Westin St. John [Master Thread]

[GeneNWendy]

I erred

"I read the article in your link. I find it interesting that there were only about 23 passengers on the Westin Breeze. When I used to take it, it was full to capacity. I bet lots of people stopped taking it because of the outrageous cost."

Gene ... The accident occurred at 9:15 am on the run from St. Thomas to St. John. The ferry was bringing employees to work at the resort for the day.

The run from St. John back to St. Thomas is the one that carries guests heading back to the airport or for shopping on St. Thomas at that time of day.

I'm no fan of the increased fees and there have been posts about owners refusing to pay the fee, but I would not expect many tourists to be on that leg of the route at that time of day.

Interesting that another boat, the barge named General II, ran aground at the same rocky point less than 2 weeks earlier. I wonder how the resort's guests are getting back and forth to the resort (and at what cost) while the Westin Breeze is being repaired? Maybe someone who's there now can let us know?

I bet WSJ will be glad to see 2010 over and done with. lol! ... eom

Jarta,

You are correct. I admit I messed up. If you read the second part of my posting it says "Upon futher reading......" It was only a run to bring employees back to the resort. That's why there were only 23 "associates" as Mike Ryan points out. The barge that you mention is actually one of the car ferry boats that go between Red Hook and Cruz Bay. In one of my postings I encouraged people to rent a car in St Thomas and take one of those barges (there are 3 operators), since renting one is less expensive in St. Thomas and the barge runs only $25.00 each way per vehicle (not per passenger). I suspect that the Breeze was doing a similar route from Red Hook if it was simply picking up employees. I'm sure that company (Inter-Island Boats I think) has other boats to use while the Breeze is being repaired.

Gene

 

[jarta]

David, ... You are correct. Nobody makes anyone take the Westin Breeze. Saying "Owners refusing to pay the fee" was over-stated and not precise enough.

I guess I should have said that owners have posted they have started refusing to incur the Starwood fee by opting to take something other than the Breeze.

To all who were confused by my imprecision, I apologize. ... eom

 

[Beaglemom3]

I posted my WSJ unit for rent here and on Redweek.

This is my first time renting it out, so I am somewhat apprehensive.

Has anyone rented to a Mr. Ron Roskovich from Canada ?

Hope this is okay to ask. Our correspondance has been very agreeable. He found the listing on Redweek.


Thank you for all the advice (especially you, DeniseM !) in renting this out.

Between the trip to Key West in February, the London-Normandy-Paris trip in May and the week in Nantucket - I'm done ! So, renting this out is the logical thing to do..

Thanks to all. You're a wealth of information.

Best,
B.

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Beegs!

Are you getting the full payment upfront?

How are you receiving payment?

If through paypal, I require the Paypal Acct. and the reservation to be in the same name (so they can't set up a Paypal Acct. with a stolen credit card.) That actually happened to a Tugger recently!

 

[Beaglemom3]

I'm soooooo easy.

No PayPal, check.

$1,000 deposit by Jan. 15th. The rest in the beginning of March.

I am keeping the listing online until all is paid in full.

Opinions ?

 

[DeniseM]

I'm soooooo easy.

No PayPal, check.

$1,000 deposit by Jan. 15th. The rest in the beginning of March.

I am keeping the listing online until all is paid in full.

Opinions ?

Do you have a no cancellation/no refunds policy in writing?

Do you recommend travel insurance?

What is your back up plan if they don't make the final payment?

As you know, I get a $100 deposit before I put the confirmation in the renter's name, and the balance is due in full as soon as they receive the confirmation from the resort.

The problem with taking the final payment late in the process is that they may want to back out, and expect you to finance their change of plans. Recently someone posted about a renter who had a death in the family and a couple weeks before the rental, the owner was under tremendous pressure to give them a refund. That's an awkward situation.

 

[Beaglemom3]

Do you have a no cancellation/no refunds policy in writing?

What is your back up plan if they don't make the final payment?

As you know, I get a $100 deposit before I put the confirmation in the renter's name, and the balance is due in full as soon as they receive the confirmation from the resort.

Yes. It is in the language of the rental agreement and to be returned with the $1,000 deposit. I had one of the lawyers at my firm draw up a fairly intimidating agreement. The $1,000 is forfeited if the final payment is not received by March 2nd.


Back up plan is: If no deposit in 2 weeks, the offer is null & void. Have taken no action as far as guest certificate as yet. Will continue to market unit until rented.

The deposit is non-refundable.

 

[DeniseM]

You sound like you've got all the bases covered!

Will it be a personal check?

Just be sure the check clears before you write any checks against it. If there is anything slightly weird about the check, you will want to ask your bank to check it out before you deposit it. If the check bounces or is fraudulent, some banks charge the depositor a fee.

 

[DavidnRobin]

WSJ Damages - 2010 storms, Owner 'Opportunities'

thread regarding damages due to 2010 storms - and WSJ Owner 'opportunites' to buy more WSJ VOIs.
http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137515

 

[DavidnRobin]

Caribbean Travel+Life Magazine - Reader's Choice

Best Overall Destination: Puerto Rico
Honorable Mention: Jamaica; St. John, USVI

Best Festival: Trinidad Carnival
Honorable Mention: Reggae Sunfest, Jamaica; St. Lucia Jazz Festival

Best Island to Live On: St. John, USVI
Honorable Mention: St. Thomas, USVI; Grand Cayman

Best Happy Hour: Rick’s Café, Jamaica
Honorable Mention: Sunset Beach Bar, St. Maarten; Soggy Dollar, BVI

Best Luxury Resort: Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Honorable Mention: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia; Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas

Best Family Resort: Atlantis, Bahamas
Honorable Mention: Beaches Turks & Caicos; The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI

Best Rum: Cruzan
Honorable Mention: Tortuga; Appleton

Best Beer: Red Stripe
Honorable Mention: Carib; Presidente

Best Shopping: St. Thomas, USVI
Honorable Mention: St. Martin; Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Best Adventure Destination: Belize
Honorable Mention: Riviera Maya, Mexico; Puerto Rico

Best Snorkeling & Diving: Belize
Honorable Mention: Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico

Best Small Hotel: Little Cayman Beach Resort
Honorable Mention: Rincón Beach Resort, Puerto Rico; Peter Island, BVI

Best Midsize Hotel: Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI
Honorable Mention: W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico; Rosewood Little Dix Bay, BVI

Best Restaurant: The Cliff, Barbados
Honorable Mention: Kon Tiki, St. Maarten; Cracked Conch, Grand Cayman

Best Golf Resort: Four Seasons, Nevis
Honorable Mention: Sandy Lane, Barbados; Half Moon, Jamaica

Best Resort Spa: Silver Rain, Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Honorable Mention: Golden Door Spa, Las Casitas Resort, Puerto Rico; Hotel Guanahani & Spa, St. Barts

Best Beach: Seven-Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Honorable Mention: Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI; Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Resort With the Best View: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Honorable Mention: Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia; Peter Island, BVI

Best Bang for the Buck Resort: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Honorable Mention: Lazy Parrot Inn, Puerto Rico; Sunset House, Grand Cayman

Best Mega-resort: Atlantis, Bahamas
Honorable Mention: Wyndham Sugar Bay, St. Thomas, USVI; Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico

Best All-Inclusive Resort: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Honorable Mention: Peter Island, BVI; Jumby Bay, Antigua

Best Island for Celebrity-Watching: St. Barts
Honorable Mention: Turks and Caicos; Anguilla

Best Natural Attraction or Park: Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, USVI
Honorable Mention: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico; Bonaire National Marine Park

Best Romantic Resort: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Honorable Mention: Peter Island, BVI; The Caves, Jamaica

 

[DavidnRobin]

WSJ Sales - 2010 (from CBR)

for those who love sales data... from CBR (Real Estate Firm on STJ)
WVC => WSJ
[Note: Information on this site is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.]

2010 WSJ Sales
week/period - list price (?) - villa type (Bd/Ba) - sales price (?)
Westin Vacation Club 27 $15,000 1X2 $250
Westin Vacation Club 48 $15,995 1 X 2 $2,000
Westin Vacation Club 47 $15,995 1 X 2 $2,000
Westin Vacation Club 46 $15,995 1 X 2 $2,000
Westin Vacation Club 49 $15,995 1 X 2 $2,000
Westin Vacation Club 50 $15,995 1 X 2 $2,000
Westin Vacation Club 28 $2,500 2 X 3 $2,500
Westin Vacation Club 27 $2,500 2 X 3 $2,500
Westin Vacation Club 46 $4,800 Studio $4,650
Westin Vacation Club 2 $17,500 Studio $11,250
Westin Vacation Club 11 $17,000 3 X 3 $13,500
Westin Vacation Club Floating 33 - 50 $15,000 3 X 3 $13,500
Westin Vacation Club 1 $15,000 Studio $13,500
Westin Vacation Club 4 $15,900 Studio $14,500
Westin Vacation Club 1 Month Rotating $18,000 1 X 2 $15,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $22,000 2 X 3 $15,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $19,000 3 X 3.5 $17,250
Westin Vacation Club 9 $19,500 2 X 3 $19,500
Westin Vacation Club 8 $19,500 2 X 3 $19,500
Westin Vacation Club 3 & 4 $20,000 Studio $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 3 $55,000 3 X 3 $30,000
Westin Vacation Club 11 $55,000 3 X 3.5 $32,500
Westin Vacation Club 10 $55,000 3 X 3.5 $32,500
Westin Vacation Club 7 $52,900 3 X 3.5 $45,750
Westin Vacation Club 6 $52,900 3 X 3.5 $45,750
Westin Vacation Club 25 $55,000 3 X 3 $47,000
Westin Vacation Club 51 $100,000 3 X 3.5 $80,000
Westin Vacation Club 52 $110,000 3 X 3.5 $85,000
Westin Vacation Club 51 $110,000 3 X 3.5 $85,000

 

[DavidnRobin]

WSJ sales - 2009/2008/2007/2006 (from CBR)

2009 WSJ Sales from CBR

Westin Vacation Club 41 $10,000 2 X 3 $6,500
Westin Vacation Club 49 $11,000 Studio $7,500
Westin Vacation Club 42 $10,000 1 X 2 $7,500
Westin Vacation Club 43 $12,500 Studio $8,200
Westin Vacation Club 43 $14,950 2 X 3 $14,950
Westin Vacation Club 13 $25,995 1 X 2 $17,500
Westin Vacation Club 14 $25,995 1 X 2 $17,500
Westin Vacation Club 32 $28,000 3 X 3.5 $18,000
Westin Vacation Club Nov. 21 - Dec. 21 $18,000 Studio $18,000
Westin Vacation Club 11 $33,000 1 X 2 $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 3 $22,000 1 X 2 $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 1 $50,000 1 X 2 $22,000
Westin Vacation Club 48 $35,000 3 X 3 $22,500
Westin Vacation Club 2 $50,000 1 X 2 $25,000
Westin Vacation Club 33 $37,500 3 X 3.5 $26,000
Westin Vacation Club 34 $33,000 3 X 3 $27,000
Westin Vacation Club 4 $40,000 3 X 3.5 $29,000
Westin Vacation Club 44 $29,900 3 X 3 $30,000
Westin Vacation Club 22 $37,500 3 X 3.5 $37,500

2008
Westin Vacation Club 40 $8,000 Studio $7,000
Westin Vacation Club 39 $8,000 Studio $7,000
Westin Vacation Club 14-0 $12,000 Studio $7,500
Westin Vacation Club 21 $12,500 Studio $12,500
Westin Vacation Club 46 $15,000 1 X 2 $13,500
Westin Vacation Club 33 $16,900 1 X 2 $16,900
Westin Vacation Club 39 $19,999 2 X 3 $18,000
Westin Vacation Club 3 $18,700 1 X 2 $18,400
Westin Vacation Club 3 $22,000 1 X 2 $20,600
Westin Vacation Club 11 $22,900 Studio $21,000
Westin Vacation Club 8 $24,995 Studio $22,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $29,900 2 X 3 $27,000
Westin Vacation Club 19 $29,995 2 X 3 $27,500
Westin Vacation Club 9 $35,500 1 X 2 $32,500
Westin Vacation Club 5 $48,995 1 X 2 $40,000
Westin Vacation Club 10 $44,500 2 X 3 $42,000
Westin Vacation Club 28 $49,000 3 X 3.5 $46,500
Westin Vacation Club 52 $119,000 3 X 3.5 $114,000

2007
Westin Vacation Club 20 $15,000 Studio $7,500
Westin Vacation Club 30 $10,000 Studio $11,000
Westin Vacation Club 45 $15,398 1 X 2 $12,000
Westin Vacation Club 27 $19,900 1 X 2 $12,750
Westin Vacation Club 28 $19,900 1 X 2 $12,750
Westin Vacation Club 27 $19,900 1 X 2 $15,000
Westin Vacation Club 50 $17,900 Studio $16,350
Westin Vacation Club 25 $19,900 1X2 $16,500
Westin Vacation Club 17 $27,995 1X2 $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 7 $24,900 Studio $22,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $25,000 1 X 2 $23,000
Westin Vacation Club 31 $31,500 2X3 $28,000
Westin Vacation Club 16 $29,500 2 X 3 $28,000
Westin Vacation Club 27 $34,995 2X3 $29,000
Westin Vacation Club 46 $33,995 2X3 $30,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $45,000 3 X 3.5 $32,000
Westin Vacation Club 10 $34,000 1 X 2 $32,000
Westin Vacation Club 19 $40,000 3 X 3.5 $37,500
Westin Vacation Club 32 $42,500 3 X 3.5 $41,500
Westin Vacation Club 28 $52,995 3X3.5 $45,000
Westin Vacation Club 30 $50,000 3X3.5 $45,000
Westin Vacation Club 4 & 5 $50,000 Studio $46,500
Westin Vacation Club 4 $49,000 3 X 3.5 $47,000
Westin Vacation Club 7 $63,500 2X3 $52,000
Westin Vacation Club 5 $59,000 3 X 3 $57,000
Westin Vacation Club 7 $63,500 2 X 3 $59,500
Westin Vacation Club 3 $69,000 3X3.5 $60,000
Westin Vacation Club Aug. 21 - Sept. 21 $75,000 1 X 2 $64,750
Westin Vacation Club 23 & 24 $66,000 2 X 3 $65,000
Westin Vacation Club 51 $80,000 2 X 2 $75,000
Westin Vacation Club 13 & 14 $113,000 3X3 $90,000
Westin Vacation Club 51 $98,500 3 X 3 $94,000
Westin Vacation Club 29 & 30 $115,000 3 X 3.5 $105,000

2006
Westin Vacation Club 40 $11,000 Studio $7,000
Westin Vacation Club 46 $13,000 Studio $11,000
Westin Vacation Club 15 $15,000 Studio $12,000
Westin Vacation Club 29 $14,500 Studio $13,900
Westin Vacation Club 16 $16,000 Studio $14,500
Westin Vacation Club 27 $23,900 1X2 $15,000
Westin Vacation Club 47 $16,000 1X2 $15,000
Westin Vacation Club 44 $16,000 Studio $16,000
Westin Vacation Club 35 $18,000 2X2 $17,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $19,500 Studio $17,750
Westin Vacation Club 16 $20,000 Studio $17,750
Westin Vacation Club 2 $19,900 Studio $19,000
Westin Vacation Club 28 $22,000 1X2 $19,500
Westin Vacation Club 24 $19,900 2X3 $19,900
Westin Vacation Club 41 $25,000 2X3 $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 2 $22,000 Studio $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $23,000 1X2 $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 5 $23,500 Studio $20,000
Westin Vacation Club 9 $24,995 Studio $20,800
Westin Vacation Club 17 $24,500 1X2 $21,000
Westin Vacation Club 29 $23,500 2X3 $21,150
Westin Vacation Club 27 $22,800 1X2 $21,600
Westin Vacation Club 31 $22,900 2X3 $22,900
Westin Vacation Club 29 $25,500 2X3 $23,500
Westin Vacation Club 10 $24,995 Studio $24,000
Westin Vacation Club 17 $32,100 2X3 $30,000
Westin Vacation Club 25 $42,000 3X3 $40,000
Westin Vacation Club 1 $40,995 1X2 $40,995
Westin Vacation Club 10 $58,995 3X3 $58,995
Westin Vacation Club 52 $90,000 3X3 $85,000
Westin Vacation Club 51 $90,000 3X3 $85,000
Westin Vacation Club 5 & 6 $150,000 3X3 $145,500

 

[LisaRex]

Westin Vacation Club 48 $15,995 1 X 2 $2,000

What do you suppose "1 x 2" and $2,000" means?

1 bdrm, 2 baths? $2000 closing costs?

 

[DavidnRobin]

deleted - duplicate

deleted - duplicate

 

[DavidnRobin]

What do you suppose "1 x 2" and $2,000" means?

1 bdrm, 2 baths? $2000 closing costs?

assume - a 1Bd villa that sold for $2000
just a copy/paste info from CBR that I found from a link on Frank Barnako's blog (US Virgin Island News)

I just thought it would be intesting info to capture... (as one who favors info such as this - even though it negatively reflects on my WSJ VOIs...)

look at the drop in resale prices since 2006 - yikes!

 

[LisaRex]

assume - a 1Bd villa that sold for $2000
just a copy/paste info from CBR that I found on Frank Barnako's blog (US Virgin Island News)

Then what's the first number ($15,995)?

 

[beach.bar.bob]

Then what's the first number ($15,995)?

Listing price...

 

[LisaRex]

Listing price...

Ahhh. That's quite a drop!!

 

[DavidnRobin]

I was too busy with copy/paste - I would assume list and sale price, but this is an assumption - plus caveat that information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed...

It is a wealth of TS sales info probably more than anywhere else and more reliable - certainly more reliable than eBay (for instance)

I meant the drop in sales price from 2006 to 2010, not list to sale drop (also dramatic in some cases)

Also dramatic - is the sales price differential between weeks (high season to low season)

LisaRex - there apear to be a few that could be typos - for example the very first one
Westin Vacation Club 27 $15,000 1X2 $250
could be $2,500 if the ones that follow hold that trend

also - this is the USVI - so I am not sure if the numbers are QC'd (checked for accuracy) - and could be input errors - there appear to be a few of these

 

[ekinggill]

New WSJ Owner & New to TUG

My wife and I just bought a 1BR, wk 32 VGV. We'd been to the resort twice on SPG points and loved it. Saw the timeshare dog and pony both times but the pricing was ridiculous.

When we came home I found the unit we bought on sellmytimesharenow.com. Owner was asking $9500. Made an offer through a licensed real estate agent of $7500. It was accepted the same day. I instantly felt like I left money on the table when it was accepted so quickly, but I am happy knowing I paid about 1/3 of what the resort was trying to sell it to me for.

We are very appreciative of all of the great info you guys are sharing. This is a great website.

 

[tomandrobin]

My wife and I just bought a 1BR, wk 32 VGV. We'd been to the resort twice on SPG points and loved it. Saw the timeshare dog and pony both times but the pricing was ridiculous.

When we came home I found the unit we bought on sellmytimesharenow.com. Owner was asking $9500. Made an offer through a licensed real estate agent of $7500. It was accepted the same day. I instantly felt like I left money on the table when it was accepted so quickly, but I am happy knowing I paid about 1/3 of what the resort was trying to sell it to me for.

We are very appreciative of all of the great info you guys are sharing. This is a great website.

Congrats on your "smart" purchase!

We won't be back to WSJ until 2012 and my wife is really missing the resort and island.

 

[GeneNWendy]

Congratulations of your purchase

My wife and I just bought a 1BR, wk 32 VGV. We'd been to the resort twice on SPG points and loved it. Saw the timeshare dog and pony both times but the pricing was ridiculous.

When we came home I found the unit we bought on sellmytimesharenow.com. Owner was asking $9500. Made an offer through a licensed real estate agent of $7500. It was accepted the same day. I instantly felt like I left money on the table when it was accepted so quickly, but I am happy knowing I paid about 1/3 of what the resort was trying to sell it to me for.

We are very appreciative of all of the great info you guys are sharing. This is a great website.

Congrats on your purchase for 1/3 the price. When you get a chance, check out my posting #570 to save money on the ferry when you come back.

 

[OCsun]

David,

Thanks for posting the sales data, you are always providing us with great information! Pam

 

[ekinggill]

Congrats on your purchase for 1/3 the price. When you get a chance, check out my posting #570 to save money on the ferry when you come back.

Thanks GeneNWendy. Based upon your posts, I plan to rent with Avis.

We also plan to fly into San Juan on Friday night, then catch the first American Eagle flight to STT on Saturday morning. This will let us get the rental, food and beverage shop, and still be at the resort well before check-in. We will be sacrificing a little sleep, but that can be easily made up pool-side.

 

[jerseygirl]

Update on tax situation (with thanks to numismatist who posted the link on the Marriott board):

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/judge-lifts-freeze-on-v-i-property-taxes-1.1093906

Pertinent info for phase one owners (BV has been collecting an estimated tax but Hillside owners get billed separately):

• The 1998 property values and tax rates shall continue for the 2007, 2008, 2009 tax years.
  
• Because the government did not issue any tax bills at all for four years, taxpayers will receive two years' worth of bills each year until the bills are current. The 2010 tax bill will not be issued until 2012.
  
• It does not change the amount for the 2006 bills, which were issued last year using the 1998 values and rates. The 2006 bills are currently past due and will begin to accrue interest and penalties after Feb. 16.
  
• The 2007 tax bills will be issued in February, using the 1998 property values and tax rate.
  
• The 2008 bills will be issued this summer and also will be at the 1998 level.
  
• The 2009 bill (at the 1998 level) and 2010 bill (at the new tax rate) will be sent out in 2012.

Following these statements, one can surmise that the TOTAL property taxes on the island will be increasing ~78%:

Dawson said the territory's debt ceiling is linked directly to the territory's property values. The Virgin Islands can float General Obligation bonds that are backed by anticipated tax revenues, but the territory can only borrow 10 percent of the total real property value in the territory.

Under the 1998 assessments, the total value of property is $9 billion, and the territory's debt ceiling is $900 million. The Virgin Islands' General Obligation debt currently is at about $800 million, Dawson said. Once the new assessments are in place, the debt ceiling could be raised to about $1.6 billion.

However, that does not mean there will be an across-the-board increase of 78%! And, there is now a working appeal process --- so time to start saving copies of EBAY resale values just in case they try to assess at the developer prices!