Advice for traveling to Westin St John

[eunsill]

Hi! I managed to snag a booking for my son's spring break week in April and it's our first time going. I'm trying to figure out transportation to the resort. It looks like you can fly in STT and then take public ferry or Westin ferry services to St John? If you happen to do that, for return travel - my flight is at 1:40 PM - and everyone says to get to the airport a minimum of 3 hours in advance. Should I be planning an extra night in St Thomas before my flight out to allow for enough time between ferry travel and airport?

 

[alexadeparis]

get on the 8 am or 9 am public ferry and you should be ok - allow one hour at least for the public ferry and taxi to airport -so unless you are really nervous about it, no need to stay on St Thomas for the night. I have also done the Westin ferry, but i remember the times being not very convenient - either should be fine.

 

[sharr7]

Take the Westin ferry if it's your first time - easiest and most convenient. You might have to get up a little early but they'll put you on a 8 or 9 am ferry probably and get you to the airport in plenty of time. It's probably 20 min ferry + 30-40 min shuttle across St Thomas.

 

[DanCali]

We usually rent a car (preferably a Jeep Wrangler) at the airport and take the car ferry. There are ferries every 30 minutes so if you checkout around 8am you should be fine.

That said, we do own with Marriott too and in the past couple of WSJ stays we also booked 1 or 2 nights on St. Thomas before flying back. Not for the flights or anything - we just like doing it that way.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hi! I managed to snag a booking for my son's spring break week in April and it's our first time going. I'm trying to figure out transportation to the resort. It looks like you can fly in STT and then take public ferry or Westin ferry services to St John? If you happen to do that, for return travel - my flight is at 1:40 PM - and everyone says to get to the airport a minimum of 3 hours in advance. Should I be planning an extra night in St Thomas before my flight out to allow for enough time between ferry travel and airport?

To answer you’re question:
No, you don’t need to stay on StT.
Regardless if you take Westin Ferry, Public Ferry, or Car Ferry

We’ve never arrived 3hr ahead of time with no issue.
Use Red Cap assistance when you arrive at STT on departing day.

Most newbies use the Westin Ferry.
We rented from AmalieCar and used the Car Ferry, but went to WSJ about 14 times. If you are a party of 4 - I would take Car Barge - really not that tough. Only issue is driving on Left in a U.S. style vehicle.

Enjoy.


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[eunsill]

Awesome - thanks for the advice everyone - the flights were about $200 cheaper per person so we decided to stay on STT for 2 extra nights. Waiting for the new Marriott properties to open that are next to the Frenchman's Cove so we can book there on points.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Awesome - thanks for the advice everyone - the flights were about $200 cheaper per person so we decided to stay on STT for 2 extra nights. Waiting for the new Marriott properties to open that are next to the Frenchman's Cove so we can book there on points.

We’ve done the same for cheaper flights, but stayed at Olga’s Fancy in Frenchtown - they have 2 units on the water that are fantastic. Used Chase points.


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[heckp]

Does the Westin Ferry fees includes transfer from the airport to the Ferry?

 

[sharr7]

Does the Westin Ferry fees includes transfer from the airport to the Ferry?

Yes it's all inclusive. It also allows you to use the ferry your entire stay if you want to day trip to St Thomas.

 

[heckp]

Yes it's all inclusive. It also allows you to use the ferry your entire stay if you want to day trip to St Thomas.

Thank you! Where can I find the hours of operation? We are going to WSJ in 3 weeks for the first time and have no clue what to do including stuff to do while we're there

 

[sharr7]

Thank you! Where can I find the hours of operation? We are going to WSJ in 3 weeks for the first time and have no clue what to do including stuff to do while we're there

suggest reading through this info for the current resort status https://www.vistana.com/destination...ort-villas/terms-conditions#specialConditions

There's so much to do for everyone but not knowing your situation the most basic must do's are: spending time along the north shore beaches (snorkel if you can/want), exploring the shops and restaurants of downtown Cruz Bay (Mongoose Junction is a good starting point), and doing something in the national park - hike, ruins, harder-to-find beaches, drive around to Coral Bay & back, etc.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Thank you! Where can I find the hours of operation? We are going to WSJ in 3 weeks for the first time and have no clue what to do including stuff to do while we're there

Windmill Bar for Sunset on clear evening.

Make reservations (now) for Lobster night (Tue/Sat) at Morgan’s Mango.

If you have a vehicle - and it’s a full moon - hike to Nag Head from Salt Pond. (Bring water)

If they still do it - take NPS hike to Reef Bay. (Bring water)

On day with calm seas - take shuttle (at Caneel) to Honeymoon Beach

Maho Bay
Trunk Bay (underwater NPS trail)
Cinnamon Bay
Hawksnest/Gibney beaches

If vehicle - Salt Pond and Little Lameshur beaches. Miss Lucy’s for Sunday Brunch (if open). Haulover beach.

Lime Out (need Charter) - floating Taco Bar in Coral Bay

Sloop Jones art studio on East End

Island Roots Charter (Capt Jason Siska) - around StJ tour with a stop in the Mangroves at Hurricane Hole. Capt Jason is the best - grew up there. He was on Survivor. Great with kids and adults that are novice snorkelers.
(Say hello from us)

Bring shade for beaches - Neso shades or similar (light weight - Google) - umbrellas are not allowed (protect turtle hatchlings)

Beach Bar for music.

How’s that?


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[heckp]

Windmill Bar for Sunset on clear evening.

Make reservations (now) for Lobster night (Tue/Sat) at Morgan’s Mango.

If you have a vehicle - and it’s a full moon - hike to Nag Head from Salt Pond. (Bring water)

If they still do it - take NPS hike to Reef Bay. (Bring water)

On day with calm seas - take shuttle (at Caneel) to Honeymoon Beach

Maho Bay
Trunk Bay (underwater NPS trail)
Cinnamon Bay
Hawksnest/Gibney beaches

If vehicle - Salt Pond and Little Lameshur beaches. Miss Lucy’s for Sunday Brunch (if open). Haulover beach.

Lime Out (need Charter) - floating Taco Bar in Coral Bay

Sloop Jones art studio on East End

Island Roots Charter (Capt Jason Siska) - around StJ tour with a stop in the Mangroves at Hurricane Hole. Capt Jason is the best - grew up there. He was on Survivor. Great with kids and adults that are novice snorkelers.
(Say hello from us)

Bring shade for beaches - Neso shades or similar (light weight - Google) - umbrellas are not allowed (protect turtle hatchlings)

Beach Bar for music.

How’s that?


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LOVE IT!!! Thank you! I was hoping you were going to chime in too!

My husband refuses to drive because he didn't want to try to drive the left side of the road :-( . The beaches mentioned, what would be the most efficient and inexpensive way of getting to them? My husband mentioned about the floating Taco Bar before you even mentioned it, would you have any suggestions on how to pursue this please? Charter company?

Beach bar for music, is that at Westin?

Was the weather like this time of year? Also, where can we get groceries there? Should we bring stuff with us from home@

Thank you so much!

Eileen

 

[DavidnRobin]

LOVE IT!!! Thank you! I was hoping you were going to chime in too!

My husband refuses to drive because he didn't want to try to drive the left side of the road :-( . The beaches mentioned, what would be the most efficient and inexpensive way of getting to them? My husband mentioned about the floating Taco Bar before you even mentioned it, would you have any suggestions on how to pursue this please? Charter company?

Beach bar for music, is that at Westin?

Thank you so much!

Eileen

I was born to drive Left.
Taxi Buses are all over - more dodgy if going to other side (Coral Bay) - find a reliable driver if going to Coral Bay Area and beyond. My friends almost were stranded last month (Salt Pond) - got a ride back to WSJ from someone staying at WSJ

Island Roots for a Charter - but best if 4-6 people people (adopt friends)

Beach Bar is in Cruz Bay on water (left of public pier looking outwards)

Also - Longboard in Cruz Bay for drinks/food - and Cruz Bay Landing.

These are all close to one another - Cruz Bay is small.
Uncle Joes BBQ for… BBQ (be patient)


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[heckp]

I was born to drive Left.
Taxi Buses are all over - more dodgy if going to other side (Coral Bay) - find a reliable driver if going to Coral Bay Area and beyond. My friends almost were stranded last month (Salt Pond) - got a ride back to WSJ from someone staying at WSJ

Island Roots for a Charter - but best if 4-6 people people (adopt friends)

Beach Bar is in Cruz Bay on water (left of public pier looking outwards)

Also - Longboard in Cruz Bay for drinks/food - and Cruz Bay Landing.

These are all close to one another - Cruz Bay is small.
Uncle Joes BBQ for… BBQ (be patient)


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Thank you! There will be 4 of us. I will adopt a couple more friends haha. I'm very god at that
Is there a place to get groceries there? Should we bring stuff with us from home?

 

[DavidnRobin]

Thank you! There will be 4 of us. I will adopt a couple more friends haha. I'm very god at that
Is there a place to get groceries there? Should we bring stuff with us from home?

I follow Island Roots on FB - I think they are offering deals (low season).
STJ Market is next to WSJ - walkable.
We bring coffee and wine, but we are snobs. Also knives and King size fitted sheet and concentrated detergent and Bug Bite Thing (AMZN) and SHADE!!! if you are beach people. If hiking - then Camelback. And bug wipes (Bens Wipes) and…

we have packing 50# luggage down to an art.

4 people - get a 4WD!!! Taxis are per person and per bag.
Tell your husband to suck it up - the speed limit is 25 mph- no stoplights .
My rule is no shouting Watch Out! and chanting Stay Left is okay.

Seriously- you get use to it very quickly.
You are missing out by not getting a vehicle - 4 people is the sweet spot for renting (4Dr 4WD).

If you talk with Capt Jason (Island Roots) - tell him David and Robin (from TUG) say Hi and hope he and family are well.


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[sharr7]

Lime Out closed until 10/4 unfortunately. But yes normally can't miss that. It's ok, you'll want to come back anyway haha.

I second getting a car, especially for 4 people. Opens up so many more options. You get used to it after about 10 min, and the advice that worked best for me was "keep your shoulder on the shoulder" i.e., you and your left side should be up against the left shoulder of the road. Made turns easier.

Starfish Market (on way to Cruz Bay) has online ordering - put an order in a couple days before you go and pick it up when you get there. Dolphin Market (the walkable one) is good for midweek refresh/forgotten items.

 

[eunsill]

Lime Out closed until 10/4 unfortunately. But yes normally can't miss that. It's ok, you'll want to come back anyway haha.

I second getting a car, especially for 4 people. Opens up so many more options. You get used to it after about 10 min, and the advice that worked best for me was "keep your shoulder on the shoulder" i.e., you and your left side should be up against the left shoulder of the road. Made turns easier.

Starfish Market (on way to Cruz Bay) has online ordering - put an order in a couple days before you go and pick it up when you get there. Dolphin Market (the walkable one) is good for midweek refresh/forgotten items.

If you rent a car then you would do car barge instead of Westin Ferry right? I'm assuming they don't have a car ferry option

 

[sharr7]

If you rent a car then you would do car barge instead of Westin Ferry right? I'm assuming they don't have a car ferry option

Depends if you rent on STT or STJ. No the Westin does not have car ferry. But there are plenty of places to rent on STJ, many will bring the car to the Westin too.

If you rent on STT you probably save some money, but make sure the company lets you take it on the barge. Also STT roads can be a bit more hectic and confusing than you were promised above driving around STJ. I've always rented on STJ. But plenty do the car barge and it works great for them.

 

[eunsill]

Depends if you rent on STT or STJ. No the Westin does not have car ferry. But there are plenty of places to rent on STJ, many will bring the car to the Westin too.

If you rent on STT you probably save some money, but make sure the company lets you take it on the barge. Also STT roads can be a bit more hectic and confusing than you were promised above driving around STJ. I've always rented on STJ. But plenty do the car barge and it works great for them.

Oh! Thanks for the tip - I think we will do that. Makes it much easier for us.

 

[bice01]

Once you become comfortable with USVI left side driving, you may find it more convenient and cheaper to pick up a 4WD at the airport (and your villa keys) and ultimately drive right to your (VGV) villa. Budget will allow the car ferry. Discount Car Rental too, but they're off airport, though cheaper and newer.

Added benefit of slightly cheaper gas and groceries on STT.

 

[eunsill]

Once you become comfortable with USVI left side driving, you may find it more convenient and cheaper to pick up a 4WD at the airport (and your villa keys) and ultimately drive right to your (VGV) villa. Budget will allow the car ferry. Discount Car Rental too, but they're off airport, though cheaper and newer.

Added benefit of slightly cheaper gas and groceries on STT.

You can get your villa keys at the airport?

 

[bice01]

You can get your villa keys at the airport?

Westin desk at STT baggage claim

 

[heckp]

Once you become comfortable with USVI left side driving, you may find it more convenient and cheaper to pick up a 4WD at the airport (and your villa keys) and ultimately drive right to your (VGV) villa. Budget will allow the car ferry. Discount Car Rental too, but they're off airport, though cheaper and newer.

Added benefit of slightly cheaper gas and groceries on STT.

You can check in at the Westin Lounge at the airport and know your Villa number from there then?

 

[DavidnRobin]

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