If the French Side were not available, I would not go. The only two times we are on the Dutch side is when we arrive at the airport, and when we take a taxi from the French side to go back to the airport to leave the Island. We did go to the Dutch side once while on the Island, to spend a few hours at the Casino (near the Airport). That is the only time we spent any time on the Dutch side during any of our Vacations. We have no reason to go to SXM if the French side is not available.