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

[DavidnRobin]

Thanx, I was hoping so!

There are 2 markets close by (StJ Market and StarFish) that have produce sections - of course it can be hit/miss (and expensive). Also, some restaurants (and food trucks) are moving toward more veggie dishes. A food truck called 'Little Olive' is worth checking out for veggie dishes (to go).

 

[DavidnRobin]

Well, that is ok. I do like that the the BV villas are closest to the beach and big pool. The only thing I don't like about BV is that they don't have a standard oven. Is that true? I have a question for all of you experts. We didn't book a rental car because we aren't 100% sure what we want to do. Being that it is Oct. and apparently the off season, would it be easy to rent from the agency on site for those days that we might need. Also, we like to have some adult beverages so are there beaches that we could go to on the bus that are good? I have read that you can take a taxi to some but you would have to arrange for a pick up which could be a bit sketchy.

Plenty of places to rent cars from - not just on-site at WSJ (O'Connor). Also, STJ had an increase in the number of car rentals allowed on island. You may want to consider a car rental place that is in Cruz Bay that allows parking on their site. Parking in CB can be a hassle unless willing to walk from public parking area next to car-barge drop-off.

On north-shore beaches (Hawknest to Maho) - no problem getting taxis during normal hours - there are plenty. For other beaches (Francis or Leinster on northside - or anywhere in Coral Bay area) - best to arrange a taxi-bus. Note: Taxis are open-air buses that can pickup and drop-off others along the way. Taxi costs and details are on vinow.com

Note: No glass on beaches - you can get ticketed.
Also - no smoking on beaches

 

[beachlynn]

We used 125,000 I believe. It is so interesting to me that a 3 bedroom at St John, a very desirable location,is less star options than my 2 bedroom in Maui.

 

[DavidnRobin]

We used 125,000 I believe. It is so interesting to me that a 3 bedroom at St John, a very desirable location,is less star options than my 2 bedroom in Maui.

Maui is more desirable than StJ - plus Maui only has 1 season, whereas WSJ has 3 seasons (Plat+, Plat, Gold+). So it depends on the season - our 2Bd TH at WSJ-VGV (Hillside) in June (Gold+) is worth only 95.7K SOs.

You didn't say what week/year you are going - it will likely matter on villa type since VGV and BV/CV have different weeks in a particular season, and they have been recently adjusted.

 

[LisaRex]

We used 125,000 I believe. It is so interesting to me that a 3 bedroom at St John, a very desirable location,is less star options than my 2 bedroom in Maui.

Two words: hurricane season. Scares away a lot of people who may only have one big vacation a year. Crowds thin out considerably in the fall, to the point where many restaurants would just shutter up during hurricane season.

 

[Helios]

We used 125,000 I believe. It is so interesting to me that a 3 bedroom at St John, a very desirable location,is less star options than my 2 bedroom in Maui.

Then, it is definitely a 3BR at BV or CV. You can tell which one because BV sleeps 10 and CV 12. Your resie should mention max occupancy.

 

[beachlynn]

We check in this sat. We are in a 3 bedroom, so has to be in BV.

 

[beachlynn]

I meant to add that it sleeps 10.

 

[zdarskyjim]

Tips for first time to WSJ

Looking forward to our first exchange into WSJ next month.

This thread is providing a wealth of information and tips but am looking for some "can't miss" spots for a first visit to St John

Snorkeling - We are beginner snorkelers, one of us does not swim well so we are looking for good snorkeling that does not require long swims to get to the reef.

Beaches - With a six night stay (only 5 full days) we will not have time to hit all of the beaches. Which are the "can't miss" spots.

Hiking - We are moderately fit in early 60's looking for a couple great hikes in the 1-3 mile range. Would appreciate your favorites.

Restaurants - Looking to splurge on a couple nice dinners where price is no object and also hit a few places with "local charm"

With the expansion of the TS throughout the entire hotel section we hope to be able to visit again - but with exchanges being so tough we want to make sure we hit the highlights to make this visit memorable.

Thanks in advance for your advice

 

[DavidnRobin]

Looking forward to our first exchange into WSJ next month.

This thread is providing a wealth of information and tips but am looking for some "can't miss" spots for a first visit to St John

Snorkeling - We are beginner snorkelers, one of us does not swim well so we are looking for good snorkeling that does not require long swims to get to the reef.

Beaches - With a six night stay (only 5 full days) we will not have time to hit all of the beaches. Which are the "can't miss" spots.

Hiking - We are moderately fit in early 60's looking for a couple great hikes in the 1-3 mile range. Would appreciate your favorites.

Restaurants - Looking to splurge on a couple nice dinners where price is no object and also hit a few places with "local charm"

With the expansion of the TS throughout the entire hotel section we hope to be able to visit again - but with exchanges being so tough we want to make sure we hit the highlights to make this visit memorable.

Thanks in advance for your advice

much depends on whether you have a vehicle or not.. lots of opinions on this topic (mine... 4WD)

Snorkeling... Maho Bay for beginners - right side (if no vehicle)
Francis (left side), Salt Pond, Little Lameshur (w/ vehicle... 4WD for Lameshur...)

Beaches - so so many... Honeymoon, Hawksnest/Gibney, Trunk (most famous...), Cinnamon, Maho, Francis, Salt Pond, Little Lameshur

Hikes - Blue Cobblestone beach/Ram Head (especially if full moon).
Reef Bay Trail - NPS hike (one of best bargains on StJ)
be aware that it can be very hot/humid in the subtropical forest - be prepared... (water/water/water...) you can find trail maps on-line with a bit of smart searching

Restaurants... too many to choose from (and they change often)
Oceans 364 (or what ever it is called) - eat upstairs at bar during sunset
Zozo's at Caneel
Rhumblines
Private dinner at villa with Ted's Supper Club
Asolare - also at sunset - but can be hit/miss
Lime Inn
Longboard
Jakes for breakfast
Uncle Joes BBQ (some like the other BBQ place by StarFish Market - but location is poor)

Drinks... try a PainKiller and Bushwacker - they tend to be different at different places (so try them all )

the list goes on and on, but be aware that there is great turnover in chefs and restaurants

lots of stuff on line... and lots of opinions

Island Roots for charter trip (try the 'Around St John' and go to Hurricane Hole). Capt Jason is great with 1st timers (reserve asap)

^^^^ all of top of my head and I am not even a 'TUG Review Crew Rookie' {jab...} ^^^^

enjoy (and adapt)

PS - get a snorkel vest - the kind that lies flat w/ blow-up tube (~$30 on Amazon)

 

[Helios]

VGV transition from Hyatt to Starwood - how was it handled?

Does someone know how the transition was handled?

Were the seasons (week within the season) maintained?

How were the SOs assigned?

Was joining SVN optional?

How were the MF affected by the transition?

 

[zdarskyjim]

Tips for first time to WSJ

David

Thanks so much for the input

I will reread your trip reports in detail as well as those of other Tuggers but now I have a concise one page "cheat sheet" to help me plan

I have rented a 4WD jeep so we will be able to explore the island easily.

Thanks again

Jim

 

[LisaH]

David gave you great info. Just to add that on our last trip, we discovered two really good deli: Sam and Jacks above Starfish Market and North Shore at Mongoose Junction. Both were excellent! We bought quite a few sandwiches for the beaches and hiking when we were there...

 

[DavidnRobin]

Does someone know how the transition was handled?

Were the seasons (week within the season) maintained?

How were the SOs assigned?

Was joining SVN optional?

How were the MF affected by the transition?

Sorry, I can't help. I have heard some about this from Owners at that time (while at resort), but don't really recall as this was >15 years ago and perhaps interesting, but not useful (and there is history before the Hyatt to Starwood transition...). Lots of island folks like to discuss the 'old' days of the resort going back to somewhere in the 1980s.

Curious... why do you want to know?
I would assume they were converted to SVO VOIs with the associated CCRs and had associated SOs (at the time), and likely joined SVN as WSJ-VGV is SVN Mandatory - but unsure if it was optional (unlikely optional since the HOA at some point voted on joining SVO). Also, MFs would be calculated based on the annual balance sheet (like with all SVN resorts). I have the MFs going back to ~2003 (iirc) - these were added to the MF database.

One thing is that I have heard from Owners at that time is that they still have RCI accounts for their weeks.

 

[Helios]

Curious... why do you want to know?

I started wondering what happens when you own a VOI that gets purchased by another program with a working system in place.

There has been speculation about SVN being sold in the recent past.

A rumor just started with Hilton this week...

 

[Helios]

And, I am pretty vested with Starwood and have started diversifying with Hilton and Marriott. I guess it would be interesting if all hotel chains were managed by a singe company and worked seamlessly under a unified program. But, I think that would leave unhappy people...

I recently heard that if the cure of cancer were to be found, there would be people who would complain...:ignore:

 

[SandyPGravel]

Just received an email from WSJ

Hi,


I hope that all is well.
Sorry for the impersonal nature of this email, but I wanted to let all of my owners know that Starwood just recently announced the final phase of villa development here at the Westin St john – it’s called Sunset Bay, and the final 96 hotel rooms are now being converted into 52 poolside and beachfront villas – 8 studios and 44 two-bedrooms.
The hotel rooms will begin to be rebuilt starting in January, and the new villas will reopen in January of 2017.
There will be two floors, with patios on the first level, and balconies on the second floor.
The ownership and usage will be just like Coral Vista, with 2 seasons, Diamond and Resort – and like Coral Vista, owners will buy shares of the Trust, and book one of more nights in any size accommodation.

The development will be 75% float, and 25% fixed weeks, and we will begin selling the fixed weeks in January.

For now, if certain margins are met, we are allowing equity transfers into Sunset Bay.

Floor plans are available on the SVN website.

If you have any particular questions about this, please let me know, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Happy holidays in advance, and I look forward to seeing you back here!


All my best,

Earle
EARLE
BROOKS
Sales Executive
THE WESTIN ST. JOHN RESORT & VILLAS
Box 8339, St. John, VI 00831

 

[GrayFal]

Well there ya go!

My friend and I toured with Earle this summer. Interesting!

 

[dsmrp]

Hi,

... it’s called Sunset Bay, and the final 96 hotel rooms are now being converted into 52 poolside and beachfront villas – 8 studios and 44 two-bedrooms.
The hotel rooms will begin to be rebuilt starting in January, and the new villas will reopen in January of 2017.
There will be two floors, with patios on the first level, and balconies on the second floor.
The ownership and usage will be just like Coral Vista, with 2 seasons, Diamond and Resort – and like Coral Vista, owners will buy shares of the Trust, and book one of more nights in any size accommodation.

The development will be 75% float, and 25% fixed weeks, and we will begin selling the fixed weeks in January.

For now, if certain margins are met, we are allowing equity transfers into Sunset Bay.

Floor plans are available on the SVN website.
...

Sounds intriguing, and I haven't even been there yet LOL
Well will keep the sales force engaged handling inquiries
Maybe Coral Vista or Hillside owners will do trade ins to get closer to the water?? In for a penny, in for a pound??

 

[NNerland]

I am not seeing where the floor plans are showing on the SVN website.

I heard construction has started and it is much simpler than the construction of the Coral Vista (not down to the concrete supports).

Curious to see more about this.

I do laugh at the "exchanges" can be made -- yes if you come to the table with $20k+ and "upgrade" your ownership. We were offered this with our Summer Coral Vista - to Diamond Coral Vista -- basically lots of cash to get a winter reservation. Not only that but a 2 bedroom was about 15% more expensive i MF dues that our 3 bedroom.

 

[RichW]

I am not seeing the floor plans in the SVN website???

 

[DavidnRobin]

I am not seeing the floor plans in the SVN website???

Are you talking about Summer Bay? It is going to be awhile. I would imagine he drawings are still being developed. Those buildings are still standing and occupied, and still selling CV, and it is StJ after all. The construction is going to be a mess. Hopefully will not affect mid-June, but there has been no Resort notice that I an aware of. (Yet)

Those $$$$ Bay Front SB villas are going to be sweet - especially B16 (IMO) if you have the desposible income.

The rest of WSJ have floorplans available.

I personally do not like the studio setup at CV after seeing it last June. Plus the kitchenettes... Personally, I enjoy having a full kitchen and having in-villa meals with BBQs steps away -plus making breakfasts and beach lunches.
IMO YMMV

 

[okwiater]

Are you talking about Summer Bay? It is going to be awhile. I would imagine he drawings are still being developed. Those buildings are still standing and occupied, and still selling CV, and it is StJ after all. The construction is going to be a mess. Hopefully will not affect mid-June, but there has been no Resort notice that I an aware of. (Yet)

Those $$$$ Bay Front SB villas are going to be sweet - especially B16 (IMO) if you have the desposible income.

I don't think it will be too long now before Sunset Bay drawings are available. CV inventory is low and Sunset Bay is beginning to be sold already at a higher price point than CV. First occupancy is scheduled to be January 2017.

What dates will you be at WSJ in June? We will be there in June next year as well, and are also a little bit nervous about construction...

 

[DavidnRobin]

I don't think it will be too long now before Sunset Bay drawings are available. CV inventory is low and Sunset Bay is beginning to be sold already at a higher price point than CV. First occupancy is scheduled to be January 2017.

What dates will you be at WSJ in June? We will be there in June next year as well, and are also a little bit nervous about construction...

If Jan 2017 is 1st occupancy (still find that tough to believe) - then certainly going to have construction in June.
We are there weeks 23-24.
Doesn't really impact us as we don't hang out at the resort.

 

[DavidnRobin]

2016 MFs for WSJ-VGV

Studio - $1,399.39
1Bd - $1,865.92
2Bd Th - $2,332.45
2Bd Prem - $2,798.79
3Bd - $2,798.98

1.5% decrease (-1.5%) in 2016 VGV MF - compared to 2015