We booked the Westin St. John...Please tell me about the hotel and things to do on the island!

Hotel is very attractive, and nicely landscaped. The rooms are in several 3 story buildings spread out over several acres. Nice tennis courts, pool, and kids activities.

The beach is OK, but doesn't compare to many of the beautiful beaches around the island.

The resturants at the hotel are also OK, but quite pricey.

IMO, the Westin is a great "home base" for a St. John trip, but you'll want a car/jeep to explore the many wonderful beaches, and great restaurants in Cruz Bay.

St.John is by far our favorite island. When you are traveling through St.Thomas to get to the ferry to St.John, you'll probably be glad you didn't stay there....just alot more going on....much more busy. St.John is relaxing and laid back. I agree that the Westin is more of a home base for most people. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon staying at Gallow's Point (not too far from the Westin), we met a couple honeymooning at the Westin. They said that it was a beautiful resort but they felt the need to go see the island and find quiet beaches because there were alot of kids at the Westin beach. If you don't rent a vehicle, you'll be fine just taking taxi's. When we stayed at Gallows we did that. We did not feel at all like we didn't get to see what we wanted to see. Try going to Cinnamon Bay and Hawksnest for alittle change of pace. Cinnamon Bay, especially, is quiet and have alittle spot to get lunch. There is no entrance fee and you can rent equipment there if you feel like doing water activities. There are also many great restaurants on the island in Cruz Bay. There is Asolare (pricey), or you can try the less expensive places like Mongoose Restaurant (in Mongoose Junction). My husband would highly recommend Uncle Joe's BBQ (a local hole-in-the-wall that has great ribs and chicken-not at all glamorous!) Hope you have a great time and write back if you need specifics!

It is refreshing to hear that someone "survived" on STJ without a car. I can already hear the tsk, tsk that I should rent one, and perhaps on a return visit, I would. We will be there for 6 full days and 3 are already filled with boating trips. We will be staying at Gallows Point, so easy walking to Cruz Bay.That said, any recommendations on which beaches we can go to that you can get to by taxi? Or, maybe I should rephrase, any ideas how to spend a day at some beaches without a car? I have read that the north shore is accessable. I purchsed Feet, Fins and FWD so I have gotten some ideas from there. Also have the name of a taxi driver named Wesley Easley that does island tours. Any suggestions appreciated. Have heard great things about Joes BBQ. Will have to check it out. Do they have jerk chicken? Thanks

Oh how lucky, to be going to St. John, my absolute favorite place. I fell in love with it my first visit and just got married there on December 11th, Gallows Pointe. The Westin is nice, but a drive to Cruz Bay, where the good restaurants and night life are to be found. We love Spencer's for renting jeeps, priced right and efficient. Must have a meal at Rhumbline's, it's only been open for 9 months, we had our reception there.

Can anyone comment on the room accomodations at the Westin. The pictures online and their brochure do not give a good idea of their size and decor.

We have stayed there twice, my husband likes the tennis.
It is a beautiful place & we've never been disappointed. Rooms are very nicely furnished. Pool views will be right near the action,and in busier times it is a crowded spot.
We stayed in Bldg 21 or 22 last time.It was perfect.
We don't use the beach there.The Beach Grill?restaurant is actually good for breakfasts or dinners.There are so many more in town.
Have fun exploring. Take a boat adventure.Rent a dinghy. It's heaven.
Liz

When we were on St.John without a car, we pretty much stuck to Hawksnest, Trunk and Cinnamon (we loved Cinnamon). You can also go to the Caneel Bay Resort and try their beaches (the majority are open to anyone but there is a small fee). You just have to be laid back and patient. Sometimes when you want to go home from the beach you'll walk out to the parking lot and there will be lots of taxis. They will tell you which to jump in, but you may have to wait a while for them to fill up alittle...just remember that it is their job and they need to make money!!! If they just take one couple, they don't make as much as if they wait 15 minutes and let it fill up more. So, just be ready to relax and enjoy your surroundings!!! Also, when we stayed at Gallows, we would go right to the little convenience shop that they have on the grounds and have them call a taxi for us. This made it alot easier! The taxi would usually show up in a few minutes.

Thanks for the info. We don't mind waiting a few minutes for a taxi. Why be in a hurry? We do that enough at home.

We just got back, last night, from St. John. We went to the beach at Caneel Bay Resort twice and loved it. It's a short taxi ride from Cruz Bay, the snorkeling is not bad and easy to get to, they have a nice clothing/gift store, restrooms and my favorite - they have waiters who will serve you great food and drinks on the beach so you don't have to move. They have a fruit plate that's great to snack on. We visited the beautiful Westin one afternoon. It looks like they offer so many things to do and can arrange for you to do outside activities.