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

[GrayFal]

https://instagram.com/p/BY1fQaYALRF/

Video by hersheysfinest as she was leaving the resort via boat.

 

[josh2268]

I know this is the hotel side, but Oct 31st could be the new date now, pushed from Sept 29th.

Important Notice About Hurricane Irma
Due to Hurricane Irma’s effects on the island of St. John, the United States Coast Guard has closed all ports on St. John and St. Thomas; ports are expected to remain closed until the weekend. Also, the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas will be closed until Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 6am and the resort is not accepting arrivals until further assessments are made. All cancellation fees from Wednesday, September 6 through October 31, 2017 will be waived.


https://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/announcements.html?propertyID=1187

 

[lizap]

I know this is the hotel side, but Oct 31st could be the new date now, pushed from Sept 29th.

Important Notice About Hurricane Irma
Due to Hurricane Irma’s effects on the island of St. John, the United States Coast Guard has closed all ports on St. John and St. Thomas; ports are expected to remain closed until the weekend. Also, the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas will be closed until Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 6am and the resort is not accepting arrivals until further assessments are made. All cancellation fees from Wednesday, September 6 through October 31, 2017 will be waived.


https://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/announcements.html?propertyID=1187

This is still very optimistic. I can't imagine the effects of 185 mph winds (gusts over 200 mph). Camile was not that strong and Biloxi was obliterated.

 

[okwiater]

Following IRMA - I assume our WSJ deeds are valueless - as many if not most are now.

For now, yes. In a few years, who knows? Certainly the reason people fall in love with St. John can't simply be boiled down to Zozo's and a few other choice hangouts.

Yes, WSJ will recover - but STJ/USVI/BVI land and reefs will never be the same... so glad we have 11 fantastic years of memories

I agree with and share the sentiments. But, do we hang our hats on the memories of the past, or be part of building a new future?

 

[Helios]

For now, yes. In a few years, who knows? Certainly the reason people fall in love with St. John can't simply be boiled down to Zozo's and a few other choice hangouts.

So, during the rebuild phase, what happens to MFs since there may not be a villa for you? VGV Fixed villas and fixed weeks would complicate things even more. Say building 41 is basically a total loss, what happens to those owners?

How long do you think it take to find out about Special Aasessments? Hopefully insurance covers all, but somehow I doubt it.

 

[okwiater]

So, during the rebuild phase, what happens to MFs since there may not be a villa for you? VGV Fixed villas and fixed weeks would complicate things even more. Say building 41 is basically a total loss, what happens to those owners?

How long do you think it take to find out about Special Aasessments? Hopefully insurance covers all, but somehow I doubt it.

VGV isn't too complicated since the phase is mandatory. At the very least, owners would be entitled to use their StarOptions. The imbalance could put some strain on the VSN, though.

As for floating owners, Vistana is already waiving banking deadlines and whatnot. For guests staying a few months from now or later, I would be surprised if the resort didn't start accommodating guests before the end of the year. The amenities will likely be severely reduced, however.

 

[lizap]

For now, yes. In a few years, who knows? Certainly the reason people fall in love with St. John can't simply be boiled down to Zozo's and a few other choice hangouts.



I agree with and share the sentiments. But, do we hang our hats on the memories of the past, or be part of building a new future?

I don't mean to sound negative. Have you ever been through a hurricane or personally seen the after effects? The only way I can describe it is it looks like a bomb has been dropped. Hurricanes less powerful than this one (e.g., Camile ) have changed landscapes forever. I think some are seriously underestimating the devastation on the island. It is very unfortunate that the news media has not been reporting this as much as they should.

 

[OKPACIFIC]

FYI here is a news site that is giving updates on what's currently going on in the USVI. You can also click on the tab for St John And it takes you directly to Stjohnsource.com

Stthomassource.com

 

[lizap]

FYI here is a news site that is giving updates on what's currently going on in the USVI. You can also click on the tab for St John And it takes you directly to Stjohnsource.com

Stthomassource.com

Thanks for the link. These photos are what I expected - they make me want to cry..

 

[Helios]

VGV isn't too complicated since the phase is mandatory. At the very least, owners would be entitled to use their StarOptions. The imbalance could put some strain on the VSN, though.

As for floating owners, Vistana is already waiving banking deadlines and whatnot. For guests staying a few months from now or later, I would be surprised if the resort didn't start accommodating guests before the end of the year. The amenities will likely be severely reduced, however.

Getting SOs is some reassurance. However, not my case, how about if you wanted to rent your week. Would they let you use those SOs to reserve somewhere else and rent there. I would think not.

Also, how about if you are simply not interested in going somewhere else. Should they waive your MFs during the time they cannot provide the unit they are maintaining for you? Should they have insurance for this?

Lastly, the SOs that could be used in the network could create a headache for some people reserving.

I don't mean to sound insensitive to what's going on, but at the same time I don't want to be responsible for something I have no control over and that Vistana can do something about.

 

[okwiater]

I don't mean to sound negative. Have you ever been through a hurricane or personally seen the after effects? The only way I can describe it is it looks like a bomb has been dropped. Hurricanes less powerful than this one (e.g., Camile ) have changed landscapes forever. I think some are seriously underestimating the devastation on the island. It is very unfortunate that the news media has not been reporting this as much as they should.

I have not personally witnessed the after effects of a hurricane, no. But I do know that hurricanes have struck islands for centuries and yet life goes on. I'm not trying to downplay the enormity of what just happened in St. John, but there are only two ways to react to what happened: despair over what was lost or resolve to build something new. I agree that the island will never be "the same" but that doesn't necessarily mean we should walk away, either.

 

[lizap]

I have not personally witnessed the after effects of a hurricane, no. But I do know that hurricanes have struck islands for centuries and yet life goes on. I'm not trying to downplay the enormity of what just happened in St. John, but there are only two ways to react to what happened: despair over what was lost or resolve to build something new. I agree that the island will never be "the same" but that doesn't necessarily mean we should walk away, either.

We still do NOT have all the facts regarding devastation, but the odds are fairly strong the island will not be the same, at least in many of our lifetimes. People go to St. John for a number of reasons, BUT for sure, most go there for relaxation and enjoyment. The clear blue-green water, gorgeous beaches, the lush landscape, the resorts, the laid-back way of life, the remoteness all play a part, among others. Three of the five still exist. Will it be enough for most tourists to want to return anytime soon? I doubt it. Let's put this in perspective: many hotels and restaurants will choose not to rebuild, and even if they do, it will take longer than most realize to do so; the monumental task of just cleaning up debris will take many months. St. John and St. Thomas don't have the infrastructure to support a quick cleanup/rebuilding even with the desire (I hope I'm wrong because I love this paradise so much)... I hope the mainland U.S. will provide much support.

 

[canesfan]

I think it's also compounded by Houston and Florida. There's going to be a huge demand on supplies, aid and workers. Their remoteness is really going to hinder their ability to get all of that quickly besides everyone in the US is going to be focused on rebuilding stateside. I can remember the cost & demand of drywall rising because of Katrina. Can you imagine it now?


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[lizap]

I think it's also compounded by Houston and Florida. There's going to be a huge demand on supplies, aid and workers. Their remoteness is really going to hinder their ability to get all of that quickly besides everyone in the US is going to be focused on rebuilding stateside. I can remember the cost & demand of drywall rising because of Katrina. Can you imagine it now?


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I agree with this assessment. Rebuilding is definitely going to be slower because of the Houston and Florida problems. You can bet the VIs will take a back seat to them, as far as supplies, aid, and support workers.

 

[cubigbird]

I wouldn't count them out. Tourism **IS** their economy. Without tourism, there are no jobs, no residents, no government, no taxpayer and collection base. It will take time to rebuild, yes, but I'm sure they will look to rebuild and restart as fast as possible with the return of tourists in mind. Cost and availability of goods will be expensive (supply & demand) for all affected areas I'm sure. I read that the WSJ is the largest employer on the island so getting back up and running will be a top priority. My fear is for WSJ owners and the possible special assessments that could come from this for large insurance deductibles and repairs not covered.

 

[lizap]

I wouldn't count them out. Tourism **IS** their economy. Without tourism, there are no jobs, no residents, no government, no taxpayer and collection base. It will take time to rebuild, yes, but I'm sure they will look to rebuild and restart as fast as possible with the return of tourists in mind. Cost and availability of goods will be expensive (supply & demand) for all affected areas I'm sure. I read that the WSJ is the largest employer on the island so getting back up and running will be a top priority. My fear is for WSJ owners and the possible special assessments that could come from this for large insurance deductibles and repairs not covered.

Your right. Tourism is their economy. But what happens if there is a substantial drop in the number of tourists who want to visit there (which I suspect will happen over the next year). Tourists will return eventually, but it's going to take a while, and I suspect a long while to be what it was pre-Irma. I can't imagine the devastation from this storm with 185+ mph winds with gusts over 200 mph.

 

[cubigbird]

Your right. Tourism is their economy. But what happens if there is a substantial drop in the number of tourists who want to visit there (which I suspect will happen over the next year). Tourists will return eventually, but it's going to take a while.

Then that will be the birth of travel deals which we tourists should take advantage of to go down there and spend $$. I remember a month after Hurricane Odile staying at the Barcelo in San Jose del Cabo, MX for 5 nights for $850 total with all inclusive included for the whole family. The resort was only partially open -- it was quieter and wonderful! 2 1/2 years later, having just returned, you can barely tell a hurricane blew through there. You have to look hard. Cabo is similar, on the tip of the Baja and not easily reachable unless by air. I bet some of the larger resorts with deeper pockets like the WSJ open partially as soon as damage can be assessed and they have determined how much room inventory is habitable. The island can't afford to have a sustained huge drop in tourism. Time isn't on their side. Otherwise then bigger municipal financial problems will occur -- higher than currently.

 

[canesfan]

I believe that's true for WSJ and for STT Marriot Frenchman's. For WSJ it will be advantageous for them to get up and running as soon as possible then try to get a few locals repaired. The rest will follow, hopefully.


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[lizap]

Then that will be the birth of travel deals which we tourists should take advantage of to go down there and spend $$. I remember a month after Hurricane Odile staying at the Barcelo in San Jose del Cabo, MX for 5 nights for $850 total with all inclusive included for the whole family. The resort was only partially open -- it was quieter and wonderful! 2 1/2 years later, having just returned, you can barely tell a hurricane blew through there. You have to look hard. Cabo is similar, on the tip of the Baja and not easily reachable unless by air. I bet some of the larger resorts with deeper pockets like the WSJ open partially as soon as damage can be assessed and they have determined how much room inventory is habitable. The island can't afford to have a sustained huge drop in tourism. Time isn't on their side. Otherwise then bigger municipal financial problems will occur -- higher than currently.

A very important factor to remember is that Irma's intensity (winds) upon impact was about double that of Odile. My guess is its going to take awhile (longer than some anticipate) for WSJ to reopen.

 

[okwiater]

Here is a great video of the Cruz Bay Area post-Irma. WSJ makes an appearance about 40 seconds in. Hillside buildings look like they fared quite a bit better than most.

 

[Helios]

VGV looks in decent shape roof wise. The solar panels on top of the Pool Villa Buildings scared my at first, the reflection looked like the roof was gone. Thanks @okwiater.

 

[okwiater]

Another video. WSJ shows up near the end.

 

[Helios]

Actullay, the video goes really quickly but it seems like Bay and Coral are not in very rough shape (roof looks OK). Sunset looks not too good.

I guess they don't construct them as they used to. Seems like Hyatt used better builders...

Asolare looks bad.

 

[okwiater]

Yeah I agree. It looks like Bay Vista, Coral Vista, and VGV will all be at least partially habitable without a great deal of rebuilding. Sunset Bay took quite a beating, as did the pool, landscaping, common spaces, and other resort amenities. Perhaps I'm being optimistic but it seems like it could still be possible to go for our reservation in January. Even though the island will still be battered and broken, I'd like to do what I can to help them rebuild.

 

[Helios]

Yeah I agree. It looks like Bay Vista, Coral Vista, and VGV will all be at least partially habitable without a great deal of rebuilding. Sunset Bay took quite a beating, as did the pool, landscaping, common spaces, and other resort amenities. Perhaps I'm being optimistic but it seems like it could still be possible to go for our reservation in January. Even though the island will still be battered and broken, I'd like to do what I can to help them rebuild.

I think you would be OK reservation wise for January. Best of Luck! Like it has been said here, it will be changed with new things to discover and enjoy. Like @DavidnRobin has said, adapt.

I think visiting is the best way to help. They need tourism revenue to help finance the rebuild.