Westin St John Master Thread - Part 3 [Dec. 2017 and forward]

[alexadeparis]

It’s been a while since we have visited WSJ. We have a 3 bedroom Virgin Grand villa. We have friends that will be renting a house at the same time we will be on the island. Is there any problem with them coming to visit with us at our villa? In the past there hasn’t always been someone manning the entry to the Virgin Grand villas, but not sure if that has changed. Since we will have our own pool and it’s more private I wasn’t sure if this would be a big deal or frowned upon. Thanks!

As long as you plus your guests wouldn’t exceed the room capacity you are fine.

 

[bobpark56]

As long as you plus your guests wouldn’t exceed the room capacity you are fine.

...and you will need to get them a room key to get through the gate (or go meet them and bring them in).

 

[alexadeparis]

...and you will need to get them a room key to get through the gate (or go meet them and bring them in).

In my experience gate is only enforced in high season but you could always meet them at the gate too

 

[SandyPGravel]

It’s been a while since we have visited WSJ. We have a 3 bedroom Virgin Grand villa. We have friends that will be renting a house at the same time we will be on the island. Is there any problem with them coming to visit with us at our villa? In the past there hasn’t always been someone manning the entry to the Virgin Grand villas, but not sure if that has changed. Since we will have our own pool and it’s more private I wasn’t sure if this would be a big deal or frowned upon. Thanks!

I don't see why you couldn't have guests at your villa. We get an extra room key to leave in our vehicle just for the convenience of opening the gate. You could do the same.

 

[Scotten]

Stayed at WSJ earlier this month in the Virgin Grand 3 Bedroom Villa and it was lovely. Can anyone here explain this setup on the second floor in bedrooms 2 and 3? It doesn't show on the maps online, but this is the "wall" that separates these two "rooms" (it's an accordion-type wall that slides away.

I understand the function of this, but each bedroom has 1) a king-sized (IE adult) bed and 2) individual thermostats. In all our timeshare experiences, we've never come across something this bizarre.

 

[alexadeparis]

Stayed at WSJ earlier this month in the Virgin Grand 3 Bedroom Villa and it was lovely. Can anyone here explain this setup on the second floor in bedrooms 2 and 3? It doesn't show on the maps online, but this is the "wall" that separates these two "rooms" (it's an accordion-type wall that slides away.

I understand the function of this, but each bedroom has 1) a king-sized (IE adult) bed and 2) individual thermostats. In all our timeshare experiences, we've never come across something this bizarre.



View attachment 70531

It sucks, but it definitely shows up on the old papers if you know where to look. That's why everyone avoids bldg 41 and 42 when possible, especially for purchasing resale. It is supposedly finally being replaced with real walls this year during refurbishment according to the newsletter.
I think the original thought was grandma and grandpa who owned the unit would be downstairs while their adult children and their grandchildren would occupy upstairs and enjoy the bs wall as a sort of family co-sleeping arrangement. What fun on vacation! (NOT!) I really can't think of any other scenario why someone would want that bs wall.

 

[whitedoor]

Anyone know how bad the noise will be from the upcoming construction on the Sunset Bay buildings?
We have a 4 night stay coming up Jan 8 and are in buildings 21 & 31 and are debating whether to cancel and pivot to a different location.
The resort is offering shuttle service to Trunk Bay to compensate.
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[steve1000]

We have a reservation at WSJ in January as well - staying in Coral Vista. We also contemplated canceling and going elsewhere. We were told that construction is from 10:00 am - 4:00pm. I don't know for sure but am assuming it is M-F. We love WSJ and haven't visited for a few years (January 2020). We decided to keep our reservation - realizing the pool will likely be pretty much unusable but the we will go to the beaches on the north shore and over the weekend (and pre or post construction hours) we hope to make use of the beach at the resort.

 

[cubigbird]

Just received the Sunset Bay annual meeting notice. Anyone specific we should be voting for that’s pro-owner?

 

[GrayFal]

We have a reservation at WSJ in January as well - staying in Coral Vista. We also contemplated canceling and going elsewhere. We were told that construction is from 10:00 am - 4:00pm. I don't know for sure but am assuming it is M-F. We love WSJ and haven't visited for a few years (January 2020). We decided to keep our reservation - realizing the pool will likely be pretty much unusable but the we will go to the beaches on the north shore and over the weekend (and pre or post construction hours) we hope to make use of the beach at the resort.

@steve1000 I have seen posts on Facebook that state the noise has been minimal and they are doing one building at a time.
Free shuttle to Trunk Bay.
Please let us know your experience when you are there.

 

[Crasherino]

@steve1000 I have seen posts on Facebook that state the noise has been minimal and they are doing one building at a time.
Free shuttle to Trunk Bay.
Please let us know your experience when you are there.

Glad to hear that. We will be there over President's Week and was kinda bummed to hear this. We typically don't use the pool/resort beach during the day but like to come back from the beach to relax in pool in the later in the afternoon. I'm hoping they cut off construction by 3:30-4pm.

 

[GrayFal]

I

Glad to hear that. We will be there over President's Week and was kinda bummed to hear this. We typically don't use the pool/resort beach during the day but like to come back from the beach to relax in pool in the later in the afternoon. I'm hoping they cut off construction by 3:30-4pm.

In the welcome email it says 10-4

 

[GrayFal]

Some posts from Facebook group.

"I’ve been here since Jan 14th. Only building 16 being worked on since they started work, 1 building at a time. Vistana overestimated the noise impact when they sent letters out in December. However, sitting on the beach or in the pool area next to building 16, it is very noise from sawing and hammering. We just sit far away from the construction. Pool and beach are crowded just as always in the past."

"Barely heard anything at the pool, next to the building they are working on. One area I’d sidewalk is blocked so you cross on grass"

"Noise not really an issue, take advantage of the complimentary taxi rides to and from trunk" bay

"I have been here all week. I never heard any construction noise by the pool or beach. I just walked by there now and one building is closed off with a fence and a tarp. Someone is occasionally drilling but you have to be right by the building to hear anything."

 

[cubigbird]

We own Sunset Bay homeoptions. Love WSJ. We are looking to reserve a 3 bedroom 12 months out from today. There are plenty of 2 bedrooms and studios available, but not 3 bedrooms, which are essentially the two linked together. Trying to find out why I can't reserve a 3 bedroom but I can reserve both a studio and 2 bedroom together. We have plenty of home options to reserve the time we are seeking so that isn't the issue. Any insight?

 

[GrayFal]

We own Sunset Bay homeoptions. Love WSJ. We are looking to reserve a 3 bedroom 12 months out from today. There are plenty of 2 bedrooms and studios available, but not 3 bedrooms, which are essentially the two linked together. Trying to find out why I can't reserve a 3 bedroom but I can reserve both a studio and 2 bedroom together. We have plenty of home options to reserve the time we are seeking so that isn't the issue. Any insight?

I tried to do the same for early November 2024 at 12 months out at Coral Vista for a Sunday check in. I had been looking online frequently for available.
The latest date I could get the combo was in early September so yes, I ended up booking a studio and 2 BR instead.
Frustrating and no reason why not.

 

[cubigbird]

I tried to do the same for early November 2024 at 12 months out at Coral Vista for a Sunday check in. I had been looking online frequently for available.
The latest date I could get the combo was in early September so yes, I ended up booking a studio and 2 BR instead.
Frustrating and no reason why not.

Not sure why they don't just show availability for 3 bedroom. I put in the correct number of guests.

 

[Red elephant]

Does Coral Vista and Sunset Bay have 3 bedrooms? I thought it was only 2 bedrooms and studios.

 

[Red elephant]

Not sure why they don't just show availability for 3 bedroom. I put in the correct number of guests.

Not sure if they have that.

 

[cubigbird]

Not sure if they have that.

There are 3 bedrooms in Sunset Bay, basically a 2 bedroom + studio in the form of a lockoff connection.

 

[GrayFal]

Does Coral Vista and Sunset Bay have 3 bedrooms? I thought it was only 2 bedrooms and studios.

duplicate

i have reserved a 3BR the past two years but could not get for this year (2023)

 

[cubigbird]

duplicate

i have reserved a 3BR the past two years but could not get for this year (2023)

So now it makes me wonder what is going on here? Is this a case of Vistana/MVC manipulating inventory and for what purpose?

 

[Red elephant]

So now it makes me wonder what is going on here? Is this a case of Vistana/MVC manipulating inventory and for what purpose?

Well the past two years have been Covid. Anyone reserved a 3 bedroom prior to that? At least now I know there is one.

 

[GrayFal]

Well the past two years have been Covid. Anyone reserved a 3 bedroom prior to that? At least now I know there is one.

What phase of WSJ do you own in?
it is really only available to Sunset Bay and Coral Vista owners At 12 months.
i am surprised if you owns these two phases that you don’t know about it unless you don’t own enough options to do it.

 

[Red elephant]

What phase of WSJ do you own in?
it is really only available to Sunset Bay and Coral Vista owners At 12 months.
i am surprised if you owns these two phases that you don’t know about it unless you don’t own enough options to do it.

I own sunset bay and go there in the studio for 15 days. Also owned coral vista but not anymore. Only ever used the 2 bedroom so was not aware there was a 3 bedroom option and never searched for it.

 

[cubigbird]

I own in Sunset Bay and have plenty of options for a 3 bedroom at 12 months. It’s just not available at all