New Westin

Old Oct 24th, 2006, 10:55 AM
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New Westin

Does anyone have any info regarding the new Westin that will open Dec 06? Is it in a good location? Is there anything around it like resturaunts, nightlife, etc? I hear that the Dutch side isn't as nice, safe? Is this correct? Again any all info would be very helpful!!
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Old Oct 24th, 2006, 01:38 PM
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The new Westin in St. maarten is having a "soft" openign for December. Certainly it all will not be completed and all services probably will not be avaialble.
Right now it is one huge construction site.
THe new Westin is located on Dawn beach,. a beauitful beach and in a very nice area with upscale residential homes.
The downside to the area is that it is somewhat isolated. To go to Philipsburg is only 20 miniutes actually but at night the road is dark.
To get to orient beach and the French side is also between 20-30 minutes. That area does not have much night life though.
If you are looking for night life, the hotel is pretty remote from the major night life area.

The Dutch side is nice and it is safe but we do have a lot of petty robberies.
breaking into cars etc..that type of thing. but the area where the hotel is is not a problem.
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Old Oct 24th, 2006, 02:00 PM
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That's a really pretty location. I didn't know the Westing was going in there. Should be an asset to the island.
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Old Oct 24th, 2006, 02:45 PM
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carrybean
do you remember the old Dawn Beach Hotel?
it was destroyed in a hurricane in 1995. well, that's where the Westin is going to be. you are right.. it is really a pretty area.
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Old Oct 24th, 2006, 05:57 PM
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I received a brochure not too long ago for the new Westin. It does look very nice. I would not stay there for a while though, hotels have a rough time at the beginning with staff turn-over and other issues. I would wait about a year.
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Old Oct 25th, 2006, 08:41 AM
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There have been various pictures of the construction on the web. The general impression is that the hotel will overwhelm the beach. Whether it will be nice or not, if anyone knows what Dawn Beach used to be like, the new version will bear no relation to it.
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Old Nov 4th, 2006, 03:50 AM
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I just returned from sxm and rented a villa on Dawn beach. We were between Oyster Bay Beach club and new Westin. The place is a huge mess. It looks like they are concentrating on the main building. Based upon what I saw and how everything moves in island time it will be tough going for Dec 06.
A few thoughts on SXM, Dawn beach area. If you are going to SXM to experience Island and European influence, this is a huge misnomer. The island is becoming more African influenced. There are some great restruants....the shopping is less than stellar (unless you want to buy jewelry and the myth about great prices is a myth!!!). Rum is cheap here because it is made here. Dawn beach is an OK beach. Atlantic side so a bit rougher and no really clear. Orient beach is prettier and 12 minute drive from DB area. Night life. Do not beleive that it rivals LV. The casinos are similar to riverboat quality at best. The best reason to go to SXM is the weather and the friendly people. We did a day trip to ST Barts. Much more European and a lot cleaner.
I will compare Bermuda (very European) Aruba (some dutch influence) cleaner than SXM, Then SXM and finally Antigua in levels of European influence.
If you are looking for something to do I would stay in the Maho/Simpson Bay area. Grand Case is a dump and run down araea. Orient bay is nice but beach front living is nil.There are many fun beach restraunts. Bay watch our favorite.
Driving on SXM is a pain due to trafiic. There are no lights, or stop signs. People let you in but also cut you off.
Activities we did were the 12 meter sail boat ride. It was fun to watch a world class boat be operetated. Most participate with operation. We also did the pub crawl on the Celine. You board a catamarran with cocktails go Peg leg pub for nice appetizers (5min sail) then back to a boat club (3 min sail) for a drink and apps then a 2 min sail for a drink and apps. Cost $65/pp worth it for food and drinks. But if you are under impression that you sail around Simpson bay....not happenin.
I apologize for misspells and ramble..just back on 3 hrs sleep and 9 hrs travel.
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Old Nov 6th, 2006, 08:46 AM
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amrdia - when you say Africanized, did you mean Americanized? The Dutch side is certainly very Americanized. The French side is somewhat less so. I totally disagree with your description of Grand Case.
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Old Nov 19th, 2006, 08:38 AM
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I am also planning a trip for February 2007, we were considering the Westin, but it sounds like maybe not. I would love to hear from a frequent visitor, a place to stay that is fairly quiet and nice..any thoughts.
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Old Nov 19th, 2006, 02:43 PM
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I am not sure why my previous reply to amrdia was not posted or was deleted.
I take exception to some of what he/she says.
some of the facts are not all accurate and I take exception to innacuracies. Opinions may vary but the facts should be legit.
for instance, rum is not cheap because it is made on the island. it is cheap because there are no import taxes.
I also diagree with his/her assessment of Grand case. the main street of Grand Case is lined with gourmet french restaurants and is far from being a dump.
and I can only assume that amrdia means the island is Americanized not Africanized.
That is certianly true of the Dutch side but I think the French side has quite an European flair to it.
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Old Nov 21st, 2006, 10:13 AM
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I did not find it difficult at all to drive in St Maarten/Martin. Have to be a bit aggressive and a lot courteous and you will be fine. We loved this place. The people are wonderful and among the friendliest we have ever encountered. We liked it so well we plan to seek out property if possible....
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