Sitting in St Barths - what do you want to know?
How is the weather?
Jan 10th, 2001, 11:40 AM
#7
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Rick,
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jan 11th, 2001, 05:52 AM
#9
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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
Jan 11th, 2001, 04:49 PM
#11
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Jeff:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jan 12th, 2001, 03:06 AM
#13
Guest
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Hi fellow St Barths lovers,
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)
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)
Jan 12th, 2001, 05:43 AM
#14
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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.
Jan 12th, 2001, 11:03 AM
#16
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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.
