hummmmm. I pay my bucks because I want a pool even in the Caribbean and I head to the pool to enjoy my vacation and low and behold, I find a few or even a bunch of folks who aren't paying their frieght and using the facilities that I have paid for, whether it be beach lounges, pools, or whatever (even restricted beaches), and I am not a happy camper. Now, if the facility wants to charge a day fee, has an agreement with other facilities such as the cruisers or even give an okey dokey that is certainly one t'ing but otherwise you pay for what you get ... want a pool, pay for it rather than going the less expensive route and cheating to get into other's space! What do we teach our children???
Sorry, Ms. Timeshare, been to plenty of spots where the pool is NOT as you describe ... nothing fun about having all kinds of uproars, screaning and yelling, loud music and drunks hanging out while you try to r&r. You might be willing to foot the tab for the freeloaders who don't pay bucks to maintain the facility but I bet your Board may feel differently!

At the Buccaneer, we have people who are upset because we don't allow private wedding on our beaches. We have a wedding planner who works hard to make a Buccaneer wedding really special and our guests pay for that person's hard work. It amazes me that folks think they can just come on the property and use the beach for such an event at no cost.

They're rationalization is they aren't bothering anybody, and it doesn't cost us anything. They don't seem to realize that what we sell IS the view and the beaches along with the hotel rooms and the golf course, etc.

People need to chill out!!! While the title of this post may be misleading, I specifically said in my first post "...is it possible to pay to use one? " I have no problem paying for use of a facility. However, everyone just focused on the negative as most people do.

-Mike

p.s. If you say that you have never sneaked into a pool at some point in your life, youre lying!

>>>p.s. If you say that you have never sneaked into a pool at some point in your life, youre lying!

Have to disagree there. I have never snuck into a pool, nor have I ever had the desire to do so.

Golly, Mike

Chilling out might be good advice at this point. You've just called me a liar and blasted humanity in general for usually focusing on the negative.

I'm an almost 60 year-old white woman who lives on STX. I only work part-time so I have some week days free. I sometimes do go to a resort or condo beach and use their chaise lounges, even tho there are signs telling me not to do this. My secret is out. Let me hasten to add that I DON'T do this if there are many guests and few chairs, but I do occasionally cheat and use the chairs. If there is a charge for using the chairs, I gladly pay, but often there is just a blanket ban on their use. I also often by lunch. Looking the way I do, I have never been questioned.

I'm so ashamed!!

I'm not judging either way...I really couldn't care less if people sneak into pools or if they don't. I don't stay at hotels, so I'm pretty neutral on this issue...perhaps if I was a paying guest at a pool, I'd have another opinion...who knows?

The only thing I object to here is Mike saying that we're all lying if we say that we've never sneaked into a pool; the notion is simply absurd. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has never sneaked into a pool, or even thought of it for that matter.

I agree with Lex...Mike, take a chill pill. Making blanket statements and calling everyone and their mother a liar is not a good thing.

Way to blow a comment out of proportion, Lex.

Seriously, let's think this through: The Westin operates a "no gates" facility. They stick a security guard at a post as you enter the VILLA side of the resort, but not at the main hotel area. So immediately I'm thinking they don't want unauthorized access to the villas, but they don't care who heads to the main resort.

Next, they don't charge for parking. This is probably because they don't care who you are, they just want you to visit their resort and hopefully drop some cash along the way. Thus, they offer shopping, plenty of restaurants, a huge, open pool, and an adjacent beach. Coincidentally they have an open-air restaurant right between the pool and the beach, and a bar, as well. The smell of the food and the allure of the drinks will draw almost anyone. The tab for a lunch and beverage will probably be close to $15/person. Money made. Westin's plan has succeeded. They make you think they only allow hotel guests to use their pool, but actions speak louder than words...and there are no actions preventing anyone from using their facilities. So while you think that as a hotel guest you're paying for exclusivity, you're really not at The Westin. Rather, you're paying for convenience of the location, views, service (most of their staff are the nicest you will meet on the island), and again, convenience.

Ok, i'm done with this subject. I was just looking for a little friendly advice. Thanks for those who offered some. To everyone else, take a vacation and relax a bit.

-Mike

MIKE....well i have gone a couple of times (we usually stay at secret harbour and the pool is up the hill) next door to have lunch and drinks by the pool at the ritz carlton....they were GREAT about it and not only let us sit by the pool with a frozen drink after lunch but gave us towels!
it was a nice TREAT to break up the week....

just ignore the grumpy ones i always do! .....they NEED a vacation! lol HAPPY TIME TO ALL...AND HEY GUYS WHERE ARE YOU
ISLAND PAUL ...MARTY...MAX ......DALE ......SUSAN??? TIME FOR A GROUP TRIP!

Mike was the one who got grumpy when and called everyone liars. That is what frustrated Lex, and many others I assume.

Did you miss when Mike said:
"p.s. If you say that you have never sneaked into a pool at some point in your life, youre lying!"

When I was a kid 35 years ago pool hopping was a fantastic way to spend a hot summer night in southern NY. Once in a while someone would phone the police to report us, when the cops showed up the real fun would begin, especially if we were skinny dipping. In St. John, I prefer the sea; where I stay has a small pool, good for a night cap.