Cindy

We have a studio villa at the Westin for a week but have been unable to get full info on the unit. We are traveling with two young teenagers and trying to get a handle on packing. Has anyone stayed in one? How is the kitchen stocked? Do we need beach towels? Cooler? Does their on site car rental agency offer decent vehicles? What is the difference between a four door Sidekick, Cherokee or Vitara? We will be out and about a lot and want to be safe and secure. Thanks!

xx

xx

Keith's Nan

Pack casual only. Take one or two collared golf type shirts for the guys if you plan on "fancy" restaurants. One pair of slacks and blouse for ladies for same. Put in bathing suits and tops, shorts, etc. Then, if you have access to washer/dryer pack even less. Believe me, we came home with more clothes we did not even touch. I have seen the units at the Weston but can't help regarding what they contain for renters. You TA should help with this.
Re: vehicle - you want the Vitara, it holds 5 or upgrade to Cherokee if you want. Sidekick is too easy to break into. I am not trying to alarm you but it does happen. Get something you can lock while at the beach. You will not be overly happy with the manmade beach at Westin. Most car rental agencies carry the same type vehicle, it is a matter of pricing. For a Vitara it should be no more than $400 per week.
Have you considered a villa. The property is nice - very clean and has a fitness center. Dining is not the best per others who have stayed there and is expensive. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cindy

Keith's Nan,
Thank you for your posting. I tried to e-mail you but it came back. We realize the Westin is not the only landing but the package we got was better then just our air alone. We rarely spend much time at the resort except to sleep and quick eats. It is a studio villa with a full kitchen which I hope will take care of two meals a day. Since we will be in St. John over Easter break any suggestions for a holiday dinner out on Easter Sunday?

After looking at the rental cars available we took the Vitara as it is a
newer model replacing the Sidekick and also we wanted a secure, lockable
vehicle. After St. Martin we have learned not to get an open vehicle but
each area seems to have different model types.

I have heard some of the paths to the beaches are rugged. Do we need hiking
boots or are sandals okay? We heard Salt Pond is wonderful for the marine
life but a short hike.
Thanks for your help!

Cindy
4 1/2 weeks and counting!!!!!

Karen

I would probably opt for sneakers rather than hiking boots unless you are doing "serious" hiking. You will definately want to explore the wonderful beaches and head away from the Westin's beach!!!

Charlie

Some people,myself included,believe that a "locking" vehicle is good for one thing---damaged vehicles.Wherever I've traveled,St.John in the Caribbean or Maui in Hawaii,locked vehicles lead to broken windows or worse.IMHO the best rule to follow is if you don't need something leave it back at your accommodations.Believe me from first hand experience(Salt Pond Bay)and things I've seen on other travels"if you can't afford to lose it,don't leave it in the car locked or not".Use common sense and have a great trip to St. John,I'm sure that it will be the first of many.

Cindy

Thanks for the the thoughts. For packing, first the snorkel gear then the swim suits and for the rest if there isn't room it doesn't go. As far as the car, we are sticking with a lockable one. The only thing of value is the camera, my memory is getting worse and I want to remember how great this trip will be(was)!!!