BOOK YOUR ST JOHN RENTALS WITH LOCALS

Staying at a Vacation Rental Home, especially St John rentals, has become one of the more popular options for vacation accommodations.  Most vacation destinations have a good selection of private homes and condominiums available as short term vacation rentals with price ranges to meet most budgets.  After deciding on your vacation destination, you then must determine the best way to book a private home for your vacation.  Online search is the more common method and will generally provide a list of results showing sources to evaluate.  The search results will includes Online Travel Agencies (such as, HomeAway, VRBO, Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, etc), Professional Property Managers and possibly a number of individual property listings.

Booking with an online travel agency is NOT the best option

Individuals searching for a Vacation Rental Home will generally find that the least desirable option will be to book with an online travel agency (OTA).  OTA’s do have high visibility websites which promote Vacation Rental Homes in many market areas around the world.   These entities typically obtain their Vacation Rental Home listings through distribution agreements with Professional Property Managers and/or directly with property owners.  OTA’s rarely, if ever see or experience the Vacation Rental Homes or destinations that they market.

OTA’s generally have first page placement on search results for Vacation Rental Homes because they spend large amounts of money on internet marketing activities.  However, first page placement does NOT mean that an OTA will be the best choice for booking a Vacation Rental Home.   OTA’s have no first-hand knowledge about the Vacation Rental Homes they advertise nor do they have any first-hand local knowledge about the destinations where the properties are located.  Just like you, OTA’s have only seen photos and read marketing descriptions of the properties and the destination that they advertise.

Unlike ‘cookie cutter’ type hotels where most rooms and amenities are alike, Vacation Rental Homes are uniquely diverse and have varying features and amenities.  Without local or first-hand knowledge about the Vacation Rental Home and destination, the OTA is very limited in how they promote bookings.  The OTA  cannot provide a personalized booking experience and will therefore be unable to know whether any Vacation Rental Home would be a good fit for a traveler’s vacation plans.

Another reason that an OTA is NOT the best option for booking a Vacation Rental Home is cost!  Most OTA’s charge a ‘traveler fee’ for booking through their site which is in addition to the rental rates and fees posted on their sites.  This traveler fee is generally anywhere from 6% to 15% of the total rental amount of the booking.  This additional fee makes the cost of booking with an OTA 6% – 15% higher than the cost of booking the same Vacation Rental Home with a local Professional Property Manager.  OTA’s do not have any flexibility in pricing for the Vacation Rental Homes listed on their sites so they cannot offer discounts.  The rates are established on the OTA website and can only be modified by the property manager or owner of the Vacation Rental Home.

Booking with a Local is ALWAYS the best option

Professional Property Managers are locals who live and work year around in their destination.  They intimately know their destination and the St John rentals that they manage and market as vacation rentals.  In many cases, Professional Property Managers are licensed Realtors who have management agreements with property owners within their market area.  Because of their local knowledge, Professional Property Managers should be considered the BEST choice for obtaining complete and accurate information about the all the features and amenities of the properties they manage.  Additionally, they are the best source for reliable advice about whether a selected Vacation Rental Home would be a good fit for individual vacation plans.

Local Professional Property Managers can provide incomparable personal attention for their guests.  They also generally provide local hospitality and concierge services for their guests whereas OTA’s do not have this capability.  As the LOCAL EXPERTS in the destination, information they provide will always be accurate, up to date, and most importantly, first hand.  Guests who reserve a Vacation Rental Home with a Professional Property Manager will not have to pay a traveler fee for booking.  Quite often, better rental pricing may be available through direct contact with a Professional Property Manager.

Realistically, there is only one reasonable choice for locating and reserving a private Vacation Rental Home and that is to Always Book Your Vacation Rental Home with Locals!

CimmaronStJohn — Your Professional, Local Property Manager for St. John Rentals

CimmaronStJohn is a premiere Professional Property Manager on the beautiful tropical island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.  We have an expert staff of full-time residents who take pride in knowing everything about our Vacation Rental Homes.  Additionally, being locals provides them with first-hand knowledge about all the features and activities available at this unique destination.  We are the island experts and have the local knowledge to provide reliable advice about whether a selected Vacation Rental Home will be a good fit for your vacation plans.

Preview the more than 50 CimmaronStJohn Vacation Rental Homes at www.cimmaronstjohn.com.  Here you will find homes and condos that are sure to meet or exceed all your needs and desires.  Extras provided by CimmaronStJohn include free of charge pre-arrival and on-island hospitality and concierge services.

We don’t just book rental homes – we provide memorable vacation experiences that can last a lifetime!  When visiting St. John in the US Virgin Islands, booking your vacation experience with CimmaronStJohn guarantees that your Vacation Rental Home will be fully readied for your arrival and will be exactly as represented.  Our pledge is to ensure that your vacation on St. John will be all that you wished for and that you will not be able to wait for your next return visit to our amazing destination in paradise.

All around the tiny island of St. John, you will find locals and visitors gathering together in fun and friendship. Some of the most popular get-togethers include free entertainment at Open Mic Nights featuring outstanding local musicians. Whether you want to join in as a musical artist or just relax, sit back and enjoy the show at these St John Island restaurants, you are in for a good time!

Enjoy free entertainment by checking out Open Mic Nights at these St John Restaurants on your next stay!

TEST-TEST… 1-2-3… TEST-TEST

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE WEST END: CRUZ BAY

The granddaddy of Open Mic Nights on St. John can be found at Sun Dog Café in Mongoose Junction. Every Sunday evening around 6pm locals and visitors gather in the Sun Dog Café courtyard location in Mongoose Junction.  The host, Mark Wallace, leads the show and is joined by other local talent and visitors to present a wide variety of music.  Anyone in the crowd who feels the urge to participate is welcome to join in. It’s not unheard of to catch a celebrity musician joining in for a song or two.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE EAST END: CORAL BAY

Open Mic Night was launched at Pickles in Paradise in Coral Bay by Michael Beason, a talented musician and long-time resident of St. John. The event, which begins at 4:30pm on Wednesday, brought Open Mic Night to the laid back side of the island. It has become a popular hump day event for locals and island visitors staying on the East side of the island.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE SOUTH SHORE: CONCORDIA

Also on the Coral Bay side of the island, one of the most popular island Open Mic Nights happens on Monday nights at Concordia Eco Resort. The action starts at 4:30 at this St John restaurant, but get there by 4:00 to get a table. Hosted by two popular local artists, Lauren Magnie and “Johnny B” Bullock, many other local musicians are regularly on hand. This is a high energy event with visiting musicians joining in on the fun.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE NORTH SHORE: CINNAMON BAY

The newest venue for Open Mic Night is at the Raintree Café at Cinnamon Bay Resort. Bo Magnie (the other half of the Bo & Lauren musical duo) joins Miss Ingrid, an amazing local vocalist, as the hosts of the event.  The talent which this north shore venue for Open Mic Night is sure to introduce has locals on St John excited!   Currently scheduled on Wednesday evening, this show begins at 5pm.

WHERE TO STAY

Finally,  CimmaronStJohn vacation rentals are located near all Open Mic Night venues. Want to share your musical talent on St. John? Looking for some excellent fun and free entertainment on St. John? Then, be sure to add Open Mic Night to your St. John vacation schedule. You will not be disappointed!

The beauty of the tiny island of St. John is undeniable.  Many St. John visitors and local folks alike find a quiet walk along an empty beach, or watching the sun rising or setting over the sea, to be spiritual experiences.  In the United States Virgin Islands, St John’s churches are some of the oldest places of worship established.

Early Places of Worship and St John’s Churches

Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay

The Moravians were the first Protestants to send missionaries to the West Indies in as early as 1732.  The Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay celebrated its 200 year anniversary in 1982. From the building of the original structure, the clergy house, in 1752, the church has been the center of activity in the village of Coral Bay and refuge in many storms.  Located just East of the church is the cemetery dating to the 18th century. Visitors are welcome to attend services at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay

Frederick Lutheran Church in downtown Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the second oldest Lutheran St John’s Church in the western hemisphere. On St. John, the Lutheran congregation dates back to 1720 (the date over the door on the current church in Cruz Bay) but remained homeless after a hurricane destroyed the church near Susannaberg in 1867.  Several decades later, in 1958 the present Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay was built. The doors to the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay are always open from early morning to sunset. That’s because the pastor of the church for the past 30 years, the Rev. Carlyle O. Sampson, believes in making himself available to anyone who seeks counsel. Visitors are welcome to attend regular services each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Along with an abundance of beautiful sites provided by nature for all types of worship, numerous established churches can be found throughout St. John

Stay With CimmaronStJohn

CimmaronStJohn has premier vacation rental properties throughout the island of St. John, some in close proximity to these historical places of worship. In Coral Bay, Villa Jumbie is on the hillside overlooking Emmaus Moravian Church.  In Cruz Bay, several condos are within walking distance to Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay, including: Panacea, Rainbow’s End, The Cottage, Blue Coral, and Bliss at Cruz Views.

When planning your St. John getaway, you want to receive a personalized experience that can help you determine the accommodations and itinerary that best works for you! Most large OTAs, such as Homeaway, VRBO, Airbnb, etc., will provide you with limited basic information on available St John Island vacation rental properties but they cannot give you that special personalized experience that can take your vacation to the next level! Most OTAs have very limited ‘local knowledge’ about the St. John destination and they typically charge an additional ‘traveler’s fee’ for booking through their systems.

CimmaronStJohn is a professional property manager located on St. John and, unlike OTAs, we know our island because we live here. We have complete and accurate knowledge about St. John and the Virgin Islands and will give you the attention and care you need when planning your St. John getaway. As local professionals, let us help you plan your perfect vacation in America’s Paradise- St. John, USVI!

Find out more about many of the unique services that CimmaronStJohn offers guests when you read about our Concierge Services. As a professional property manager, CimmaronStJohn cis your best choice for booking a fantastic vacation rental property. We provide premium concierge services for all guests at no additional charge!

What is an Online Travel Agency (OTA)? What is Homeaway?

An online travel agency or OTA sells travel packages to customers on behalf of global consolidators of airlines, hotels, car rentals, railways, sightseeing packages, and vacation rental properties. An OTA allows you to book flight tickets, holiday packages, hotel rooms, train tickets, and vacation rental properties online using a phone, tablet, or computer. However, OTAs generally offer limited, if any, local knowledge about the destination and amenities available.

Homeaway Inc. is an OTA that is part of the Expedia.com travel network.  They are an online source which allows travelers to preview a large number of vacation rental listings around the world. OTAs represent an online source that people often check when looking to book a vacation rental home. However, because of the large size and non-local characteristics, you will not get the personal touch that a local professional property manager of St John Island vacation rental properties can offer.

What is a Professional Property Manager?

A Professional Property Manager is personally involved with the homes and properties that they manage and, as importantly, the market area where they are located.  OTAs cannot offer this familiarity because of the inherent impersonal nature of their type of service. Homeowners use the services of a professional property manager who can maximize the rental of their home. Professional property managers can provide comprehensive property maintenance and can handle all the details associated with vacation rental property management.  With this more personal involvement, Professional property managers will have a more hands-on approach with a vacation rental property. Thus, they will provide an overall higher quality experience for vacationers.

What Services Do CimmaronStJohn Provide?

As a professional property manager, CimmaronStJohn provides many customized services that go above and beyond expectations of guests traveling to our island! Our personalized luxury treatment begins as you are planning your vacation to St. John. Our arrival guide will provide complete information about transportation from the airport in St. Thomas to St. John via taxi and ferry boat to make sure you arrive safe and worry-free. Our concierge team is prepared to assist with organizing the items on your itinerary. We will help with everything from stocking provisions in your vacation home to reserving the perfect dining experience. We can also help select the best beaches, tours, excursions and more! Our expert concierge staff are all local St. Johnians who can assist you with planning your stay so that you get exactly what you desire out of your time on our beautiful island.

Select CimmaronStJohn as Your Professional Property Manager for St John Island Vacation Rentals

For the best St. John vacation experience, make CimmaronStJohn your first choice for a professionally managed vacation rental home!  Not only do we provide complete pre-St. John arrival services, we even pick you up from the ferry dock and escort you to your vacation home to ensure a smooth arrival. During this ‘Meet and Greet’ process, you will be met by a greeter from the CimmaronStJohn hospitality team. Your greeter will be waiting for your arrival at the dock on St. John holding a sign with your last name. Then, you will be guided to your luxury vacation villa for a brief orientation of the home and St. John. Finally, you will be handed the keys to your vacation home and the wonderful, stress-free adventure begins!

The Caribbean is a secluded paradise, dotted with beautiful islands and idyllic beaches that visitors flock to seasonally. Set apart from the mainland, these islands are accessible only by air or by sea. Commercial flights arrive on St. Thomas, but St. John is only accessible by sea. So, how do you get from St. Thomas to St. John or from St. John to St. Thomas? To travel from island to island, you will need to utilize one of the following forms of transportation. We’ll let you know the best ways to island hop during your vacation stay!

Find out more about all of the ways to travel in the Caribbean to and from your CimmaronStJohn vacation home when you read our Arrival Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for ways to get from St. John to St. Thomas or vice versa after you’ve landed.

How to Get to the U.S. Virgin Islands

When exploring how to travel between islands, you must first discover how to arrive in the Caribbean in the first place. The arrival process has two different spheres: sea and air. By sea, you will be able to travel directly to St. John. However, by air, you will first travel to St. Thomas before taking a ferry over to St. John. If flying commercial or private aircraft, guests will land at the Cyril King Airport on St. Thomas (airport code: STT). From here, guests will take ground transportation to a ferry or barge terminal for transfer to St. John! When you book with CimmaronStJohn, we will seek to make your arrival as seamless as possible. This is why we meet all of our arriving guests at the ferry or barge terminal on St. John and will escort them to their vacation home.

How to Get from St. Thomas to St. John

The easiest public transportation from St. Thomas to St. John is the passenger ferry. Once your plane lands, you will most likely travel from the St. Thomas airport to the Red Hook Ferry. These passenger ferries leave for St. John every hour on the hour daily, with the last ferry departing at midnight. So how long is the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John? This quick trip will only take about 20 minutes and costs just $7 (plus $4 per bag). If you rent your vehicle on St. Thomas, you will take the car ferry from Red Hook to St. John.  Car ferries generally depart every hour until 7 pm. The trip is about 40 minutes at a cost of $50 for a round trip.  Arrangements for a private taxi from the St. Thomas airport to Red Hook and/or a private water taxi from St. Thomas to St. John can also be made through the CimmaronStJohn’s concierge staff when they get in touch prior to your arrival.

Choose St. John for Your Caribbean Stay

St. John is one of the most beautiful slices of the Caribbean paradise. When you choose to stay on our gorgeous island, you will discover lush tropical hillsides, pristine beaches, and crystal clear water for miles. When you choose a CimmaronStJohn vacation home or villa, you will be getting a private, luxurious accommodation. Our properties offer spectacular views, modern amenities, pools and hot tubs, expansive decks, and much more! We hope you will let us be your home away from home in paradise!