cinandkev

My boyfriend and I want to go to St. Martin for the first time toward the end of April. We like to walk the beach, but also want time just to relax. We may want some nightlife and good restaurants. We are torn where to stay. We do not always want to worry about driving in the evening. We've considered Orient Beach, but have also heard that Simpson Bay, etc. is nice if you want to walk to restaruants, etc. in the evening. We thought of staying at Simpson Bay area, and visiting Orient Bay or vice versa. We wouldn't mind renting a vehicle, but would also would like any information on taxi service, public transportation from veterans. We want to have a fun, safe, enjoyable trip without stress. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

DavidSXM

Be careful !

Orient Bay is on the FRENCH side of the island, and the Simpson Bay area which you have described is on the DUTCH side.

The two sides of the island are VERY different in many ways.

The Dutch side is far more (over)developed, and boasts high rises, casinos, KFC, Burger King etc. and lots of time share developments - plus a great nightlife - none of which you will find on the French side.

If you just want to walk the beach, relax, eat well, stay on the French side. If you want the glitz and the nightlife, stay on the Dutch side.

Either way, rent a car. Car rental is inexpensive, far more convenient (and in the long run cheaper) than using taxis, plus you will get much more out of your first visit if you can explore the island a bit - you won't get lost, it's only 37 square miles in all !!

Have fun.

cinandkev

Thanks so much. Do you have a recommendation for either side that has a pool as well as located on the beach? I've read a lot, but your advice is welcome.

DavidSXM

Barbara1

Perhaps you could provide input regarding the Dutch side, as I am not as familiar with the accomodations on your side of the island.

cinandkev

On the French side, the area for you to be is probably Orient Bay.

There are quite a number of hotels to pick from, however the most central, right on the beach, is the Alamanda, though there are several others in the same general location.

I suggest that you take a look at the following website which gives details of hotels on Orient Beach, and on the rest of the island : www.sxm-info.com, narrow down your choices,and post your thoughts. I will then be happy to comment on the various properties you have selected, and hopefully point you in the right direction.

cinandkev

On the French side, we are leaning toward Alamandra, Le Plantation Esmeralda and L'Hoste(if we went the lower end price route). On the Dutch side, The Royal Palm, Pelican or Flamingo seem to be the popular resorts and close to night life. Outside Simpson Bay, someone recommended the Diva Little Bay. If we would stay any time on the Dutch side, besides being on the water, we definitely would want to be close to night life (restaurtants, bars)...within walking distance or a very short ride from out resort/hotel. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks so much.

DavidSXM

Sorry, I can't help you much about the Dutch side, but the Alamanda and the Esmeralda are better bets than Le Plantation or L'Hoste.

The Alamanda is right on the beach and central to the 'hub' of Orient village, restaurants, and small shops etc. The Esmeralda is not quite so central, and largely not beach front, but there is a very good restaurant in the resort itself.

I have heard mixed reports regarding the level of maintenance of both properties, but it seems that it rather depends on which room or unit you get. Overall, the Alamanda is probably the better of the two - largely because of it's prime location and layout.

Le Plantation is a few minutes walk from the beach, and though L'Hoste is, arguably, beach side, I am told that the accomodations are pretty basic.

The choices you mention on the Dutch side are rather more like what you would expect in an American resort hotel, and they certainly don't have the same Caribbean 'charm' as the French properties do, however (apart from Divi Little Bay) they are close to the best nightlife on the island, and the best casinos.

cinandkev

I'm wondering if it is worth the money for the Alamandra since we will be out and about most of the time. We are defintiely leaving more toward the French. Do you know anything about the Cap Caraibes hotel on Orient? Once again, thanks for your help as we plan our trip.

Barbara1

wherever you stay, do rent a car. that is the best way to totally experience the entire island. and you should not miss either side.

DavidSXM

I don't know anyone who has stayed at the Hotel Cap Caraibes, however it is well located practically on the beach at Orient Bay.

I do have friends from Texas who have stayed in the adjacent Caribbean Princess condos - part of the same operation - and I was impressed by the unit which they had, a stones throw from the beach.

Take a look at the website.

Barbara is absolutely right - you definitely should rent a car. Car rental here is not that expensive and if, as you indicate, you want to be 'out and about' it is more or less essential to do so.

Taxis are not cheap, and a taxi between the airport and Orient Bay will cost you $30 (plus tip) each way anyway so, taking that fact into account makes rental an even better option.

sugarbaker

Villa belle mer at http://www.villabellemer.com is an excellent villa, just a 5 minute walk to orient beach and very private and secure. When we went, we walked everywhere in Orient Beach and restaurants, etc. great place!

DavidSXM

The property reccomended by sugarbaker IS beautiful, but if you are questioning the cost of accomodation at the Alamandra, I think that the Villa Belle Mer will almost certainly be outside your budget - and it will easily accomodate more than two persons.