Fifth trip in six years to sxm.
Weather only ok. Very windy on orient.
L'hoste is same as always; great location; pleasant staff; clean functional rooms; good value. Pool area very quiet.
Chairs at LaPlaya every day but one. Tipped the beach attendant each day and our chairs were waiting. Bought lunch 2 times and drinks 1-2 per day but also had our own cooler of drinks and received no hassle.
Made required trip to Philipsburg for baubles and Heinies at Caribbean Gems. Spouse very pleased with results... me, not so much <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />
Lunches and ratings (out of 10)
LaPlaya 6
Coco Beach 8
Kon tiki 8
Baywatch-Philly steak 7
-Mussels 10
Mr Busby's - 6 (ribs not up to expectations)

Dinners
Planet Orient 8.5 (twice)
Cote d'plages 8 (twice)
Pizza place beside Fish Pot?? 7.5
Auberge Gourmande 8 for food 9.9 for the wine
Sunset Creole 9 (off main street in Grand Case-excellent local food and a wonderful conversation with the owner Michael, his wife and nephew) great new find!

People as friendly as ever.
SXM is now like a second home and I find myself relaxing as the plane lands.
Kirby