I would like to hear from anyone who has travelled to St. Martin. Their experiences, favorite restaurants, etc. Did anyone stay at LeMeridien? Was it nice, comparable to a Hyatt or Marriott. Why is it I can not find a picture of it in any travel book or website?

I don't believe they have a WEB site of their own, but if you search for "Meridien l'Habitation" you should get a good number of hits.<BR><BR>We have never stayed there, but have visited the property once. It is in a nicely secluded cove on the island. The downside is that if you are looking for nightlife besides eating, you would have a bit of a drive.<BR><BR>You will need a car to get around. There are a number of beaches beside their own that are close by including Orient, Grand Case, Friars Bay and Happy Bay.<BR><BR>As for restaurants, you are within a 15 minute drive of more than you could ever get to in one trip in both Grand Case and French Cul-de-Sac including our 2 favorites; L'Alabama and Sol e Luna.

I spent a week on St. Martin/Maarten and will never return. I'm an avid and experienced Caribbean traveler, and while I enjoyed some aspects of the island, such as the bi-cultural experience, I was upset by the condition of the island. Abandoned cars and animals proliferate. Aggressive panhandlers are everywhere. Our resort manager warned us numerous times about the crime and walking at night. Because we love to walk on the beach at night, we were shocked and disappointed that this is not recommended due to crime! <BR><BR>Let's see, what's the PC way to say this? The non-clothed people really seem to enjoy Orient Beach, so if that's your thing, OB may be for you.

Sally Sally Sally, you really had me goin' there for a minute but in that last paragraph you let the cat out of the bag. You're just another one of those anti-nudie weirdos. <BR><BR>Wendy, unlike Sally, I have stayed at LeMeridien and it's secluded, safe and beautiful. It's midway between the restaurants in Grand Case (to the right) and the beach bars at Orient Beach (to the left). Abandoned cars and animals ARE NOT everywhere (Sally must be thinking of somewhere else, her front yard perhaps), and at LeMeridien it's safe to walk the beach at night. You'll be very happy with the choice.

Have been to St. Martin twice and both times stayed at Le Meridien, second time paid on business junket. Nice resort, definitely need car, great restaurants in Grand Case. Not a fan of St. Martin, am a well traveled Caribbean traveler and it is my least favorite island. Not very scenic, and alot of poverty. Hurricane several years ago did damage that can not be repaired. I could not compare this property to a Hyatt or Marriott.

lol. that was the greatest post ever on fodors!!! and it comes from someone who likes ST. MARTIN!!! what a surprise!

st. martin has large green luch mountains, and streets overlook the caribbean sea. But hey, you can listen to the "avid" caribbean traveller (from the St. barts tourist board).<BR>There is hardly any more hurricane damage, as the island has rebuilt!<BR>Least favorite island?<BR>Dont listen to this donkey.

wendy, i'm sorry t say that i don't have any information for you, except maybe that i think there is a web site for le meridian. i was at the mall when i saw it, but now i can't remember it. you may try meridien-lhabitation.org don't quote me on that. i was interested to see your question since my g/friend and i are going to that exact hotel next month. when are you going there? we will be watching your post.<BR><BR>jamie

meridian-lhabitation.org?<BR><BR>what are you, high?

St. Martin has lovely restaurants. As a precaution, due to the amount of ordinance whizzing through the air there, I recommend going to www.bulletproofme.com. Pick out Level III-A body armor, and get the "high heat" model since it is hot and humid there.

To i@ayayay,<BR><BR>I thought I saw them say "don't quote me on this"...If they were "high", we will call you...illiterate.

Here are the links you wanted<BR><BR>www.lemeridien-lhabitation.com<BR><BR>www.lemeridien-ledomaine.com<BR><BR>http://www.wiol.com/st-martin-st-maa...n/default.html