diann24

My husband and I are going to SXM in July. We are staying at Divi resorts. We are timeshare owners in Aruba. I am sensing this will be quite a different experience then Aruba. Does anyone have any recent experiences they can share pertaining to car rentals? We were going to go with Avis or Budget? Also any great restaurants you would suggest. Thanks.

joanthephone

There are serious issues with crime on both sides of this island. It has one of the highest rates of violent crime (per capita) in the world. The homicide rate last year was roughly 32 per 100,000. By comparison my hometown, no stranger to crime, Toronto's rate last year was less than 2 per 100,000. I solemnly swear these are true statistics which can be readily verified. My husband & I stayed there about 8 years ago and we were car jacked as we exited our rental car, right there in middle of the hotel parking lot at 9:30 at night. It was an unspeakably violent ordeal, lasting many hours, as we were abducted and removed from the premises. I have followed crime on the island ever since and I've observed little improvement. Believe me, this is no friendly island. There are certainly many better places in this world in which to spend your hard earned vacation savings.

genio67

I can't answer about the car rental and I have not been to the island in a couple of years, however, Sol e Luna was one of my favorite restaurants and the village of Grand Case is filled with wonderful restaurants. I am more familiar with the French side than the Dutch side. This is not the best forum for St. Maarten/St. Martin. I would suggest checking out "Travel Talk Online". There is a St. Maarten forum and you can get so much info there

diann24

Yes I have been there. You are so correct. People there have been going for 28 years and have no problems. I am sorry for those who have had problems and I am hoping through others and my own diligence we will have a safe trip. (although on TTOL they are speaking about purse snatchers.) It is not advised to put it on the floor of a restaurant. I have one that is from a travel store, pac-safe it attaches to your chair. They would have to take me and the chair to get it most say do not bring one with you anyplace you do.

thedoctor

I am just trying to spread some island love and share a great find in terms of eating. If you want some good, local food (crepes, guadeloupian food) there is a great food truck in the French side of St. Martin that just opened up. It's near Grand Case past the Go-Kart place and near some basketball courts. He opens up generally around 6 pm in time for dinner. Food is delicious and also VERY affordable. I would say you can eat well for less than 10$ (those Bokits are HUGE!). Also, the truck is very clean, which is hard to come by from any food truck on that island - so beware otherwise! I've certainly had my share of food poisoning unfortunately. You can find more information on his website if interested in going- the place is called Shab's Snack - www.shabssnack.com Very nice guy as well. Great find! Enjoy.