The Westin St. John Resort Villas St.John, U.S.V.I. » FAQ's

Air transportation to the islands?

You will find that many major U.S. cities have direct flights to the Cyril East King International Airport in St. Thomas, or you can fly into the San Juan airport in Puerto Rico and then take a quick flight to St. Thomas.

Transportation from the airport to the Westin?

You may choose to travel to the Resort via the public taxi and ferry services, or take advantage of The Westin's private transfer service, the Westin Breeze. The Westin staff at the St. Thomas airport will greet you, assist with luggage and transport you to the Westin ferry where you can also have lunch if time allows. Westin's private ferry will pick you up and bring you to The Westin's private dock on St. John. Round trip transfer fees are $120 per adult. Transfer fees for all children aged 4-12 are $90 per child. Children under the age of three travel free. Charge includes round trip transfers to airport, tips and luggage handling and also includes unlimited shopping trips to St Thomas Crown Bay Marina. Flight information is required in advance, and can be e-mailed to 01098.guestrelations@westin.com. You will receive your ferry pass when you arrive at the airport. Prices are subject to change without notice. The trip from the airport to the Resort takes approximately one hour and a half. The taxi and ferry run on a set schedule coordinated around primary flight times.

How do we get to St. John from the airport?

As you disembark the plane, you will have to retrieve your luggage from the belt. Then you will proceed to the Westin lounge, which is beyond the baggage claim. They will check you in, tag your luggage, provide you with ground transportation to the ferry and then the ferry will bring you straight to the dock at the Westin. You can also contact the Westin's lounge (340) 776-0016.

Do we need to rent a car?

The Resort is so close to town, it is not necessary to rent a vehicle for your entire stay. However, it is definitely worth it for a day or two to explore the rest of our beautiful island. Vehicles may be rented through the Concierge or you can refer to our car rental list (click on link) and reserve one ahead of time.

Do we need passports?

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

What should we bring?

Pack lightly! Many guests find that they bring too much clothing and unneeded personal items with them. St. John is a very relaxed atmosphere and not much is needed to enjoy your vacation. Beach attire and beach shoes, flip-flops, a hat for shade and plenty of sunscreen are priority. All dining, except for a few restaurants, is very informal. Shorts, collared shirt, and sandals are fine, or you will feel comfortable in "Island Fancy" wear. You will mainly wear shorts and a T-shirt. You may also wish to bring the right shoes for hiking the trails in the National Park. No need to pack a hair dryer, iron, or beach towels, as they are provided in each room. Beach necessities (water, ice, sunscreen, beverages) are abundantly for sale around the island. We recommend that you include essential items in a carry-on bag such as medication and one night's worth of clothing (and your bathing suit!) just in case your luggage is delayed.

How close is the Resort to town and can I walk?

The Westin Resort is a 5 minute cab ride or a 12 minute walk. You can walk though be aware that our island is very hilly so bring your sneakers!

Why is the hotel's contact number at the top of the page?

The hotel contact number is listed for contacting the hotel in regards to special request such as concierge service, maid service, and ferry transfers or to add additional amenities to your room such as cribs and high chairs.

Where do guests pick up keys?

Guests arriving via the Westin ferry will be greeted with their keys upon arrival. Guest that take the public ferry will check in at the front desk in the main lobby in order to retrieve their keys.

Are the pools close to the Villas: Common or shared pool, private pool?

The hillside villas which are the studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms have shared pools. The three bedroom villas have their own private pool. There is also one common pool that includes a section for young children as well.

Does the Resort have babysitting services?

Private, in-villa babysitting is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. Please allow a minimum of 24-hour advanced notice for all babysitting requests. To arrange appointments, please call The Westin Kids Club® through the main number 340-693-8000.

Does the Resort have cribs and highchairs?

Yes! If you are traveling with children, the Westin is happy to provide you with cribs and highchairs upon request. Car seats are also available through Service Express. Call 340-693-8000 and ask to be connected.

Is there Internet access in the rooms?

There is high-speed internet access in all of the rooms which is free of cost. For those that do not have a laptop, there is free internet access in the main lobby.

What is the pet policy?

The Westin is proud to be a Pet Friendly Resort.

What is the smoking policy on the Resort?

Smoking is prohibited in the guest rooms The resort is smoke-free in conjunction with Virgin Island Smoke Free Act effective February 2011. There is one smoking area, within the law's regulations, for guests. Please use only this location as an area to smoke (note: the beach is considered a smoke free area).

Is the water safe to drink at the Resort?

Yes, the Westin has a desalination plant on property, so they make our own water that is safe to drink.

Is there daily maid service?

Maid service for Villas is once per week.

Is there free room shuttle to the main hotel?

Yes, there is free shuttle from the villas to the main hotel that runs from 7am – 11pm daily.

What is in the kitchen upon arrival?

There is nothing in the kitchen upon arrival unless you pre-order grocery on the Westin's website which is www.westinresortstjohn.com. Once the website comes up, click on arriving guest info, then villa grocery order which will be located to the bottom of the page.

Where can you shop for food?

There is a deli, which is located on property. There are also three grocery stores that are close by which are Pine Peace market, Starfish market and Dolphin supermarket.

Do you follow the same policies at the Westin when it comes to booking/cancellations?

Since we are not affiliated with the Westin we have a different set of policies. Please see our rates pages for booking and cancellation details.

What does the Friday, Saturday and Sunday arrival mean?

All villas have a pre-determined change over day of one of the 3 above.

What your guidelines are re: Travel Dates: you prefer Friday, Saturday or Sunday?

Customer can request but we do not guarantee Friday, Saturday or Sunday arrival dates.

Is room service available 24 hours a day?

Room service is available 24 hours a day with a limited menu after midnight.

Does the Resort have a beach?

Yes.

How safe is St John?

St. John is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Given its small population, it is ideal. We always recommend using common sense when leaving articles on the beach or in your car, but overall, St. John is a very friendly and gracious island.

How far away is the National Park and its famous beaches?

The Virgin Islands National Park makes up over two-thirds of St. John. The North Shore beaches start just outside of town, or a 10-minute drive from the Resort. If you prefer to walk, it will take you about thirty minutes. But remember; bring water and plenty of energy, as St. John is very hilly!

What about water activities?

There are several choices available for water activities. We are happy to book any excursions for you, just please call our office and we will help you find fun activities to suit your needs.

Are there any island customs we should know about?

Our local islanders are very friendly and gracious people. One of their most coveted customs is to say, "Good (Morning, Afternoon, Evening), how are you?" before starting a conversation, and ending an answered question with "Thank you."

Do you use US dollars?

Yes.