "inhabitable".
The fact that She pulled off a painting that was used to cover the breaker panel,missing trim on the edge of the staircase, or exposed yet safe wires from the ceiling fan, or one lifted deck board edge does not make this place a reason to move out!
It is true that the fence is not painted white and a neighbour has parked a container in visible site and this may have set this traveller off on a questionable mission, but let it be know that She did not give me a chance to sort out, resolve or offer other options like move her to another unit; she just 'assumed' that I wouldn't be co-operative, in fact I immediately got threats of legal action and before I knew it, I was dealing with her Lawyer threatening immediate legal action, and before it was too late to even offer any options other than a refund. She seemed to want to tell and advertise to everybody of her dissatisfaction and try to do as much damage to my reputation as possible where there was NO reason to! I was always willing to listen and make my Guests happy and accommodate to the best I can; not saying I'd paint the fence while she was there but I think the things she pointed out are part of owning a house and the outside id characteristic of Grand Turk and it's rustic nature.
I was not impressed but let it be known that at any point I would have refunded her money minus the time she spent there, and she managed to keep my golf cart for the week she stayed there as it was seemingly convenient to her.
Not sure if you can see the photos on here http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/dm...vt=email_share
CaribTrvler seems to have over exaggerated and pointed out details that are not and do not make this place "inhabitable".
The fact that She pulled off a painting that was used to cover the breaker panel,missing trim on the edge of the staircase, or exposed yet safe wires from the ceiling fan, or one lifted deck board edge does not make this place a reason to move out!
It is true that the fence is not painted white and a neighbour has parked a container in visible site and this may have set this traveller off on a questionable mission, but let it be know that She did not give me a chance to sort out, resolve or offer other options like move her to another unit; she just 'assumed' that I wouldn't be co-operative, in fact I immediately got threats of legal action and before I knew it, I was dealing with her Lawyer threatening immediate legal action, and before it was too late to even offer any options other than a refund. She seemed to want to tell and advertise to everybody of her dissatisfaction and try to do as much damage to my reputation as possible where there was NO reason to! I was always willing to listen and make my Guests happy and accommodate to the best I can; not saying I'd paint the fence while she was there but I think the things she pointed out are part of owning a house and the outside id characteristic of Grand Turk and it's rustic nature.
I was not impressed but let it be known that at any point I would have refunded her money minus the time she spent there, and she managed to keep my golf cart for the week she stayed there as it was seemingly convenient to her.
Not sure if you can see the photos on here http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/dm...vt=email_share
Apr 17th, 2014, 06:06 AM
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With over 15 years experience in property management-this is my take on the matter. The photos you linked are too small to give much detail but I'll try. The outside photo of the house does not seem to be the same house as the one the original poster has or is from a significantly different time period.
First, hire a property manager who shows up at the airport when he/she is supposed to. Waking up a sleeping manager who forgot is not excusable. A little effort on the part of your manager would go a long way to making your property more profitable.
Second, fix the place. Go to overstock.com and buy some decent linens for the beds, a coverlet or two and buy some pillows. Do you sleep in a bed without pillows? Why would you expect someone else to? Invest some money in some decent lamps and lighting. Your manager should check before every rental to see if they are working. Take some stainless steel screws and screw down the loose deck boards and tear down that old fence-or fix it. New mini spits are inexpensive--install new energy efficient air conditioning. Make sure the place is clean--throw out any broken, old junk we see around in the OP's photos. Invest a little money is some landscaping--indigenous is preferable as it is less expensive to maintain. Oh--and paint. A good coat of paint goes a long way to freshen up a tired old property.
Your property needs work and should not be rented until you fix the place. A good property manager would not allow this house to be rented. There is no way I would stand there trying to explain or justify this property to any guest. Which is probably how you ended up with a manager who "forgot" your guests were coming.
First, hire a property manager who shows up at the airport when he/she is supposed to. Waking up a sleeping manager who forgot is not excusable. A little effort on the part of your manager would go a long way to making your property more profitable.
Second, fix the place. Go to overstock.com and buy some decent linens for the beds, a coverlet or two and buy some pillows. Do you sleep in a bed without pillows? Why would you expect someone else to? Invest some money in some decent lamps and lighting. Your manager should check before every rental to see if they are working. Take some stainless steel screws and screw down the loose deck boards and tear down that old fence-or fix it. New mini spits are inexpensive--install new energy efficient air conditioning. Make sure the place is clean--throw out any broken, old junk we see around in the OP's photos. Invest a little money is some landscaping--indigenous is preferable as it is less expensive to maintain. Oh--and paint. A good coat of paint goes a long way to freshen up a tired old property.
Your property needs work and should not be rented until you fix the place. A good property manager would not allow this house to be rented. There is no way I would stand there trying to explain or justify this property to any guest. Which is probably how you ended up with a manager who "forgot" your guests were coming.
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