September 2009 SXM Trip Report
The good thing about going in September is that there is almost no traffic, walk-in restaurant availability, lower costs.
The bad thing in September is the vacation schedules of many restaurants, reduced activity schedules, seemingly hotter sun and more humidity. Temperature wise it's pretty much the same as the rest of the year.
No matter what, the best thing is that you're in SXM. This was our second September visit, the other being in 2007.
Flight down was on AA. STL to MIA to SXM. No problems. Used FF miles. $10. for two tickets, one way.
Return flight was USAir – SXM to CLT to STL. Also no problems. Two, one way tickets booked 04/10/09 - $623.90. Unfortunately USAir has changed this flight for our winter trip and we will be staying a night in CLT on the way back. BIG negative in my book. Unfortunately I already booked our Feb 2010 trip back in March 2009 for $565.per ticket.
Car from Tropical/Tropicana. (reservations@tropical-tropicana.com) Mickey waiting in parking lot for us with van to drive us and another couple to office to pick up car. Dropped car off at airport on way back. $130/week plus tax plus$25/day plus tax for a Champagne Getz. No problems, other than a bad wiper blade that was changed with a quick stop one day.
Phone from Sharon (queenofsxm2000@yahoo.com) - $45.00 for phone including $10. for extra time.
Lodging
First night was a stay with friends, Paul and Carol, at their home, affectionately known as the JAPEC Hotel.
Week one was at Oyster Bay Beach Resort where we own.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_040.jpgWe were lucky enough to get a studio in the new time share building. Rooms, including the studios are larger.http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_052.jpg The Studio's kitchen is separated from the main living area.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_052.jpgThere are a few engineering flaws in our room. The kitchen window will only open two or three inches before it hits the kitchen faucet and the main entrance door is set so close to wall that it's latch scrapes the wall as it is closed. Also saw no vent fan in the bathroom.
There were many special activities going on each week in September as it was Owner Appreciation Month. One of the events was a mini Carnival/Festival with costumes available along with a parade through the resort.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_058.jpg ,
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_061.jpg.Week Two through an Interval International trade, we stayed at Royal Palm in Simpson Bay. It was our first stay there.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_078.jpg. Enjoyed it. Great view.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_084.jpg Had a two bedroom unit(8315).
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_074.jpg,
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_073.jpg,
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_072.jpg, . Only negative was the poor sand quality on the beach
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_077.jpg Last three days ($115.00/night) of this trip we stayed at Turquoise Shell Inn (
www.tshellinn.com). Always enjoy this quaint little place hidden so well from Airport Road..
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Trip%20Sept%2009/SXMSept09_113.jpg Carter and Marcus do a great job keeping the place looking great and being wonderful hosts.
End of part 1
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