I work at the Westin and I've only been on the island for about 6 weeks, but here's my 2 cents:
1) Definately hit Chloe and Bernards at the Westin but you should also eat at other places.
2) You don't really need to rent a car. Since there are 7 of you, you wont be able to fit in one jeep. You might as well takes taxis or hitch rides (very common on island)
3) Paradiso, Asloare, Stone Terrace, Morgans Mango, and of course, Joe's BBQ (Across from Caps Place in Cruz Bay)
4) Don't miss sites: depends what you are interested in..Have fun. Maybe I'll see you at the Westin.

Pete

Hello Nadine,

I would definately say restaurant hop; quite a few good choices out there as Pete mentioned.

If you read the earlier post by Diane with the subject: St. John...Maho Bay..vacation review, you will get the feedback of someone who just returned from a St. John trip and just loved having a rental car so they could explore everything. No you won't all fit in a jeep....

You might make reservations for dinner the day before.

Don't miss; a few of the beaches, Cinnamon Trail or Annaberg Trail - both if that interest you; a day out on a sail boat or maybe rent a dingy or boat and beach hop; snorkeling...

--Islander

There is one way all seven could fit in one car. I believe it's Delbert's that rents small pickup trucks that are converted into mini-safari buses. You can easily fit 2 people up front and 5 in the bed on bench seats. I did this myself one year and had no problem toting up to 9 people up and down St. John's hills.

you didn't say how long you will be staying...if it's only for a few days you will probably do fine with taxi's. We did it for a full week using only taxi's, but it limits your ability to get around on your own schedule, to get to all the great out of the way places you might want to see, and might get pricey.

I like Richard's idea of renting the mini-safari - that would work great for a group of 7 and wouldn't be hard at all.

We've stayed at the Westin a couple of times...Surely eat there, but don't limit yourself...go off campus, you won't be sorry. I would add Lime Inn to Pete's list of recommendations. If you rent a vehicle and get to Coral Bay add Shipwreck Landing and Skinny Legs...

Don't miss sights?? The beaches, not the one at the Westin...which is okay, but can't compare to the beaches around the rest of the island - that's one of the reasons to have your own vehicle. Also be sure to snorkle, there are also some great trails if anyone in your group is a walker/hiker, try a day trip to the BVI's if you have time - either Jost Van Dyke or The Baths (Virgin Gorda) are worth it.

I just urge you to be sure to get out of the Westin - again nothing wrong with the Westin, but St. John is not the kind of place to lock yourself up in your resort like some other places.

Enjoy

Bob

Definitely rent a vehicle!!! The idea of the truck with the bench seats is perfect!! We just came back, and you MUST venture off the Westin Campus to do justice to that island. Add Fish Trap to that list of previous restaurants. Driving is fine as long as you realize roads are real curvy and steep, but to not see that island and only stay in the Cruz Bay area would not cut it!!! A stop at Skinny's and ship Wreck Landing out at Coral Bay is fun!!

I'm considering staying at the Westin for my honeymoon. Most of my questions seemed to have been answered with the previous letters. A car sounds like the way to go to explore the island and I definitely would like to make it to Virgin Gorda. I guess my question is about the Westin itself. Is this resort a good choice or should I look at a place on St. Thomas and commute over to St. John's for a day?

Brian

The Westin is a fine resort. Rooms are large and comfortable (Westins are home of the heavenly bed too), most have a nice view of the bay. The ancillary facilities are nice, health club, spa, they arrange activites such as snorkling trips, sunset sails, day trips to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, etc, right from thier own pier. Nice beach/poolside bar - we liked it for before dinner/sunset cocktails. Beach/pool are okay, but we prefer to go off campus to spend days at the other beaches on the island.

I've stayed on St Thomas and St John several - both are enjoyable. I prefer St John as it is more quiet and serene. If your interest is in a very active nite life you might find more happening on St Thomas.

JMHO

Bob

We are staying at the Westin by default (my conference is there) I have heard great things about it as well as some negative comments. I would like to visit Caneel bay at least once: is the beach open to non-hotel guests? How about the pool? Is Sunday brunch there a must-do? (and thanks everyone; we will be renting a car)