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First post, first trip to SXM
#37702
02/02/2015 10:25 AM
02/02/2015 10:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
OP
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OP
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Posts: 11
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We are spending the weekend at SXM before heading to San Juan for a meeting. We like to avoid kids, do some partying, and enjoy the sights. Any suggestions? We are considering Sonesta Ocean Point, but are not real excited about the $600+ per night.
We are not into a lot of touristy things, but having a couple of drinks at Sunset Grill looks like a lot of fun.
Last edited by Illinois; 02/02/2015 10:29 AM.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: SXMWendell]
#37704
02/02/2015 11:05 AM
02/02/2015 11:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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SXMWendell said:
What are your dates on SXM
So. IL. SXM??? Wendell We arrrive on Feb 20th, and we are from the STL area.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37707
02/02/2015 12:43 PM
02/02/2015 12:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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Somewhere in Maho might be a good choice for just a weekend, as you wouldn't have to rent a car at all. I honestly don't think the Sonesta Ocean Point is worth the money right now, as it is not all complete yet and there is a lot of construction still going on. You might see if you could rent Royal Islander as a hotel room just for the weekend. Or somewhere in Simpson Bay, as Wendell suggested. If you're looking for a bit more upscale, the Villas at Simpson Bay are pretty new and all water view.
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 02/02/2015 12:44 PM.
Carol Hill
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#37708
02/02/2015 12:50 PM
02/02/2015 12:50 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 772
Conway, SC 29526
bigbobthib
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Posts: 772
Conway, SC 29526
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Stay at the Westin[Find deal on www.wiol.com] on Dawn Beach. Rent a car Go to Orient Bay,Grand Case and Beach. For nice breakfast go to Mr Busby's right on Dawn Beach. Enjoy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: fabila]
#37715
02/03/2015 09:07 AM
02/03/2015 09:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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fabila said:
February is high season. Several years back we grabbed a great airfare but most resorts were already booked and those that weren't were high priced. Grand Case Beach club was getting twice as much as what they typically get off season and that is true of many of the hotels/resorts on the island. Having said that you may want to check out the Royal Palm or the Atrium as they are both in walking distance to several restaurants and nightlife.
The Atrium is nearby to Buccaneer’s, Prive (night club), Topper's, La Bamba (live music on Sunday), Yacht Club (good happy hour and able to see yachts pull in and out of marina) and not a long walk up the hill to Red Piano. Royal Palm is across from Lee’s and fairly close to the other places mentioned but you are walking on a main road with lots of traffic.
We drive so I may be a little off but I also believe Pineapple Pete's is within walking distance where they have live entertainment. Staying at either hotel you would have to take a taxi to Sunset. Thanks for all of the great help. The Atrium and Love Hotel are both sold out for that weekend. I will keep trying, and find something eventually.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: SXMWendell]
#37718
02/03/2015 05:15 PM
02/03/2015 05:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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SXMWendell said:
Simpson Bay Suites is across the street from Atrium.
SXM??? Wendell Looks like a good option. Is Simpson Bay Suites the same as Simpson Bay Resort and Marina?
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37720
02/03/2015 06:24 PM
02/03/2015 06:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell
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No, Simpson Bay Suites Simpson Bay Suites is 1 block closer to the main drag in Simpson Bay. And basically nowdays Simpson Bay is where most of the night life is. You can walk across the street to BBB, and a little farther to La Bambas. Or you can walk to the main road to many restaurants ( many have music). This area is not isolated ( a little touristy) but you don't have to drive a 1/2 hour to the night life. I also might suggest going 1 evening to experience Grand Case (1/2 hour drive) the restaurants open about 6 PM and some nights in Feb. there are bands in the street. During the day you might want to go to Orient Beach , 1/2 hour drive)( very touristy), or Mullet beach ( 10 minute drive) less touristy, Maho Beach ( less than 10 minutes) very touristy because of the airplanes or Plum Bay or Bay Rouge ( 15 minute drive) on the secluded side. I will be on island the first part of March. SXM??? Wendell
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37721
02/03/2015 08:50 PM
02/03/2015 08:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,142
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
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Posts: 13,142
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Simpson Bay Villas is much nicer than Simpson Bay Suites and is part of the Simpson Bay Complex you have questioned. It is the big yellow building with all units being water front and very close to Kim Sha Beach and close to the Atrium Resort and Buccaneer Beach Bar.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: islandgem]
#37722
02/03/2015 10:07 PM
02/03/2015 10:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
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I could be wrong, but I think the technical name is the Villas at Simpson Bay?? Or maybe not.. Either way, that part of the Simpson Bay Resort is much nicer than Simpson Bay Suites for sure and all are waterfront.
Carol Hill
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: rastamojo7]
#37725
02/04/2015 08:26 AM
02/04/2015 08:26 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,377
Rhode Island
RonDon
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Rhode Island
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rastamojo7 said:
If you want a cool, non touristy vibe…I can't recommend Love Hotel in Grand Case enough. Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor. It is a 7 room place very chic and not price prohibitive. Lots of fun in the evenings. If the Dutch side (more commercial/corporate in my opinion) I would say something in Simpson Bay. Grand Case Beach Club has a 3 night minimum.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Colour1]
#37726
02/04/2015 09:13 AM
02/04/2015 09:13 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Central Florida!
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David--OP is looking for two nights only, which normally Beachside doesn't do.
Carol Hill
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#37727
02/04/2015 11:21 AM
02/04/2015 11:21 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Posts: 11
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Carol_Hill said:
David--OP is looking for two nights only, which normally Beachside doesn't do. We need three nights, and are checking with Beachside. The rates are not real cheap, and the owner is seeing if she can open up the nights.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: CJIMI]
#37728
02/04/2015 11:24 AM
02/04/2015 11:24 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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Posts: 11
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CJIMI said:
We stayed for 4 nights last week at the Blue Bay Beach Hotel on Orient Bay ( formerly known as Le Grand Bleu; and before that, as the Cap Caraibes ). We paid less than $200/ night for a Jr. Suite, with a small kitchenette, and we were right in the middle of Orient Beach. Excellent location, and value for $. Thanks for the suggestion, but they are sold out.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: CJIMI]
#37729
02/04/2015 11:26 AM
02/04/2015 11:26 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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OP
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Posts: 11
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CJIMI said:
We stayed for 4 nights last week at the Blue Bay Beach Hotel on Orient Bay ( formerly known as Le Grand Bleu; and before that, as the Cap Caraibes ). We paid less than $200/ night for a Jr. Suite, with a small kitchenette, and we were right in the middle of Orient Beach. Excellent location, and value for $. Thanks for the suggestion, however they are sold out that weekend.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37731
02/04/2015 11:35 AM
02/04/2015 11:35 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Central Florida!
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I love BSV, and if you get a space there, I'm sure you'll be happy, but you MUST rent a car, as there is nowhere to walk to at night.
Carol Hill
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: islandgem]
#37732
02/04/2015 05:02 PM
02/04/2015 05:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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islandgem said:
Simpson Bay Villas is much nicer than Simpson Bay Suites and is part of the Simpson Bay Complex you have questioned. It is the big yellow building with all units being water front and very close to Kim Sha Beach and close to the Atrium Resort and Buccaneer Beach Bar. Something about Simpson Bay Suites does not hit it off with me. Maybe the website or the pictures. Anyone know much about Belair Beach Hotel as it is about the only thing available besides the Westin.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37734
02/04/2015 06:59 PM
02/04/2015 06:59 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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There is another thread here about Belair, including some pictures. Can't believe Belar and the Westin are the only things available. Did you try Mary's Boon?
Frankly, I personally would never recommend the Westin, as I don't like their business practices and their policies which have basically closed off Dawn Beach from all use except those staying at area hotels. The Westin is also pretty isolated from the rest of SXM, and a long way from Sunset.
[edit] What are you exact dates? If you want, you can PM them to me. I can't believe the Westin and Belair are all that are available..
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 02/04/2015 07:01 PM.
Carol Hill
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: LBI2SXM]
#37736
02/05/2015 08:44 AM
02/05/2015 08:44 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 880
Boston, MA
marge
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Boston, MA
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Have you seen the "new" units at Simpson Bay Resort? They are just like the villas in decor, only larger. Up a hill, but the views are better. Personally, I think the studios in the Villas are way too small, 2 double beds, no kitchen, and only room for a chair on the deck. (That's what I would stay away from!)
That said, I would note that the Marina and Flamboyant buildings have not been renovated as yet.
marge
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37737
02/05/2015 09:02 AM
02/05/2015 09:02 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,041
In beautiful Naples
contessa
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In beautiful Naples
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Hi! 1st of all that's high season plus it's Presidents vacation week for lots of areas, so it's going to be quite booked. I'd never recommend Westin because it's too far out unless you're familiar with the island. The best bet is in Maho if you're w/o a car. I'll message you a suggestion. Good Luck. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37738
02/07/2015 11:08 AM
02/07/2015 11:08 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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Illinois said:
We are spending the weekend at SXM before heading to San Juan for a meeting. We like to avoid kids, do some partying, and enjoy the sights. Any suggestions? We are considering Sonesta Ocean Point, but are not real excited about the $600+ per night.
We are not into a lot of touristy things, but having a couple of drinks at Sunset Grill looks like a lot of fun. Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. Although it is short, we are looking forward to our first trip to SXM.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#37740
02/07/2015 12:31 PM
02/07/2015 12:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Illinois
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Carol_Hill said:
Perhaps I missed it, where did you decide on staying? The smaller places were all booked up, and are booked at the Sonesta Ocean Point. The rates dropped a couple hundred/night to make it somewhat reasonable. We are still hoping to get in at one of the smaller places.
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Re: First post, first trip to SXM
[Re: Illinois]
#37741
02/07/2015 01:22 PM
02/07/2015 01:22 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,680
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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OK. The good thing about the Sonesta, I guess, is that you won't have to rent a car. Hopefully maybe something else will open up for you.
Carol Hill
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