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Westin St John [Master Thread] - Part 2 (June 2014 and forward)
- Thread starter DavidnRobin
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DavidnRobin
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Very bad - and no one seems to be discussing it here. Very few people in water in Maho Bay - millions of these buggers. No way they are going to go away anytime soon unfortunately. Really sucks. Glad we have a car to go to other side of island. None at Lameshur and very crowded for a Monday in June - others apparently have figured it out. I have video that I will post on YouTube
adjust for high-resolution
https://youtu.be/HXor0dpV1BM
adjust for high-resolution
https://youtu.be/HXor0dpV1BM
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Carolyn
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carpie99
TUG Member
Well this is not good ... I was hoping by the time we got there July 8th these guys would be gone ...
okwiater
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Has anyone used Safe Sea lotion and does it actually work to reduce the impacts of sea lice?
http://www.getsafesea.com/index.php
http://www.getsafesea.com/index.php
YYJMSP
TUG Member
We arrive a day earlier...
Sounds like yacht poop and sea lice in our future, doesn't sound like fun.
DavidnRobin
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On charter yesterday - excellent btw - Whistling Cay was bad, Haulover north medium, Flanahans low - and nothing in Hurricane Hole or Booby/Ram Head.
It is not the Acorn jellies - it is whatever those tubules are - those have a sting and can feel over the body (on video). A friend had an outline on her leg, but went away in a couple of hours. Sucks to get stuck in a swarm of them... I try and not pay attention, but hard. Robin was 'no way!'
Nobody here has a definitive answer - sea lice? Spawning acorns, string plankton ???
Head for the Southshore - maybe they will leave soon. Glad I have a car.
It is not the Acorn jellies - it is whatever those tubules are - those have a sting and can feel over the body (on video). A friend had an outline on her leg, but went away in a couple of hours. Sucks to get stuck in a swarm of them... I try and not pay attention, but hard. Robin was 'no way!'
Nobody here has a definitive answer - sea lice? Spawning acorns, string plankton ???
Head for the Southshore - maybe they will leave soon. Glad I have a car.
polly0014
TUG Member
Thanks for the update David! I've been reading about the sea lice problem. YUCK! Monitoring this closely! Maho was our favorite 2 years ago. =(
Has anyone done the charter on Bad Kitty lately? Contemplating a BVI full day with them. We have 2 boys (age 12 & 8) who love to snorkle.
Per advice on TUG (I think David), this time we're renting the jeep on STT with Amalie! Excited for the ease of renting with them!
Sounds like we'll be there around the same time as a few tuggers! We go July 11 for 8 nights! So excited for some r&r!
-Polly
Has anyone done the charter on Bad Kitty lately? Contemplating a BVI full day with them. We have 2 boys (age 12 & 8) who love to snorkle.
Per advice on TUG (I think David), this time we're renting the jeep on STT with Amalie! Excited for the ease of renting with them!
Sounds like we'll be there around the same time as a few tuggers! We go July 11 for 8 nights! So excited for some r&r!
-Polly
David or others - advice please.
Amalie car is completely booked through mid August for all cars. I spoke with them and they recommended I try Avis for a Ford Explorer. Avis doesn't show that car specifically, but other small SUV's avbl w/ no 4WD (says Hyundai Tucson "or similar") and I doubt I can request/reserve a specific make/model.
Dependable Car has Jeep Liberty or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/ 4WD. Their email said Liberty may be a more comfortable ride. Both have plenty of luggage space. We will have 6 normal sized suitcases.
There are 5 of us, incl my 77 yo mother.
What do you think? We'd like to rent/return the car on STT. Dates 6/28-7/4. We'd be more comfy in the SUV or minivan (also avbl w/ Avis), but:
1) do we need 4WD, staying at the Westin and exploring other island beaches?
2) Dependable or Avis?
Thank you!
Amalie car is completely booked through mid August for all cars. I spoke with them and they recommended I try Avis for a Ford Explorer. Avis doesn't show that car specifically, but other small SUV's avbl w/ no 4WD (says Hyundai Tucson "or similar") and I doubt I can request/reserve a specific make/model.
Dependable Car has Jeep Liberty or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/ 4WD. Their email said Liberty may be a more comfortable ride. Both have plenty of luggage space. We will have 6 normal sized suitcases.
There are 5 of us, incl my 77 yo mother.
What do you think? We'd like to rent/return the car on STT. Dates 6/28-7/4. We'd be more comfy in the SUV or minivan (also avbl w/ Avis), but:
1) do we need 4WD, staying at the Westin and exploring other island beaches?
2) Dependable or Avis?
Thank you!
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I've heard bad things about both. Personally, I'd haul over to STJ and rent from O'Connors. We usually rent from Sunday to Friday and save the $85/day rental costs. The first day we arrive too late to get any snorkeling in and the last day is always a resort day.
Henry M.
TUG Member
I have not needed 4-wheel drive to drive on St. John the two times I've been there, and I drove all the way out to East End. The first time I rented from O'Connor's on the property of Westin St. John, and the second time from Amalie. I agree with Lisa, that if you don't need the car the whole time, O'Connors can be cheaper since I believe they have a 3 day minimum.
However, with 5 people it is probably easier to get a car for the whole time than to pay a lot in cab fare. There really isn't anything to do at the resort, so you'll probably want to go at least to the nearby beaches that cost $6-$8 per person in each direction. If there's just one or two people, then you might save a small amount each day taking a taxi to the beach.
There are a couple of hairpin curves that are hairy, but it is more about having some good tires and ground clearance than needing 4-wheel drive. The beaches you usually see in pictures are all accessible in a regular car. They are only a few minutes from Cruz Bay, right beside the road. No problem even in a normal car.
Going past the first set is a hairpin curve, but it can also be negotiated with a normal car if it has reasonably good tires. The road is steep, and bald tires would likely slip if the road were wet, as it often is. However, you don't need to engage all 4 tires to go up. I've seen local sub-compact cars drive up the road with no issues. I'd be comfortable in a minivan to get to just about all the beaches. There might be one or two where a 4-wheel drive could save you some walking, but I haven't gone to any of them.
Either the Liberty or the Wrangler should work, with the Liberty having perhaps a softer ride. With the Wrangler, make sure it is the model with four doors (Wrangler Unlimited). The standard Wrangler only has two doors and and I think it would be uncomfortable for 5 people. It is much smaller than the Unlimited. You'd be awfully tight with bags and people in the back:
http://www.jeep.com/en/wrangler/#model=rubicon&color=billet-silver&top=no-top&category=standard
The Wrangler Unlimited has two rows of seats so 5 can sit comfortably while the luggage goes in the back:
http://www.jeep.com/en/wrangler-unl...or=billet-silver&top=no-top&category=standard
However, with 5 people it is probably easier to get a car for the whole time than to pay a lot in cab fare. There really isn't anything to do at the resort, so you'll probably want to go at least to the nearby beaches that cost $6-$8 per person in each direction. If there's just one or two people, then you might save a small amount each day taking a taxi to the beach.
There are a couple of hairpin curves that are hairy, but it is more about having some good tires and ground clearance than needing 4-wheel drive. The beaches you usually see in pictures are all accessible in a regular car. They are only a few minutes from Cruz Bay, right beside the road. No problem even in a normal car.
Going past the first set is a hairpin curve, but it can also be negotiated with a normal car if it has reasonably good tires. The road is steep, and bald tires would likely slip if the road were wet, as it often is. However, you don't need to engage all 4 tires to go up. I've seen local sub-compact cars drive up the road with no issues. I'd be comfortable in a minivan to get to just about all the beaches. There might be one or two where a 4-wheel drive could save you some walking, but I haven't gone to any of them.
Either the Liberty or the Wrangler should work, with the Liberty having perhaps a softer ride. With the Wrangler, make sure it is the model with four doors (Wrangler Unlimited). The standard Wrangler only has two doors and and I think it would be uncomfortable for 5 people. It is much smaller than the Unlimited. You'd be awfully tight with bags and people in the back:
http://www.jeep.com/en/wrangler/#model=rubicon&color=billet-silver&top=no-top&category=standard
The Wrangler Unlimited has two rows of seats so 5 can sit comfortably while the luggage goes in the back:
http://www.jeep.com/en/wrangler-unl...or=billet-silver&top=no-top&category=standard
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Thank you, THANK YOU, for your input! I've gone over and over the pros/cons of renting the car on STT vs STJ. It really comes down to there being 5 of us, convenience, $$, and the fact I've dragged my hubby to the far corners of the earth and put him behind the wheel of a car. He's driven on the left in Australia and even a jeep on the largest sand island in the world: Frasier Island, which is another entire post...(!) He's more comfortable than I, or this "choice" wouldn't be a choice at all.
I called Dependable and spoke with June. She spent at least 15 minutes with me, maybe more, offering advice and answers. Their cars are also '14, '15 (like Amalie) though their Jeep Liberty model is 2012. I asked about car break downs (they cover) flat tire (we change, using spare, and if tire needs replacing, we pay), car pick up (we call and they'll come pick us up to get the car - we'll be at BestWst near airport night before), insurance (our Amex ok). I don't know how the rental will go, all I can say is so far, they've been professional and helpful. Not so much w/ Avis when I called. I'm trying to prepare for things to go less-than-perfect based on yelp/TA/blog reviews. We reserved the Wrangler Unlimited. June said there is a step-up for my mom (she offered that input, too...I was impressed).
I have learned with this vacation destination that advance preparation (and I mean like, months in advance) is helpful. I am a flight attendant; we fly on passes. Last minute plans are the most accurate for flights, but we try to plan when we can. I will say though, that my family knows better than to ask what time we're leaving, much less what airport we're flying to. We can change itineraries on our way to the airport. This flexibility is what keeps us batting about .900 in making flights, so it's all good. Def not for everyone, but worth it for us.
Bc we started planning late, I could not reserve a day charter with tuggers-renowned Capt. Jason & Island Roots; he was completely booked for the 6 days I gave him to choose, one mo. in advance. Likewise, the #1 TA-ranked Palm Tree Charters was also booked. Both referred me to others, but I found availability with Lion in da Sun, Capt Rick. He seems wonderful from our phone convo and TA reviews (#2) are very good, so looking fwd to that but realized it's helpful to book things like cars and charters a couple months if not more in advance.
I have planned ahead, however, for the sea lice, ordering the Safe Sea that may not even work, but y'know, since I have planned for them, we won't see any. But...at least we'll have something to do at night while we try to rub this thick, clingy substance off our stungfree bodies.
I did reserve a cabana for 1/2 day at the Westin, too. They gave me the owners discount, even though our ownership is at WMH & WLR I think it's $80 for 1p-6p. This is where my 15 yr old will be with his iPad, iPhone and cabana-tv, while some of the most inviting ocean waters in the world lie right in front of him.
*sigh*
I called Dependable and spoke with June. She spent at least 15 minutes with me, maybe more, offering advice and answers. Their cars are also '14, '15 (like Amalie) though their Jeep Liberty model is 2012. I asked about car break downs (they cover) flat tire (we change, using spare, and if tire needs replacing, we pay), car pick up (we call and they'll come pick us up to get the car - we'll be at BestWst near airport night before), insurance (our Amex ok). I don't know how the rental will go, all I can say is so far, they've been professional and helpful. Not so much w/ Avis when I called. I'm trying to prepare for things to go less-than-perfect based on yelp/TA/blog reviews. We reserved the Wrangler Unlimited. June said there is a step-up for my mom (she offered that input, too...I was impressed).
I have learned with this vacation destination that advance preparation (and I mean like, months in advance) is helpful. I am a flight attendant; we fly on passes. Last minute plans are the most accurate for flights, but we try to plan when we can. I will say though, that my family knows better than to ask what time we're leaving, much less what airport we're flying to. We can change itineraries on our way to the airport. This flexibility is what keeps us batting about .900 in making flights, so it's all good. Def not for everyone, but worth it for us.
Bc we started planning late, I could not reserve a day charter with tuggers-renowned Capt. Jason & Island Roots; he was completely booked for the 6 days I gave him to choose, one mo. in advance. Likewise, the #1 TA-ranked Palm Tree Charters was also booked. Both referred me to others, but I found availability with Lion in da Sun, Capt Rick. He seems wonderful from our phone convo and TA reviews (#2) are very good, so looking fwd to that but realized it's helpful to book things like cars and charters a couple months if not more in advance.
I have planned ahead, however, for the sea lice, ordering the Safe Sea that may not even work, but y'know, since I have planned for them, we won't see any. But...at least we'll have something to do at night while we try to rub this thick, clingy substance off our stungfree bodies.
I did reserve a cabana for 1/2 day at the Westin, too. They gave me the owners discount, even though our ownership is at WMH & WLR I think it's $80 for 1p-6p. This is where my 15 yr old will be with his iPad, iPhone and cabana-tv, while some of the most inviting ocean waters in the world lie right in front of him.
*sigh*
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Henry M.
TUG Member
The first time I rented on the island and was fine, but there were only two of us, and we planned a hike, a cruise and other activities on the carless days. We saved a little with a 3 day rental, but then we paid a lot for the Westin ferry.
The second time we were 3 people and rented at the airport (from Amalie) and drove. It was super easy. It is what I will continue to do. It is much more convenient having a car than relying on taxis, and it makes it easy to go different places at different times of the day.
The reason I'd rent in STT is that I don't want to pay the exorbitant Westin Ferry prices, and a people ferry is too much hassle.
The second time we were 3 people and rented at the airport (from Amalie) and drove. It was super easy. It is what I will continue to do. It is much more convenient having a car than relying on taxis, and it makes it easy to go different places at different times of the day.
The reason I'd rent in STT is that I don't want to pay the exorbitant Westin Ferry prices, and a people ferry is too much hassle.
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Sounds like you're comfortable with Dependable. I'm sure it will all work out.
BTW, if all the rental cars are sold out, plan on getting to the car ferry dock plenty early. They are capacity controlled, of course, and it takes much longer than it should to get through TSA and customs in STT. I usually leave the villa 4 hours in advance of my flight.
You won't regret the private charter. Lion is very highly rated. If you love to snorkel, it's awesome to have water accessibility to places you can't get to easily on your own. It's also a great way way to pick up tips on where to eat, visit and snorkel on your own. Jason showed us a couple of non-touristy spots that were outstanding. Also, if you're not much into snorkeling, definitely consider paying for the gas to get to the Baths, if you haven't booked a larger charter already. It is a must-see.
(BTW, Palm Tree is #1 rated, but the captain (John) who earned such rave reviews retired in December, so the 5* rating is inherited rather than earned. Granted, the new captain is also getting rave reviews, but it's a tad misleading to read that Palm Tree is #1 based on x number of reviews when the captain and ownership changed hands a few months ago. On a private charter, the personality and knowledge of the captain is as essential as the condition of the boat.)
BTW, if all the rental cars are sold out, plan on getting to the car ferry dock plenty early. They are capacity controlled, of course, and it takes much longer than it should to get through TSA and customs in STT. I usually leave the villa 4 hours in advance of my flight.
You won't regret the private charter. Lion is very highly rated. If you love to snorkel, it's awesome to have water accessibility to places you can't get to easily on your own. It's also a great way way to pick up tips on where to eat, visit and snorkel on your own. Jason showed us a couple of non-touristy spots that were outstanding. Also, if you're not much into snorkeling, definitely consider paying for the gas to get to the Baths, if you haven't booked a larger charter already. It is a must-see.
(BTW, Palm Tree is #1 rated, but the captain (John) who earned such rave reviews retired in December, so the 5* rating is inherited rather than earned. Granted, the new captain is also getting rave reviews, but it's a tad misleading to read that Palm Tree is #1 based on x number of reviews when the captain and ownership changed hands a few months ago. On a private charter, the personality and knowledge of the captain is as essential as the condition of the boat.)
Completely agree! That's why I was hesitant to go with the other suggestions; I couldn't find info about the captains ...or their boat (enough shade was a prerequisite).
Thanks for tip re: busy ferries. We will take your advice!
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I was looking on StarCentral and under the check-in-days section it noted that Coral Vista check-ins only take place on Fridays (not Saturday or Sunday). But does anyone know how this works when you check in on a weekday?
okwiater
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WKV 2B Plat+ (x2)
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WLR 2B Plat+ Oceanside
SMV 2B Plat+
Sheraton Flex (x2)
I noticed that some time ago and pointed it out, but according to those who own at CV they haven't been restricted to Friday check-ins.
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Great, thanks!
polly0014
TUG Member
Has anyone does the "owners update" lately? I'm curious what the incentive is currently? I think 2 years ago it was $125 in Starfish dollars I think they called them.
Thanks!
Thanks!
takieshasmith
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Westin St JOhn
Anybody ever taken a water taxi to st John form St Thomas??? if so how much?
Anybody ever taken a water taxi to st John form St Thomas??? if so how much?
LisaH
TUG Lifetime Member
DavidnRobin
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WPORV (Kauai)
WSJ-VGV (St. John)
WKV (Scottsdale)
We saw a water taxi on are way back to RedHook (car barge).
Not sure why anyone would use a water taxi to go to St John considering all the options.
Our recommendations:
Amalie Car Rental on StT (a slight premium, but worth it) - of course depends on number of people and length of trip, and how much time spent at WSJ vs. StJ.
Car barge from RedHook (~$30-35 one way - do not buy RT - no other fees except $3 for lot usage)
Island Roots Charter with Capt Jason (and we have done Palm Tree, Bad Kitty, Copeland, New Horizons...)
Oceans 362 dinner at upstairs bar.
Happy Hour snacks at Longboard
Not sure why anyone would use a water taxi to go to St John considering all the options.
Our recommendations:
Amalie Car Rental on StT (a slight premium, but worth it) - of course depends on number of people and length of trip, and how much time spent at WSJ vs. StJ.
Car barge from RedHook (~$30-35 one way - do not buy RT - no other fees except $3 for lot usage)
Island Roots Charter with Capt Jason (and we have done Palm Tree, Bad Kitty, Copeland, New Horizons...)
Oceans 362 dinner at upstairs bar.
Happy Hour snacks at Longboard
DavidnRobin
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WPORV (Kauai)
WSJ-VGV (St. John)
WKV (Scottsdale)
Still $125.
They have other incentives but do not know what they are.
Really did not like CV villas layouts - location is nice, but not for us. Plus, way too costly (of course). The money guy totally blew us off when he recognized me from last year - don't blame him - why bother?
They offered 148.1K HomeResort Options (Resort Season) for $38.1K (supposedly going to increase) with initial MFs of ~$2600 (verbal). Also willing to buyback WPORV, WKV and WSJ VOIs, but not our OFD WKORV (?).
They are gearing up to start selling non-WSJ weeks.
btw - pick up discount card from Concierge before grocery shopping at StJ Market ($50 min spend) or StarFish ($100 min spend). The StarFish discount is not mentioned, but StarFish will accept.
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DavidnRobin
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The stinging jellies started too dissipate somewhat on north-side beach (calm coves mostly an issue). Disappointed that we could spend water time at Frances and Maho.
We spent time at south-side beaches with no jellies. Little Lameshur and SaltPond were crowded (relatively) as compared to last year. Not sure if that was due to north-side jellies.
btw - it is not the little Acorn jellies that are stinging - I believe it is their (or other) larvae - that has some type nematode with small barbs. I decided to just deal with them - their slight stings are annoying, but no other issues (rash etc). I would have worn my DiveSkin if I had it. Something skin tight, but loose clothing is not good as they can get stuck between skin and clothing - snorkeling naked would be another good option...
They sort of come in swarms (blooms?) - do not panic and calming snorkel away - usually too somewhere with more water flow. They are very hard to see (look like tubules with small specks of pepper), but mask and right light you can see them. Then there are the phantom stings...
We spent time at south-side beaches with no jellies. Little Lameshur and SaltPond were crowded (relatively) as compared to last year. Not sure if that was due to north-side jellies.
btw - it is not the little Acorn jellies that are stinging - I believe it is their (or other) larvae - that has some type nematode with small barbs. I decided to just deal with them - their slight stings are annoying, but no other issues (rash etc). I would have worn my DiveSkin if I had it. Something skin tight, but loose clothing is not good as they can get stuck between skin and clothing - snorkeling naked would be another good option...
They sort of come in swarms (blooms?) - do not panic and calming snorkel away - usually too somewhere with more water flow. They are very hard to see (look like tubules with small specks of pepper), but mask and right light you can see them. Then there are the phantom stings...
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