Has anyone stayed or heard anything about the villa rentals at the Westin? I'm considering it for myself and my 2 sons ages 15 & 7. Any other suggestions on where to stay would be greatly appreciated! We're traveling 4/19-4/26. Thanks!

I have a friend who has stayed there & really liked it. For the money you will pay though, I would rent a house. More space, private pool, etc although the kids might like the social part of the Westin. We visited the resort when we stayed at Caneel Bay & decided that as much as we thought Caneel was heaven on earth, if we came back with our kids, we would stay at the Westin. Nice pools, lots of families, fun climbing/jumping things off the beach. Reason we keep going other places though is the price for 5 of us...yikes!!

Lots of reports on Westin accommodations on Trip Advisor.

Without knowing the price of the Westin villas, I agree with mamamia66 a house is probably a better value. Just as a example I've been considering this one in Coral Bay for the future. It's available 4/19 - 4/25. Coconut Hill Cottage

http://www.vrbo.com/115186

Having said that, the boys will probably have more to do at the Westin.

Consider renting a jeep/4wd/whatever to get around. There are too many great beaches on St. John not see them.

melinda, I stayed in a 2-bedroom a couple of years ago. They're very nice, and pools are usually conveniently located, plus you have access to all the resort facilities at the main hotel. I don't know what the online rates are like now, but when I stayed there they were over $1,000 per night. I rented a full week on a timeshare site (most of the villas are timeshares) from the timeshare owner for $2,000 for the week. For that amount it was worth it. Advantages - AC, good pools, close to Cruz Bay (with a complementary hotel shuttle, I think), activities eg boat rental and day cruises at the hotel. Disadvantages - their beach is fine, but it can't compare to the natural beaches around the island; long walk to the hotel facilities; cost. Oh, and also even though you're paying through the nose to stay there, the service isn't so great.

Melinda, we've owned a 2 bedroom (sold it in 2006) and still own a studio. If it's your first trip to St. John I recommend The Westin because it's easy and there'll be stuff for the kids to do. Once we were familiar with the island we decided to rent a house and have our own private pool, it's great after hard day snorkeling! Not sure what you and the boys like to do so it's a little hard to make suggestions. The Westin will be crowded in April and getting chairs by the pool will be a challenge. If you're going to beach everyday, renting a car, you may want to consider renting a house. Have a great trip!!!