That is tough. But if there are just two of you, I'd stick with Sago, it's a great place! How much money difference are we talking??

I'd probably go for the cheap deal at the Westin---then spend part of the vacation regretting my decision. Some things are definitely worth paying for.

With the 75% off, how much is the difference in price between Sago and the Westin? If it were substantial I would probably stay at the Westin as you would be renting a car at either place and visiting the beaches (no price difference there) I would go into town at night to eat - toooo expensive at the Westin for what you can get in town so unless you want to cook at a villa probably no difference in price there either and maybe if the dollar amount saved is huge you could extend your stay 🙂 But having said that - the Westin (imo) is overpriced to begin with, so if you take off the discount and you are only saving a couple of hundred dollars, I would stay at Sago. Also what time of year - many times the Westin has a large number of children on property so again if you are not saving much again I would go with a villa.

Hope this helps.

Pia

My personal preference would be Sago Cottage, no question. I much prefer staying in houses over hotels - there are far too many other people around the Westin for me. I love the Coral Bay area far more than Cruz Bay/South Shore - Coral Bay feels much more remote, natural, calm, and relaxed and has a few great places to eat and get a drink...we don't feel the need to go to "busy" Cruz Bay when staying in Coral Bay. I believeSago Cottage is in the Calabash Boom area, which has the most amazing view (Coral Bay, East End, several BVIs, etc.)...much better than the view from the Westin IMO. If I remember correctly, Sago is one of the most reasonably priced villas...as others have said, even at the heavily discounted price, the Westin probably isn't much cheaper than Sago.

After doing the math, it's not that much cheaper to stay at the Westin (with discount) than Sago. I convinced hubby that having a kitchen is a savings also. We wouldn't have to eat every meal out.'

Thanks for all your input. We're staying with Sago!!! Yeah!!! 🙂

Yeh :).............. and when might this be ????

Pia

Eagle,
I think you made the right choice to stay with Sago. You can go to a 'hotel' anywhere.
I personally hate sharing my space with lots of people. So, I admit, I'm prejudiced.
Have a great time!!!!

..and even though our relatives and friends can offer us great discounts at Marriott and Starwood, we are not big hotel fans. We are B&B or cottage/cabin people. Just had to remind hubby of that. 🙂

ahhh... one thing... as an Westin TS owner - the TS (not hotel) part do have full kitchens and are loaded - and if you do some searching you can find good deals. Our place is a 2Bd (w/ king-size Heavenly beds, TVs), 3 full bathrooms (2 upstairs, 1 downstairs), A/C and fans up and downstairs, full kitchen w/ counter stools, 6 person dining area, LR w/ balcony overlooking great Cruz Bay, a medium size swimming pool w/ BBQs a few steps away (shared by the TS building and different than the resort pool - which is hugh) - and full use of the resort.

Also - Westin has torn down a big part of the Hotel and converted to new TS - meaning... that with renting - the TS units are going to become more available and perhaps opportunity to use StarPoints (at ~12K per nite) to rent.

Jen:
My boyfriend and I are going to St. John in November and are staying in the Sago Cottage - can't wait!

I too am looking forward to the more laid back casual side of the island with Coral Bay.

I was wondering if you could recommend good places to eat in that area. I've been to St. John once before and stayed near Cruz Bay so I'm not all that familiar with Coral Bay.

Thank you so much.
Jane

Jane:

cut from a trip report I posted in June 2007--this should help

Our favorite Coral Bay area dining spots—in no particular order--are Miss Lucy’s, Shipwreck, and Island Blues. For local cuisine, we love Julettia’s rotis at Sputniks (Wed. & Friday only) & Jewel’s Kitchen in an old bread truck. Jewel’s pates are the best! Jewel was only open 2 of the 12 days we were on island. There was also a guy selling food by Jewel’s some days. Look for where the local islanders are gathered about 11:00 buying their lunches and you can usually get some excellent West Indian food. We did try Sweet Plantains one evening. Many people rave about it—we did not care for the food. Skinny’s is still serving up burgers, but Jean has retired and they got rid of the ice cream freezer.

The “mall” in Coral Bay was under construction on our last trip. Lilly’s Gourmet Market has a good selection and we bought a few items from them. Love City is less expensive, but their selection isn’t as good. If you drive down the road past Love City Mini Market, about ½ mile down the gravel, you will find Coral Bay Garden Center on your left. Josephine grows fresh greens and sells them by the bag, including micro greens. She sometimes has home grown tomatoes. We bought several bags of fresh salad greens during our stay. Her greens are also sold in most of the grocery stores on STJ. She’s usually open Tue-Sun daytime hours. The mixed salad greens were fresh & delicious.

Liz

Hi Jane:

Sweet Plantains (delicious west indian food) and Island Blues (burgers, fish sandwiches, etc., on the water, music, very laid back, friendly people) were our favorites. Shipwreck Landing was also good. I think we are the only people who aren't crazy about Skinny's and Miss Lucy's - we must have hit them at a bad time.

We got most of our groceries in Cruz Bay at Starfish when we first got there, but were able to find everything we needed the rest of the week at Lily's. Next time I'd probably just get groceries at Lily's - they had everything we needed.

You'll see almost all of these places on the road as you're driving to Sago Cottage, with the except of Skinny's and Miss Lucy's I believe. You're going to have a wonderful time!

Jen

Jane - Our favorites eateries in the Coral Bay area are (in order of preference)
Aqua Bistro (great spot in Cocolobo Plaza......wonderful food every single meal we had);
Island Blues (across the street from Cocolobo, right on the water);
Miss Lucy's (don't miss the Sunday brunch....great Eggs Benedict);
Shipwreck Landing (lots of yummy stuff); Skinny Legs (great burgers and mahi mahi sandwiches).
We love the Coral Bay side and rarely go into Cruz Bay for meals but if you do, don't miss Cafe Roma (yummmmmy Italian) and Uncle Joe's Bar-B-Q.

Does Sago let you have "guests" stay over? (like me!)

If so, go with them!

Blu,
You know you're always invited! We just joined Costco today. Other forumers were correct. Great chicken, meats and fish. We'll be packin' in our softsided cooler.

So, Blu, if those barbeque spices are being smelled up your way, come on down for some home cookin' in a small cottage up on the hill over Coral Bay. Hot tub will be ready along with a porch swing!

See you in 2008~

Jane,
Will there be a trip report and pictures of Sago? I sure hope so. Please keep at least me posted of your experience. I can hardly wait to be there.