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

[LisaRex]

Hi, my husband and I are looking to buy a Bay Vista resale property and have a few questions. Wanted to come here to get the best answers directly from the owners, hope you can help. First, the offer contract we received shows a particular unit. Is this the exact unit we will occupy every visit? Or are you assigned any matching unit upon arrival? Second, how difficult is it to book a week at the property (I would assume it would be more difficult if you are vying for a particular unit)? We would have floating weeks 19-33 to choose from.

In your case, the unit number on the deed is just for accounting purposes.

If you were buying a fixed unit, it would have to also be a fixed week. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense. As a float owner, you are guaranteed to get the size unit you bought in the season you bought. However, you have to call during the Home Resort Reservation period, 8-12 months out, in order to secure that reservation.

If you want a particular week in the season you bought, be prepared to reserve it online at 12 months out, especially if it's a high demand week.

 

[lpmem]

Wow, thanks for the speedy responses! I've been to several islands and understand island time, but when making a large purchase always good to verify. St. John was my first and has always been my favorite! Appreciate all your help.

 

[DavidnRobin]

It is fixed week first, then fixed villa - each has a 10% premium when it can be done.
This only be done via SVO unless someone is selling their fixed week/villa.

Tugger jerseygirl (seems to have dropped off TUG) once posted that she was having a hard time reserving her float week because didn't reserve soon enough.

What ever happened to the VGV Owner's Coalition and their lawsuit?

 

[Carolyn]

I am curious as well. Where does the window in the 1Bd look out upon? I thought the 1Bd was situated above the Entry, and that the space above the LR/DR was open where the 2nd BD in the 2Bd TH is located. Is there also a window the space above the LR area - or just a wall?

The window in the Bedroom loft area looks at the side of the cliff, hence looking down you see the parallel parking area. You get natural light in the downstairs area from the frosted glass front door and the large sliders that lead out to the small balcony. I don't think we can see the water from the loft. It is up pretty high to see through the sliders. Bldgs. 33 and 34 are the best!

Carolyn

 

[GrayFal]

The window in the Bedroom loft area looks at the side of the cliff, hence looking down you see the parallel parking area. You get natural light in the downstairs area from the frosted glass front door and the large sliders that lead out to the small balcony. I don't think we can see the water from the loft. It is up pretty high to see through the sliders. Bldgs. 33 and 34 are the best!

Carolyn

This is all such great information. Thanks so much!

 

[YYJMSP]

So for 2 adults + 1 kid would be $120x2 + $90 = $330 for the Westin ferry?

Was asking the Concierge about various things and collecting info, and they said the following about the ferry:

"The cost of the ferry is $120 for an adult and $90 for youth ages 4-17 round trip. If you are an owner staying on your owners times then it is $110 for yourself and a guest."

So that is only $200 for 2 adults + 1 kid according to them. We asked twice to verify. Asking a third time whether that applies to StarOptions bookings or only Home Resort bookings.

Is this "2-for-1" for owners new? Has anyone else actually been charged in this way?

 

[NNerland]

We just got back - we took ferry - we had a party of 4 adults 1 kid age 5 and 2 3 and under

We paid $240 for my parents and $310 for us - so 2 x $110 and $90 for kid
So that statement of 2 for $110 is not correct rather they offer a $20 discount total for up to 2

We had lots of luggage and kids so we love the service
Also never rent car for entire week

 

[DavidnRobin]

Think you are reading that wrong - it is $110 plus $110 for owners. I have not heard of any recent changes. I believe the WSJ ferry cost is on their website.

Did you hear one of the new passenger ferries crashed?

It is very convenient certainly - and we used to take it (at $65pp), but now we have found a better way... Especially at $110pp... For us...

If they truly offered a 2:1 - I may change my perspective.

 

[YYJMSP]

We just got back - we took ferry - we had a party of 4 adults 1 kid age 5 and 2 3 and under

We paid $240 for my parents and $310 for us - so 2 x $110 and $90 for kid
So that statement of 2 for $110 is not correct rather they offer a $20 discount total for up to 2

We had lots of luggage and kids so we love the service
Also never rent car for entire week

Thanks for the first-hand info!

My wife talked to the concierge twice, and she said both times it was $200 total for the 3 of us. I told her to get it in writing, but your experience contradicts what they're saying, and I'm more willing to believe your story than hers...

 

[LisaRex]

"Once confirmed, the ferry transportation charge will be reflected on your guest room folio upon check-out. Transfer costs: $120 for adults, $90 for children 4-17, no charge for children 3 years old and under.

Charge includes round trip transfers to airport, tips and luggage handling and also includes unlimited shopping trips to St Thomas Crown Bay Marina. One of our representatives will greet you and your party at the airport. For further arrival and departure information e-mail 01098.guestrelations@westin.com."

http://www.westinresortstjohn.com/transportation-into-st-john

 

[DavidnRobin]

$240 for 2 adults
$330 for 2 adults and 1 child
$420 for 2 adults and 2 children
$480 for 4 adults
… expensive regardless of some Owner discount

I will stick with my alternate mode of transport…

btw re: Public Ferries - now the claim is a that a big wave caused the new ferry boat to crash into the dock at Cruz Bay (and not a stuck throttle) - yet the bay was calm, and 1st hand accounts saw the ferry coming in too fast…
Bet that no one is held accountable?
'Only in the Islands, Mon'

 

[NNerland]

It is expensive but all depends on what you need and what you do. Renting on St John and not renting everyday saves you $75-$100/day. If you go for one week and don't rent a few days, there is $150-$200

Luggage - if you have a party of 4 and have kids for example, no way much fits into a rental car to drive across St Thomas, take the Ferry and arrive at St John.

When traveling and having lots with you, it is nice to literally take your bags of the luggage carousal and have it delivered to your room. We really do appreciate that and take the Westin at their word that the high fee includes proper tips for the people bring us our bags. I know many say they doubt that they get enough....but we assume when paying a premium and that is stated that everyone is taken care of.

It has gone up a lot in the past few years and does add a large chunk to the journey...especially with multiple adults and our kids getting over Age 3.

I am glad they have something and you also have a very organized experience...even if it comes at a price.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I have done it almost every way possible over the last 9 years of WSJ-VGV ownership (Public transport, WSJ ferry, Rent on StJ in Cruz Bay, Rent at WSJ, and rent on StT and take car barge).

As VGV owners - having quick vehicle access becomes very important for those (us) that consider it important, and raises the value of having a vehicle handy. Of course cars have capacity limits (that is always the case), and not all folks have same needs. If you have too many (or too few) - then renting a vehicle does not make sense - as often discussed here.

Base case (for example): 4 adults w/ 4 pieces of checked luggage fits a 4Dr 4WD WranglerXL. Even a kid or 2 could fit depending on their ages and how many bags one brings (usually 2x the amount needed…)

$580/week for rental + $60RT on car barge = $640/week
with $480RT for WSJ ferry - it therefore costs an additional ~$160/week to have full (quick) access to transport => ~$23/day extra. Let's round up to $25...

For a villa that runs at ~$2500/week, and airfare for 4 adults at ~$3000 ($5500 and growing) - add in costs for food, charters, restaurants, and drinks (another couple grand for a week…) and I am fine with and extra $25/day for the convenience and the freedom. YMMV

 

[YYJMSP]

It is expensive but all depends on what you need and what you do. Renting on St John and not renting everyday saves you $75-$100/day. If you go for one week and don't rent a few days, there is $150-$200

But don't cabs cost quite a bit there? Looking at the various web sites, it sounds like it's around $15 one-way for 3 to go between the Westin and Cruz Bay, so $30 for the three of us to go out to dinner each night?

 

[czar]

But don't cabs cost quite a bit there? Looking at the various web sites, it sounds like it's around $15 one-way for 3 to go between the Westin and Cruz Bay, so $30 for the three of us to go out to dinner each night?

Yes it adds up quickly. We chose not to rent a car for car seat reasons but would have rented one otherwise. Although next time we go they'll be 6 of us so not sure what we'll fit in!

Also if you want to explore having a car is so useful and you'll end up
paying quite a bit to rent on site.

 

[LisaRex]

But don't cabs cost quite a bit there? Looking at the various web sites, it sounds like it's around $15 one-way for 3 to go between the Westin and Cruz Bay, so $30 for the three of us to go out to dinner each night?

Yes, it's $5 to get to Cruz Bay + gratuity. We pay a pretty penny to rent a car for the week and still hail a taxi whenever we venture into town. Parking is a hassle in Cruz Bay and we like to enjoy a cocktail or two with dinner, so a taxi is worth it to us.

Other options: Lemongrass Restaurant (on-site) is surprisingly good. Service could be improved, but we ate there once (and our friends ate there twice). The bar/poolside restaurant is pricey ($18 for a cheeseburger and fries) but good as well. They also sell sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, entrees and cooked pizzas at the on-site Market place, as well as the little market right outside the Westin grounds.

And, of course, there's always grilling...

 

[czar]

I agree, certainly worth the small price to take a cab if you're going to be drinking. I also agree that the new bar at that restaurant – is it lemongrass – is really nice. So we found ourselves coming back for a drink after dinner. Huge improvement over last year. So sad to be missing the summer, but with a newborn and a wedding in California, St. John is just not in the cards.

 

[DavidnRobin]

But don't cabs cost quite a bit there? Looking at the various web sites, it sounds like it's around $15 one-way for 3 to go between the Westin and Cruz Bay, so $30 for the three of us to go out to dinner each night?

Correct - except at night it is $6pp OW - and that is w/o tip if you are so inclined.
They even charge per large luggage bag. for example - if you take public taxis/ferries. except the car barge does not charge per bag. Of course, bags are free for the WSJ ferry.

No one is saying it is a black/white choice. For us, I look at the overall costs vs. the vacation value. For us… we have tried the public ferry/taxi method (too hot/humid and too much of a hassle after flying SFO-xxx-STT).
We also used the WSJ ferry back when it was a reasonable cost for Owners (IMO - it is way too costly now).

We have rented a vehicle on StJ on-site at O'Connor a couple of time (arg… this has been discussed in trip reports) and in CB (ability to park a plus, but watch out who you use) - neither are inexpensive and generally vehicles are trashed. Then, talked to someone that told me about renting on StT and taking the car barge over (plus their 4WD was in great condition).

So… next year I (we) decided to take the car barge. It was a great way to go, but decided to go cheap (Dependable) and ended up with a trashed car with no back window (hello mosquitoes!), and had to pick-up/drop-off the vehicle a few miles from STT (drag). Then, someone told me about Amalie Car Rental - 4WD in great condition - and with an AUX mini-RCA plug (important to me), and they pick you up at STT and meet you there for drop-off (and stay in contact). Their vehicles come at a premium because of their condition and customer service (often lacking in the USVI). I now use Amalie and recommend for those that have similar vacation priorities to use them as well (and I get no kick-back…)

That is my experience that I am sharing. This is not a 1-size fits all experience.

For StJ vehicle experience…
Drop off passenger at Woody's after a long day on the beach - have them pick-up Bushwackers at the Take-Out window during Happy Hour - and enjoy them back in your VGV villa still frozen (5 mins to front door). Open containers are allowed on StJ. Of course - be careful not to end up being the 1st DUI in StJ in the last 10 years (advice from Angel's Rest…)

Movie Star Alert!

Angel's Rest

Or… drive over to Trunk Bay Parking lot and be set-up on the beach at 4pm for sunset (NPS booth is closed) about 20min from WSJ-VGV. But, be aware that there are no lifeguards and watch out for noseeums at sunset (stand on blanket not sand… bring protection)

Trunk Bay!

Or… drive to Salt Pond and hike out to Ram Head during a full moon (bring a flashlight), and then to Miss Lucy's on the way back for their full-moon party.

Last of of the sunset from Ram Head

And… of course - drive all the way to where the roads end…

 

[rog2867]

Here is some info we just got. Let me know what you think... We were just at WKV last week and went for our owners update. I had recently found out that our week we own in Bay Vista a 2 bdrm loft is a fixed week. We were also told that Bay Vista was only sold as fixed weeks. The deed says float as do all but they are not. The new units being built now are all float, but we were also told that we cannot give up our week and try to get into those. I think I remember sales person telling us its just like the other starwood resorts you can just float it and try to get into a different phase. That's not what we were just told. So basically I had a 2 bdrm loft with week 3 fixed week in January, which I can't go to for ten years until the kids are in college. So I just keep turning it into star options, at least I get 179000 of those now and go some place else. I will still try to turn Kaanapali or Cancun into options and try to go to SJ if possible.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hey rog - the salesman is incorrect (aka lying). WSJ-BV was sold as both fixed and float. It is WSJ-VGV (Hillside) that are actually fixed, but they can float within season during 8-10 months out if openings are available (not common). The rest is misinformation following a lie.

Your deed says float - it is float (if you own Bay Vista) - a float WSJ-BV 2Bd loft week 3 allows it to float in a Plat+ season and that has tremendous value (plus your StarOptions have just increased)
Their lie is so atrocious - you should report them.

I hope you did not make a rash and misinformed decision based on this incorrect info.
If you did - rescind!

Info on the new WSJ-CV phase has been discussed here and in its own thread.

 

[WizardOz]

WSJ Unit 4314

Hello - I am currently in the process of purchasing a week in paradise!! We will be in Unit 4314 for Week 4 and wondering if there are any current owners of this villa with any feedback or comments about this particular unit. #STJ #homeawayfromhome

 

[patsfan]

STT Car Rental

Rent? as in 4WD rental?
We rent on StT (Amalie) and take the car-barge over. $60RT - no other fees…
We get a pick-up and drop-off right outside the baggage carousel at STT - with documents all ready to do after a quick signature. Takes about 30 mins (no traffic) to drive to RedHook and take the car-barge. About a 5min drive from the car barge to WSJ. We arrive and depart on a Friday - so no cruise line traffic, and easy lines at STT.

We rarely even get down to the main resort (and we have consecutive week) - except to checkin/out - and sometimes to get to the beach nest to the dock for boat charter pickup (WSJ won't allow the dock to be used for charters except for their charters)

What is the checkin day for your week (Fri/Sat/Sun)?

Is this the right web site for the jeep rental you've used (www.amaliecar.com).

And do we need reservations for the car barge, or is that just first come first served?

Thanks

 

[okwiater]

And do we need reservations for the car barge, or is that just first come first served?

No reservations needed for the barge. Just take whichever one is there, and most would recommend purchasing a one-way instead of a round-trip so that you aren't stuck waiting for a specific barge on the return trip.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Is this the right web site for the jeep rental you've used (www.amaliecar.com).

And do we need reservations for the car barge, or is that just first come first served?

Thanks

Correct - Amalie. You can find less expensive, but Amalie has best vehicles.
Amy (Owner) is great to work with.

No reservation needed for car barge - buy 1-way only.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hello - I am currently in the process of purchasing a week in paradise!! We will be in Unit 4314 for Week 4 and wondering if there are any current owners of this villa with any feedback or comments about this particular unit. #STJ #homeawayfromhome

I hope it is a resale purchase - especially for WSJ-VGV phase since it is SVN Mandatory (StarOptions transfer with sale). A 3Bd pool villa from SVO in Plat+ season would be very expensive.

Two of the 3Bd pool villa buildings (do not recall which ones) have a sliding wall between the 2 upstair bedrooms (and can't seem to get a 100% of Owners to vote to get it changed to a solid wall). The sliding wall would be deal breaker for me. YMMV.