David/Bella who do recommend for a car rental?

And David why do you recommend the French side of the island for lodging?

I've rented with Thrifty 3 times...and personally did not have a problem...but I can't sugest them because of the issues too many other people have had with them.

David can answer this.
I think the French side deals with Euro currency, the Dutch side does not. So any currency conversion will be at a different value for lodging, shopping, dining, etc.

Wyo1bowhunter

The answer to your question regarding WHY I recommend the French side is partly because I live there so I am prejudiced !

However the main reasons are : I don't like high rises, I don't use timeshare, I don' eat Burger King or KFC, I don't often go to a casino, and I don't use licenced brothels !

NONE of those 'attractions' can be found on the French side, but all the decent nightlife is on the Durch side of the island.

We tend to go across the border into 'Holland' for basic supermarket shopping as it is cheaper to pay in dollars - which also answers the question above.

The currency on the French side is the Euro, but US dollars are accepted everywhere, though usually an exchange rate is applied.

There are certain establishments where, at certain times of year they offer one 1 dollar = 1 Euro, so it's always worth asking, but accomodation is usually quoted in Euros.

DavidSXM--
A year or so ago I read your comments on safety on St. Martin, and you seemed very knowledgeable and very convincing. Perhaps you can answer this question for me: we are five adults who are renting a villa on Mont Choisy, above Happy Bay. If you were staying there, would you feel comfortable leaving windows open, etc., when sleeping? We can't stand air conditioning, but will put up with it if we have to! Also, Happy Bay beach: okay in the evening, or stay away?
Thanks!

Hi again detroitdan

Somehow the above printed while I was in mid-flight !

continuing .....

arrive in the Caribbean sun and have a few pina coladas, they throw caution to the winds, and do not exercise 'normal common sense'. That is when many of the reported problems occur.

Happy Bay is beautiful, but my advice is to stay away from ANY beach after dark.

Please don't let any of the above comments spoil your enjoyment of your visit. I think that you will get used to the aircon pretty quickly, and anyway will find it provides a more agreable temperature to sleep in, than you would achieve by leaving the windows open.

Have a great trip.

Hi again detroitdan

This is crazy !

The first part of my response to your questions 'appeared' to have printed without my submitting, but obviously didn't !

This is the 'prequel !

It is inadvisible to leave windows in a villa open at night, or when the property is unoccupied during the day.

Ask yourself, would you do this at home ? Don't forget that you are in an unfamiliar environment whenever you travel abroad, and you should always take extra precautions - whether here or anywhere else.

when many visitors........ continue reading above !