Where do I stay in St. Marteen???
Jul 4th, 2010, 11:20 PM
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Where do I stay in St. Marteen???
My grilfriend and I are vacationing to St. Martin/St.Marteen this mid-August. This is going to be our FIRST time on the Island, not to mention the Caribeaan. We are still not sure where to stay?! I have been researching and I am almost sold on the Westin on the St. Marteen side. Here is our search criteria:
1.Nice beach, where I can go to the Hotel's beach and "get away from it all."
2. Somewhat of a lively atmosphere. Young to mid age professionals (we do like to party and enjoy being in the company of like minded people)
3. Not even sure if this last point exists; but, a hotel/resort with the best swim up bar and or beach bar! ??
I understand location is not that big of a deal? I have been advised to rent a car and the island for the most part is easily accessible? Are DUI's a big thing to look out for? Should I take a cab everytime instead?
We plan to go out alot and explore and def be a part of the dinning and the nightlife, we are in our early 30's professional types just looking to unwind and have a great time like everyone else.
Thank you all for reading and I do very much look forward to hearing the feedback. Any other pointers about anything regarding this trip I am ALL ears...please.
Happy 4th of July!
1.Nice beach, where I can go to the Hotel's beach and "get away from it all."
2. Somewhat of a lively atmosphere. Young to mid age professionals (we do like to party and enjoy being in the company of like minded people)
3. Not even sure if this last point exists; but, a hotel/resort with the best swim up bar and or beach bar! ??
I understand location is not that big of a deal? I have been advised to rent a car and the island for the most part is easily accessible? Are DUI's a big thing to look out for? Should I take a cab everytime instead?
We plan to go out alot and explore and def be a part of the dinning and the nightlife, we are in our early 30's professional types just looking to unwind and have a great time like everyone else.
Thank you all for reading and I do very much look forward to hearing the feedback. Any other pointers about anything regarding this trip I am ALL ears...please.
Happy 4th of July!
Jul 5th, 2010, 04:31 AM
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St. Maarten or St.Martin is a fun Caribbean getaway. The Dutch side has a vibrant night life and great restaurants. The French side is also nice quaint and a quiter than the dutch. Great duty free shopping all around.
Not sure about hotels with swim up bar, I haven't stayed at the Westin but it has good reviews. Wyndam Sapphire is also another nice hotel, it's not on the beach but it has incredibly close sea views and is very close to nightlife, restaurants, spas etc. No where is far so it is also easy to rent a car and drive around the island. Higly recommend renting a car and doing so online you'll save a lot as taxi fare can be expensive and even more so for tourists. Plus most car rentals give you cheaper online rates. Then when you go to organise the care rental keep an eye out for a coupon island booklet, filled with great deals for restaurants, shopping and tours.
On the French side you'll love orient beach. The historic ruins and the nature.
Hope this helps
Not sure about hotels with swim up bar, I haven't stayed at the Westin but it has good reviews. Wyndam Sapphire is also another nice hotel, it's not on the beach but it has incredibly close sea views and is very close to nightlife, restaurants, spas etc. No where is far so it is also easy to rent a car and drive around the island. Higly recommend renting a car and doing so online you'll save a lot as taxi fare can be expensive and even more so for tourists. Plus most car rentals give you cheaper online rates. Then when you go to organise the care rental keep an eye out for a coupon island booklet, filled with great deals for restaurants, shopping and tours.
On the French side you'll love orient beach. The historic ruins and the nature.
Hope this helps
Jul 5th, 2010, 05:29 AM
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@bdshotsauce. I have read the same about the expensive cab fare. I'll just have to play that one by ear day to day. I have read only 1 con about the Westin and that is it's location, being that its so far off the beaten path. However in exchange for that, you have your own beautiful beach. In my mind, it's worth the trade off, can't have it all right! 
I am going to check out the Wyndam Sapphire. I keep hearing loads about Orient bay, so I'll def. plan a day there. Thanks for the response. If anything else jogs your mind, I am a sponge for info regarding this trip!
I am going to check out the Wyndam Sapphire. I keep hearing loads about Orient bay, so I'll def. plan a day there. Thanks for the response. If anything else jogs your mind, I am a sponge for info regarding this trip!
Jul 5th, 2010, 02:25 PM
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"I understand location is not that big of a deal? I have been advised to rent a car and the island for the most part is easily accessible? Are DUI's a big thing to look out for? Should I take a cab everytime instead?"
Honestly please re read what you wrote-- "Are DUI's a big thing?
Well they are only a big thing if you kill someone. Or yourself.
You would probably be better off in an all inclusive in Mexico. Many swim up bars and the atmosphere that would be better for you and your girlfriend.
Honestly please re read what you wrote-- "Are DUI's a big thing?
Well they are only a big thing if you kill someone. Or yourself.
You would probably be better off in an all inclusive in Mexico. Many swim up bars and the atmosphere that would be better for you and your girlfriend.
Jul 5th, 2010, 02:37 PM
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The Westin is just about as far as you can be on the island from any sort of nightlife or beaches - apart from the one in front of the very ugly hotel. The inside of the place is OK, but the exterior is reminiscent of a badly designed barracks or penitentiary !
If you want the nightlife, I suggest that you stay in the Maho area of St Maarten on the Dutch side of the island. That side of the island is however very Americanized, with 12 casinos, KFC, Burger King and masses of timeshare highrises. Having said that - if you want the 'action', that is where you should be, and there are some good restaurants.
The French side is completely different. You will not find ANY of the above mentioned 'attractions' there, and it has a more relaxed atmosphere, superb restaurants - French style - particularly in Grand Case (acknowledged to be the 'culinary capital of the Caribbean', and of course famed Orient Beach.
Be careful driving - particularly at night - if you have been indulging at all heavily on the excellent drinks here. They are fairly reasonably priced, considering that they are 'free poured' and much larger than those you are probably used to at home.
There are already plenty of accidents involving boozed up tourists driving rental cars - which are a neccessity if you want to get anywhere in the island without taking a taxi.
It would be a shame to spend the remaining part of your holiday in hospital because you wanted to save the cab fare there and back (leaving your rental safely parked where you are staying) when you knew that you were likely to finish the evening rather less than sober.
Don't forget that the ENTIRE island is duty free, but water is expensive. If you live here, it is almost cheaper to flush the toilet with vodka or gin, but that would be such a waste !
Have fun.
If you want the nightlife, I suggest that you stay in the Maho area of St Maarten on the Dutch side of the island. That side of the island is however very Americanized, with 12 casinos, KFC, Burger King and masses of timeshare highrises. Having said that - if you want the 'action', that is where you should be, and there are some good restaurants.
The French side is completely different. You will not find ANY of the above mentioned 'attractions' there, and it has a more relaxed atmosphere, superb restaurants - French style - particularly in Grand Case (acknowledged to be the 'culinary capital of the Caribbean', and of course famed Orient Beach.
Be careful driving - particularly at night - if you have been indulging at all heavily on the excellent drinks here. They are fairly reasonably priced, considering that they are 'free poured' and much larger than those you are probably used to at home.
There are already plenty of accidents involving boozed up tourists driving rental cars - which are a neccessity if you want to get anywhere in the island without taking a taxi.
It would be a shame to spend the remaining part of your holiday in hospital because you wanted to save the cab fare there and back (leaving your rental safely parked where you are staying) when you knew that you were likely to finish the evening rather less than sober.
Don't forget that the ENTIRE island is duty free, but water is expensive. If you live here, it is almost cheaper to flush the toilet with vodka or gin, but that would be such a waste !
Have fun.
Jul 5th, 2010, 11:37 PM
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@DavidSXM,
One of the reasons I choose SXM is because of the vibrant flare of activity. We are dinning connoisseurs' and this of course was another draw for us.
Regarding places to stay, I am going to look into the Maho area as you suggested,. Aside what I am looking for, what would be some of your personal suggestions?
As far as transportation goes. I have NO problem with setting aside a budget for cab fare. I was just not sure how things worked down there on the island, and thanks for clearing that up.
Other than enjoying the cosomopolitan jazz, we also love to explore, and that is everything and anything, art, food, nature, sports, water activity, partying, HISTORY, local culture, of course the girl likes to shop. I'm sure I can find a peice of evertyhing on this Island.
I have read some of your other threads on this site, and you seem like a very credible source. SO, I am completely open to any and every peice of advice your willing to share.
Thanks for your time, and I do look forward to hearing from you again.
One of the reasons I choose SXM is because of the vibrant flare of activity. We are dinning connoisseurs' and this of course was another draw for us.
Regarding places to stay, I am going to look into the Maho area as you suggested,. Aside what I am looking for, what would be some of your personal suggestions?
As far as transportation goes. I have NO problem with setting aside a budget for cab fare. I was just not sure how things worked down there on the island, and thanks for clearing that up.
Other than enjoying the cosomopolitan jazz, we also love to explore, and that is everything and anything, art, food, nature, sports, water activity, partying, HISTORY, local culture, of course the girl likes to shop
. I'm sure I can find a peice of evertyhing on this Island.I have read some of your other threads on this site, and you seem like a very credible source. SO, I am completely open to any and every peice of advice your willing to share.
Thanks for your time, and I do look forward to hearing from you again.
Jul 6th, 2010, 04:06 AM
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Well I live on the island (though I am in Connecticut right now !) so I know my way around reasonably well, however I do live on the French side, and don't know the other side anything as well - largely because I am not fond of the 'attractions' mentioned in my previous text, nor do I frequent the licenced brothels there !
As I said before, the island nightlife is almost exclusively on the Dutch side, but to be on absolutely top of all that, you have to put up with the high rises etc. and far less relaxed atmosphere.
Art, nature, and water activity are more abundant on the French side. There is history on both sides, the shopping is - arguably - better on Front Street in Philipsburg (the Dutch capital) but Marigot (the French capital) also has a wide variety of excellent shops ranging from medium price to high end boutiques.
If your emphasis is on partying / nightlife rather than the nice beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, and you are prepared to accept a more American than Caribbean feel - then, as I said, try Maho, but if the other aspects are your priority, then you should stay on the Freench side of the island, and take cabs each evening to where the 'action'is. Just don't drink (to excess) and drive.
The whole island is only 37 square miles, so nowhere is far away, and though some of the roads aren't great, it's almost impossible to get lost.
There are some good restaurants on the Dutch side - mainly in the casino area of Maho, but the restaurants in Grand Case (on the French side) are renowned throughout the Caribbean for their cuisine, and there are plenty of other excellent eating options elsewhere on this side.
I am sure that you are now thoroughly confused !
As I said before, the island nightlife is almost exclusively on the Dutch side, but to be on absolutely top of all that, you have to put up with the high rises etc. and far less relaxed atmosphere.
Art, nature, and water activity are more abundant on the French side. There is history on both sides, the shopping is - arguably - better on Front Street in Philipsburg (the Dutch capital) but Marigot (the French capital) also has a wide variety of excellent shops ranging from medium price to high end boutiques.
If your emphasis is on partying / nightlife rather than the nice beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, and you are prepared to accept a more American than Caribbean feel - then, as I said, try Maho, but if the other aspects are your priority, then you should stay on the Freench side of the island, and take cabs each evening to where the 'action'is. Just don't drink (to excess) and drive.
The whole island is only 37 square miles, so nowhere is far away, and though some of the roads aren't great, it's almost impossible to get lost.
There are some good restaurants on the Dutch side - mainly in the casino area of Maho, but the restaurants in Grand Case (on the French side) are renowned throughout the Caribbean for their cuisine, and there are plenty of other excellent eating options elsewhere on this side.
I am sure that you are now thoroughly confused !
Jul 6th, 2010, 04:28 AM
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@DavidSXM, I actually am not confused at all. You are narrowing my field of search and painting a pretty good picture for me here. In the end the best way to find out is to actually do it yourself
I think you have nailed it for me -stay on the French side, and go take a cab by night to go play.-
Although, I hear quite a few places close up in August?
I think you have nailed it for me -stay on the French side, and go take a cab by night to go play.-
Although, I hear quite a few places close up in August?
Jul 6th, 2010, 06:21 AM
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Frankly, that is exactly what I would do - but I do admit to being somewhat predjudiced !
There are quite a number of good hotels on the French side, but do be a bit careful, as I get the impression that some of lesser ones create their own star ratings !
August IS bang in the middle of the hurricane season - but you get plenty of warning, and September is accepted to be the 'big' hurricane month. Most of the hotels usually close up for part of the 'off season' but not all at the same time, so you still should be able to find something OK - and at reduced rates.
La Samana might be ideal for you (if it is open and suits your budget) as, though it is on the French side, it is very close to Maho. It is one of the best hotels on the island (owned by Orient Express - and consequently not cheap) but a perfect location for the nightlife just across the border.
There are quite a number of good hotels on the French side, but do be a bit careful, as I get the impression that some of lesser ones create their own star ratings !
August IS bang in the middle of the hurricane season - but you get plenty of warning, and September is accepted to be the 'big' hurricane month. Most of the hotels usually close up for part of the 'off season' but not all at the same time, so you still should be able to find something OK - and at reduced rates.
La Samana might be ideal for you (if it is open and suits your budget) as, though it is on the French side, it is very close to Maho. It is one of the best hotels on the island (owned by Orient Express - and consequently not cheap) but a perfect location for the nightlife just across the border.
Jul 6th, 2010, 11:25 AM
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@DavidSXM, You have sold me on the French side. Orient beach seems to be the place. Now, it's just a matter of where were going to stay. I'm going to research it more tonight, and hopefully have a decision made within the next day.
I will be there for two weeks. If you have any other suggestions with that in mind?
Thanks again
I will be there for two weeks. If you have any other suggestions with that in mind?
Thanks again
Jul 6th, 2010, 01:11 PM
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Hi. Orient Beach is - arguably - the best beach on the island, and there is a range of beach bar / restaurants all along it. Some will be closed for vacation, but there will still be plenty of choice. My 'local pub' is Bikini Beach (closed September and October) where I am a regular with my dog Tiki ! The food there is above normal beach bar standard, and the bartenders are excellent !
There is a pleasant little - very French - village square around which are a number of restaurants, there are also a few shops and a convenience store opposite.
Most people seem to head for the Alamanda Hotel (absolutely central) the Esmarelda Resort (which has an excellent restaurant) or La Plantation Hotel (not exactly on the beach) but you might try the Caribbean Princess. The apartments there are nice and spacious, and it is pretty much right on the beach.
Good hunting - I think you have made a wise decision ! If I can be of further help let me know.
There is a pleasant little - very French - village square around which are a number of restaurants, there are also a few shops and a convenience store opposite.
Most people seem to head for the Alamanda Hotel (absolutely central) the Esmarelda Resort (which has an excellent restaurant) or La Plantation Hotel (not exactly on the beach) but you might try the Caribbean Princess. The apartments there are nice and spacious, and it is pretty much right on the beach.
Good hunting - I think you have made a wise decision ! If I can be of further help let me know.
Jul 7th, 2010, 10:05 PM
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@DavidSXM,
Alright buddy, after, all the researching, and debating my girlfriend and I have finally come up with a decision. The winner is --Princess Heights--
Yes I know, it's not on the St.Martin side, and it still seems to be a ways from centralized activity. BUT- everything factored together (room, flight, rental car) We scored one hell of a deal. One that I could not turn down. Plus I've heard nothing but great things about Princess Heights. The rooms look beautiful with alot of privacy. Plus with all the money we saved, that simply goes to more fun out and about on the Island and the surrounding areas.
You've been a great help, and by far my best resource so far. My girlfriend and I would like to return the thanks at any pub of your choosing if your ok with that.
I appreciate your time, and I can not wait for SXM!
Alright buddy, after, all the researching, and debating my girlfriend and I have finally come up with a decision. The winner is --Princess Heights--
Yes I know, it's not on the St.Martin side, and it still seems to be a ways from centralized activity. BUT- everything factored together (room, flight, rental car) We scored one hell of a deal. One that I could not turn down. Plus I've heard nothing but great things about Princess Heights. The rooms look beautiful with alot of privacy. Plus with all the money we saved, that simply goes to more fun out and about on the Island and the surrounding areas.
You've been a great help, and by far my best resource so far. My girlfriend and I would like to return the thanks at any pub of your choosing if your ok with that.
I appreciate your time, and I can not wait for SXM!
Jul 8th, 2010, 09:40 AM
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not to mess you up - but I've spent many weeks annually on SXM - another place to stay is Simpson Beach in a condo - Simpson Beach is wonderful - a short walk down the beach is a very cool beach bar - Karacter - it's close to gourmet restaurants - i.e. LaGondola for example - and a 20 minute ride to Phillipsburg.....While I LOVE the french side - I prefer to stay on the dutch side and play/eat on the french side.......
Jul 8th, 2010, 09:58 AM
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Hi. I've been peeking in on this particular post for days looking to get some insight on my upcoming trip with my boyfriend to St. Maarten in early Sept. I too will be travelling to the island AND the Carribean for the first time. In fact I just applied for my first passport 2 weeks ago! I've been booked for about 2 months now and have been scouring the net for things to do and places to be while we're there. I was interested in finding out your hotel pick and was completely floored when I read that your final decision was Princess Heights. That's where we're staying! You're correct, the hotel looks wonderful from what I've seen and the reviews have been great. The only thing we haven't done yet is reserve a car but I've been told numerous times that a car is essential in that part of town. I'd be on the fence in your case however since you lead me to believe you and your girlfriend are heavy partygoers. We drink but only in moderation so not drinking hours before driving wouldn't be an issue for us at all.
I'm so excited to hear that you've made your decision. Although I said I've never been there before I believe you made an excellent choice
Thank you DavidSXM for posting your knowledge of the island. You've been most helpful and thank you pittsburghsteeler for posting your question and helping me in the process. Please post any of your findings or new developments and I will be sure to do the same. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor. Thanks again!
I'm so excited to hear that you've made your decision. Although I said I've never been there before I believe you made an excellent choice
Thank you DavidSXM for posting your knowledge of the island. You've been most helpful and thank you pittsburghsteeler for posting your question and helping me in the process. Please post any of your findings or new developments and I will be sure to do the same. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor. Thanks again!
Jul 8th, 2010, 11:24 AM
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@pittsburghsteeler_12
I am pretty certain you will like Princess Heights. I don't know the property personally, but it seems to get good reports.
Dawn Beach is just on the Dutch side of the border at Oyster Pond, so you will be a fair way from any serious activity (apart from Captain Oliver's Marina) and you will most certainly need a rental car (Lady Virgo please also note the the fact that the hotel / time-share complex is not 'in a part of town'. It is as far away from either Phillipsburg or Marigot as you can get, but in a beautiful location.
Bearing that fact in mind, a car is obviously a must, but the entire island is only 37 square miles in all, so nothing is very far away.
Sorry BellaClaire, but I do not like Simpson Bay ! It is over-built, and the whole place is riddled with time-share, and doesn't have any 'island atmosphere' whatsoever.
As I have said before, I live on the French side of the island, on a hill overlooking Orient Bay, and openly admit to being predjudiced but, to my mind, the Dutch side has been ruined by over-development and the outright greed of the developers concerned, and the persons with whom they dealt in the openly corrupt DP Administration which, until last year, was in power for about 8 years.
A bit of bribery in the right place secured a building permit for just about anything - anywhere - and the result isn't pretty. Also, as a consequence, the infrastructure is so overburdened that the electricity and other utilities are, for the permanent residents there, disfunctional, and the authorities even, at times, have to buy water from the French side !
I fully accept that the nightlife is better there - on the French side it is virtually non-existant - so I wonder where you go to play ? Please let me know - I think I must have missed something !
@pittsburghsteeler, If you do happen to stop by Bikini Beach, in the center of Orient Bay, either at lunchtime or at Happy Hour - 6pm to 7pm - just ask for 'David and Tiki', and someone will point me out, and I will be delighted to meet you. I will be back home from the US next week.
I am pretty certain you will like Princess Heights. I don't know the property personally, but it seems to get good reports.
Dawn Beach is just on the Dutch side of the border at Oyster Pond, so you will be a fair way from any serious activity (apart from Captain Oliver's Marina) and you will most certainly need a rental car (Lady Virgo please also note the the fact that the hotel / time-share complex is not 'in a part of town'. It is as far away from either Phillipsburg or Marigot as you can get, but in a beautiful location.
Bearing that fact in mind, a car is obviously a must, but the entire island is only 37 square miles in all, so nothing is very far away.
Sorry BellaClaire, but I do not like Simpson Bay ! It is over-built, and the whole place is riddled with time-share, and doesn't have any 'island atmosphere' whatsoever.
As I have said before, I live on the French side of the island, on a hill overlooking Orient Bay, and openly admit to being predjudiced but, to my mind, the Dutch side has been ruined by over-development and the outright greed of the developers concerned, and the persons with whom they dealt in the openly corrupt DP Administration which, until last year, was in power for about 8 years.
A bit of bribery in the right place secured a building permit for just about anything - anywhere - and the result isn't pretty. Also, as a consequence, the infrastructure is so overburdened that the electricity and other utilities are, for the permanent residents there, disfunctional, and the authorities even, at times, have to buy water from the French side !
I fully accept that the nightlife is better there - on the French side it is virtually non-existant - so I wonder where you go to play ? Please let me know - I think I must have missed something !
@pittsburghsteeler, If you do happen to stop by Bikini Beach, in the center of Orient Bay, either at lunchtime or at Happy Hour - 6pm to 7pm - just ask for 'David and Tiki', and someone will point me out, and I will be delighted to meet you. I will be back home from the US next week.
Jul 8th, 2010, 03:00 PM
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DavidSXM - I stayed in a Villa on Dawn Beach - frankly hated the location. I didn't like that it faced east - I'd rather see the gorgeous sunsets you can watch a short distance away at Mullet Bay...the water on Dawn Beach is rough.....it's all built up with that new Coral Reef Condo....even Mr. Busby's raised their beer prices.
While Simpson Bay has a lot of activity - Simpson Beach is AWESOME...not built up in the slightest - i.e. no massive ugly Weston Hotels..it's very low key without massive people! and you just can't beat the location....
Staying near dawn beach is a pain to go anywhere....having stayed on Dawn Beach, Grand Case, Maho, Phillipsburg,Simpson BAY and now Simpson BEACH (not bay but beach) there is no place else I'd rather stay....
While Simpson Bay has a lot of activity - Simpson Beach is AWESOME...not built up in the slightest - i.e. no massive ugly Weston Hotels..it's very low key without massive people! and you just can't beat the location....
Staying near dawn beach is a pain to go anywhere....having stayed on Dawn Beach, Grand Case, Maho, Phillipsburg,Simpson BAY and now Simpson BEACH (not bay but beach) there is no place else I'd rather stay....
Jul 8th, 2010, 11:30 PM
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@LadyVirgo, I didn't mean to come off sounding like my girlfriend and I are lushes! lol Don't get me wrong, when were on vacation we do like to let go a bit and enjoy ourselves just like anyone else. My main concern with all that was simply going out at night. We are renting a vehicle and will reserve that mode of transportation for day time activity. One big aspect for me when it comes to vacation is limiting your worries. Therefore, for evening activities the rental is staying parked at PH and we are cabbing it. As I have told DAVIDSXM I already have a budget set aside just for that purpose.
Even though my final decision was a complete 180 with respect to all the info and suggestions DAVIDSXM provided me with. As in the famous words of Don Corleone PH "made me an offer I couldn't refuse."
Bottom line is, we're going to be at SXM for 16 nights. PH provided us with a rate that no one else came close too. I read endless top-notch reviews of PH, and the place looks beautiful, spacious and quiet. -I will provide you and your BF with a full report before your departure to SXM.
@BellaClaire, thank-you for your input. Being that you are an SXM veteran I will ceartinly take your suggestion into consideration and research Simpson Beach as well. Although my mind is just about set at this point; anything that provides serious competition with PH (will all factors considered) will not be overlooked. None the less, I will have ample time to check out the scene at Simpson beach while I am there.
@DavidSXM,
Overall, La Samanna looked fabulous. The ONLY drawback was (as you stated) it was a bit pricy. PH seemed to come out of no-where. In fact, my girlfriend was the one who had found PH. With our combined research, the deal we got and all things considered , we are content with our decision. No matter what, in the end, I know were going to have a blast. You and Tiki can def. expect to see us at Bikini Beach. We will be in SXM from mid August until the end of the month. As always, a big thanks for all your help.
Don't get me wrong, when were on vacation we do like to let go a bit and enjoy ourselves just like anyone else. My main concern with all that was simply going out at night. We are renting a vehicle and will reserve that mode of transportation for day time activity. One big aspect for me when it comes to vacation is limiting your worries. Therefore, for evening activities the rental is staying parked at PH and we are cabbing it. As I have told DAVIDSXM I already have a budget set aside just for that purpose. Even though my final decision was a complete 180 with respect to all the info and suggestions DAVIDSXM provided me with. As in the famous words of Don Corleone PH "made me an offer I couldn't refuse."
Bottom line is, we're going to be at SXM for 16 nights. PH provided us with a rate that no one else came close too. I read endless top-notch reviews of PH, and the place looks beautiful, spacious and quiet. -I will provide you and your BF with a full report before your departure to SXM.
@BellaClaire, thank-you for your input. Being that you are an SXM veteran I will ceartinly take your suggestion into consideration and research Simpson Beach as well. Although my mind is just about set at this point; anything that provides serious competition with PH (will all factors considered) will not be overlooked. None the less, I will have ample time to check out the scene at Simpson beach while I am there.
@DavidSXM,
Overall, La Samanna looked fabulous. The ONLY drawback was (as you stated) it was a bit pricy. PH seemed to come out of no-where. In fact, my girlfriend was the one who had found PH. With our combined research, the deal we got and all things considered , we are content with our decision. No matter what, in the end, I know were going to have a blast.
You and Tiki can def. expect to see us at Bikini Beach. We will be in SXM from mid August until the end of the month. As always, a big thanks for all your help.
Jul 9th, 2010, 06:13 PM
#19
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Check out the following....I'm not affiliated at all - this is where I stayed....http://www.caribbeandays.com/st_mart..._arenas...This is a great location to get to great beaches - Mullet Beach (off the golf course - great for the day and sunsets - Cupecoy - great for sunset (grab a bottle of wine and maybe you'll even see the green flash).....it's close to great restaurants - La Gondola/Rare in the Cupecoy area - and in Phillipsburg - check out le escargot and Antoines....you can cut right over to Marigot - check out Marios (make reservations now).....not too far from Grand Case - where there are tons of gourmet /fine dining - and you have to go to the Lolos (BBQ - very tasty and inexpensive)....also - if you wanted to take the ferry to Prickley Pear (an island Anguilla owns - spectacular) you are a 5 minute ride to Pelican marina - which is where you catch the catamaran...or the ferry to St. Barts and Saba - 2 other islands you can easily do day trips too - which are also fantastic....Simpson Beach - you can check out the yachts in your "backyard" the Karacter Beach Bar - and Mary's Boon - which has a great history as well......I also suggest you take the $7.00 r/t ferry to Pinel Island - great water - great/easy day trip.....catch that from the French side - cul-de-sac...that is about a 25 minute drive - but well worth it...anyways - this is my 2 cents....wherever you end up - I wish you a fantastic holiday.
Jul 9th, 2010, 06:52 PM
#20
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BellaClaire - I am sorry, but I still maintain that the French side of the island is FAR MORE civilized !
You will find NONE of the following Dutch side 'attractions' on the French side : High rises, timeshare, casinos, KFC, Burger King or licenced brothels !
The area around Mullet Bay is - literally - a disaster area, and has been since 1995 when hurricane Luis devastated the Sun Properties development, the building of which have never been demolished and still, 15 years later, it resembles a war zone.
Cupecoy is 'high rise heaven' and Rhine Road which runs right through it would be a disgrace to a third world country !
I do fully accept that the nightlife around Maho is by far the best on the island, and there are some decent restaurants but, in my view, there is zero atmosphere, and the whole area is heavily Americanized.
If that is what you want on a holiday away from the US - then OK, but if you are looking for a more relaxed and 'gentle' atmosphere, then head for the French side - even though it has lost some of it's true Caribbean charm, it is still a far cry from Atlantic City !
You will find NONE of the following Dutch side 'attractions' on the French side : High rises, timeshare, casinos, KFC, Burger King or licenced brothels !
The area around Mullet Bay is - literally - a disaster area, and has been since 1995 when hurricane Luis devastated the Sun Properties development, the building of which have never been demolished and still, 15 years later, it resembles a war zone.
Cupecoy is 'high rise heaven' and Rhine Road which runs right through it would be a disgrace to a third world country !
I do fully accept that the nightlife around Maho is by far the best on the island, and there are some decent restaurants but, in my view, there is zero atmosphere, and the whole area is heavily Americanized.
If that is what you want on a holiday away from the US - then OK, but if you are looking for a more relaxed and 'gentle' atmosphere, then head for the French side - even though it has lost some of it's true Caribbean charm, it is still a far cry from Atlantic City !
