Westin St. John [Master Thread]

czar · Mar 30, 2014

finztotheleft said:
Hello,

I own in BV and find the HOA and the ever truthful sales office enjoy the game of finger pointing in their efforts to avoid answering questions. I am hoping this user thread might have some insight to share.

I am curious if anyone knows how much of BV has been sold? I understand once a certain threshold is surpassed the SVO Board of Directors can be taken over by...ummmm....actual owners with vested interest.

I am also interested in knowing if anyone remembers the option of the "ultra" ownership when you originally purchased- prior to 2011???? My sense is they introduced this option after the fact(~2011) as a means to increase sales as they were incredibly slow. The 'Ultra' is essentially a locked week/unit without calling it locked. Like everything out of that sales office it is a scam and has resulted in those with float weeks having a harder time getting their requests.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Kathy

Kathy,

When I bought a week this summer, I recall the option to fix an "Ultra" week. Doesn't help answer the question about whether that was pre- or post-2011, but there were a few specfic weeks you could do this with (I tried searching for a copy on my laptop, but I'll check my desk at work on Monday). There was a fairly significant price increase to take advantage of that option.

It's great to see all that the Board is doing in VG - I'm hopeful that BV can leverage some of those same strategies as I worry about the MF spiraling out of control. I own a 3br and seeing the MF at $2400 is high enough already! Certainly seems like the energy costs play a large part, and it sounds like VG is investigating some options that BV might be able to use, too.

Anyway, my assumption from seeing the Ultra weeks avaiable is that it should be an issie only for a few of the weeks in a year. Of course, if that wasnt an option when you originally bought, that doesn't make things better, but if you were sold a week with a window of specfic time, I cant see how they could take any of that window away from you.

FWIW, I booked our first use for this summer, but since our contract closed after the 12-month mark, we could not get the week we wanted in August (and this was BEFORE the timeframe when people could trade-in with SO). I was really suprised.

DavidnRobin · Mar 30, 2014

ferndale said:
Starting to plan for our fabulous week in St. John!! Hoping for an evening with David and Robin? We have a fun crew coming this year!!

Excellent - we will be there. We still remember that excellent coffee (thanks again). We have gotten to know our neighbors in the villa that mirrors ours - and they own the same weeks. I think they dive as well, or at least one of them. You should meet them - nice folks - from AZ.

azsunluvr · Mar 30, 2014

3bedroom score

Haven't been on TUG for a long while, but wanted to see what everyone's currently saying about WSJ. We lucked into a 3 bedroom Memorial Day weekend for 3 nights. Can't wait!

We will be a large group ... 7 adults and 4 kids. What's the best way to get around? Was hoping not to deal with rental cars. Any suggestions for a boat outing for a group this size? Any tips to share?

DavidnRobin · Apr 1, 2014

No surprise here... new gas station by WSJ

I plan to boycott this dangerous eyesore - I recommend others do as well.

St. John emergency officials expressed concern after they responded twice to incidents involving a fuel truck trying to make the first delivery to the new gas station on South Shore Road on Wednesday, March 26. After the truck blocked traffic for more than hour when it couldn’t climb Jacob’s Ladder — and was escorted back to Cruz Bay. The driver made a second attempt to make the delivery by trying to go through Contant to the top of the hill, where it became stuck again, and St. John Rescue responded once again as a backhoe was brought in to turn the truck around.

http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com...82-fuel-truck-stops-traffic-on-jacob-s-ladder

DavidnRobin · Apr 1, 2014

azsunluvr said:
Haven't been on TUG for a long while, but wanted to see what everyone's currently saying about WSJ. We lucked into a 3 bedroom Memorial Day weekend for 3 nights. Can't wait!

We will be a large group ... 7 adults and 4 kids. What's the best way to get around? Was hoping not to deal with rental cars. Any suggestions for a boat outing for a group this size? Any tips to share?

For 3 nights and a large group - I would use a taxi-bus (and try and negotiate with the Driver to reduce the fare as they charge by the passenger). Note: all taxis on StJ are buses.

If you want to go to The Baths in Virgin Gorda (BVI - bring passports) - I would go with Bad Kitty for a day charter.

ferndale · Apr 2, 2014

DavidnRobin said:
Excellent - we will be there. We still remember that excellent coffee (thanks again). We have gotten to know our neighbors in the villa that mirrors ours - and they own the same weeks. I think they dive as well, or at least one of them. You should meet them - nice folks - from AZ.

Would love to meet them! We are bringing my sister and some friends this time.
Spent last week in Maui enjoying the whales, and the bottom of the ocean!!!

Westin5Star · Apr 3, 2014

DavidnRobin said:
I plan to boycott this dangerous eyesore - I recommend others do as well.

St. John emergency officials expressed concern after they responded twice to incidents involving a fuel truck trying to make the first delivery to the new gas station on South Shore Road on Wednesday, March 26. After the truck blocked traffic for more than hour when it couldn’t climb Jacob’s Ladder — and was escorted back to Cruz Bay. The driver made a second attempt to make the delivery by trying to go through Contant to the top of the hill, where it became stuck again, and St. John Rescue responded once again as a backhoe was brought in to turn the truck around.

http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com...82-fuel-truck-stops-traffic-on-jacob-s-ladder

As long as they don't block the swim up bar...

But seriously, I agree to use Bad Kitty if you really want to go to Virgin Gorda; Charters just take to much time and fuel. Might I recommend a send day with a charter to Jost, Willy Ts, and the Indians; better yet just spend a few days island hoping in the BVIs.

EricAndCarol · Apr 3, 2014

DavidnRobin said:
Excellent - we will be there. We still remember that excellent coffee (thanks again). We have gotten to know our neighbors in the villa that mirrors ours - and they own the same weeks. I think they dive as well, or at least one of them. You should meet them - nice folks - from AZ.

We are looking forward to our visit this year. You are right David, only one of us dives. I would love to meet some other divers that stay during weeks 23 & 24. While I always enjoy going out with the local operators, it would be a lot of fun to just rent a couple tanks and do some shore diving from some of the great beaches.

Just two more months!

DavidnRobin · Apr 3, 2014

EricAndCarol said:
We are looking forward to our visit this year. You are right David, only one of us dives. I would love to meet some other divers that stay during weeks 23 & 24. While I always enjoy going out with the local operators, it would be a lot of fun to just rent a couple tanks and do some shore diving from some of the great beaches.

Just two more months!

Hey EricAndCarol (Eric?) -
We are looking forward to it as well. I do not know if there is much shore diving off of StJ (never see it done - or heard about it) - perhaps because it is generally shallow for a while from the beaches. Most of the great dive spots are off shore.

ferndale's family all dive, but they take the local dive boats - perhaps if you meet them in time you can join them. They are there during week 23 Sun-Sun (iirc). Last year they went out with a famous StJ Photographer (Steve Simonsen) who was just starting to do underwater photography and video, and Steve got some great video of them all diving. I posted a link of the video last year.

Here it is...
http://vimeo.com/68450730

doubleos · Apr 3, 2014

I may be the first/only to complain about the new increase in staroptions, but perhaps I am the first victim. I wanted to bank one of my weeks, a studio week and using the staroptions for a studio week next year. I was told on the phone last week from owner services that they would take care of the descrepency between points (37,000 this year for the studio, 44,000 next year). I call today to bank my week and I am told this is not the case at all. In fact, if they get a transcript of my call from last week and I was told incorrectly, the person will be reprimanded. I don't think this is a fair resolution. If Starwood wants to only give me 37,000 Staroptions to use at another property, fine. But I should be able to use it for an equivalent unit at St. John if it is available. Certainly, after I have been given that information.

DavidnRobin · Apr 3, 2014

doubleos said:
I may be the first/only to complain about the new increase in staroptions, but perhaps I am the first victim. I wanted to bank one of my weeks, a studio week and using the staroptions for a studio week next year. I was told on the phone last week from owner services that they would take care of the descrepency between points (37,000 this year for the studio, 44,000 next year). I call today to bank my week and I am told this is not the case at all. In fact, if they get a transcript of my call from last week and I was told incorrectly, the person will be reprimanded. I don't think this is a fair resolution. If Starwood wants to only give me 37,000 Staroptions to use at another property, fine. But I should be able to use it for an equivalent unit at St. John if it is available. Certainly, after I have been given that information.

Interesting... probably good that you rechecked before you banked. If you were to ask here on TUG - you probably would have gotten a correct answer (can't be done). It certainly is a downside to the SO increase when it comes to banking 2014 SOs from WSJ for use in 2015 at WSJ

I can imagine that you may the first that has gotten caught up in this conundrum since banked SOs can only be used for SVN exchanges and are not eligible for Home Resort reservations. It is probably not a common request for WSJ as banked SOs may not get a SVN reservation at WSJ at the 8-month point (depending of course on demand that will likely increase since more Owners use banked SOs).

That was of course bad info by the Owner Services associate (not uncommon). Not to defend them but I can understand the OS associates' misinformation since this involves 2 relatively new concepts that is unique to WSJ (SO banking combined with a SO increase), and perhaps they hadn't come across this situation yet - or more likely hadn't thought it through.

DavidnRobin · Apr 4, 2014

WSJ Resort Construction Update

WSJ Resort Construction Update
http://newsofstjohn.com/2014/04/04/westin-construction-update-april-2014/
{for text and photos}

Text from article below...
As you know, the Westin is in the midst of a pretty major renovation. It’s been a few months since our last construction update, so we thought it’d be helpful to provide some new information on where the Westin is with the project.

As we mentioned back in December, renovations to the pool, the poolside rooms and the beachfront rooms have all been completed. The pool area now has additional seating and just looks great.

The lower hillside rooms (buildings 21, 22, and 23) are currently being converted into what will become Coral Vista Villas – luxury vacation ownership units. Those renovations are expected to be completed in Spring 2015.

The Beachside Cafe is also undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen in mid to late June. In the meantime, breakfast and dinner is being served in the restaurant above the lobby (formerly Cruz Bay Prime). We hear that the new and improved beach cafe will have a new name when it reopens, but nothing is official on that front as of yet.

Lastly, there is some work going on over at the shops which are located near the entrance of the resort.

So what’s next on the Westin’s list in terms of construction? Renovations will begin in the lobby area in mid to late June. At that time, the restaurant will close down as well. That project is expected to be completed by December of this year. The workout center and spa is also slated to get a facelift. Those facilities will be affected from July through October.

We mentioned this in a previous construction update, but it’s worth repeating. Yes, there will be some inconveniences for tourists, as well as noise associated with construction, but in my opinion, it’s not that bad. And we have to give the Westin credit – its staff does an outstanding job in accommodating all guests, so kudos to you Westin.

ferndale · Apr 4, 2014

EricAndCarol said:
We are looking forward to our visit this year. You are right David, only one of us dives. I would love to meet some other divers that stay during weeks 23 & 24. While I always enjoy going out with the local operators, it would be a lot of fun to just rent a couple tanks and do some shore diving from some of the great beaches.

Just two more months!

Hi Eric and Carol!!
nice to meet you. Perhaps you can join David and Robin (and guests) whatever night they come over for some food and libations by our pool. We plan to dive probably tues, wed, thurs with Cruz bay. Probably morning dives, and maybe whatever day they do their night dive. We will have a group of 8 very fun people!! We have never tried to rent tanks and shore dive in St. John, but I can do some investigating on that. At least 4 of us are experienced enough for that to be fun if there is anything to see close to shore.

David,
We enjoyed Steve Simonsen so much last year that I have contacted him about diving with us, and doing an underwater photo session!! how fun. He is a fabulous photographer
June can't come soon enough!!!

azsunluvr · Apr 4, 2014

DavidnRobin said:
For 3 nights and a large group - I would use a taxi-bus (and try and negotiate with the Driver to reduce the fare as they charge by the passenger). Note: all taxis on StJ are buses.

If you want to go to The Baths in Virgin Gorda (BVI - bring passports) - I would go with Bad Kitty for a day charter.

Thank you for the insight! We will definitely check out Bad Kitty!

tomandrobin · Apr 7, 2014

azsunluvr said:
Thank you for the insight! We will definitely check out Bad Kitty!

Another vote for Bad Kitty for excursions to The Baths.

DavidnRobin · Apr 8, 2014

For the Baths - the Bad Kitty is on balance one of the best choices because of the distance and smoothness of the ride (relatively). IMO

However, it is a rushed trip and they cover a lot of territory - plus they can carry up to 30 passengers and the crew needs to deal with all of them.
I read that they now wait to start serving rum punch...

So - as with everything in the USVI/BVI - set your expectations on slow and mellow, and remember the one word that wraps up the VI vacation experience 'Adapt'

DavidnRobin · Apr 9, 2014

Safari (Open) Taxis on StJ at risk of going away.

A political issue that I can get behind and impacts StJ/WSJ visitors. While I do not often use the Safari Taxis (open) on StJ - I could not imagine being stuck in an enclosed van/bus.
Safari Taxis are at risk of going away on StJ.
http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com...i-drivers-action-on-rules-threatening-safaris

DavidnRobin · Apr 11, 2014

For those StJ lovers on FaceBook - consider following Active St John VI

Excellent info on all sorts of things - they pull from multiple sources

DavidnRobin · Apr 13, 2014

Sign the Petition to Save the StJ Safari Taxis

DavidnRobin said:
A political issue that I can get behind and impacts StJ/WSJ visitors. While I do not often use the Safari Taxis (open) on StJ - I could not imagine being stuck in an enclosed van/bus.
Safari Taxis are at risk of going away on StJ.
http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com...i-drivers-action-on-rules-threatening-safaris

If you like the open Safari taxis on StJ - sign the petition...

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-our-safari-taxis.html

LisaH · Apr 13, 2014

DavidnRobin said:
If you like the open Safari taxis on StJ - sign the petition...

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-our-safari-taxis.html

Done!
Regarding the boat ride, we took the Horizon II TWICE. First time was really good. Second time was just OK. Would love to check out Bad Kitty next time. Have to be next year though as a TUGGER family will use my week this year.

Speaking of which, I am considering to try the week in mid to late June next year. What should I do? Reserve my own week in Aug this year, then try to see if a June week becomes available later? When does the reservation open to owners of different weeks at WSJ?

Henry M. · Apr 19, 2014

Amalie Car Rental

When you rent from Amalie Car Rental, do you have to pay extra for their rental insurance, or can you use your own personal car insurance, like you can with Connor, on St. John?

Are the lines for the car ferries long? In particular, coming back from St. John on a Sunday (May 25, Memorial Day weekend) for a 1:50 PM flight, how early do you have to be at the dock to be sure you can get on the 10:30 am ferry? I have no idea if you need to be there an hour before ferry departure, or if 10 minutes ahead is enough ...

hefleycatz · Apr 19, 2014

I don't think there is an extra charge for insurance. We are using them too and the quote they sent was the total cost. We get in on the 24th, so I don't know about the ferry, but will be looking for someone to answer as I will need this info also.

Lee

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Henry M. · Apr 19, 2014

Just entered a reservation at the Amalie Car web site. Hopefully they'll have the 4-door Jeep that I want.

Maybe we'll see you the afternoon of the 24th!

Starting to research options to go to the Baths in Virgin Gorda and maybe some out of the way snorkeling. Bad Kitty sounds nice, but very hectic. I'd like to find something that goes to the Baths and maybe the Indians, with the rest of the time in the waters near St. John. Not interested in Cooper's Island or the beach/bar scene in Jost Van Dyke.

Also, I just reserved the Reef Hike from the National Park Service. At $30/person, it is one of the least expensive activities and sounds like a lot of fun. You hike downhill from the park visitor center, spend a little time snorkeling, and take a 45 minute boat ride back to Cruz Bay. You're out from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM or so. They go Mondays and Thursdays, and the hikes do sell out, since they have pretty limited space. We couldn't find room the last time we were there.

LisaRex · Apr 19, 2014

emuyshondt said:
Starting to research options to go to the Baths in Virgin Gorda and maybe some out of the way snorkeling. Bad Kitty sounds nice, but very hectic. I'd like to find something that goes to the Baths and maybe the Indians, with the rest of the time in the waters near St. John. Not interested in Cooper's Island or the beach/bar scene in Jost Van Dyke.

If money isn't an object, you might want to charter a trip. There are some really good reviews for a few captains. It's something I've always wanted to do, but when you only travel with one other couple, it's a bit cost prohibitive.

Westin5Star · Apr 19, 2014

LisaRex said:
If money isn't an object, you might want to charter a trip. There are some really good reviews for a few captains. It's something I've always wanted to do, but when you only travel with one other couple, it's a bit cost prohibitive.

We have been to Virgin Gorda a few times. We have also chartered 6-7 times to go to the other BVIs. My experience is that the trip to Virgin Gorda is better using a boat like Bad Kitty and then chartering a boat (most of them are pretty slow) to stay closer (Tortola, Willy Ts, Indians, Jost, Sandy Spit, Scrubb, etc.) on a separate day. The time and cost of fuel using the charter to go to Virgin Gorda just doesn't seem best to us.

Of course if you charter a really fast boat (and like you say money isn't an object) then I agree it would be great to charter a power speed boat to get to Virgin Gorda in 25 minutes and enjoy it.

Westin St. John [Master Thread]

TUG Review Crew