Visiting St John (Westin) in Sept
 

We're planning our first trip with our kids in Sept to St John. Currently, Westin has a special on rates only up until Sept 4. I was wondering if anyone knows if there rates usually come down later? I'm finding that it is strange that their rates are higher in the summer than during Sept & Oct.

Also, any suggestions for traveling on the plane with kids 5 & 2 would be great!

Thank you in advance!

I'm not sure why their rates are lower in summer but September and October are still in the "hurricane" season and I imagine there are also other factors at work when and how their packages are offered. June has gotten more active, and the first half of July always books up because of St. John's "Carnival" season. May through December is considered "low" season, but August, September and October tend to have less predictable weather, in my 5 years' of experience.

Where are you traveling from? Suggestions regarding kids vary dependent upon length of travel, number and length of stops if any, etc.

Hi Tuxedocat,

Thank you for your response. We're traveling from the L.A. area, and are stopping for a night on the way and on the way back in Charlotte, NC. So, I think that our longest flight will be something like 4 or 5 hours. I have a seat for my two year old, but I'm not sure how long he will be willing to sit still!

Any suggestions on keeping them busy on the island? I am thinking of renting a car and visiting some of the nearby beaches, but I'm not sure how much hiking is realistic in order to get to some of the more remote beaches that are talked about.

Thanks again.

I would definitely rent a car. Especially that time of year you can have a day or two with showers. Its very easy to do - in fact the Westin has a rental office/cars right there at the resort. We have used them 2 years in a row. Just be careful to have them note and you sign how much gas you have BEFORE you leave the lot. They will provide you with a map. The drive along the North Shore is great. You will have a great time and so will your kids! -Susan

Ditto to the above reply. Not much or any hiking on the north shore. Lots of great bays with gentle or no waves. Parking and picnic tables right there. Very kid friendly. South shore has a few remote beaches, no services and are more difficult to get to. No reason to do it with the little ones. (Fun with teenagers - make em carry the cooler and chairs!!) We've stayed on St. J a couple of times. The Westin is a great full service resort, but the best is to get off the property and discover your own beaches. Cinnamon Bay, Turtle Bay, lots of services for families. Have fun!

Thank you Susan - I think that we will rent a car. I sure wouldn't want to be rained on while lugging all the kids and stuff around and looking for a taxi. I will be sure to have them make a note about the gas. Great tip! I assume that the rental rates are good at the Westin?

Thanks slbuz. I will keep a mental note about the South shore until the kids are older. I am all for having them lug things around for me to make up for all the carrying I'm doing now. Hopefully we will still have enough money when they're teenagers to make another visit! ;) Also, the calm beaches are really important to me, so I will definitely stay on the north shore. Thanks again.

We have only rented a car through the Westin while staying on St. John. I believe the rates are pretty much in line with other rental places in Cruz Bay. They may be slightly higher, but the convenience makes it with it to us in my opinion.

Be sure to take a drive up to Coral Bay one day and stop by and have a burger at Skinny Legs. Its a little out of the way, but you can't get more "local" then this place - well maybe you can (a place called Caps in Cruz Bay) You'll have a great time! - Susan

Wow, all the way from L.A. I have a 4 year old who has been traveling everywhere with us since she was 6 months old. She's had a Tripleplay stroller (combo stroller/car/airplane seat) since 2. We thought it would be great for her on the plane but after a while, she didn't like the confinement and we would have them stow it at the door of the airplane like any other stroller. Your 5 year old can take direction, but the "terrible" 2's can be horrific in a plane. During that time, I had a bag with extra diapers, clothes, extra food and drink (you can have a 4 oz. juice box), and a pad of paper with crayons, small games or puzzles for both kids, and a picture book of the place you're going to. We talked alot about things we'd do when we got there, what the weather will be like, what animals we might see etc. I also bought a small portable dvd player with earphones so she could watch some favorite shows during the longer plane rides. Beforehand, I would explain over and over again what/where/why about airplanes etc. It's amazing how well even toddlers can do if they're prepared ahead of time. But of course, kids will always have their "moments". I would also purchase one of those inflatable or small pillows or two. Sometimes the plane can't provide enough. Also, the rules in the USVI are the same regarding children requiring carseats. Make sure you request them when renting a car. There are so many kids at the Westin, though, and they may run out of carseats quickly. If it's possible for you, you may want to buy a stroller/carseat combo which you can bring for your 2 year old, and a portable booster seat for the 5 year old. Not only are the numbers of carseats limited, the rentals can be truly nasty! However, they won't need any in the taxis which I think is odd since the taxis are almost all mini- vans styles or open air and you're just expected to hold on tight to your kid. We have both rented a car and taken taxis. IMO, if you're only planning on going out to one beach a day, you could just take a taxi. If you want to explore the island more, definitely rent a car. The taxis charge per person. Finally, I'd pack plenty of 50 sunscreen and kid-friendly bug spray. There's plenty to be bought there but prices are often twice as much.

Susan - thank you. I think with kids in tow, the convenience factor is so important! So, yes, I think I will rent at the Westin. I love eating! So, I'm always interested in places to eat. I will definitely go to Skinny Legs. (What a funny name!) Besides, burgers definitely will be a big hit with the kids!

Tuxedocat - I wonder if you have a cat like mine? Do you have a black and white one that looks like its wearing a tuxedo? We love our cat, by the way.
In any case, thank you for all of your suggestions!

The pillows -- do you buy just a square one or one of those that are shaped like a 'u' that is supposed to sit on your shoulder? I always wondered if those are comfortable.

Thank you for the info about the rentals. Yes, I will definitely bring my own car seat. I'm not sure though if my little one will sit in the airplane, so I'm debating whether or not to bring the car seat on board... I like the combo car seat/stroller, except we probably need all that storage space of a regular stroller for all our junk.

Great suggestion about talking to him about the trip and airplane, too. I think that will definitely help -- it IS amazing how much they actually respond to what you're saying. And bug spray! Yikes, I better not forget those -- are there kid friendly ones? I didn't know since we don't have much use for them out here in L.A. area. Do you recommend one over another?

Wow! Open air taxis? Sounds like fun, but I better rent a car and strap my toddler in until he's a little older. He can get pretty wiggly I think I would be kind of nervous trying to hang on to him.

Thanks again for all the useful info!

-Naomi

Naomi: I am definitely conscious of the concern regarding using DEET products, but from my experience, it's the most effective thing. I have tried all kinds of alternative sprays, but the one that "Off" puts out called "Family" or something like that is a good compromise. It contains a lower level of DEET. The most important thing is to keep it away from mucous membranes like eyes, mouth and nose. I spray into my hand and then pat it on clothes, legs, arms and hair. Be careful not to put it too close to hands or they'll invariably put their fingers in their mouths. I have also used a product called "Natrapel" but that's not readily available. Some folks swear by Avon's "Skin-So-Soft" and "Off" has also come up with a copycat version. I would bring a couple of choices in case the milder ones don't prove to be effective. The Westin's grounds seem okay, but there was definitely plenty of bugs in their waterfront area at night. Legs are the most vulnerable it seems because the bugs just love to hang out under tables. Skinny Legs is fun, but it you go all that way, you may want to try Shipwreck Landing or Island Blues which is on the water and very Caribbean in feel. Also, good kids menus. Noone loves Skinnys more than I do, but it's more of a fun place for adults if you know what I mean. The name comes from the two male founders whose legs were coincidentally very thin. Have a great time.

Thank you! I am one of those unlucky people who get bit even where there seems to be no bugs, so I will definitely bring a few types. (and thanks for the reminder -- my toddler does always stick his hands in his mouth!)

Restaurants on the water sound wonderful! I'm really looking forward to trying them out.

I think the name "Skinny Legs" comes from the owner and his wife, both of whom have skinny legs. It's a bar, which also serves food, including good burgers. Not really the best atmosphere for kids 5 and 2.

If you want a restaurant on the water, consider Miss Lucy's. It's pretty far out on the eastern end of the island, but you'll have no trouble getting there with a car. The food isn't great, but the setting is gorgeous. And they shouldn't have a problem with the little kids, particularly if you show up a little late for lunch, or early for dinner.

The beach you want is probably Maho Bay. It's beautiful, and it has a wide sandy bottom that has a very shallow slope into the ocean, if that makes sense, so it works great for small children and people who are trying to learn how to snorkel. On the other hand, there are no facilities (bathrooms, gift shop, snack bar, etc) there -- for those things you'd need Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay.

Hawksbill: Very sound advice! I second all of it!