Westin St John [Master Thread] - Part 2 (June 2014 and forward)

[DavidnRobin]

US Marshall seize Mr B's car barge

For those that take the car barge this may affect you...

http://newsofstjohn.com/2016/01/25/u-s-marshals-seize-mister-b-barge/

 

[DeniseM]

Sorry - I still do not follow. How does an exchange a P+ studio for a P+ studio impact a decision to whether to rent your week 8 VGV studio?
What am is missing? Is your intent to try and go another week, and not rent your week 8?

I think they are saying they decided to rent week 8 in 2017, instead of 2016.

This would be a good strategy, because it is really late to start advertising a Feb. 2016 rental.

EXCEPT, at this point, they are past the cancellation deadline (61 days before check-in) for their week 8 in 2016 - so hopefully, they can use it themselves, or they already cancelled the reservation, before the 61 day mark.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I could be confused, but I think they stated that this was for 2017 (and not 2016).
If it is for renting their 2017 usage - not sure how SVN exchanging plays a role.
Perhaps they will post to clarify.

Regardless, it should be relatively easy to rent a week 8 at WSJ (even at this late date for 2016).

 

[DeniseM]

I could be confused, but I think they stated that this was for 2017 (and not 2016).
If it is for renting their 2017 usage - not sure how SVN exchanging plays a role.
Perhaps they will post to clarify.

Regardless, it should be relatively easy to rent a week 8 at WSJ (even at this late date for 2016).

Maybe the rental agency they are working with discouraged a late listing - it sounds like it was their advice to rent in 2017, instead.

In general, fly-to destinations are less likely to be last minute vacations.

 

[alexadeparis]

I was going to list my week 8 VG studio timeshare for rent through a company on island that just rents out Westin timeshares.

They suggested that perhaps I should wait and try to swap within Starwood. They believe that since there are more studio villas available, now with CV, that a studio villa will be readily available. Thoughts?

I read this to mean that the rental company anticipates a glut of studios with the on boarding of the. CV and SB phases, which IMO would also be less likely to rent than larger units, and therefore declined to take on the responsibility of finding a renter for them, and advised them to exchange within SVN and enjoy their vacation somewhere else, OR possibly at a different time but using SO to exchange back to WSJ.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I read this to mean that the rental company anticipates a glut of studios with the on boarding of the. CV and SB phases, which IMO would also be less likely to rent than larger units, and therefore declined to take on the responsibility of finding a renter for them, and advised them to exchange within SVN and enjoy their vacation somewhere else, OR possibly at a different time but using SO to exchange back to WSJ.

Perhaps - it was not clear. Maybe they will come back and better explain.

Those CV and SB will have studios, but remember - effectively they were all studios (hotel rooms) in the same building space - so they are overall removing small units and replacing with larger ones. Based on supply - they will be less 'studios' on the resort property in the future when you consider they removed hotel rooms.

 

[okwiater]

For those that take the car barge this may affect you...

http://newsofstjohn.com/2016/01/25/u-s-marshals-seize-mister-b-barge/

Another reason not to buy a round trip ticket!

 

[sachia007]

Sorry - I still do not follow. How does an exchange a P+ studio for a P+ studio impact a decision to whether to rent your week 8 VGV studio?
What am is missing? Is your intent to try and go another week, and not rent your week 8?

Yes David, ideally we would like to go another week.

I would like to either rent out the week 8 (by myself or paying for a company to do it), or I would like to swap in network WSJ P+ for WSJ P+.

The rental co. said plenty of studio villas, just wait to see if anything comes up in the P+ week we want and exchange.

They are willing to rent for us though, and we will plan on listing with them, but really love STJ and prefer travel there.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Yes David, ideally we would like to go another week.

I would like to either rent out the week 8 (by myself or paying for a company to do it), or I would like to swap in network WSJ P+ for WSJ P+.

The rental co. said plenty of studio villas, just wait to see if anything comes up in the P+ week we want and exchange.

They are willing to rent for us though, and we will plan on listing with them, but really love STJ and prefer travel there.

Got it. I have met the woman who runs the rental company that rents WSJ villas a couple of times - they rent out the studio next to us.

Look at RedWeek - week 8 rents relatively well compared to other weeks. I do not see any 0/1 VGV rentals for week 8 2016.

Hard to know if you will be able to SVN exchange to another week in 2017, but remember because these are fixed weeks/villas you can look to exchange at 8-10 months out - before SVN exchangers at 8 months. That should give you flexibility and time to help decide.
Good luck.

 

[SandyPGravel]

2 BR Lockoff??

When I fill in the online rez form to check availability specifically for a 2BR unit the results come back with a 2 BR LO and a lot of other units I can't reserve, but when I check the StarOptions chart link at the top of the screen, WSJ doesn't have a 2 BR LO. ( I am trying to find a different week for my 2 BR VGV week 9 next year, but so far nothing is available in my 6 person townhouse restricted home resort. A wedding is interfering with my vacation plans...how inconsiderate of them :rofl

I am just curious where the 2 BR LO's are and how come they are not listed on the chart? Is this something new, CB section maybe?

 

[DavidnRobin]

When I fill in the online rez form to check availability specifically for a 2BR unit the results come back with a 2 BR LO and a lot of other units I can't reserve, but when I check the StarOptions chart link at the top of the screen, WSJ doesn't have a 2 BR LO. ( I am trying to find a different week for my 2 BR VGV week 9 next year, but so far nothing is available in my 6 person townhouse restricted home resort.

I am just curious where the 2 BR LO's are and how come they are not listed on the chart? Is this something new, CB section maybe?

VGV, BV and CV phases have no 2Bd LOs. For CV, there are 6 potential 3Bd LOs that can only be reserved and not purchased (combines studio and 2Bd). I do not know for SB - suggest to read the specific threads for WSJ-SB.

However, if you want to exchange out of your week 9 VGV you can only change within your season and only within same villa type at VGV at 8-10 months out. If you are trying to get into BV, CV, or SB - this can only be done as an SVN exchange at 8 months out and involves cancellation of your week 9 (unless you can waitlist as 4-5*, or have extra SOs). The week 9 must have reservation confirmed before 10 months or lose it.

you cannot trust all info in online booking tool.

 

[SandyPGravel]

VGV, BV and CV phases have no 2Bd LOs. For CV, there are 6 potential 3Bd LOs that can only be reserved and not purchased (combines studio and 2Bd). I do not know for SB - suggest to read the specific threads for WSJ-SB.

However, if you want to exchange out of your week 9 VGV you can only change within your season and only within same villa type at VGV at 8-10 months out. If you are trying to get into BV, CV, or SB - this can only be done as an SVN exchange at 8 months out and involves cancellation of your week 9 (unless you can waitlist as 4-5*, or have extra SOs). The week 9 must have reservation confirmed before 10 months or lose it.

you cannot trust all info in online booking tool.

Thanks David. I keep hoping to book another 2 BR townhouse within the Plat+ season, before I have to confirm my fixed week. I was just curious as to what the 2 BR Lockoffs for 257.700 options were, that keep coming up when I do a search. Must be three bedrooms that somehow keep showing up as 2 BR LO. I'm definitely not any * elite! :rofl: I have extra SO, but would still be in the 8 month shark pool trying to get a rez. I will probably end up confirming my week and either rolling the dice when the window opens or rushing to make the wedding...

 

[DavidnRobin]

I agree - that is likely the 3Bd LO at CV (or SB) since it has 257.7K SOs associated with it.

They should get married on St John, and make it easy on you (plenty of romantic settings). Back in 2006 I tried to set-up a surprise wedding with Robin, but had logistic problems in pulling it off. We got engaged instead.

 

[SandyPGravel]

I agree - that is likely the 3Bd LO at CV (or SB) since it has 257.7K SOs associated with it.

They should get married on St John, and make it easy on you (plenty of romantic settings). Back in 2006 I tried to set-up a surprise wedding with Robin, but had logistic problems in pulling it off. We got engaged instead.

What a romantic...and brave. Just for thinking of trying to set that up. My hubby couldn't even pull off a surprise birthday party. He tried though, bless his heart!! The ones getting married would probably love it, two 21 year olds. But, even though I love my best friend, I'm not planning a destination wedding for her daughter!! HUGE family it would never work! :rofl:

 

[DavidnRobin]

Zika virus in USVI

In case you were not aware - sorry to be bearer of bad news.
USVI included on CDC travel warning list due to Zika virus.

http://viconsortium.com/featured/fi...s-confirmed-on-st-croix-health-officials-say/

http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0126-zika-travel-guidance.html

As this is spreading fast (quick vector jumping) - so expect warnings in places where these mosquito carriers exist - this could be devastating for those places depending on tourists like STJ.

Some contend that it was spread to Brazil from Africa (where people tend to have immunity) following the World Cup - now with Rio having the Olympics - how many are going to feel safe? Not good...

stay protected my friends...

 

[SandyPGravel]

Thanks David. I keep hoping to book another 2 BR townhouse within the Plat+ season, before I have to confirm my fixed week. I was just curious as to what the 2 BR Lockoffs for 257.700 options were, that keep coming up when I do a search. Must be three bedrooms that somehow keep showing up as 2 BR LO. I'm definitely not any * elite! :rofl: I have extra SO, but would still be in the 8 month shark pool trying to get a rez. I will probably end up confirming my week and either rolling the dice when the window opens or rushing to make the wedding...

Do you think Starwood reads this blog? I have been checking for a two BR for a while now and until I wrote this post above, a 257,700 two BR LO would appear in the online rez section. Now it doesn't!! Coincidence???

 

[GrayFal]

Has anyone been on island lately? I am just curious what the gas prices are looking like. I saw on the news yesterday that gas was $.54/gallon somewhere in Michigan yesterday. (Best I have seen in WI is $1.71) Last time we were on island it was over $4/gallon. I am not expecting Michigan prices, but under $3 would be nice.:whoopie:

At the gas station near the St John Market this week 1/24ish it was posted as

3.10
3.34
3.22

Maybe regular, premium, diesel ????

 

[SandyPGravel]

At the gas station near the St John Market this week 1/24ish it was posted as

3.10
3.34
3.22

Maybe regular, premium, diesel ????

Thanx for the info...4 weeks from today

 

[SMHarman]

Thanks David. I keep hoping to book another 2 BR townhouse within the Plat+ season, before I have to confirm my fixed week. I was just curious as to what the 2 BR Lockoffs for 257.700 options were, that keep coming up when I do a search. Must be three bedrooms that somehow keep showing up as 2 BR LO. I'm definitely not any * elite! :rofl: I have extra SO, but would still be in the 8 month shark pool trying to get a rez. I will probably end up confirming my week and either rolling the dice when the window opens or rushing to make the wedding...

I booked in the 8 mo shark pool last year and found that this year anyway a lot of availability opened up in the last 90 days.

So much so that I cancelled the existing booking and a hotel room booking and replaced with a studio on SO And a shorter 2 bed booking to perfectly align to our flight and use needs.

The tool is a lot better now at availability. It booked Something that phone reps swore did not exist until they could see my booking.

Me and a phone rep tag teamed the rebook I did the studio, she fixed the 2 bed.

Off tomorrow at early o clock. Arrive on the breeze at ~4pm so I anticipate a ready room and cocktail travelling in minivans / plane / taxi / boat with a 2yo And 5yo. I'll need that cocktail.

 

[SandyPGravel]

I booked in the 8 mo shark pool last year and found that this year anyway a lot of availability opened up in the last 90 days.

So much so that I cancelled the existing booking and a hotel room booking and replaced with a studio on SO And a shorter 2 bed booking to perfectly align to our flight and use needs.

The tool is a lot better now at availability. It booked Something that phone reps swore did not exist until they could see my booking.

Me and a phone rep tag teamed the rebook I did the studio, she fixed the 2 bed.

Off tomorrow at early o clock. Arrive on the breeze at ~4pm so I anticipate a ready room and cocktail travelling in minivans / plane / taxi / boat with a 2yo And 5yo. I'll need that cocktail.

I think I will confirm my rez, then jump in shark pool and hope for the best...Have fun...So jealous...9 degrees here this morning possible huge snow storm early next week

 

[SMHarman]

In case you were not aware - sorry to be bearer of bad news.
USVI included on CDC travel warning list due to Zika virus.

http://viconsortium.com/featured/fi...s-confirmed-on-st-croix-health-officials-say/

http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0126-zika-travel-guidance.html

As this is spreading fast (quick vector jumping) - so expect warnings in places where these mosquito carriers exist - this could be devastating for those places depending on tourists like STJ.

Some contend that it was spread to Brazil from Africa (where people tend to have immunity) following the World Cup - now with Rio having the Olympics - how many are going to feel safe? Not good...

stay protected my friends...

There are of course two other hypothesis out there.
1. Bill Gates GM mosquito site is at the epicenter of this outbreak. They are not dying due to levels of animal / prophylactic related antibiotics in the soil in brazil
2. Brazil mandated a new version of TdaP at 21 week's gestation. This version is a FDA category C drug.

One case is not an outbreak, these guys can only fly 400 meters.

 

[SLC]

Maintance fee due in March?

I purchased a EOY 2 bedroom in August and received a maintance fee bill due in March. Is this typical? I thought MF's for St. John were normally due in January? I haven't even gotten the deed yet. Although it does appear on My Star Central.

 

[SMHarman]

I purchased a EOY 2 bedroom in August and received a maintance fee bill due in March. Is this typical? I thought MF's for St. John were normally due in January? I haven't even gotten the deed yet. Although it does appear on My Star Central.

Island time

 

[melissy123]

Need to add two people for a private charter with Captain Jason (to make it more cost effective) Between 3/3 and 3/10. Should I just book it first and then just hope to find a party of 2 at the Westin?

 

[WI GAL]

Husband and I are going to be on our first trip to St. John March 4-11. We are looking for a snorkeling day trip and are considering Island Roots if we found a group, otherwise Cruz Bay Watersports. Do you have plans for where you would all go for the day trip and what the cost for 2 would be?