St. John

[metus]

I would like to go to St. John in April 2006 (the holiday week). When can I book this? I am not sure how it works if I am not using my points on Disney. Where can I double check how many points it would be?

 

[jel0511]

There is only one resort on St. John we can trade into the WEstin Villas. It is also VERY difficult to trade into, so I wouldn't count on a trade coming through. It is not up to DVC Quality IMO, and isn't on the beach. It's across the road from the Westin Resort, and you need to either walk or take their internal transport. The beach at the Westin is man-made and can't hold a candle to any of the other beaches on St. John. Here is a website with lots of information about St. John. We go usually once per year, and it's our favorite vacation destination, yes over WDW. We always rent a private home, with it's own pool and usually hot tub. If you want any info about renting a villa, let me know.

http://www.stjohnusvi.com/stjohn.html

 

[mtmona]

We were also in St. John just this last June. We rented a private home we were very pleased with, and pleased with the price. It's name was Hawksbill. We rented from www.caribbeanvillas.com. We went to the Westin for the iguana feeding and it is a beautiful resort, although a very "hotel" experience. This is our second trip to St. John, both times in private homes. We are glad we went that route, you feel much more of the island culture that way, I think. Also, food is very expensive and the cooking option is great. We traveled there with 2 kids, ages 11 and 8, and 2 adults, if that helps. I know I tracked the St. John trade possibility, with no luck. Have fun!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I doubt you will be able to trade into the Westin during a specific week in April, especially a holiday week. It is very hard to do but you never know, you might get lucky.

I also happen to agree with jel0511. I don't think the location of the villas is that great and the beach is poor. We stayed there a few years ago after leaving our hotel in the BVI. The hotel portion of the property is on the water, but the villas are not. When we chose to go back this past April, we chose to stay at Caneel Bay instead, where the beaches are amazing.

HBC

 

[Dean]

I too wouldn't hold out much hope for getting an exchange, still it doesn't hurt to try. Put in the request NOW and expect action at the earliest 6 months before travel. You should look for a private exchange.

 

[donald...really]

We own at the Westin St. John because we wanted to go to St. John often and it is nearly impossible to trade into through DVC. The time share portion at the Westin St. John is VERY small, and like DVC, the people who own there tend to stay there and don't trade out often. But it doesn't hurt to try!

I agree that the beach at the Westin is not very attractive compared to the other beaches on the island (which are some of the most beautiful in the world), but transportation around the island from the resort is very easy and inexspensive so you can get out and see any sites you are interested in. Also, the time share section is going through a MAJOR renovation. We stayed in a renovated room on our last trip and the furnishings were equal to the decor of the recent DVC resorts. I agree that DVC is superior compared to the Westin St. John in many ways, but DVC is superior to most other time-shares. Plus, St. John is a VERY different experience than Disney World.

If you have any specific questions about the Westin St. John, or St. John in general, please feel free to PM me.