USVI-On-Line

From reading their website I first read there was minimal damage from Otto but now it says the pool will be closed until 11/14 (it was previously supposed to open on 10/14). Unfortunately we will be there from 11/3-8 with our two kids. Now I know that St John is known for the beaches but it would be nice to have access to "the Carribean's largest pool" which is how they bill their pool. I did call and there will be some of the smaller pools open but its still disappointing. Can anyone give feedback if these pools are at least decent for the kids? Oh and the Kids Club will be closed too while we are there. On the bright side they are waiving their $40 a day resort fee.

Oh well I just wanted to vent a bit.

The whole Westin report is found here: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferre ... conditions

I am not sure what they mean by smaller pools, maybe the pools at the villas?
If you are staying in a pool villa, you should be all set, but if you are just in a room, I would question how you would be able to use them.

I only saw one pool at the Westin. And I find it hard to believe that it's the largest in the Caribbean. Bummer though that it will be closed if you had planned on using it. Really though, the water at the beaches is much nicer!

I too only know of one Westin pool, except for the
individual small pools that some of the villas have.

I agree with the post suggesting you ask The Westin for
specifics about the “other pools” they are telling you you can use.


I am so sorry their pool will be closed for your visit,
but just a few yards past the pool is their really nice,
soft sand, crystal clear water, beach. It's not as good
as having the beach and the pool, but the closed
pool should not be too much of a bummer for the kids.
Swimming, running, and playing in the waters at their beach is spectacular. -c

Hi Gores95,

Did you call about getting a full refund?? I have a friend that was booked for the Westin Starting Nov 6 & she was given a full refund.

It may not be ideal, but I am sure you could still find an awesome villa with your own pool.
Have you checked out Gallows, Grande Bay or Lavendar Hill??

While not a luxury place, Coconut Coast has nice Condo's with a small pool.

Just a thought.

The Shopper

FrankB links to a report on his site that the Westin also has severe beach erosion -

http://barnako.typepad.com/

Understand you're bummed about the pool, but in reality, we hardly use ours with kids in St. John. The beaches are beautiful, and the water is so calm with a shallow beach (!) entry that makes it really easy for even little toddlers to play in the water. Good beaches for little kids are maho (very broad shallow entry area) and francis. Actually all the beaches are great (although sometimes the north ones might have waves or swells), but maho and francis had very broad entry areas when we were there in May 09. Salt Pond and Lameshur were cool for all the sealife and pools with starfish etc. but the entry had more small rocks & shells than the other beaches.

Thanks for all he replies. I called and they will definitely give me a full refund whenever/if ever I decide to cancel. With airline fees $$$ I am not planning on cancelling. I know St John is known for beaches but with kids its nice to have a large resort pool, etc. to hang out at occassionally.

They also mentioned that the pools at the Virgin Grand part of the resort would be open for all guests to use. Not sure how large these pools are or where they are located but at least its an option.

I am going to look at other villas....your suggestions are appreciated and welcomed. We would obviously be looking for a pool and something that is very nice. Hoping to find one for under $300 a night if thats even possible at this late date. Two bedrooms or larger.

Thanks again.

I would check out the Grande Bay units in Cruz Bay on VRBO. I am guessing with just 2 weeks to go, you can get a great last minute deal

Here is a first hand review from another forum....

Pia

"We were scheduled to be there 17th-24th. Ended up banking with Interval International at the last minute. We are staying at Grande Bay Villas. Took a ride to the Westin yesterday. Pool is drained. We were previously told they would have to resurface the pool. I didn't ask for confirmation on that yesterday. The beach is open but there are two large boats washed up on the shore to the left. It looks a bit tattered but you don't stay at the Westin for the beach. The Beach restaurant is closed but appears to be in okay condition., Snorkels pool bar is closed. Tennis Courts look AWFUL. Lots of landscapers out and about trimming, raking etc. The hotel aparently was closed for renovations anyway. We drove up the hill where our unit is. It looked deserted but doesn't seem to have damage. We are glad we chose to stay at Grande Bay but know we will never get anything in exchange fromn II that is as nice as being on St. John."

Pia wrote:Here is a first hand review from another forum....

Pia

"We were scheduled to be there 17th-24th. Ended up banking with Interval International at the last minute. We are staying at Grande Bay Villas. Took a ride to the Westin yesterday. Pool is drained. We were previously told they would have to resurface the pool. I didn't ask for confirmation on that yesterday. The beach is open but there are two large boats washed up on the shore to the left. It looks a bit tattered but you don't stay at the Westin for the beach. The Beach restaurant is closed but appears to be in okay condition., Snorkels pool bar is closed. Tennis Courts look AWFUL. Lots of landscapers out and about trimming, raking etc. The hotel aparently was closed for renovations anyway. We drove up the hill where our unit is. It looked deserted but doesn't seem to have damage. We are glad we chose to stay at Grande Bay but know we will never get anything in exchange fromn II that is as nice as being on St. John."

Thanks for the info Pia! Do you think there is a chance to get a last minute villa rental for a reduced price? In other words I would hope property owners would rather rent the unit than have it sit empty? What have your experiences been in these last minute requests? Thanks!

Xislandgirl wrote:I would check out the Grande Bay units in Cruz Bay on VRBO. I am guessing with just 2 weeks to go, you can get a great last minute deal

Like I said, check out VRBO and pick up the phone. Have a dollar amount in mind and ask.

Xislandgirl wrote:

Xislandgirl wrote:I would check out the Grande Bay units in Cruz Bay on VRBO. I am guessing with just 2 weeks to go, you can get a great last minute deal

Like I said, check out VRBO and pick up the phone. Have a dollar amount in mind and ask.

I have been burning the midnight oil on VRBO and have many feelers out already. Funny because there is a 3BR unit on Grande Bay that is pretty reasonable. The property and unit look very new and nice but there seems to be a rather "sterile" feel to the property.

The other thing I am now wrestling with is whether to now stay on the Coral Bay side vs Grande Bay on the Cruz Bay side. With two small kids I am concerned about the Corabl Bay solitude being somewhat boring for them. The crazy thing is I cannot believe I am doing all this just three weeks or so to my trip....thanks Westin!!!!!

I think that no matter where you choose will be good. I think that Grande Bay with little ones would be a good pick only because you are within walking distance to so much.
It is crazy but you seem to be taking it pretty well. Nature is crazy and the Westin got hit hard this time.

You should have no problem getting a GREAT dealthis late and in low season. Sometimes I wish I had the nads to wait to book our villa 2 weeks before we go every year...lol