beanums

I cant decide between Grand Case Beach Club and Le Meridien. My only concerns about Grand Case are 1. small beach 2. the bedroom is not a separate room from the living room. <BR><BR>I've read more poz reviews about GC; heard Le Meridien has a rude staff and the place is 'very French' which to me is NOT a plus. How do the beaches compare at these 2 properties? Does Le Meridien have one bedroom units w. a sep. bedroom?(couldn't find this out even though Ive been on several websites).<BR><BR>One last que - is driving on the right or left on St. Martin? We prob wont be renting a car which means Le Meridien might be too 'isolated'. <BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheryl

I'd suggest GCBC...as we have stayed there 5 times now. It's a home away from home, with excellent service. <BR><BR>Le Meridien is a little isloated...but GCBC is perfect. The Beach is a nice small, but never crowded, and Orient Beach is a short drive away. <BR><BR>Driving on the island is the same as in North America...so no worries. <BR><BR>I've heard many negative things about Meridien...(from the location, to the rudeness), so just that alone, is reason not to stay there. <BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.<BR>

Tina

Hi there, we were at Le Meridien last month and had a very nice stay there.<BR><BR>We had a one bedroom room on the L'habitacion (sp?) side. Bathroom was separate from the bedroom. I've heard the Domain side is newer, but room configuration is unusual.<BR><BR>Everyone we dealt with there, from the front desk to bartenders to waitstaff to towel guy were very friendly, very accomodating and seems happy to help us. French and English are spoken at the resort...no problems at all for us English speaking travellers.<BR><BR>Beach is nice (not the best on SXM), a protected cove. Pools are lovely. Grounds beautiful, gorgeous lobby. Only negative is the resort seemed a wee bit worn around the edges.<BR><BR>Wherever you stay, I'd highly recommend renting a car. A taxi fare across the island once will cost about the same as a couple of days car rental. <BR><BR>I wouldn't have been happy without a car. There are a couple of restaurants at the Le Meridien complex, a few across the street at L'Hoste. You'll really enjoy exploring the island on your own. <BR><BR>We spent one afternoon and one evening in Grand Case. Lots of restaurants/bars, lots of fun. Highly recommend the Fish Pot and Talk of the Town lolo.<BR><BR>Wherever you decide to stay, have a happy trip!!<BR><BR>

Nancy

We stayed at Le Meridien on the Le Domaine side 5 years ago. We loved it. The staff was extremely friendly as well as the concierge. The beach was beautiful and very secluded. We had a suite which had a large bedroom with a soaking tub overlooking the veranda. There was also a large sitting room, a large bathroom, a separate room with just a shower and a sink and another separate room for the toilet. It is very European. Drivng is on the right and if you choose Le Meridien you will need a car. You will probably want one to visit other beaches and to vist Marigot and Phillipsburg.I would go back to Le Meridien in a heartbeat! By the way, the best meals we had was at La Veranda, which is on the property. Enjoy!

beanums

Thanks for the help. I just booked Grand Case. The isolation of Le Meridien plus the negative reviews (I havent read one negative review of GC and I've done a ton of research) were the deciding factors. Plus we'll have an ocean view at grandcase. At Merdian in order to have a full kitchen and fully separate bedroom, we'd have had to stay in the marina suites at L'Habitation which only face the marina. <BR><BR>Now that I know driving is on the right I'll rent a car at least for a couple days. I've heard the driving is still hairy though - any comments on this? Are the drivers there totally psycho?<BR><BR>

Statia

No, the driving there isn't all that bad. Give it a try. If I can do it, then surely anyone can.<BR><BR>You'll really enjoy the Grand Case area. I know we always have.<BR><BR>Have fun!

carib

hi!!<BR><BR>I have stayed at both resorts and I have to be honest they are both great for their own reasons. For what you are looking for it sounds like you made the right choice. However, please don't underestimate beautiful L'Habitation. It is hugely romantic and lovely. The fact that it is out of the way actually adds to it's charm in my opinion. But St. Martin is the island to rent a car. There is so much to see and do and so many restaurants and the driving is really not an issue at all. Plus don't forget to take the trips to Saba, St.Barths or Anguilla - overall you wont be disappointed. I fell asleep in a hammock at Grand Case for three hours just off the beach - all good!!