I am thinking of staying at the Wyndham Sapphire Beach Club. Does anyone know anything about this hotel? I have seen pictures of airplanes flying right about the beach when they are coming in for a landing. Is this the beach they fly over? I know nothing about St. Maarten, what is a nice are to stay at? Is there any transportation system, or will I need to rent a car? Any information anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I am looking at going in March. Thank you

I don't really know anything about the hotel, but it's not located at Maho beach where the planes land. It's not too far away, but not right on that beach.

There are taxis and public buses, but it's really advisable to rent a car in order to have more freedom, unless you plan to stay mostly at the resort. We always use Best Deal Car Rental and they've been great for years now. You can find them by googling.

I usually try to stay at Royal Palm in Simpson Bay, but there are really a lot of good hotels there. Maho is another I use which is nice, but it is located right there on the beach where the runway is. The aircraft are not really that bothersome though since the jets mostly come in over the course of a couple hours mid-day.

Good luck with your plans.

We just got back from a week at the new Radisson Resort and Marina in Grand Case - while it's "off the beaten track" and you have to drive up a big hill (and then down!) to get there, it is a quiet, lovely resort. The pool is the nicest I've ever seen and not crowded when we were there (though I wish it was heated, the rest of my family enjoyed it) and the beach is nice. We ate most of our meals at the resort or at a small complex across the street, but I gather most guests rent a car or take a cab to Grand Case, about 15 minutes away, where there is good dining. We ate there one night. If you are looking for a lively place, the Radisson is not it, but it is a great place to unwind and relax.

We stay there often as it is close to the Airport & right 'in town'. It is close to the beach but not right on it. It serves our purpose as it has several pools (including a couple for the kids) & is literally minutes away from SXM. If you are staying there for any length of time, it would not be the place to stay. There are many posts on here re: that topic or Barbara can help you. She is the resident SXM expert.

Thank you all for your help. I am not sure what I'm going to do yet. I was looking at the Wyndham because they are running a good deal and I want to keep the cost down, but I also want to be happy with where we are staying. I'll keep looking. Thanks again

Check out www.cheapcarbbeanweeks.com

I have been reading up on St. Maarten and am wondering if it is a safe place to visit? I am a little worried about the crime. Any input would help

I have never had an issue w/crime in the Caribbean & most is petty stuff like pick-pocketing & petty theft. Crimes of opportunity are the most frequent, violent crimes while perhaps increasing, are nothing to be alarmed about. The crime rates are likely much, much less, than where you reside.

Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I guess you just have to be aware and act accordingly.

Look on Trip Advisor at Wyndham Sapphire beach...the reviews are not great! Also check the Trip Advisor forums...crime is WAY up on St Martin..

I have changed my mind about the Wyndham Sapphire, and am now looking at the Marquis Hotel Resort and Spa, It is on the French side, anyone know anything about it?

Don't know about the hotel, but be aware that the French side is on the Euro, so it is more expensive- about twice the price for food. If I were you I'd get a hotel on the Dutch side, rent a car and explore. There are so many great beaches on both sides and driving is relatively easy. Go to Grand Case for a great French meal once, but every day can get pricey.

I can't talk about specific hotels but location wise, I like the East side of the island or the south side between but NOT including Great Bay and Maho.

Also, the Dutch side is a little more affluent and therefore safer, although both sides are fine. Grand Case can get a little sketchy at night, but it's not out of control.