Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
Hi everyone,
My family and I are going to St. Johns in October and I need some advice. We are staying at the Westin ( which I heard bad reviews) so we are trying to debate if we should rent a car and take it over to St. Johns or take the Westin's ferry. We would like to rent a car but we don't get in until 3:30pm and to my understanding that last car barge leaves at 6:30. Do you think that will be enough time? My mother is also handicapped, does anyone know how handicapped accessible it is?
It is St. JOHN not JOHNS!
Yes, you should have enough time. Just verify that you can tak the car to ST. JOHN!
billd
First, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time staying at the Westin and I wouldn't pay too much attention to a few negative reviews. As far as the rental car is concerned, you certainly have sufficient time to rent on St Thomas and take the barge over to St John (if you check the schedule above right under "Quick Links" you'll see that the last ferry is at 7PM) but do remember that most of the rental car companies on STT require that you rent a 4WD vehicle if your destination is St John. Most people seem to prefer a Jeep but I'd opt for a more comfortable SUV in light of your mother's handicap as the Jeeps are VERY uncomfortable! Dependable, Discount and Amalie all receive very good reviews.
If you opt to rent on St John instead of St Thomas, the Westin ferry is a more expensive way to go than the public passenger ferry but it certainly makes things easier and, depending on the extent of your mother's handicap, it may be the best way for you to go. As soon as you get to the airport and claim your baggage you're whisked off to the private ferry which is just a few minutes away and then you're on your way all the way to the Westin where your luggage will appear in your room. No driving across island, no taxis at either end, no loading or unloading, no hassle at all, Also, if you want to take a look around St Thomas during your visit, I believe the Westin ferry price includes that as well, of course, as your return trip.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy a great visit. Cheers!
I would definitely take the Westin Ferry..............................hands down the best choice not knowing the extent of your mom's disability. Once you make the reservation you won't be "nervous" anymore. My family and I have stayed at the Westin twice and loved it!
The Westin is great, don't worry. There are a few things to weigh regarding the rental car. As billd stated above, make sure the rental company allows vehicles over on St. John. It can be a little cheaper to rent on St Thomas vs. St. John and one of the nice things is to be able to stop at Cost U Less on the way to the Red Hook Ferry and buy food and beverages to save some additional $. If this is too much in & out of the car and mucking around for your mother, it may be best to arrange for the Westin Ferry. It's convenient and less hassle. When renting your car on St. John, some of the companies in Cruz Bay (Conrad Sutton for instance) allow renters to park in their lot while you're downtown, which is nice given that parking is tight. Have a great trip
