My comment on the "skewing" of StarOptions is based largely on my own experiences and observations of supply and demand. St John seems to be a difficult trade, as is Harborside. However, I would not trade my 3 bedroom pool villa for something I perceived as having "lesser" value, even if its StarOptions are higher. For example, some Harborside high season 2 bedrooms have StarOption values of 129,800-148,000; my St John weeks are 95,700, and summer St John 3 bedrooms are only 81,000. I would not direct trade my St John 3 bedroom for anything less than a high season 2 bedroom Harborside; to us, the pool and 3rd bedroom in our St John unit should demand a higher premium than any 2 bedroom regardless of season. We didn't set up the StarOptions system, but must work within it unless Starwood decides to take a look at supply and demand and reset the values.
The "older" 3 bedroom units at St John are going to be completely gutted and refinished, providing enough owners vote this October. Few of the St John "hillside" units have much of a view, and calling the 3 bedrooms "hillside" is laughable - they're on a flat piece of ground at the bottom of the hill across from the resort. Each unit is also surrounded by privacy wall which forms the courtyard/pool area. St John has so many beautiful beaches and vistas that you don't really miss any kind of view unless you don't go anywhere on the island other than the resort. This is certainly a destination where you would want to rent a car and explore the island - the resort is fine, don't get me wrong, but the island is so much better. We love our unit for its spaciousness, and our daughter loves to use the pool after long days at the beach and in the evenings. It's also nice to be able to have a gas grill solely for your own use - the smaller units must use community/shared grills.
Again, these are just my opinions based on my experiences as a 7 year St John owner.
Lori
