Poconolady

DH and I will be going to St John (Westin villas) in Oct. I see from reviews here that many rent a vehicle, on St T or St J. Is it really necessary? What kind of options do we have for getting around the island if we don't drive ourselves? Will probably want to visit a few beaches and out to dinner. How convenient are the villas to Cruz Bay restaurants and shops?
Second question-- are there any grocery stores close to the Westin? I know they have a "market" onsite, but I usually prefer to shop at a store with more options.
Thanks

wliwl

One of the best things about St. John is going to a different beach everyday, and for that you will definitely want a jeep for your chairs, cooler, etc.

Also, walking on St. John is pretty bad because the roads are so narrow and so hilly, so it's not like you'll want to walk to the grocery store or whatever. (And no, neither grocery store is near the Westin.)

If you rent a car from St. John Car Rental it comes with the added bonus of being able to park in their lot while you enjoy dinner or drinks or whatever in Cruz Bay. Otherwise, parking there is very tough.

My advice is spring for a jeep..

jayne1973

Just returned from St. John, where we also stayed at The Westin in a villa. We had a car (Jeep) and were glad we did so that we could have more freedom and visit the beaches and take hikes on our own schedule. We rented from Sunshine rentals, which picked us up at the ferry dock in our Jeep. Their service was great.

You can get a taxi to a beach, but it might be a hassle getting one back to the hotel, depending on which beach you are visiting. Trunk Bay beach is very developed and popular and it probably would be easy to get taxis to and from there.

Cruz Bay restaurants and shops are not far from the Westin, but too far to walk, I think. If you don't rent a vehicle, taxis will be no problem. There are a couple of grocery stores not far from The Westin -- St. John Market was one, and Dolphin was closer into town. Be prepared for high prices-- I wished I had brought a few of my own snacks, such a microwave popcorn, etc.

The Westin is beautiful. Just FYI-- if you do rent a vehicle, there is no parking around the villas. Westin staff will take you to your building in a golf cart, or you can walk.

Restaurant tip-- one of our favorite meals was at Beach Bar-their shrimp is out of this world. And be sure and have one (or more) of their painkillers or bushwhackers --fabulous! So good we went twice! It's right on the beach in Cruz Bay.

Bassguy66

Not having a jeep in STJ is a big mistake IMHO. The beach at the Westin is man-made, and doesn't even compare to the north shore beaches. Sure you could use taxis, but I promise you will be glad you rented a jeep. The Westin is not really close enough to stroll into town, so you'll need a vehicle for that as well. Just get the jeep for the week...trust me.

mnag

TO chime in...I agree. The best thing about St John is the variety of beaches...you would miss out without a vehicle.

CGS

Absolutely get a car. No question, for all of the reasons stated above. Also, there is a very nice grocery store - on the small side - down the street from the Westin. It's the one mentioned above by Jayne1973 - St. John Market. Walkable, if you don't have too many heavy grocery bags. But get a car.

Lzeloof

I've been to the westin St John several times...and truthfully you don't need a car... The open air taxis are great..they leave from the hotel whenever you want and drop off in town ...they also go to the beaches all for approximately $15. If you want to explore the island definitely rent a car...the roads are not for the faint of heart...very steep and windy...do not drive at night as the roads are poorly lit.

jayne1973

One suggestion if you decide not to rent a vehicle:

If you take a taxi to the beach, find out what will be required to get a ride back. You might have to call for a ride, so you will need to make sure your cell phone is charged and working, etc. One young couple staying at The Westin took a taxi to Cinnamon Bay but could not get a ride back and walked quite a way down the road before someone picked them up and took them to The Westin.

It is true about the winding and steep roads, and combined with driving on the left---pretty crazy. If you have a driver up to the adventure, it is fun.

zac495

We had no car (we stayed at Gallows Point so we were fine getting into Cruz Bay). We used taxis for beaches and dinners outside of Cruz Bay, but honestly - it isn't smart. We got stranded at a couple of the farthest beaches.

This year we will have a car.