USVI-On-Line

Anyone have a timeshare on STJ? How does it work? Lets say you pay $25,000 for whatever week, what all does that include? Is it for as long as you want it, Until you sell your part?

We've owned at the WSJ for 10 years. You do pay an annual maintenance fee, which can increase substantially. When we first bought, our fees for a 3 bedroom pool villa were about $900.00, now they're about $2,000 plus a special assessment for the new roofs $1000/yr for 3 years.

You are guaranteed a week in your unit if you buy a fixed week, or a week in your season if you buy float. For a great explanation on how timesharing works, in particular Starwood which owns WSJ, go to TUG2.net and read the Starwood Bulletin Board. You will really get an education on the ins and outs of timesharing.

With that said, you can buy a unit resale for about a 50% savings. I would never buy from the Westin again, the mark up's just not worth it. Also, WSJ can trade to other timeshares, but it's usually a downgrade; you'll never find something comparable so it's not worth it to buy unless you plan on going every year.

If you have other questions, please feel free to email.

Lori

I'll add that you do OWN it and it is "deedable" property!

I have a couple timeshares but, unfortunately, not one for STJ. There are 2 major timeshare exchange companies, RCI & II. The Westin is an exchangeable timeshare through RCI. It may be through II too, but I don't know. Not all timeshare have the same features. I have one that runs every other year; forever, I have one that runs for 40 weeks and then it ends. You could essentially, if there were availability, use all 40 weeks in one year; or, spread over 10 years or one per year for 40 years. I have another that runs annually forever. With regard to ownership, some you take actual title to the unit (recording of a deed in the town or county land records) and some you have contracted weeks. Depending on how the transfer is accomplished, you may have to pay conveyance taxes upon the sale of the unit. This is something you should definitely ask about. Also, as far as I know, timeshares become a part of your estate upon your death, so I would also ask what paperwork is involved for that situation. Mainly, it's quite difficult to make arrangements for use or rental of your timeshare unless your name is actually on it. You may want to consider putting your adult child's name on the Deed or a spouse; meaning someone in addition to yourself if the process presents itself as difficult. I have actually sat through the Westin timeshare sales seminar. My recollection is that I concluded it would be cheaper to buy one from an individual who had one for sale. I would think that is even more true in this economy. Most importantly, getting an exchange for a STJ timeshare is nearly impossible. Even if it were your "home" resort, I think it would be quite difficult. With that said-point being, if you purchase a unit, make sure it is for the week that you want to be there. You will pay a little more for a week in a higher popularity timeframe (sometimes referred to as a "red" week), but it may be worth it. Meaning, should you not be able to go and need to rent the unit for your week, you should be able to get a higher rental fee. Given that it's STJ, this may not be a factor because it's popular for pretty much all the months, with a slight decline probably only during Aug, Sept & Oct?? In addition to paying for the unit, you also have annual maintenance dues, which also vary. I have one as lows as $550.00 and another that's nearly $800.00 annually. I think the Westin timeshares are closer to 900-$1,000.00 annually or perhaps even more for the newly constructed units. Also keep in mind, if major improvements are required, you could get hit with a capital improvement charge, in addition to your annual fees. In addition, there may be check-out charges that are not included in your annual fees. For example, at my timeshare in Aruba, when we depart, we are charged a water and energy sur-charge, to the tune of about $200.00 bucks for the week. What else? Obviously you get use of all the resort amenities. I believe this would not include spa treatments. It would include water toys and the gym, etc. With regard to the Westin, I would ask if it includes use of the Westin ferry. I know this was a bit of a rambling, but hopefully somewhere in there I've been able to answer a question or two. Ali~

not RCI.

The units are deeded, so you can pass it to your heirs much like any other deeded property.

The Westin Ferry is not included, but owners get a reduced rate (maybe $10 off).

If you own a fixed week, as long as you confirm your reservation 10 months ahead of time, it's your week. The newer Bay Vista units are a mix of fixed and float, with the Westin/SVO charging a 10% premium to fix the week. If you buy resale, it's important to buy a fixed week you can use, as it's almost impossible to trade within your own season, and impossible to trade outside.

Any other questions, feel free to email me.

Lori

Thank you all so much for the information.

We own a timeshare at another St. John property - Sunset Ridge Villas. They are substanitally less money, but not nearly as nice as the Westin (in my opinion). There are six units in total, each with 2 buildings - one includes the master bedroom and bathroom. The other includes the kitchen, living/dining room, upstairs loft bedroom and 1 1/2 baths. There is a courtyard with a small plunge pool in between the two buidlings. There is also a shared pool and deck area with nice views over St. Thomas.

The units had been in disrepair and are now under new management and have undergone lots of improvements. We own a week - it is a fixed week - and we also pay an annual maintenance fee which is about $1000.

Our unit is also deeded to us so will go to our heirs if we were to pass on....

Tracy - the Sunset Ridge properties seem to be very reasonable right now. I recently saw a week 25 (mid-July) listing for $4000 which seems like a great deal! I already know the view is fabulous! You did mention the need for renovations; I imagine this to be a property that would appeal more to frequent STJ visitors (i.e. junkies) like many of us What, in your opinion, are some of the other pros/cons of owning this property? As an owner, did you encounter any surprises? Color me curious...

I own a Westin timeshare in Scottsdale. I've never been back to Scottsdale since I bought it. I trade it every year with no problems. I've been to St. John twice, Bahamas three times, Las Vegas, and Mexico. I've used Interval International as an outside exchange as well as the Starwood network. I, even, cashed in a week for frequent flier miles.

A couple years ago, I bought a "VIP Introductory Package" from Wyndham and we got 8 nights in Hawaii and 7 nights in St. Thomas for about $2000... not bad. Both resorts were exceptional (the Elysian Beach in St. Thomas is right next to the Ritz.) It is a good way to see if timeshare programs are what you want. With Wyndham, you also are not tied to one place, it is a points system and you can go to any of their resorts. Tell them Sterling Wright sent you... (I'll get a referral.)

https://www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com/ffr/index.do

Ron in South Texas wrote:I own a Westin timeshare in Scottsdale. I've never been back to Scottsdale since I bought it. I trade it every year with no problems. I've been to St. John twice, Bahamas three times, Las Vegas, and Mexico. I've used Interval International as an outside exchange as well as the Starwood network. I, even, cashed in a week for frequent flier miles.

We just stayed at Westin Kierland Villas. It was very nice.

We own a timeshare on St. Thomas and have had it now for 10 years. If I knew then what I know now, I would have never bought it like I did. Others have stated this and they are right...buy from someone who wants to get rid of theirs for a FRACTION of the price! I have actually seen people sell their unit for either their maintenance fee or even $1.00!. Isn't that scarey!!! I can't say that I am sorry but I wish I had been more informed. My maintenance fees were supposed to be $300.00 and they are actually $650.00! What a rip off. And, yes, you do get an actual deed but don't leave it to someone in your will...that gets complicated. Make sure you deed it to someone else before you die. I plan to do just that. It is NOT an investment, please believe me. If you search out, you can just rent a place for the cost of someone's maintenance fee! Yes, please check timshare users group on the internet...it is a wealth of information.

DELETED

Loriannf wrote:We've owned at the WSJ for 10 years. You do pay an annual maintenance fee, which can increase substantially. When we first bought, our fees for a 3 bedroom pool villa were about $900.00, now they're about $2,000 plus a special assessment for the new roofs $1000/yr for 3 years.


Lori

Wow. 1000x52x3= $156,000... that must be some roof.

Steve S wrote:

Loriannf wrote:We've owned at the WSJ for 10 years. You do pay an annual maintenance fee, which can increase substantially. When we first bought, our fees for a 3 bedroom pool villa were about $900.00, now they're about $2,000 plus a special assessment for the new roofs $1000/yr for 3 years.


Lori

Wow. 1000x52x3= $156,000... that must be some roof.

That would only be from one unit, right? Wouldn't you also need to multiply times the number of units in the buildings getting the new roofs? making it a crazy ridiculous roof!!!