Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,430
Posts310,044
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
Posts: 89
Joined: May 2001
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
42 registered members (Kennys, George1234, camview, Kmon, Brian&Andi, JeanneB, SXMScubaman, Manpot, WLE, taraavo, KirkB, ColoBoater, RonDon, Whale Tail, jazzgal, ohstate, NoelHall, lbksxm, foreversxm, MrEZgoin, steve74, UncleLuff, road3682, pbd007, snman31, lcote, Fitzhughlaw, richard4th, Donaegada, Matt W, LauraJim, JandIrene, MKGrey, Swifty, Fran, 7 invisible), 890 guests, and 68 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Karacter beach bus? #293590
01/08/2023 08:01 PM
01/08/2023 08:01 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
megamania Offline OP
Traveler
megamania  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
Havent been to sxm in a couple of years, and saw a video of one guy, and it appeared that Karackters has changed? or is not open? can anyone confirm or have any info please.
Thank you


Randy and Meg Young
SXM Sponsors
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293593
01/08/2023 09:29 PM
01/08/2023 09:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Changed how?? It is open, yes.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293595
01/09/2023 12:08 AM
01/09/2023 12:08 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Online content
Traveler
foreversxm  Online Content
Traveler
F
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
I think new owners in the past few years. Still in a bus still just so so. Music can be techno obnoxiously loud at times. Nice beach.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293605
01/09/2023 09:00 AM
01/09/2023 09:00 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Colour1 Offline
Traveler
Colour1  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Some say that the food isn't as good as the previous owners. The Sunday OBNOXIOUS techno music off the chart ridiculously loud that it kills my day on my deck at BSV!!! It's sad, I remember when they just rolled that bus in and had only a few chairs and tables. It was really nice!! The music is insulting LOUD to all the neighbors!!


Sand Gravity, got to love it!
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Carol_Hill] #293611
01/09/2023 10:57 AM
01/09/2023 10:57 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
megamania Offline OP
Traveler
megamania  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
Hi Carol
Not sure, I was just watching some videos a vacationer showed on facebook,,,,they were walking to Mary Boon's and when they walked past Karackter they said,,looks like nothing happening, that's sad, and it appeared to be shut down?? Thus the question. We usually went there for an afternoon , but havent been to SXM for a couple of years, so I was just curious. We want to make sure to visit Mary Boons this year, as we have not had a drink or lunch there either. We will be staying one night and day at Azure Guest House, so kinda in the vicinity. Then we move onto Royal Palm.


Randy and Meg Young
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293618
01/09/2023 11:39 AM
01/09/2023 11:39 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Perhaps it was just closed that one day. I'm not aware that they have been closed at all.

Enjoy your trip!


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Carol_Hill] #293623
01/09/2023 11:57 AM
01/09/2023 11:57 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
megamania Offline OP
Traveler
megamania  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
Ya you are probably right,,,we will cruise by when we get there and check it out for sure. If we can find parking! LOL,,,that was always tricky. And thanks,,we don't go till March 30,,,never been to sxm that late before, usually January is our month, but just didnt work out this year. Hopefully it is not real busy at that time, but who cares,,,just being able to get back to SXM is good with me!!


Randy and Meg Young
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293626
01/09/2023 12:14 PM
01/09/2023 12:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 796
Ontario Canada
Whale Tail Online content
Traveler
Whale Tail  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 796
Ontario Canada
megamania we were on island for 2 weeks in December and probably stopped at Karacter's half a dozen times to re-hydrate on our Simpson Bay walks. In fact they were putting up their Christmas
decorations on one of our stops, so they are definitely open for business.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293629
01/09/2023 12:38 PM
01/09/2023 12:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 145
psod Offline
Traveler
psod  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 145
megamania,, those were my videos,,,, ya we were there when it opened years ago and Monique was there,,,, that was our "goto" for ever but since they put in the kabana area it's just not the same,,
We did go for cocktail and coconut shrimp one afternoon,,, it was good,,,, but ya it just didn't have the "vibe" the last couple of trips,,,, but the beach has also been washed out
and the loungers have been set up on the side so space is limited,, ,,,

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: psod] #293667
01/09/2023 09:02 PM
01/09/2023 09:02 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
megamania Offline OP
Traveler
megamania  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 833
Harriston
Hi there.....btw enjoyed your video's,,,,lol Makes sense,,,,last time we were there (jan 2020) I believe it looked like something would be changing. Anyways, probably pop down for a beverage when we have a day at Azure Guest House, prior to moving to Royal Palm.....thanks to all that responded.....cheers!


Randy and Meg Young
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293673
01/10/2023 12:02 AM
01/10/2023 12:02 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Online content
Traveler
foreversxm  Online Content
Traveler
F
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
The neighborhood agony might be over soon. The property is owned by Jessica same person that owns the former El Zafiro property and she has a pending Eviction case in court now. I believe it was lease had expired. Obviously if it’s a court matter it will take time. But plenty of good beach bars still close by.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: foreversxm] #293695
01/10/2023 11:08 AM
01/10/2023 11:08 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Interesting. I was not aware that Jessica owned that property also. Will be interesting to see what happens.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293701
01/10/2023 11:55 AM
01/10/2023 11:55 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Offline
Traveler
SXMBND  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
Eviction would be a landlord tenant issue. Does Jorrit still own the property???

Last edited by SXMBND; 01/10/2023 11:55 AM.
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293722
01/10/2023 03:55 PM
01/10/2023 03:55 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
Traveler
Todd  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Jorrit didn't own the property, and sold the business.


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Todd] #293725
01/10/2023 05:00 PM
01/10/2023 05:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
I figured that Jorrit didn't own the property, just surprised that Jessica owns it.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293727
01/10/2023 05:52 PM
01/10/2023 05:52 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Online content
Traveler
foreversxm  Online Content
Traveler
F
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
Yes Jessica is the owner and also another small lot Next door. Use to own all the way down the beach to BSV but not sure if it’s usable land anymore. A Dutch lawyer runs karakter now. From what I understand the lease expired and she wants them moved because of several nuisance types of issues. She has a big price to sell on that land and the former El Zafiro property. A local Real Estate company has the listing. Sxm always interesting.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293728
01/10/2023 06:07 PM
01/10/2023 06:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Offline
Traveler
SXMBND  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
Explain to me how you get evicted if you own the land??

Last edited by SXMBND; 01/10/2023 06:08 PM.
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: SXMBND] #293732
01/10/2023 06:14 PM
01/10/2023 06:14 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
sxmbound--read the other responses. Karakter does NOT own the land.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293743
01/11/2023 06:49 AM
01/11/2023 06:49 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Colour1 Offline
Traveler
Colour1  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Isn't this the third or fourth turnover of Karakters???


Sand Gravity, got to love it!
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Colour1] #293819
01/11/2023 05:24 PM
01/11/2023 05:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
Traveler
islandgem  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Should be a tax on that! Sorry, I couldn't resist.🤣




Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293828
01/11/2023 06:57 PM
01/11/2023 06:57 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
P
PrairieGirl Offline
Traveler
PrairieGirl  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
Spent the day at Karakter yesterday. Windy day so beach not crowded. Lunch was good and large crowd late (after 2) for food. Low key music. Lounges comfortable.

It will never be the same as what Jorritt created, but we need to move on. That was a looong time ago! Still a decent place.


LeAnn

url=https://www.tickerfactory.com][Linked Image][/url]
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: PrairieGirl] #293839
01/12/2023 12:53 AM
01/12/2023 12:53 AM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
Traveler
Todd  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
I agree LeAnn, some of it is better than when it began. It is just a bit different now, but we enjoyed it on our last trip more than most other places on the Dutch side. I liked the value for what we paid.

Enjoy your trip!
T


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Todd] #293847
01/12/2023 08:22 AM
01/12/2023 08:22 AM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
P
PrairieGirl Offline
Traveler
PrairieGirl  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
Thanks Todd, I’m sure we will! But I do miss the November crew……


LeAnn

url=https://www.tickerfactory.com][Linked Image][/url]
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: PrairieGirl] #293891
01/13/2023 09:02 AM
01/13/2023 09:02 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
M
MotownTim Offline
Traveler
MotownTim  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
Are chairs still free if you buy food and drinks? Also at Mary’s Boon?

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293895
01/13/2023 11:56 AM
01/13/2023 11:56 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Online content
Traveler
foreversxm  Online Content
Traveler
F
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
Definitely no charge at Mary’s Boon for chairs and umbrellas if you are eating or drinking. Great food and staff and a real comfortable dining room beach side if you prefer that. Personally I don’t understand why anyone would go to the Bus with Mary’s Boon there too. Really nice crowd and lots of fun.

Last edited by foreversxm; 01/13/2023 12:00 PM.
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: foreversxm] #293899
01/13/2023 01:22 PM
01/13/2023 01:22 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
forever--historically, Karkater's food was always MUCH better. Not sure that is necessarily the case now. We basically have not been to the beach for the day at either place for a long time, so can't really comment on the beach experience per se at either.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293927
01/13/2023 09:54 PM
01/13/2023 09:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
P
PrairieGirl Offline
Traveler
PrairieGirl  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
Yes, no charge for chairs and umbrella at Karakter if you are eating or drinking.


LeAnn

url=https://www.tickerfactory.com][Linked Image][/url]
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: PrairieGirl] #293928
01/13/2023 11:25 PM
01/13/2023 11:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by PrairieGirl
Yes, no charge for chairs and umbrella at Karakter if you are eating or drinking.

As far as I'm concerned all beach bars should be that way.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: foreversxm] #293931
01/14/2023 08:31 AM
01/14/2023 08:31 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Originally Posted by foreversxm
Definitely no charge at Mary’s Boon for chairs and umbrellas if you are eating or drinking. Great food and staff and a real comfortable dining room beach side if you prefer that. Personally I don’t understand why anyone would go to the Bus with Mary’s Boon there too. Really nice crowd and lots of fun.


We tried Mary's Boon twice in recent years; the food was terrible and the service was worse. We won't be back. Karakter has a new, and very extensive, menu which we enjoyed in December. The service was good as well.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: GaKaye] #293934
01/14/2023 09:32 AM
01/14/2023 09:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
jollymonsrv Offline
Traveler
jollymonsrv  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
I will echo this on our last trip ther 11/9/22 🙌

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #293941
01/14/2023 11:41 AM
01/14/2023 11:41 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Online content
Traveler
foreversxm  Online Content
Traveler
F
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
MB In resent YEARS? As managers and chefs come and go Restaurants are constantly evolving for the better or worse. A while back they briefly they had bad restaurant management but that changed about a year ago. We were just at Mary’s Boon in December and the dining room and Beach Bar was packed everyday and they have a great following. Always have great food and service. We tried the Bus next Door, still just very mediocre food and service. I think mb been in business over 50 years. Obviously , to each his own. We also like Sandbar at times.

Last edited by foreversxm; 01/14/2023 11:44 AM.
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #294544
01/25/2023 01:41 PM
01/25/2023 01:41 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
M
MotownTim Offline
Traveler
MotownTim  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
I’ve been to going to Karakter this trip. I like the Boon but the chairs are more comfortable at Karakter. Well spaced now. And the music is not loud at all maybe because I’ve been going during week and not the weekend. Just had some of the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time there today. The service is good. Occasionally you have to remind them about something small like a bottle of water, napkins etc. But overall the service is decent. And it’s always nice to see Mary there. The owners could be a little friendlier but maybe that’s their nature.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: foreversxm] #294547
01/25/2023 02:21 PM
01/25/2023 02:21 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Online content
Traveler
jazzgal  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
I was at Mary's Boon with two island friends in early December. Two of the three of us had sandwiches, which were mediocre at best. One had soup, which was proclaimed good. That said, it is nice to not have to pay for chairs/umbrellas.


[Linked Image]
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: jazzgal] #294548
01/25/2023 02:36 PM
01/25/2023 02:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Linda--I'm confused--Is Karakter charging for chairs now, even if you eat there?


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: megamania] #294549
01/25/2023 02:56 PM
01/25/2023 02:56 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Online content
Traveler
foreversxm  Online Content
Traveler
F
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
I can't imagine any business charging to sit down to spend money but maybe Karacter has a min order to get a free chair. that would be fair. We love any of the fish dishes at Marys Boon, chicken or shrimp curry dish is great too. The Tuna and thee Salmon with the lemon butter sauce is amazing and at dinner they have it with goat cheese. Everyone has their favorite places, just funny how some people just never have anything good to say about widely popular places that most people love. yes good to get opinion but That's way we experience it our own then decide.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Carol_Hill] #294550
01/25/2023 03:05 PM
01/25/2023 03:05 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
M
MotownTim Offline
Traveler
MotownTim  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
No. Not charging for chairs if you eat/drink there. But they will charge you if you don’t. Not sure if there is a minimum. I had a $16 bill the other day and wasn’t charged.

Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: foreversxm] #294553
01/25/2023 03:35 PM
01/25/2023 03:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
forever--many restaurants on the French side charge for chair rentals, even if you eat there.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: MotownTim] #294554
01/25/2023 03:36 PM
01/25/2023 03:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Tim--OK, thanks. That's what I remembered from before, but was confused by Linda's statement.


Carol Hill
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: Carol_Hill] #294559
01/25/2023 04:22 PM
01/25/2023 04:22 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Online content
Traveler
jazzgal  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Linda--I'm confused--Is Karakter charging for chairs now, even if you eat there?


No idea as I haven't been to Karakter for some time.


[Linked Image]
Re: Karacter beach bus? [Re: jazzgal] #294564
01/25/2023 04:43 PM
01/25/2023 04:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
OK, sorry, I misunderstood your post.


Carol Hill

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1