Hi! Has anyone stayed at the Caravanserai Beach Resort on St. Maarten? (I think it's on the Dutch side at the entrance to Beacon Hill Road). Please confirm if it is on the Dutch side.<BR><BR>Is it a decent place to stay? I am going there later this week with three friends and after reading posts to this board, I am worried. <BR><BR>Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

Yes, this hotel is on the Dutch side just a few minutes from the airport, actually right alongside the runway. It looks OK but I have never stayed there; we prefer to stay on the French side. There is a beach at the end of the runway; people get their kicks as the planes come in for landing. There's also a bar/restaurant (I think called The Sunset Bar) which is supposed to be popular for light meals and drinks. There's a casino also on the hotel property. We've been going to SXM for more than 20 years; any other questions?

What is the name of the beach this hotel is on? ANy idea what the general age of the hotel guests are? We are all in our late 20s.<BR><BR>Do you think the 4 of us should rent a car &amp; drive to the French side or take other transportation? <BR><BR>Do we need to bring an electircal outlet converter to the island? I wasn't sure if they use AMerican outlets or European outlets.<BR>

Jax,<BR><BR>The name of the beach is Maho Bay, directly in front of the end of the runway on the Dutch side. It can be a rather interesting place to hang out.<BR><BR>I haven't been to that hotel, but I've been to Sunset Beach Bar, which consists of a wide range of ages. However, it can be a kind of wild and fun place, and I think your age group would fit in just fine.<BR><BR>I'd say definitely rent a car while in SXM (I always use Best Deal Car Rental). Public transport is difficult and it pays to have your own way around. The French side is quite nice and what a lot of people prefer. So, yes, go check it out. There are numerous things to see and do on the whole island, so having a car is best.<BR><BR>As far as I remember, you do not need a converter on the Dutch side, only the French side.<BR><BR>Good luck and have fun!<BR>

Caravansari is a great place and location, it is in the same complex as the Dolphin Casino, and Bamboo Bernies, right outside the gate is the Sunset Beach Bar, which is a fun place, and can get very rowdy at night, some nights they have live bands, then about a 5 minute walk you have the Maho Beach resort complex, which is where the Casino Royale, Cheris, and a bunh of shops and more restaurants are. You will enjoy the location. Definately get a car, the beaches on the French side are nice, but I prefer the area you are in, and make sure you check out Mullet Bay Beach, about a 5 mintue drive, though you could walk it, but the walk back would not be nice if you were sitting in the sun all day!!!

jaxx<BR>if you are in your 20's, you will love caravanserai<BR>it's in the middle of all the action<BR>It is very pretty..has a casino, clubs, and bars right on the premises( Dolphin Casino,Bamboo bernie's,Bliss NightClub..all with live music.)Sunset Beach bar,right next door, is a swinging palce..they have live music some nights too. Caravanserai also is within wlaking distance to the Maho Hotel which is another area that has a lot of night life (Cheri's,Q Club). the whole area is swarming with young people especialy on weekends.<BR>the hotel rooms are not right on the beach, I do not think, but are ocean front. the maho beach is to the side of the hotel. it is a cute little beach where you can sit and have the incoming planes roar over your head.<BR>Be sure to rent a car so you can go<BR>around to all the other beaches as well as visit some of the fabulous restaurants on the island<BR>Dutch side does not need converters.

Yes, the Dutch side has the same voltage as North America so you don't need converters. On the French side the voltage is 220 and you need a different plug (converter). Rent a car and drive around the island; the steep hills by Dawn Beach are amazing and you can go up Pic Paradise, the highest point on the island. We rent from Budget and always get a good rate; they're right by the airport as is Best Deal. Check out Orient Beach; one half is clothing optional, the other is the usual French topless. The topless side has all kinds of beach bars and restaurants and you can rent beach chairs for about $5 The &quot;lolos&quot; in Gand Case are great for a meal of ribs, chicken, salads and johnny cake; my favourite is Talk of the Town. My husband and I leave Sat for our 2nd trip this year; hope you enjoy your stay.