Hello fellow travelers,

We are staying in the Starwood/Westin St. John timeshare units, arriving 3/27 for one week. Has anybody else stayed there? I've seen posts re the hotel, but not the timeshares. Any info is appreciated, including best restaurants, shopping, beaches, etc.

You were all a great help when planning our 3 week trip to Italy last fall (which I must say was much more complicated and tiring) that I just had to ask your opinions for this week long rest! Look forward to your opinions!

Although I have never stayed at the Westin, I have been on the property several times. I have been to the timeshares and seen them from the outside. They are across the street from the main hotel and expand the whole hillside. From what I have seen, on the outside looking in,they look very nice. The hotel is a beautiful complex - beautiful gardens, gift shops, tennis courts, fitness room HUGE pool and beach. You will have full privileges at the hotel.
Chloe and Bernard's restaurant at the Westin is run by the same folks that run Paradiso,Chateaux Bordeaux, and Asolare - so I expect the food will be great,- all these restaurants are really good-fine dining $$$ (I haven't tried Chloe's yet). For other great dining on the island try Zozo's, or Stone Terrace $$$
For a good casual dinner try Casa Roma,Joe's BBQ,or the Banana deck. Skinnys and Shipwreck landing on the Coral Bay side, and Miss Lucy's for brunch on Sunday. All shopping is in Cruz Bay - and a little bit in Coral bay- plenty to keep your wallet busy! Have fun!

I stayed at the Timeshares 2 summers agoand we are going back in July. They are across the street from the resort and up a steep hill. They are very comfortable...the heavenly bed is, well, heavenly. We had a one bedroom studio. It was fully equiped kitchen and 2 bathrooms (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs). The couch pulls out for another bed. There is a small pool for the condo guests with bar-b-que pits. It's about a ten minute walk to the beach and there are golf carts that come by periodically to pick guests up and drop them off. It's kind of like hailing a taxi. If you want a ride, you have to flag them down or, usually, they won't stop. We took a suitcase full of non-perishables and bought food at the Starfish Market.

The food is pretty expensive...it has to be boated in. The happy hour at Woody's is the best on the Island. We, also, ate at the Lime Inn (all you can eat shrimp). The rest of the time, we fixed food in the Condo. The food at the resort is very expensive. We had to eat there the first night and the tab was $70 fo 2 people. The breakfast buffet was about $20 per person. We had cereal, eggs and toast in our condo.

The beach at the Westin is man made. It's pretty but, not as pretty as the natural beaches.

Take and island tour and see the sites. It was good to be driven around the island first before venturing out on our own. Leinster beach has superb snorkeling. It is about a half a mile walk from where you park your car (take water) but, it was worth it. The current is a little strong. Trunk bay is very good , also.

Shopping is a lot different than ST Thomas. It is more leisurely and there are more artistic items to buy. Check out Mongoose Junction.

Thanks for your info! I assumed food would be pricey because of everything being ferried in and thought about bringing some items from home, including wine! This will be our first vacation in the timeshare family. We cashed in our first year points for Starpoints and spent a wonderful 3 weeks in Italy last September. We were on the go the entire time and are looking forward to some serious R & R as well as getting away from winter. Even though I am in California, it's been dreary and wet for a long time! Thanks again, and if anybody thinks of anything else, let me know!

Looks like we are coming in just after you - we traded our timeshare for a 3 bedroom there. We check in on April 3rd for week. Duffy's love shack is a fun place. We are renting a safari truck in Cruz Bay. Are you planning to go for the transfers offered by the Westin or going on your own via the ferry? Have fun! Babs

Also - check TUG for timeshare reviews if you haven't already. Great source of info on Westin St. John and many others... Babs

www.Tug2.net - you might need to register first

Food is expensive, but you don't need to bring wine from home, unless you are a connoisseur -- the Starfish market has plenty of wine starting at $10 a bottle. You will save a lot of money if you do your cocktails at your timeshare, before heading out to dinner. Most of the restaurants charge no less than $8 to $9 per glass of wine and more for mixed drinks.