Tell me it's not true....WSJ

[Carolyn]

We leave in a month for our Week 45 in Bldg 34. Just received the following email that has a lot of info in it but this caught my eye:


ENHANCING FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

The Westin St. John Resort & Villas has improvements planned for 2011. The Virgin Grand phase is undergoing exterior building renovations during 2011. Workers will be present from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, although noise from the project is anticipated to be contained to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to intermittent noise from the project, guests will see other related activity, such as power-washing and the movement of equipment and scaffolding. Thank you for your understanding during these improvements.

The two community pools in the Virgin Grand phase are undergoing refurbishment through late November. During one pool’s closure the other will remain open for guest use. Additionally, guests may access the main resort’s pool. We apologize for the inconvenience, but look forward to sharing these refreshing enhancements.

To ensure you get the latest news on resort updates, be sure your email address we have is current.


For those who have been in the last month or so, did you experience any inconveniences, especially with the upper level pool between Bldgs. 33 and 34? We have been "inconvenienced" the last 2 years and were hoping to finally stay in our villa with all the improvements and not have lots of construction noise and amenities that were unavailable? Does anyone have Mike Ryan's email address? Is the hot tub down by the main pool up and running? Thanks.

 

[Politico]

We were there 9/2 - 9/9 and had no issues. I think we were in building 31. I did notice some work was being done on the 3BRs villas but it was pretty peaceful. I would not worry too much.

 

[DavidnRobin]

We were there 9/2 - 9/9 and had no issues. I think we were in building 31. I did notice some work was being done on the 3BRs villas but it was pretty peaceful. I would not worry too much.

No direct info - but as I own in B34 - I was told while I was there in June that the pool/patio are between B33 and B34 were going to be refurbished (incl those explosive BBQs) in the Fall. While we were in the pool some official looking guys came around looking at the area and I inquired.

As it is a year-round resort - the work has to be done at some point - late-Summer and early-Fall are the least busy periods in the USVI and a lot of work goes on trying to beat the elements and jungle.

The siding and the roofing has been done on B33 and B34 - as well as the refurbish being complete. The next stage is the pool/patio area from my interpretation.

 

[jim_mcandrew]

We stayed in Building 32 9/16 - 9/23. They started work on the pool between building 31 and 32 in the middle of that week. The pool between buildings 33 and 34 was available for us to use. I didn't hear a timeframe for how long the work would take.

 

[Carolyn]

As it is a year-round resort - the work has to be done at some point - late-Summer and early-Fall are the least busy periods in the USVI and a lot of work goes on trying to beat the elements and jungle.

I know that the work has to be done but I don't think it is fair that the same owners are affected year after year. We love using the small pool between the Bldgs. 33 and 34. Keeping my fingers crossed it's already done or not yet started. I think I will email someone at the resort to find out.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I know that the work has to be done but I don't think it is fair that the same owners are affected year after year. We love using the small pool between the Bldgs. 33 and 34. Keeping my fingers crossed it's already done or not yet started. I think I will email someone at the resort to find out.

I understand - they will probably move to an equivalent+ villa if you make enough noise and there is availability. Good luck.

 

[Carolyn]

I understand - they will probably move to an equivalent+ villa if you make enough noise and there is availability. Good luck.

2 years ago we had to stay in Bldg 33 because Bldg 34 was closed due to renovations. No upgrade...same 1 BR Premium Villa-OK view but not as good as ours. We were assured there would be NO construction in Bldg 33. We put up with the noise from the construction vehicles climbing up the hill every morning to get to Bldg 34 at the end of the road. Then with 2 days left we were awakened by the tile guys in the Villa next door in Bldg 33! We recorded all this construction noise (sounded like jack hammers) on my iphone and went down to see Carolyn Nune with Customer Relations. She apologized and credited our bill with 2 RT ferry rides. She volunteered to move us to Bldgs 31 or 32 but with 2 days left we didn't want to pack everything up and move. They continued to work next door for the rest of our stay.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Did you ever read my bee story that I posted in my trip report a few years back? We showed up and our villa was OOO due to bees in the walls (due to faulty roof and siding). They offered to move us into the BV villas, but we choose to stay in another 2Bd TH in the Hillside section until our villa was ready. It made me appreciate our villa location even with the smell of smoke. At least I got to meet Mr Smalls - the island's bee wrangler.

Another time - they miscommunication info on the Westin ferry (back when we took the 'Breeze') and we missed our return flight - mainly because AA had changed to collection baggage fees and the line was outrageous (last time I lost my cool) - they put us up in a 3Bd pool villa for 3 nights (it was sweet) at no charge.

Sorry for your issues - but tbh - I can't wait to see the new pool/patio/BBQ area between B33/B34 (as pool tiles were falling off and BBQs were explosive) - unfortunately - we will most likely not be back until 2013 - so the BBQs will probably be explosive again by then...

 

[Carolyn]

David,

I do remember your "unfortunate" incidents associated with WSJ I will keep you updated on the pool situation when we are there. I agree 100% that the pool and deck needs to be redone...hopefully while we aren't there.

 

[mirish]

We are heading to WSJ this w/e.:whoopie: Will let you know how the pool and deck updates are going. We will be in a 3 bdr pool villa- any one know how the refurbishment there is going?