St. Maarten - where to stay
Jan 12th, 2005, 01:07 PM
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St. Maarten - where to stay
We wanted to stay at Royal Islander La Plage or La Terrasse(Maho Beach) but can't get 2 bedroom for week. Wanted that area cause we are 2 families traveling with older kids (ages 20-23)and they wanted entertainment in Maho (clubs, bars) and not have to worry about driving. Want place with 2 bedroom/kitchen. Is Royal Palm Beach Club on Simpson Bay far from Maho? Too far to walk? Drive? Are there clubs near Royal Palm Beach also. How about Caravanserai? Help
Jan 12th, 2005, 01:24 PM
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If I'm not mistaken, Caravanserai is right near Royal Islander and Maho (walking distance) and also has a good deal of nightlife nearby. I believe Bliss restaurant and nightclub is on the property or very nearby.
Royal Palm is definitely not walking distance from the Maho area, but there are a few restaurants and bars near that resort. No nightclubs in walking distance, however. It is also located on a busier road than the Maho area resorts, so therefore a little more difficult to walk the area.
Royal Palm is definitely not walking distance from the Maho area, but there are a few restaurants and bars near that resort. No nightclubs in walking distance, however. It is also located on a busier road than the Maho area resorts, so therefore a little more difficult to walk the area.
Jan 13th, 2005, 10:00 AM
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Statia
if our girls (in their 20's) have to take a taxi from club at maho or other area back to hotel, is it safe? We're not staying on french side due to nightlife (not for us, but kids). we don't want to be 30-40 minutes away. I thought staying on dutch side, all would be close- but I keep hearing conflicting things.
if our girls (in their 20's) have to take a taxi from club at maho or other area back to hotel, is it safe? We're not staying on french side due to nightlife (not for us, but kids). we don't want to be 30-40 minutes away. I thought staying on dutch side, all would be close- but I keep hearing conflicting things.
Jan 13th, 2005, 11:46 AM
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ntringali, you are correct that there is more nightlife on the Dutch side, as far as nightclubs and casinos. Personally, I don't advise people to go to the nightclubs over there because I've heard too many stories about things getting out of hand late at night, but I do have a few younger friends that go to Bliss regularly and have never had a problem. It's really a personal call, so I don't want to insinuate that you not allow your kids to go out partying, but I would be careful where they went if it were my own child.
My suggestion to you would be to look into staying at Caravanserai so that you are right there by Bamboo Bernies, Sunset Beach Bar and Bliss. There is also Cheri's Cafe, shops and other things do do within walking distance of that resort.
Taxi's are perfectly safe at night, but it's honestly the other idiots on the road that you have to worry about. If you stay at Caravanserai (very near Maho), then you have lots of night time activies within walking distance. At least that would be my suggestion.
Check out lilipad's recent trip report on staying there (see below link). She could give you detailed info about the resort if you respond on her trip report thread.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34551965
I'm headed to SXM on Tuesday and plan to stay within close distance to the things we want to do at night. I've been going to SXM for nearly 12 years since I live nearby and although the island is safe, you still have to be as careful as you would be in any large city. I personally now prefer to stick closer to home and not be on the road too far from the room late at night. I just see too many accidents and things in the paper every day. I don't mean to frighten you in the least as SXM can be very safe and lots of fun, but you do have to be careful and watch out for yourself.
Let me know if you have any other concerns or questions and I'll do my best to answer. There are also a couple of other posters here that live on SXM or visit regularly.
My suggestion to you would be to look into staying at Caravanserai so that you are right there by Bamboo Bernies, Sunset Beach Bar and Bliss. There is also Cheri's Cafe, shops and other things do do within walking distance of that resort.
Taxi's are perfectly safe at night, but it's honestly the other idiots on the road that you have to worry about. If you stay at Caravanserai (very near Maho), then you have lots of night time activies within walking distance. At least that would be my suggestion.
Check out lilipad's recent trip report on staying there (see below link). She could give you detailed info about the resort if you respond on her trip report thread.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34551965
I'm headed to SXM on Tuesday and plan to stay within close distance to the things we want to do at night. I've been going to SXM for nearly 12 years since I live nearby and although the island is safe, you still have to be as careful as you would be in any large city. I personally now prefer to stick closer to home and not be on the road too far from the room late at night. I just see too many accidents and things in the paper every day. I don't mean to frighten you in the least as SXM can be very safe and lots of fun, but you do have to be careful and watch out for yourself.
Let me know if you have any other concerns or questions and I'll do my best to answer. There are also a couple of other posters here that live on SXM or visit regularly.
Oct 11th, 2006, 06:17 AM
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Caravanserai Hotel has just received a permit from the government to expand their property so construction may be statrted there soon. As it is now, some buildings on the property have already been torn down. There are several places such as Bliss still operating however.
The French side has a nude beach...Orient.. on other beaches, you will see a lot of topless. Officially nudity is not allowed on the Dutch side.
Caravanserai Hotel has just received a permit from the government to expand their property so construction may be statrted there soon. As it is now, some buildings on the property have already been torn down. There are several places such as Bliss still operating however.
The French side has a nude beach...Orient.. on other beaches, you will see a lot of topless. Officially nudity is not allowed on the Dutch side.
