where to stay in Sint Maarten/St. Martin
 

Would appreciate some help. Wife and I are going down to SXM in July. Trying to decide where to stay. We like to beach it during day and some nightlife in the evening. Would prefer to walk, but don't mind cabbing it either. Thanks.

My own personal opinion...I prefer staying on the French side, rather than the Dutch. It just has a more Mediterranean feel to it. Both sides have nice beaches, but my personal favorite is Grand Case due to the calm waters and the quietness of the area. Orient Bay is geared more towards watersports and clothing optional clientele. There are lots more beaches, but these are the first two to come to mind.

There is more nightlife on the Dutch side, at least in so far as discos and casinos. The Marigot marina has some nightlife as well, but it's a little more subdued.

St. Martin/St. Maarten is not really a walking island, and cabs will cost you a fortune in getting around. Most everyone who visits rents a car.

We just got back from St. Martin and stayed at the L'Esplanade in Grand Case. I highly recommend this hotel.
This hotel is within walking distance to all the restaurants in Grand Case. All rooms are oceanview and have a balcony...beautiful property.

I agree with comments of both "Statia" and "tyrone". Lived and worked there for 2 years on the Dutch side, but spent as much time as possible on the French side. Also, lots of great local art in Grande Case.

The best hotel is LA SAMANIA, 10 minutes from the airport(you don't hear any noise from it), private beach, excellent French cuisine.
Regine/KATITCHE POINT GREATHOUSE

French side food great, safe, small hotels. Dutch side cruise ships, lousy food and high rises. Grand Case in St. Martin beautiful.

We recently stayed a week at Grand Case Beach Club and highly recommend. Good reports on this board and TTOL. Right on 2 nice, but small beaches, walking distance to Grand Case restaurants. Not much nightlife other than the restaurants.

All the previously mentioned hotel suggestions are on the money. May I add to the list, if you're looking for a comparably inexpensive property that is a 2 minute walk into Marigot, The Hotel Beach Plaza. Again the key plus to this 150 (approx) room French run, clean Hotel is it's proximity to the town (and shops, restaurants and night clubs which start up late) if you don't plan on renting a car for the most part of your vacation. That having been said, renting a car on SXM is cheap at the present time and it is very easy to get about on the island. You will also have the means to discover some of the best little beaches and coves in the Carribean as well as find restaurants a littlt further afar on which to gorge yourself.
Enjoy !