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

[DavidnRobin]

and this is Part 2 of the thread.

East side - some of it...
Lameshur Bay
Kiddle Bay (Left, left, left, left...)
Salt Pond Bay
Blue Cobblestone beach
Ram Head hike
Tourist Trap - food
Miss Lucy's - food
Shipwreck Landing - food
Skinny Legs - food
Vies - food
and... Angel's Rest - drink (extra points for finding it...)

Off top of my head...

 

[bobpark56]

For snokelers...

For snorkelers, i"ll add:

Little Lameshur Bay

Haulover North...on a day when the wind is light and from the south. Entry is a bit awkward, but it's like snorkeling in a coral garden.

Leinster Bay, to the right side of Waterlemon Key...but check the tides before you go. The beach is narrow, and high tides can flood it. It's a bit of a swim, but go along the right shore and there will be good bit to see along the way. Last Oct, we ran into a school of a dozen or so 4- to 6-foot tarpons that were there feeding on a very large massing of small fish. Also some jacks. This in addition to the usual culprits.

 

[Transit]

Thanks,
This gives me a starting point.

 

[YYJMSP]

We come with several couples and rent a private charter to explore snorkel sites in the morning then hit BVI in the afternoon. Our next visit we're thinking of doing 2 charter days we love it so much.

If you don't mind my asking, what company did you use for the private charter? We're wading through the various options and they seem to be all over the place.

You can PM me if you'd prefer...

 

[YYJMSP]

if you are staying at WSJ and looking to see the Baths - I would recommend Island Time (The Westin's boat). Never done it, but know people who have and were fine with it.

The Westin ferry boat goes to the BVI's?

 

[DavidnRobin]

The Westin ferry boat goes to the BVI's?

I believe it does (or another boat they have does) - make sure this comment is taken in context (for someone who wants to leave from WSJ dock vs.NPS dock). I have never used CruzBay - Island Time (WSJ) for a charter. I am sure there is a BVI schedule.
We have been using Island Roots as of late - but many to choose from.

 

[YYJMSP]

I believe it does (or another boat they have does) - make sure this comment is taken in context (for someone who wants to leave from WSJ dock vs.NPS dock). I have never used CruzBay - Island Time (WSJ) for a charter. I am sure there is a BVI schedule.
We have been using Island Roots as of late - but many to choose from.

Ah, it's actually Cruz Bay Watersports on-site. Now I understand. I thought you meant that WSJ had their own boat and operated their own excursions.

I think we found Island Roots when we were searching. Thanks.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Ah, it's actually Cruz Bay Watersports on-site. Now I understand. I thought you meant that WSJ had their own boat and operated their own excursions.

I think we found Island Roots when we were searching. Thanks.

Correct. Island Time and other charters leaving the WSJ dock are operated by Cruz Bay Watersports (I assume under contract with WSJ). Due to 'Homeland Security' reasons - only CBW and the WSJ ferry can use WSJ dock - others could be fined - this almost happened to us when they started enforcing this security measure. (Security from what? not making more money? Really... I do not see StJ as a terrorist threat...) All other charters must pick-up/drop-off at the NPS dock. Or, off the beach to the left of the WSJ dock.

That was my comment to a hassle free excursion from the WSJ dock as the NPS dock can be a real PIA at times (parking and otherwise...).

Island Roots has one a the few permits to moor in Hurricane Hole when it is not being used as a hurricane shelter for boats. Capt Jason (Siska) took over Island Roots a couple of years ago after the previous charter captain passed-away. His family is from StJ and he grew-up there. He is professional, passionate and conscientious - a rare quality in his generation.
(for those reading this - please tread gently around the mangroves if you visit)

 

[vmoreno5]

Which buildings are the Bay Vista units in?

Just made a reservation w/ Star Options for 3 nights in a "3 bdrm villa" and wondering if we'll have an oven or not. Our reservation does not say Pool Villa or Virgin Grand, just "3 bdrm villa" and sleeps 10...so probably not the VGV Most likely BV, correct?

BUT, I'm sure they will be fine, just wondering which building might be best for views. We will have my 75 yo mother, so will be nice not to have a huge hike to pool/festivities (bingo but we will have a car.

Any suggestions on which building we should request would be much appreciated! Will be there Jun 28-30 in a 2bdrm, then 30-July 3 in 3 bdrm (will have to change rooms bc I couldn't find a 5 day stretch in one unit...kinda last min plans - just made the reservation yesterday).

Thanks!!

Vicki

 

[DavidnRobin]

The VGV 3Bd villas have no view, but have private pool and BBQ area.
The BV 3Bd villas do have a view. There is an slight uphill hike to BV, and the 3Bd villas are on upper floors of BV (but there is an elevator - plus there are shuttles.
You will unlikely be given a choice of villa. You could also end up in the new CV phase which are closer to the main pool.

There should be a convection oven in BV, VGV will have oven.

Hard to know which phase you will be placed in.
Personally - I would prefer the 3Bd VGV villas.

It is very hot/humid at this time of year - be careful if you are not used to it. It takes us a couple of days to acclimate.

 

[YYJMSP]

Just made a reservation w/ Star Options for 3 nights in a "3 bdrm villa" and wondering if we'll have an oven or not. Our reservation does not say Pool Villa or Virgin Grand, just "3 bdrm villa" and sleeps 10...so probably not the VGV Most likely BV, correct?

I'm thinking the only 3BR sleeps 10 config is BV. The 3BR/pool in VG is sleeps 8. There isn't any other 3BR config, right?

In theory, you're not supposed to be "downgraded" to something that sleeps less, or costs less SO's, than the unit you booked.

You can check the SO's you needed for the booking. The phases have slightly different rates at different times, so you might be able to figure it out that way, but of course, everything is subject to change up to check-in...

 

[vmoreno5]

You will unlikely be given a choice of villa. You could also end up in the new CV phase which are closer to the main pool.

Thank you for the info. Actually, I see from the Villa descriptions that the only 10-person unit that is called "Three Bedroom Villa" is the Bay Vista. Interestingly, they don't show any "3-bdrms" in Coral Vista, but there were reservations for a "3 bdrm lock off" which I think is probably the 2 bdrm & studio combined in CV...bc in the StarOptions chart, it lists the CV units as 3-bdrm lock off, 2 bdrm & studio. Boy, this property sure has a lot of choices in unit type, but those VGV seem to be rarely avbl. Didn't see any for the entire summer when I was looking at openings.

In any case, are you saying we are unlikely to have any request honored, as far as location within the BV 3-bdrms? I know there is never a guarantee, but I usually request general location/building and they often honor it or come close. But I've never been to WSJ, so maybe things are different.

Thx for the tip about the weather. My mom will probably do a lot of relaxing and reading . If it's too hot outside, she may be inside more than usual, which is why i was thinking it would be nice if we had a view, so she can enjoy it. We might be able to get her in the water with a snorkel though...

 

[okwiater]

VGV was sold as fixed weeks, and those Owners typically use their own weeks. It's much more common to find availability in the phases with floating ownership, i.e. BV and CV. BV has dedicated 3-bedroom villas (which sleep 10), while CV has 3-bedroom lockoffs (which sleep 12), but only 6 lockoff units are available.

 

[canesfan]

If you don't mind my asking, what company did you use for the private charter? We're wading through the various options and they seem to be all over the place.



You can PM me if you'd prefer...

We rented it from Cruz Bay out of the resort. It was quite reasonable. We had 2 other couples with us, so we divided the cost by 3. We just told our captain what we wanted to do that day.

 

[LisaH]

We rented it from Cruz Bay out of the resort. It was quite reasonable. We had 2 other couples with us, so we divided the cost by 3. We just told our captain what we wanted to do that day.

Could you provide the contact info for the charter please?

 

[DavidnRobin]

Could you provide the contact info for the charter please?

They are talking about Cruz Bay Watersports - as discussed above. There are no other charters off of the WSJ dock (also discussed above). They can be contacted thru WSJ as they are the charter company for WSJ.

 

[svntug]

Accomodations advice, and other questions

We're headed to WSJ in early July. It'll be our first time to St John. We've stayed at many other starwood villa props, so we think we know what to expect.

A couple quick questions for the cognoscenti:

1) There will be 8 of us - 2 families. We booked at the 8 month mark with SO's, and were only able to get a 2 bedroom flat. Will it be comfortable? Anyone have any advice on how to beg the resort to upgrade us?

2) Sea Lice - we've read a few posts that mention Sea lice in the waters around the island. It sounds like it might be a temporary situation based on the current, etc. Is this still an issue? Should we be concerned - we'll have several little ones with us.

3) No one has mentioned the Gym - is it open to everyone? Is it a decent Gym?

4) hot tubs/spas - are there any on the property?

5) Does the Westin Ferry still include unlimited trips back to St Thomas during our stay?

Thanks for any info/advice!

svntug

 

[DavidnRobin]

Occupancy of a 2Bd villa is 6 persons. enough said...

 

[canesfan]

We're headed to WSJ in early July. It'll be our first time to St John. We've stayed at many other starwood villa props, so we think we know what to expect.

A couple quick questions for the cognoscenti:

1) There will be 8 of us - 2 families. We booked at the 8 month mark with SO's, and were only able to get a 2 bedroom flat. Will it be comfortable? Anyone have any advice on how to beg the resort to upgrade us?

2) Sea Lice - we've read a few posts that mention Sea lice in the waters around the island. It sounds like it might be a temporary situation based on the current, etc. Is this still an issue? Should we be concerned - we'll have several little ones with us.

3) No one has mentioned the Gym - is it open to everyone? Is it a decent Gym?

4) hot tubs/spas - are there any on the property?

5) Does the Westin Ferry still include unlimited trips back to St Thomas during our stay?

Thanks for any info/advice!

svntug

Whatever your 2 bedroom describes it max, is its max. Unless you have little kids it will be a challenge. We own a 2 bedroom LOFT. It sleeps 10. Those are few though.

Ferry is all you can travel. There is enough on St. John that you won't see the need to leave. But it's there if you want it.

Gym & Spa are one of the worst I've seen in our system. Although I haven't been since they renovated. It was disappointing, especially the spa area.

 

[LisaH]

They are talking about Cruz Bay Watersports - as discussed above. There are no other charters off of the WSJ dock (also discussed above). They can be contacted thru WSJ as they are the charter company for WSJ.

Thanks! Anyone going Aug 8-15 and would like to share a boat?

 

[DavidnRobin]

speaking of a Bucket List finding you... where Angels go the rest.

http://oldtowncrier.com/2015/06/01/...s-and-the-little-floating-cottage-that-could/

 

[YYJMSP]

Which section have SO bookings been going lately?

Anyone who has stayed at WSJ recently (since CV opened?) and booked with SO's, where have you been placed?

I'm curious if there's been more SO bookings pushed in to CV in the last little bit vs. other sections, or if non-Home Resort bookings are being spread all over the place.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I don't think you are going to find Tuggers here who can answer that question - too few, too soon. We haven't been to the Main Resort since checkin.

I am at WSJ now. One thing I have learned... I was born to drive left.

 

[YYJMSP]

I am at WSJ now. One thing I have learned... I was born to drive left.

We have 4 weeks left until we start our 17.5hr 4-segment flight plan (coming back is worse...)

And I think I'll leave driving on the wrong side of the road to the professionals.

 

[Henry M.]

The first time I went to St. John on Staroptions, a couple of years ago a and when the CV buildings still had hotel guests, I had booked a 1BR and was supposed to stay in VGV. At check-in, we were given a 2BR in BV. If I had known, I would have brought some friends along!

We were given the choice to stay in what we had reserved, and even went to check out the room, but we liked BV better. The VGV room was a bit musty and rather dark. I can't remeber which building it was.

The staff was friendly and accommodating. You can always request something different than what you are assigned (within reason), and if here is room, they'll try to work with you to try to make you happy.