i would stay at the westin for sure if it was me... you might also want to look into getting over to jost van dyke for new years... it was voted top 5 places to be in the world on new years and you will be a stones throw away

If you do decide to go to STJ, keep in mind that the beach at the Westin isn't that great...you'll definitely want to venture out to other beaches, and the only easy way to do that is by renting a car.

It depends on what you are looking for. If you simply want to relax, soak in the sun and enjoy beautiful beaches, I'd stay on St. John without a doubt. But, if you need night life and things like that to keep you busy, you'd be better off on St. Thomas. I'd second TeresaRae's comment about the Westin's beach. If you do stay there, don't waste much time at the hotel beach...venture out and see the north shore beaches.
No see ums are around pretty much all the time, but seem to be worse after it's rained. Avoid hanging out on the beach at dusk, as that's when they are the worst. During the day, you shouldn't have any problems with them. They are simply tiny bugs that you can barely see, hence the name, and they bite, which I would describe as an annoyance. I don't have many problems with them, but they love to eat up my fiance, so I guess it all depends on how much they like you. There is a huge thread on this bored regarding no see ums, so check it out for more info.
Have fun!

We were just in STT and STJ. We stayed at the Westin (which we loved) for 2 nights and did check out the Marriott. The Marriott is HUGE with lots of stairs-to the beach area. It all depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. St John has some fabulous beaches and great snorkeling, it is more quiet and laid back. It is a place that we would return to in a heartbeat. St Thomas is where we spent most of our time and while we enjoyed it, it is very congested (especially when there are cruise ships in town). IMHO, I think the STJ beaches are much prettier. If you want to shop, stay in St John and take the ferry to Charlotte Amalie for the day. I would vote for St John.

Good luck with your decision.

Thank you for your help.

Not that I dont love children, but does anyone recall if either the Marriott on St. Thomas or Westin on St. John's was packed with kids during the new years holiday weekend?

Thanks again for your input!

Wasn't there for new year but stopped in for xmas didn't seem over run then. we were staying at Allesandra and I would walk the grounds every morning

Don't know about the holiday weekend in general, but kids are usually a fixture at the Westin, especially at the pool.