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Seeking Advice: Visiting St. John (and staying at the Westin)

K

Kazakie

TUG Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2005
Messages
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Location
Upstate New York
I did a search and read some past remarks, but thought it was time to get some fresh input on the Westin St. John and the island is St John (since I'm going in about a week).

Comments, suggestions, etc are greatly appreciated.
 
Check for restaurant closings

on USVI-on-line.com discussion boards. You're going in low season and I know some of the restaurants are not yet up and running.

RENT a Jeep either in St Thomas or St John - I hope you've already made a reservation. The best way to get around St John is on your own in a jeep. Many of the best beaches, Waterlemon, Maho, Salt Pond, etc. are beyond where the taxis are willing to go.

Hike the Reef Bay Trail if you've never done it. We do it every year.

Just a few ideas. Have a great time. Are you staying at the timeshares or the Westin? The Westin is undergoing some construction as they are converting many of the hotel rooms to timeshares.

If you do decide you might want to buy there, BUY RESALE. And, the Hillside 3 bedroom units have their own private pools, something not found in the newer units.

Lori
 
I second the Reef Bay trail, but you usually need to make reservations with the US Park Service prior to leaving the states. Maybe not as important during the slow season, but I'd go to their website, navigate and find out for sure.

We were lucky enough to get a 3 BR Hillside on an internal trade. I will never be in such a nice place again, but wherever you are, you will love it.
 
ST. John - Vacation Villa vs Hotel - Starwood

After trying unsuccessfully for 2 years to book a vacation ownership week in St. John, we decided to convert some Options into Starpoints and stay at the hotel. I guess we just got tired of being told there was no availability. The hotel was a very satisfactory option. We had a lovely upgraded room and were very close to the pool and restaurants. Maybe when the expansion is completed, booking the villas will be a bit easier, but I'm not very optimistic because St. John is such a popular destination. Good luck.
 
Transit said:
Were you waitlisted ?If so how long did you wait ?
Click to expand...

We just waitlisted week 23 (to go with our week 24) - I doubt anything will come of it - I will only give them a month or so before I cancel since we plan our STJ vacation well in advance (plane tix, 4WD rental) plus need to use our extra SOs before the end of the year.

2 weeks in STJ is better than one.

Don - it looks like a few are in favor of the NPS tour.

Take the Westin ferry and rent on STJ (O'Connor at the Westin) - the convience is worth it. Do not rent on STT and take the car ferry over... life is too short.

Enjoy - let us know how it went.

Stay Left!!!!
 
You don't need to take the NPS tour

We've always done Reef Bay on our own. Granted, we then have to hike back UP the trail, but that's the challenge. We often pass the NPS group on the way down and there are always a few people who walk exceedingly slow, thus slowing down the entire group. The Park Service tour moves at the rate of the slowest person. We can be at the bottom in about an hour and a half; the tour usually takes 3 hours to the bottom, then the boat back. By that time, we're usually back at the Westin sitting in our own pool.

Lori
 
DavidnRobin said:
Take the Westin ferry and rent on STJ (O'Connor at the Westin) - the convience is worth it. Do not rent on STT and take the car ferry over... life is too short.

Enjoy - let us know how it went.

Stay Left!!!!
Click to expand...

David,

You're hilarious. It's easy to say don't worry about money, but when you didn't grow up with any, old habits are very hard to break. We'll debate this weekend (we already splurged for flights rather than using miles).

I think I'll bring a post-it to put on the steering wheel - "STAY LEFT!!"

-Don
 
Loriannf said:
Many of the best beaches, Waterlemon, Maho, Salt Pond, etc. are beyond where the taxis are willing to go.

Hike the Reef Bay Trail if you've never done it. We do it every year.

Just a few ideas.
Click to expand...

Lori - thanks for the ideas


Loriannf said:
Just a few ideas. Have a great time. Are you staying at the timeshares or the Westin? The Westin is undergoing some construction as they are converting many of the hotel rooms to timeshares.
Click to expand...

Yep, we're in the timeshare units (2br/3ba), the W&D will lighten up the suitcase.
 
I've noticed a lot of fair to poor reviews of WSJ on tripadvisor. What do you all think is the cause of that? I realize some of it is due to staying in the hotel instead of the larger and nicer(?) ts units, but some of the complaints are about the resort itself (service, cost, cleanliness, etc).

We are considering trying for WSJ (if we can't get in we'll go to Kierland or VV) since Maui is now out of the question and we have decided our youngest is too little for Harborside, but I want to make sure I have realistic expectations (assuming I can even get in).
 
WSJ was the nicest vac we ever went on. We awoke every morning, grabbed subs at subway, packed the cooler w/ drinks, and headed out to a different beach (most of them almost deserted and postcard perfect) each day. We ate at Zo-Zo's (make reserv now) very pricey, but worth every penny, RhumLines(sp?). We ate at Uncle Joe's BBQ twice, very interesting! We also found it much easier and much more cost effective overall to rent a 4wd on STT and use the car ferry to STJ.
 
Loriannf said:
We've always done Reef Bay on our own. Granted, we then have to hike back UP the trail, but that's the challenge. We often pass the NPS group on the way down and there are always a few people who walk exceedingly slow, thus slowing down the entire group. The Park Service tour moves at the rate of the slowest person. We can be at the bottom in about an hour and a half; the tour usually takes 3 hours to the bottom, then the boat back. By that time, we're usually back at the Westin sitting in our own pool.

Lori
Click to expand...

While slow - the NPS Park Ranger shows/finds stuff that people (like us) might have missed (along with the photo ops). It was hot enough walking down - I wouldn't want to walk back up (w/o a breeze). Our friends that went with us would agree - they were thinking of doing it on their own, but glad they had the ranger tour. Bring plenty of water.
 
Kazakie said:
David,

You're hilarious. It's easy to say don't worry about money, but when you didn't grow up with any, old habits are very hard to break. We'll debate this weekend (we already splurged for flights rather than using miles).

I think I'll bring a post-it to put on the steering wheel - "STAY LEFT!!"

-Don
Click to expand...

Believe me - I try and save a buck or two myself - like packing frozen steaks - but traveling all that way, and only staying a week, certainly makes somethings worth while paying extra for. As Owners, we get a 20% discount on the Westin ferry - no sure if you will, but just ask (or say you do until told otherwise). We use the public route our first year - then the Westin ferry the next. Hands down the extra cost was worth it.

As to the 4WD rental - if not for the week - then at least a few days. The taxis will get you around to some degree - you will be limiting yourself.

As we discussed - I actually find it fun (like I find rollercoasters fun) driving there - just keep chanting 'Stay Left'.

Enjoy yourself - please do let us know how it went. btw, thanks for the offer - we will have to wait for our next visit in June - but first - Maui in December.
 
Stefa said:
I've noticed a lot of fair to poor reviews of WSJ on tripadvisor. What do you all think is the cause of that? I realize some of it is due to staying in the hotel instead of the larger and nicer(?) ts units, but some of the complaints are about the resort itself (service, cost, cleanliness, etc).

We are considering trying for WSJ (if we can't get in we'll go to Kierland or VV) since Maui is now out of the question and we have decided our youngest is too little for Harborside, but I want to make sure I have realistic expectations (assuming I can even get in).
Click to expand...

It really depends on some peoples expectation and demeaner - I have also read those poor reviews on Trip Advisor (and one on RedWeek), byt remember that reviews on TripAdvisor are free. Plus - weigh the positive reviews vs. teh negative reviews.

I can see where STJ and WSJ are not for everyone - we are the types that prefer as little interaction the the staff as possible. For example - I know how to get light the BBQs. However. whenever we have dealt with them - the are extremely nice (albeit slow to react). Things move differently on STJ (as well as many of the Caribbean island). I read one review that compared their stay at WSJ to the Four Seasons on Nevus (good luck with that...) - if that is the type of stay one wants - do not go to WSJ.

Also - as I told the OP - start each sentence with Good Morning/Adternoon/Evening - and do not demand anything - be overly respectful - and do not be impatient. It makes a world of difference. I always try and get the locals (who are doing the work since they only have tourism) to smile or laugh - almost to a point of making it a challenge).
 
Trip Advisor is loaded with biased opinions

I frequently read Tripadvisor reports on WSJ for fun. It's amazing how people's experiences differ. I started reading it last year before our trip and couldn't believe some of the things that were posted. I was worried that our "investment" in WSJ was going to be heading on a swift downward spiral. Then we took our seventh trip there. Everything was as it had always been, with the exception of some construction which we barely noticed.

I think alot of it has to do with expectations. I think many of the negative reviews are given by people who've done little or no research about where they are going. The Westin in no way compares to an all-inclusive, and it shouldn't as it is a different type of hotel. It also is very different from Caneel which tends to be populated by the "newly wed or nearly dead" (not original with me, an island saying about the resort). Also, this is a Caribbean hotel and doesn't compare to US Westins - I've had much better service at the WSJ than the Chicago Westin River North.

Just my opinion, of course.

Lori
 
DavidnRobin said:
We just waitlisted week 23 (to go with our week 24) - I doubt anything will come of it -
Click to expand...
We also are waitlisted for week 23 the operator told me I was #5 on the list and I had an exellent shot at getting a unit.Do you think I'm spinning my wheels or do I really have a shot?
 
Transit said:
We also are waitlisted for week 23 the operator told me I was #5 on the list and I had an exellent shot at getting a unit.Do you think I'm spinning my wheels or do I really have a shot?
Click to expand...

I would think your chances are pretty good especially if you are flexible about unit size. I'm sure a lot depends on how the waitlist works, such as if other WSJ owners or elite members can jump ahead of you or not.
 
Loriannf said:
I frequently read Tripadvisor reports on WSJ for fun. It's amazing how people's experiences differ. I started reading it last year before our trip and couldn't believe some of the things that were posted. I was worried that our "investment" in WSJ was going to be heading on a swift downward spiral. Then we took our seventh trip there. Everything was as it had always been, with the exception of some construction which we barely noticed.

I think alot of it has to do with expectations. I think many of the negative reviews are given by people who've done little or no research about where they are going. The Westin in no way compares to an all-inclusive, and it shouldn't as it is a different type of hotel. It also is very different from Caneel which tends to be populated by the "newly wed or nearly dead" (not original with me, an island saying about the resort). Also, this is a Caribbean hotel and doesn't compare to US Westins - I've had much better service at the WSJ than the Chicago Westin River North.

Just my opinion, of course.

Lori
Click to expand...

Thanks Lori and David and Robin. We're pretty easygoing as long as our unit is clean and in good shape, so I'm sure we'll have a good time. One positive from tripadvisor is that the pools got a high rating which is important to us with three kids.

That review on redweek was a hoot. I can't believe the guy got so bent out of shape over a $16 cab fare. I guess some people are bound and determined to have a bad time...
 
Transit said:
We also are waitlisted for week 23 the operator told me I was #5 on the list and I had an exellent shot at getting a unit.Do you think I'm spinning my wheels or do I really have a shot?
Click to expand...


Was this for a Friday or Saturday check-in? I called for a Friday check-in because our fixed week is a Friday check-in.

I didn't realize that they gave a waitlist number - I will have to call and ask.
 
DavidnRobin said:
Was this for a Friday or Saturday check-in? I called for a Friday check-in because our fixed week is a Friday check-in.

I didn't realize that they gave a waitlist number - I will have to call and ask.
Click to expand...
Friday check in ,but I asked the operater to note Fri,Sat or Sun for any available.I called yesterday to see if there was any movement and the operater stated that she could't see my list number??? So I really have no idea where I stand or if owners or elites have a prioirty on the list. I only own 1 unit so I'm rolling the dice.
 
been there--done that said:
After trying unsuccessfully for 2 years to book a vacation ownership week in St. John, we decided to convert some Options into Starpoints and stay at the hotel. I guess we just got tired of being told there was no availability. The hotel was a very satisfactory option. We had a lovely upgraded room and were very close to the pool and restaurants. Maybe when the expansion is completed, booking the villas will be a bit easier, but I'm not very optimistic because St. John is such a popular destination. Good luck.
Click to expand...
I thought I would also go this route but the week I was trying to book 06/06/08 SPG was out of 5th night free awards (anyone doing this do it way in advance) I could book night for night at 12000 SP's
 
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Transit said:
Friday check in ,but I asked the operater to note Fri,Sat or Sun for any available.I called yesterday to see if there was any movement and the operater stated that she could't see my list number??? So I really have no idea where I stand or if owners or elites have a prioirty on the list. I only own 1 unit so I'm rolling the dice.
Click to expand...

I do not think owners (which I am) or Elite members (which I am also) have a priority. What time on Saturday morning did you call for the Friday check-in? I called at 9:15 AM PST. I also called the Elite line.
 
DavidnRobin said:
I do not think owners (which I am) or Elite members (which I am also) have a priority. What time on Saturday morning did you call for the Friday check-in? I called at 9:15 AM PST. I also called the Elite line.
Click to expand...
9:00 but probably didn't get logged till about 9:05 (after the 40 questions:) )
 
Transit said:
9:00 but probably didn't get logged till about 9:05 (after the 40 questions:) )
Click to expand...
You were 5th and you called at 9AM - looks like I have no hope. I am going to call tomorrow and ask about my number, status, and to confirm.
 
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