Just a short trip report...

We stayed at Son Risa in Pelican Key. Very nice and newer condo...extremely quiet building....never really saw anyone using the pool or anything. They have a security gate and we always felt very safe. We had good views of the water and Maho in the distance.

We had a great trip, much better weather than last year's Regatta. Traffic is always bad, so I wouldn't expect anything less. I know there is a lot of talk about crime on the island, but we never had a problem or felt unsafe, thankfully. I met some people on yacht crews who are very upset about what is going on and they are frankly very scared. They are paranoid about cabs and their safety, which I can understand. I noticed a lot more security than usual, which is good. All in all, we had a great time at the Regatta and the days following. Here is a little summary....

The good....

Karakter - always a great place to spend the day. Perfect beach, good food, friendly and attentive service.
3 Palms - I thought the food was amazing, nice atmosphere on the water and decent service.
Bajatzu - always great food and service. We sat outside and actually caught the Casino dancers while we were eating, which was kinda fun.
Pineapple Pete - we always end up there at least once - good food, service, music - I just like the atmosphere.
Mark's Place - I always wanted to try this place! I'm glad I did! All of us loved our meals and the service was wonderful. I know people complain about the location, but I thought it was fine. We really enjoyed our dinner there.
Kenny's Car Rental - I always find them to be reliable. One night our car got towed and we were at a loss as to what to do. The police were no help whatsoever...we didn't know how to find our car! I called Kenny's and within 10 minutes they called me back to tell me where I could find the car. I was so relieved that they were able to help us so quickly and we weren't spending precious vacation hours tracking down our car. It could have been a lot worse if we couldn't find anyone to help us.
Anguilla - we did a day trip. We took the ferry from Marigot, which was really easy to do. Everything went smoothly, no sea sickness or anything, it was a pretty quick ride. Once there, we took a cab to Shoal Bay East. I thought the cab prices were outrageous. $31 each way! On the way back, we actually caught a ride with a couple we had met. They rented a car right from the ferry dock. To rent a car for the day it was only $55, cheaper than a roundtrip taxi! Thankfully, they were generous enough to give us a lift on the way back. Shoal Bay was picture perfect and very peaceful. There were not a lot of people there and I think they are hurting badly from the economy. I don't know how the businesses are staying alive. It's a shame. The workers and locals were so friendly - WAY friendlier than what you get in SXM. It really seemed like they are grateful to the tourists for coming. (Unlike Palm Beach...read on!) I thought the island itself seemed very clean and untouched...a great place to spend a few days. For me, I would need a little more to do, but it seems like a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean.


The bad...

Palm Beach - last year I gave them rave reviews because we had a great time there, but I had a really bad experience with them on this trip. The service was AWFUL and downright RUDE. The bartender acted like we were bothering him every time we had to go to the bar. The beach waiter never once came over to us throughout our whole afternoon visit. If he had been doing his job, we wouldn't have to go to the bar. But, we kept having to get up and deal with the incredibly RUDE bartender. We ate lunch and the food was good, and at least our waitress was friendly. I would go back and give them another chance, but if I get the same treatment again...forget it. We are not impatient and demanding customers. The service was just NON-EXISTENT and SNOBBY.

Some advice...

Always carry some form of I.D. when out and about. We had to take the bus to get our car from the tow lot, and while on the bus we got pulled over by Immigration Officers. Thankfully, we all had I.D. They took a woman off the bus who had no I.D. So, just remember to carry something with you, particularly if riding the bus. They were pulling them all off the road and checking everyone on board.

Don't park on the shoulder of Billy Folly Road during the Heineken Regatta Concert. I think if you have been reading my report, you can guess why!

Sorry so short! I don't elaborate much, but I like to give back to everyone that helps me plan my trip. I also like to help people plan! Most of the places we visit are all based on all the recommendations that I read on TTOL! So, thanks everyone!