I just returned from St.M/M and must agree more with Bennie than the defenders. The island is dirty, and crime is a dramatic problem. Porters and concierges, waiters & maitre'd's, all warned us about the crime. <BR> <BR>With so many great destinations to choose from, I wouldn't choose St. Martin nor will I return. <BR>

Samuel, since the island isn't dirty and crime is not a "dramatic" problem, it's pretty obvious that you WERE NOT there recently. <BR> <BR>Nice try, though.

Samuel: <BR> <BR>What do you mean by dirty? I've read many other posts claiming that the island is much cleaner than it has been. There is also an island-wide cleanup that began last week. How did the dirt impact you? <BR> <BR>Did you experience any crime? Where would you choose as an alternative?

Yikes, perhaps I offended the SXM Tourism Board, which obviously monitors this site. <BR> <BR>Did the "dirt" impact me? Not directly, I presume. When one describes the island as dirty, one is referring to the overall condition of the buildings and infrastructure, the junked cars, the stray animals, the unemployed loiterers, etc. Having been to numerous destinations in the area over the past 35 years, "dirty" is obviously a relative term. You decide if it's dirty. <BR> <BR>Regarding crime, I was not a victim, but my activities were seriously curtailed based on the uncomfortable perception and the warnings from residents. For example, several staffers at our hotel warned us against walking on the beach after dark. Never before have I been warned to avoid a moonlit stroll on a Carib island. It's sad, frankly. Again, you decide if crime is a problem and how or if it should change your vacation behavior. For my money, I'd rather not worry about it (beyond reasonable caution, of course).

I'm sorry, but I still don't understand what you mean? Infrastructure? St. Martin seems to be alot more well off than alot of other islands. The presence of American and French-owned businesses have created a lot of employment for the locals. Unemployed loiterers? Are you serious? I think you'll find them not only in the Caribbean but in many cities in the U.S. and the rest of the world as well. Junked cars? Personally, I don't recall seeing any junked cars, but since almost all visitors to St. Martin rent cars, I don't doubt that there are a few around. <BR> <BR>I'll say this once and I hope you can understand it -- I am NOT a member of ANY tourist board. I have visited St. Martin ONCE. I simply object to the proliferation of out and out LIES that people post on the internet, whether it be about St. Maarten, missing children, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Tommy Hilfiger or anything else. Having recently been there I KNOW your post is total nonsense. It's a pity you don't have something more contructive to do with your time.

Sorry Just There, but I'll side with Samuel and Bennie on this one. I have not been there and have no desire to. It's not worth the chance. There are way too many other places to visit. They're not the only ones who have spoken identical reviews of the place. Besides, what in the world would their motive be to bash an island that was actually really great? What possibly do they think they'll gain? All they're doing is warning us of potential downfalls and I'm gratefull for that. If it was only one or two people speaking badly of the place, I might disregard it. <BR> <BR>

Samuel and Traveller; <BR> <BR>You warn us of the fear of crime and give us advice to seek holiday elsewhere. Yet you do not offer alternatives of where you have been that is better. <BR> <BR>Could it be Aruba wherethe police just got issued bullet proof vests because of a bank robbery? <BR> <BR>Enlighten us!

Yes, enlighten us.

Are you daffy defenders the typical pro-Orient Beach, etc. NUDISTS with a clear-cut agenda?!? I think so!!!

Anon; <BR> <BR>So what's it to ya and what's your own clear-cut agenda? Troll?

So at last the truth is out -- you went to St. Martin, saw somebodys weenie and it freaked you out, so you ran to your computer and made up a bunch of nonsense to protect the rest of the world from this evil place. <BR> <BR>I feel sorry for you. You have some very deep seated problems.

Jeez this is the last time I check this ridiculous thread. <BR> <BR>Believe what you want to believe, and travel where you want to travel. Frankly, I don't give a damn. It's your choice and it's certainly your life.

<BR> <BR>Amen!! <BR> <BR>Just There: Firstly, he/she said nothing about being freaked out by a “weenie.” Secondly, I doubt it’s even the same person. <BR>

Traveler, what's your stake in all of this? Why are you so interested in this post since you admit you've never been to St. Martin and have no desire to go? <BR> <BR>

Honest to God, I have none. Just feel compelled to stick up for this person, I guess. Plus, I'm bored.

If you're bored, why not take a trip over to the U.S. site and answer the burning question of the day - Why Can't People Leave Their Monkeys At Home?

Hopefully, I can add my two cents without pissing anyone off. <BR> <BR>Personally, I liked St. Martin but not Sint Maarten. I thought Marigot had some nice restaurants and in fact one of the best I've ever been to. (That would be Mario's Bistro.) I also liked the hotel I stayed at, La Samanna. <BR> <BR>However, I can understand why some may not like the island. I thought the Dutch side was marginal and way to popular with the "goombas" from NY. (Before you complain and call me a racist, I'm 1/2 Sicilian.) <BR> <BR>I look at it this way, if someone doesn't enjoy an Island that I do, well that's better for me. Less demand can translate to cheaper hotels and less crowded airplanes. <BR> <BR>If you don't like St. Martin, don't go back. I'm sure there are plenty of places to go that you enjoy more. But, don't be offended or surprised if your view isn't universally held. <BR> <BR>

Well stated Phil. Except that these malicious rumors result in tourists not coming to the island and that's lost revenue for the island's inhabitants. But I'm with you, there's more room for those that love the place, if the winers go elsewhere. Also, I'm convinced that some of these people would complain, no matter where they go. I personally know a few people like this. They would complain even if they were staying with the Queen of England in the Royal Palace ...just my two cents.

Just got back. St. Martin was great, very classy on the French side. Great food. Nice people. Fabulous beaches. <BR> <BR>The Dutch side is very different though. Fast food, casinos. It's a bit cheesey. Reminded me a lot of Aruba. <BR> <BR>It's also a bit crowded. St. Martin doesn't need these people. They seem to be doing a bit too well.

Has anyone really noticed that this post originated 14 MONTHS ago?! <BR>