Sitting in St Barths - what do you want to know?
 

I'm presently on the island and will be here til Feb. If you need any current info let me know.

Bill: Considering St.Barths for next vacation. What did you pay to fly/ferry there? Where are you staying? Interested in something small for two, quiet, beach. Thanks

Hey Bill, <BR> <BR>I will be there on the 20th. :) How is the weather?

Dear Bill, put your computer down and go have FUN!

Bill, <BR>Thanks for the offer. Will be in St. Barths in May. Want to stay on the beach in St. Jean. Trying to decide between Le Tom Beach Hotel, Filao Beach and Village St. Jean. Any thoughts/advice? <BR>

Bill, <BR>The storms of 99 did a number on the beaches with significant erosion at Colombier, Shell Beach and St Jean. I read that the government "reclaimed" the beaches with dredging. <BR>How are they now? <BR>Thanks

Rick, <BR>We've stayed at VSJ twice & the last 2 times we've stayed at Filao. While both places are very nice, we prefer Filao due to its beachfront location. All places you listed are very solid choices, doubt you could go wrong with any of them. <BR>Regarding St. Jean beach to the previous poster, it was fully restored in front of Filao this past Thanksgiving 2000, but the beach in front of Les Ilets near the airport was pretty thin.

Dear Bill- <BR>How many $20 salads have you eaten? <BR>Can you check out the Sereno Beach hotel for us? <BR>Get off your computer and enjoy your vacation! I am sure I'll have many more questions for you.

Bill, I will be there in February. What do you suggest I do about currency. Are there plenty or even a few ATM's dispensing francs? Or, should I just take US dollars? Are the US dollars accepted everywhere, like in St. Martin? Should I take traveler's checks? Please advise ASAP since I leave in 20 days. Thanks

Thanks Eric for the input on VSJ and Filao.

Jeff: <BR>There are a few ATM's but not many. At least one or two in Gustavia, and I think at least one in or right near the airport. <BR>Even though dollars are accepted everywhere, it doesn't make sense to use them - when you're paying cash for things, everything costs less when you pay with french francs. Bring some francs with you. Your best bet of all though is to charge on your credit card - that's how you'll get the best exchange rate. Also, if possible don't let your hotel give you your bill expressed in dollars - they will have already beaten you out of a good exchange rate - get it in francs.

Bill, on an island of this caliber, why can't you drink the tap water?!? Thanks!

Hi fellow St Barths lovers, <BR> <BR>The weather has been spectacular - almost like summer - hardly any wind to speak of. The planes (even commercial) have been landing by the sea aws often as by the mountains. The beaches have been restored quite nicely and the Island looks great. They have had a shortage of rain so there are some brown patches. There are several more ATM's on the island I think I've counted at least 5 or 6 so far. Always have some cash as some restaurants - not many - don't take credit cards. The upper road out of Gustavia still has not been repaired and it may be a while yet as it will be quite a project. Lost some old restaurants (Vincent Adams, Les Artistes) and gained some new places (Le Deck) with others just changing names (Patio = Le Tarrazo, Cote Jardin = Le Resto). They've still managed to keep oput the large Cruise ships (only 2 visit) and the total number is about 6 or 7. I am not to familiar with the hotels as to accomadations as we stay in a villa. I find this the best way to go its kind of home away from home. We charter a plane over which avoids the only hassle of getting here ie. SXM but I believe the Air rate is $70 - $80 USD return pp. You can drink the water here it comes from private cisterns and the local desalination plant , but as rain is scarce they ask you to conserve and suggest bottled water for drinking and cooking - its amazing how people conserve when they have to pay for something. (K.Diaz - The salads are now $25 but the plates are bigger!!! and Le Sereno - still my favorite place for lunch at Bou Bou's - is in great shape)

Bill, thanks for the reply. It helps. I have one more question related to money. What do they do for tipping there? Is it added on always by the restaurant? Already built in? Or, is it like the US where we add in what we feel is appropriate? Thanks.

Tips are "built in" to the final bill at restaurants. You may leave a little extra if the service was especially good.

Eric's right the "service charge" is included - the "pour boire" is at your discretion and literally means "for a drink" if you feel you were treated well. By the way for Rick - Village St Jean is not on the beach but overlooks it from up the hill across the road. Filao has undergone a lot of reno's over the last few years and the gardens are beautiful. There is a little more privacy at Filao than at Tom Beach.

Eric and Bill: Thanks for the info on tipping. One follow up question...what would you feel is right "if we were treated nicely"? Are you saying leave another $2 or $3 US dollars? Thanks.

Thanks for answering the water question, Bill! How is the water pressure in your shower, and how quickly does the temp change from hot to cold?!? Thanks!

Bill, I have read in another forum that jet skis are being used in St. Jean Bay, causing much noise, etc. Please tell me this is NOT true!

thinking of coming next week <BR>what do you think of the manapany cottages? are they close to any beaches and what are the in beaches and new restaurants? thanks for quck reply