Bixa525

David, once again thank you for going out of your way and checking this place out for us. We actually have a place confirmed for availability in the Pelican Keys area. Do you know anything about this area? The owner states it is in a gated community. We do realize it is at least a half hour drive from Grand Case and Orient but we don't mind the driving. I guess we really don't know what we will get until we get there because all we have to go off of is the pictures they show us online. I just hope we get a clean villa with decent amenities and it's in a safe area. I sure hope this will fit the bill. If you know anything about this area please let me know. Also are there any decent car rentals that we can get from the airport? I did read on another post about that dollar rental scam so we don't want to go with them. It is kind of scary coming to a place where you have never been and not knowing anything about the place but at the same time there is something very exciting about exploring the unknown. Thanks for all your help and we will certainly check out the shopping on both the St. Martin side and the Anguilla side.

DavidSXM

Hi Bixa

I really can't say that I know anything much about Pelican Keys. I 'understand' that it is an OK area but, as you realize, it is well into the Dutch side of the island, and I have no personal knowledge of any of the properties there.

At least it is not in the high rise part of the Dutch side, but I think that the general area is fairly built up.

Sorry, but I can't be of much help on that one !

DavidSXM

Hi again Bixa

There is a large choice of car rental companies at the airport, but the one to avoid seems to be Dollar/Thrifty.

Both Avis and Hertz franchises are there, and there are many other local companies.

Never having rented myself, I only know what I hear, and I only hear anything if something goes wrong, and the visitor has a tale of woe - which is very infrequent.

EliteMarine

St. Martin/St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barth's - beautiful, all unique, all very close to one another.
I have never had my safety compromised - just don't let common sense go on a vacation too

EliteMarine

Pelican Key is great BTW!
I've had good luck with Hertz-although a bit pricier than others.

BellaClaire

I think the location is good! You can ferry over to other islands from right where you are....you are close to great restaurants...and go to the Piano bar (I think it's the Red Head Piano Bar) - it is a HOOT!

lovethesand

DavidSXM:

You are wonderful for providing all that valuable info! Thank you so much! (Sorry it has taken me so long to respond)
Anyway, I'm leaving in about a week and I hope I have everything in place.

I'm renting a phone through Sharon, Queen of St. Maarten - I'm guessing you've heard of her - everyone else seems to know of her! She's quite the talk of the island! She's over at the Royal Palm Beach Resort in Simpson Bay.

You don't happen to know if the grocery stores will be open on Easter Sunday?

DavidSXM

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are official public holidays on both sides of the island, so I very much doubt if anything much will be open.

You may find an odd Indian or Chinese run mini market open, but I think that you should assume that you may have to eat out for a couple of days !

Bixa525

Thanks eveyone for all of your help. We can't wait to vacation in St. Martin and also check out the beautiful beaches of Anguilla. I will post a trip report when we return after the 17th of June.

DavidSXM

Hi lovethesand

What a nice surprise to meet you yesterday. Don't forget to e-mail - particularly if you need assistance.

lovethesand

@DavidSXM:
Hi!! It was so nice meeting you too!! What a coincidence running into you at that bar! Anyway, I'm coming back!! Maybe we'll run into each other again - that would be too funny.