Since we made B~11 available for rental in 2008, it has received well over 160 reviews. One is ***, seven of them are ****, and the remainder are *****.

Why does B~11 (The Bargain on the Beach) get all those great reviews?

It's not because B~11 is the closest unit to the beach—although it's just a short and pleasant stroll.
It's not because it has the best view. The view is not at all bad, but it's not anything special. You can see it in one of the photos in this listing.
It's not because it is the most fully renovated. We are working on it, but we need a few more years.
It's not because the rates are the lowest—although they are close to the very lowest.
And as hard as we try to be the best hosts, there are many others that are just as good, and probably a few that are better!

So here is our secret formula.
First we try to offer the best value in the area. We know that there are more desirable units, and there are less expensive units. We strive to approach the quality of the very best units while remaining priced only slightly higher than the least expensive. (TripAdvisor has posted 2016/12/13 that B~11 is "18% cheaper than nearby 1 bedroom properties")
Then, we strive to describe both the condominium and our unit as accurately as we can. We do not promise what we cannot provide. If there are surprises for our guests, we want them to be good ones.
We do not try to provide a “hotel experience”. When our guests arrive at B~11, we want them to feel that they have arrived at their own vacation home.
We try to make B~11 as comfortable and convenient as we can. This includes providing almost everything that we reasonably can, so our guests need to schlepp as little as possible.
We do what we reasonably can to furnish our guests the best vacation that we are able to. Problems inevitably arise, but when they do (unless they are extremely minor) we try to get them resolved as quickly as possible.
And, finally, a few days after our guests (not including friends and family) leave B~11, we email them and ask them to leave a review.
We hope that you will join the many happy guests who have shared B~11 with us and leave another glowing review.

Thanks, Steve

This condominium has been owned by our family which has been enjoying the magic of Sapphire for over fifty years. It was largely renovated and offered for rental for the first time in late 2007. The condo is located just minutes from Red Hook where you can find groceries, restaurants, shopping and access to the ferries which can whisk you away to St. John or the British Virgin Islands.

B~11 is only one hundred and fifty steps from the front door to the beach. While on the beach you can see St John and the British Virgin Islands. Because the unit is on the lower level, when you arrive you park at the rear of the unit and bring your luggage and groceries into the unit by walking about thirty-five feet from your car and up just four steps, rather than lugging them around to the front of the building and up a flight of stairs


B~11 retains the original floor plan, except that the original front porch has been enclosed and now expands the already large living/dining room, and the kitchen has been "opened" to the living room/dining area and slightly enlarged,

The unit contains its own front-loading washer and matching dryer. For drying wet towels, swimsuits and such, there is a solar powered 'clothesline' just outside the rear door.
There are two televisions, and 'expanded digital cable' (a total of approximately seventy channels). Wi-Fi Internet access is included.

There is a 65 inch TV in front and and a '32 inch class' in the bedroom. The bedroom TV audio is routed through a decent (Yamaha M-35) amplifier, an equalizer, and decent speakers (KEF). Eventually, the Living room TV audio will be Dolby 5.1.

The locks have been removed from all closet doors, except for one-half of one closet.. We do our best to keep 'starter supplies' of non-perishable essentials in the unit, so you won't have to begin your stay buying things like coffee filters and dish detergent.

Please note: Because we keep improving B~11 faster then we can take new photographs, most of the photographs are somewhat obsolete. The only change that may be the slightest bit controversial is that we have removed the dining table by the front window which served primarily as a workbench for Steve when we were in B~11—the round dining table accommodates five without any problems.. This enabled us to move futon-like couch from the bedroom to under the front window. There were two reasons for this. First sometimes, it will allow more rational sleeping arrangements when there are three or four occupants. Secondly, It freed up space in the bedroom which Steve used to construct a “storage wall unit”. I am sure that you will agree that all other changes that we have made are a functional and/or aesthetic improvement.

To ensure continued enjoyment by all occupants, smoking (anything) , vaping, and pets are not permitted.

SHORT STAYS: Condominium regulations require that rentals be for a minimum of a three nights,

LONG STAYS: Except for 'prime times' and "low season" stays long stays will be discounted on an individual basis.

Email about extended stays, corporate rental, and corporate housing.

IF YOU HAVE FLEXIBLE DATES: During "high season" please review our calendar for 'gaps' in bookings. If you would like to fill one, please EMail me for a special rate. During "low season" the rates generally are firm and non-negotiable.

Look for more reviews at that very popular site that provides advice for trips under 'Crystal Cove Beach Resort on Sapphire Bay', and 'Crystal Cove Villas'. Also visit our FaceBook Page. On FaceBook search for 'Sapphire Bargain' and it will pop right up.
Our family has been enjoying Sapphire for over half a century, and we are sure that you will as well!