Hi! We've owned at WSJ for about seven years (week 17 3 bed) and just this last April also bought another week (week 18, 3 bed). We absolutely love it. We purchased both of our units from the developer; the first because we didn't know any better, and the second because we had spent a couple of years looking for a resale week adjacent to our own without any luck. My advice is as follows: By the biggest unit in the highest season you can. WSJ, although it is now expanding, has a limited number of units; despite what you will hear from sales people, it's almost impossible to get a week there other than in your own season - you can try to get a "higher" season, but that can't be done more than 8 months out and you are competing with every Starwood owner in the SVO system who also wants St John.

WSJ is also now marketing "Bay Side Villas". These are converted hotel buildings on the grounds of the main resort. The big problem here is that the 3 bedrooms, unlike the "Garden Villas/ original units", don't have private pools, nor are they as big. I also don't think the view of the Bay is that impressive from these units. I stayed in one of those buildings the very first time I went to WSJ, when they were still hotel rooms, and frankly didn't notice the view. Now that might have been because St John has so many more natural views which are outstanding, but those are my two cents.

For a discussion of purchasing from the developer versus resale, you should join, or at least read, the TUG.net bulletin boards. This is a timeshare owners' forum with a wealth of information on the entire system. See in particular the "Hotel-based System" bulletin board - that's where most of the Starwood people hang out. There's also a "Sticky" at the top of the page which is a great summarization of the SVO system.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you may have if you would like to privately email me.

Good luck,

Lori

My wife and I purchased a studio two years ago. We love STJ and the Westin is the way to go for us. We bought week 49 to avoid the rains in November. We really loved our unit- only was able to use it for the first time last year and we took my parents with us so we had to sleep on the hide a bed. Still worked out great. Resale is cheaper than buying from the Sales team but they can explain lots more info than most resale people can. The sales team does offer incentives at times (we received approx. 70K points toward stays or whatever we want to use them for). Of course, that was figured in the profits blah blah blah. You know the routine. We are unable to keep our unit and will be selling it off if you are interested. We considered just floating our week this year but we are in new homes sales here in the midwest and you know what? There aren't a whole lot of homes selling right now!! We probably won't be able to use our week next year either!!

that is very interesting Lori, about the new timeshares at the Westin. thanks for the info. I woul dlike to read more on that web site that you mentioned. Can you give me that address?

The website is TUG.net

Lori

Correction, my bad TUG2.net

Lori

Thank you all!!! We're actually considering a one-bedroom resale. Another option too that we're considering is to purchase 2 bedrooms at the Sheraton Broadway Plantation in Myrtle Beach (SC) since it's a place we'll be able to drive to (7-8 hrs) thus save money on airfare and car rental. Then possibly trade it for St. John every other year. through the SVO network. Do you guys think we'll have a problem trading it for STJ?

Your chances of trading for St John, unless it's a studio in the off-season (not summer) are pretty low using StarOptions. Again, go over to TUG2.net and read the Hotel-based bulletin board - there's so much info there on SVO. Do a quick search for Westin St John and read how many people have been trying to trade in there using StarOptions for years without luck. It pretty much comes down to "If you want to go there, buy there.".

Myrtle Beach is ok, but not a mandatory SVN location. Educate yourself on Mandatory/nonMandatory SVO properties, also, before you buy.

Just my opinion, of course.

Lori

Thanks, Lori. I went to tug2.net and found a wealth of information 🙂

Having worked in the timeshare industry here for 7 years, and knowing all of the ins and outs regarding the industry as a whole, before I bought another timeshare (which I DO own), I would seriously look at Leisure Path (no longer being sold...and I own a membership in it as well) and TCI (I am not of member of this one). IMHO, TCI and Leisure Path both blow timeshare away. With timeshare, you only get the time that you buy (one week, two weeks, etc., whether fixed or floating time, the amount of time is the same). With TCI or LP, you can use all 52 weeks each year. This coming week, for example, I can use my LP membership to stay at the Westin in a studio unit for $199 for the week, or $289 for a one bedroom for the week, or in the hotel units for $399/week. NO maintenance fees to the resort. NO initial purchase at any resort. But I can stay anywhere! TUG is a great website for timeshare info, but a little research on your part might net you something that might suit your needs more effectively. Any questions, feel free to PM me. My computer is still down, so I may not reply quickly, but I WILL reply. Probably another 2 weeks before I'm bac k up and running with my computer....