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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44524
03/09/2015 10:22 AM
03/09/2015 10:22 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598
Central Florida!
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Hi. Welcome!!
You've gotten it a little wrong, as Royal Palm and Flamingo are related, not OBBR and Flamingo. But there really is not a big advantage to that, I don't think, so I'm not sure that makes any difference.
Royal Palm has almost all 2 BR units (a few 1 BR and a couple of 3 BR), but all units are full ocean view with a nice patio or balcony. The 2 BR units have a full kitchen, fridge with ice and water through the door, all recently refurbished in 'hotel' decor, not really island-looking, but granite counter tops in the kitchen and bath. All units have 2 bathrooms, one exclusive to the 'master' bedroom, and one which is accessible from the hallway and the 2nd bedroom. Only the master bedroom has an ocean view. The second bedroom does not have a view. RP has among the best locations on the island if you want to walk to bars and restaurants, as there are MANY bars and restaurants in easy walking distance. The beach isn't the best, as it is kind of a man made beach, but most people on SXM go to other beaches for the day, not at their 'home' resort anyway. RP is in the middle of everything, so if you want to be in the middle of everything, between those two choices, take RP in a heartbeat.
Many people like Oyster Pond, it is a lot quieter than Simpson Bay. To me, if you want to be able to walk to a lot of places to eat and drink, it's not a good location, although there are several places to eat and drink that are close to OBBR. There are a wide variety of 'views' available at OBBR, from ocean to marina to 'back of another building', so that would be a big factor to me, what kind of view you could get there. Otherwise, I don't know that much about the resort.
So, to me, if you want 'busy', pick Royal Palm. If you want 'quieter', pick OBBR.
Carol Hill
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44527
03/09/2015 10:45 AM
03/09/2015 10:45 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598
Central Florida!
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As I said, many or MOST people on SXM do not stay at the beach at their resort, which is different than Aruba, where people stay at their resort for the day, in many cases. The beach at RP isn't bad, although truthfully I have stayed there several times and probably only been in the water a couple of times. Most of the beach area I think is fairly good, as far as no rocks in the water, but I just sit on the beach there under one of the palapas and don't go in the water much. RP units are a very nice size, yes. For 4 people, they are a good size, with two full regular dedicated bedrooms. If you have more than 4 people, you will need to have someone on the couch, which isn't real comfortable, I don't think. I consider RP as safe as pretty much any place else in SXM, clean and maintenance seems good these days. Years ago, they seemed to have a problem with keeping the elevators in working order, but recently the elevators seem to be working well. I have always found the staff friendly, although sometimes they seem kind of clueless at the front desk. Your mileage may vary on that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
There are a TON of places on SXM that have 2 BR units. IF however, you are looking for someplace with a central location to a lot of different places to walk to eat and drink, I think it's difficult to beat Royal Palm and RP would be my recommendation to you.
Carol Hill
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44531
03/09/2015 11:09 AM
03/09/2015 11:09 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598
Central Florida!
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Most beaches have chair rentals, yes. Or, there is a guy that you can rent beach chairs from that you can take them with you to the beaches that don't provide chairs. Our favorites right now are Mullet Bay Beach and Orient, both of which have plenty of beach chair rentals. Some places, like Dreams restaurant, will provide free beach chairs if you eat and drink there (although their prices are not the cheapest).
Carol Hill
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44536
03/09/2015 11:51 AM
03/09/2015 11:51 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,961 Portland, OR
jazzgal
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Posts: 4,961
Portland, OR
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Check the TTOL Sponsors link at the top of the page for car rentals. Any of the sponsors will do a good job for you.
Most on this board, myself included, will recommend you rent a car. There's so much to see and do on the island that using cabs will end out being far more expensive than renting a car.
My "home" is Divi Little Bay, which, while more isolated, is a lovely complex with lots to do as they have kids' activities. It's on the peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay and has a very nice beach on the Little Bay side, along with 3 pools.
There are 37 beaches on the island, and everyone has their favorites. Mine is Anse Marcel. Lovely, somewhat secluded, gentle water, lots going for it.
I will be arriving June 5 for 3 weeks.
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44537
03/09/2015 12:13 PM
03/09/2015 12:13 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598
Central Florida!
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Car rentals are CHEAP on SXM, and the way to go, versus taxis. Unlike Aruba there is not a reliable bus system either.
Regarding grocery stores, lots of great grocery stores on SXM, much cheaper than Aruba for groceries and for liquor. There is a nice full grocery store about a block from RP (Market Garden), a smaller gourmet grocery (Gourmet Marche), closer than that, plus the larger Grand Marche's, which are around a 15 minute drive, and lots of small chinese groceries. As far as casinos, the casinos in SXM aren't even as large as Aruba, but they do the trick. The closest is Hollywood, at Simpson Bay Resort. Mosquitoes are a function of how much rain there has been. For RP in particular, the mosquitoes are often worse on the ground floor, so I would avoid the ground floor there for that reason. (Plus you have a nicer view higher up anyway.)
Carol Hill
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44538
03/09/2015 12:37 PM
03/09/2015 12:37 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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ktziff said: A few more questions:
--Is a car rental necessary to visit other beaches or are taxis reasonable enough? Any prob getting a return taxi back to resort? --Any decent grocery store close by RP? --Any good casino near RP? --Any problems with mosquitoes? (looking at going early June)
That's all for now......greatly appreciate your time! There are many groceries convenient to the properties you are considering and if they don't work for you, or like some of us who hate to shop (one of us for sure....) you might also consider Jeannie's Shop and Drop grocery shopping and delivery service. She's also listed under the SXM sponsors and does an awesome job of providing the best in groceries to be had on the island Definitely rent a car, if only to see the island as a whole as opposed to just that little slice of it found at the resort's you named. You could easily do without one but taxis at beaches are not very dependable IMO, and the island is a very easy drive. A few powdery sand beaches we love are Simpson Bay Beach at Mary's Boon or Karachter, both of which offer free chairs and umbrellas with the purchase of meals; Mullet Bay Beach which does offer chair and umbrella rentals and Rosie's and DaLeos for beach lunches; Orient Baie Beach, an oasis of dining and most of the places offer chair rental concessions; and lastly, Pinel Island where lunch and chair rentals are also available and the 'getting there' is part of the fun. These are but a few of the great powder sand beaches and then there are many of the courser sand locations. And if you're looking for a beach op similar to many of the Aruba beach areas, you might also consider a day on Great Bay Beach in Philipsberg. It's not a great beach destination by itself, and not one to head to if you want a true beach day, but it's an area where you can shop every type of store you could conceivably want along Front Street and the boardwalk, and then hop onto the beach for a great beach lunch and a cooling off at any number of chair and umbrella concessions. So many other options on top of these but only so much time to see them all. IMO, St. Maarten - St. Martin is a great vacation destination but totally unlike anything we experienced in Aruba. See it all and you won't be sorry. Moskies can be a problem. It's highly recommended you use a Deet based repellant jic. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44545
03/09/2015 04:15 PM
03/09/2015 04:15 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Unfortunately there is...
KFC Mickie D's Burger King Hard Rock Cafe Dominos Subway
Last edited by BeachKitten; 03/09/2015 04:16 PM.
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: 4Driver4]
#44548
03/09/2015 04:24 PM
03/09/2015 04:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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4Driver4 said: On the franchises, if you are "chain adverse" as we are, consider staying on the French side, which is still resisting the chains and has a much more European feel. You won't find casinos, but you won't find McDonalds either. Actually, isn't Mickie D's opening in Marigot? Albeit with a vastly "french" twist to the menu. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: BeachKitten]
#44549
03/09/2015 04:31 PM
03/09/2015 04:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 155 Central Connecticut
4Driver4
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 155
Central Connecticut
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BeachKitten said: Actually, isn't Mickie D's opening in Marigot? Albeit with a vastly "french" twist to the menu. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Unfortunately, yes. We were shocked when we drove past it in March. One of the things we enjoy most about SXM French is the lack of American crap. I hope this isn't the beginning of the end.
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44550
03/09/2015 04:31 PM
03/09/2015 04:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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Don't worry about the franchises. They are few and far between which is unlike they are at home, basically being on every other corner or in every other shopping plaza.
The French side is lovely in areas and so is the Dutch side. We personally prefer to beach on both sides doing the farthest drives during the daylight hours, and dine, party and play on the Dutch side for the most part, which is why we choose to sleep Dutch. To each his own, right! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: ktziff]
#44551
03/09/2015 04:32 PM
03/09/2015 04:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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ktziff said: Thank you, beachkitten. No Dunkin or Starbucks? I'm surprised, given the list that you just mentioned! I'll just steer clear of them! You'll experience the island much better if you do! (steer clear that is) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Go for local flavor. Island feel kinda stuff. You can buy Starbucks packages in the Grand Marche grocery store. I must confess that we use that in the condo. But we also buy the Douwe Egberts brand from the Netherlands, and take some home with us (even though you can buy on Amazon.....it is more fun..) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: pat]
#44553
03/09/2015 04:41 PM
03/09/2015 04:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 155 Central Connecticut
4Driver4
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 155
Central Connecticut
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pat said:
The French side is lovely in areas and so is the Dutch side. We personally prefer to beach on both sides doing the farthest drives during the daylight hours, and dine, party and play on the Dutch side for the most part, which is why we choose to sleep Dutch. To each his own, right! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> To clarify: I definitely did not mean to bash the Dutch side. As Pat notes, the chains are far from overwhelming. We spend plenty of time on both sides of the island. Each side has different strengths that complement each other.
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: BeachKitten]
#44555
03/09/2015 06:28 PM
03/09/2015 06:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598
Central Florida!
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Yes, the Mickey D's is open in Marigot. I think it opened in December. Currently, I think it's the only American franchise on the French side, in terms of food anyway.
Carol Hill
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Re: A newbie needs advice
[Re: RonDon]
#44559
03/11/2015 04:00 PM
03/11/2015 04:00 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,198 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,198
Auburn, WA
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RonDon said: take the kids to a LOLO in Grand Case. LOLO= locally owned locally operated. Lots of food for a modest price. Ribs, Chicken Fish, rice & sides. The meaning of LOLO is the drum converted to a BBQ.
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