When Florida computer consultant Michael Sigler asked his wife, Helga, what she thought about buying a hotel and moving to St. Thomas, at first she thought it was "absolutely crazy," said their daughter, Natasha.
But Natasha, who like her father worked in information technology, remembers thinking that far from crazy, "this sounds like something for us."
Her husband, Bobby Ruiz, a financial advisor, was also keen on the idea. So Sigler, who first learned about the sale of Mafolie Hotel over the Internet, began making inquiries.
After months of negotiations with former owners Tony Eden and Paul Roberts, the sale became final in August. Since then the family has been enjoying their new home at the hilltop hotel known for its magnificent views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. Sigler says he prefers the pace of life on St. Thomas and "not having to spend hours commuting to and from work every day." This is not his first experience living on the island, however. He lived here as a child, attending All Saints when it was just an elementary school. His mother, Maud Sigler, taught history and math at the island's only high school.
Compared to consulting work, Sigler says he loves the hotel business. "It's much more personable," he said. The family's first project has been upgrading the hotel's 22 guest rooms. Most of the rooms have now been completely renovated, with plush textured carpeting, new furniture and fixtures and freshly painted walls. They have also resurfaced the pool, embellished the pool bar and are awaiting new patio furniture for the pool deck. "Next year, we'll concentrate on painting the exterior," said Natasha.
Mafolie offers several categories of rooms ranging from doubles, many with awesome views of the harbor, to mini-suites with separate sitting areas, refrigerators and private balconies. Each room has its own character and charm; one deluxe room sports a fourposter bed and French doors opening to a view of the pool and harbor. All rooms are air-conditioned and have televisions and private baths.
An added bonus is Lindy's Seafood Restaurant, located within the hotel. An island favorite, it serves dinner nightly.
For more information, visit the Mafolie hotel Web site or send the Siglers an e-mail at mafolie@st-thomas.com.
