Would you trust the hotel safe?

Staying at Simpson Bay and Marina Villas as well as Divi Little Bay. Would you trust leaving cash, passports, laptops etc in room safe?

Always have at the Divi, assume the others have a equally good room safe. Do you have a better option?

We use the Kyss bag for pool and beach.
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Kyss Bag

I've never had a problem using the safe at Divi. And there have been a few times I've left the safe door wide open and nothing was touched.

What else would you do with the items mentioned? No way should you carry all your cash or other items with you. We use the safe at Royal Palm and have never had a problem. It is the electronic type that you set the combination yourself.

We have used the room safe @ Belair (old key type) for many years and have never had a problem. I suppose you could store items with main desk if you are not comfortable with room safe but that would restrict the convenience of your ease of access.

Better than any other alternative...

We have used the safes in both the Villas and the older buildings at Simpson Bay and have never had a problem.

Even though hotels can get access to the safe, even electronic ones in case batteries go dead or a customer forgets their code, the risk of theft is greatly reduced. Those "master" keys are well secured with very, very limited access.

We use the safes at Flamingo and feel quite secure in doing so. Like Bobcat does we also have a Kiss bag for the beach.

We have the same type safe at the Towers and we've never had a problem but we did have to call for assistance once since 'someone' changed the combination without telling 'someone' else. It's amazing how many people 'might' have access to those safes but as long as you trust your staff in general..........

As far as the Kyss bag for the beach, I couldn't be bothered. Over many years and many trips we have never had a problem at the beach. We decided a long time ago we really don't need all that extraneous 'stuff' at the beach so we just don't bring it ergo we don't have to worry about it.

Bottom line on the OPs original question, what other options do you have? We never put anything in our safe beyond passports and cash. We leave our e-readers, laptops, cameras, etc., in our room and it's never been a problem. Of course, we've owned and stayed at the same timeshare for years and we know all the staff well and trust them explicitly.

I don't know if someone accidently changed the code (without knowing they were doing so) or there was another issue but we did have an electronic safe not open one time. They sent a person up with some electronic device and after some time, the safe was opened.

Once I set up the laptop in the room it doesn't move. It would fit in the safe but I find no need to do so.
As far as the Kiss bag. It doubles as a beach bag for anything we need at the beach including hauling our towels and sunscreen.

That happened to us at the Flamingo once. Turned out to be a weak battery but I remember accidentally putting in an extra number so it was a combination of errors. Security came up and rectified the situation.

We have stayed at Simpson bay for years. Never had a problem. We store anything of value we don't need. Passports credit cards, laptops etc... All fit. However I don't have 100% trust at any hotel so I do make a mental inventory about what I put in the safe before hand. Especially cash. I have heard incidents at other hotels where any theft is subtle. Some one with the pass key and $20 lifted here and there does not get noticed.... That said the safes at SBR are fairly new and resort security has been greatly improved. Again. never had a problem and we trust them.

I leave the laptop on the living room table, never lock it up.

Many years ago at the towers, friends of our had 10,000 in cash and a very expensive watch. They came back at night after being out, and safe was open, all there gone. They tried everything to hold the towers responsible but never got anywhere. they felt it was and inside job, someone working there had the was and means to get into the safe. These are people that had the same routine night after night, and were being watched as it happened while they were not there... I would assume its much safer now than then...

Did this actually happen to your friends or to friends of theirs?

The reason I ask is because about ten or so years ago I was told almost the exact same story by a woman I met at the Towers pool only she said it happened to her friends at the Sapphire. The dollar amount as I recall was a little higher, $15000.00 sounds familiar, and it was a $10,0000.00 watch but basically the same other details.

Not saying this is the same case but I took it as an urban legend then and to this day I would question why someone would have had that much cash on hand and were staying in a timeshare, but that's just my take on an old memory. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Is this first-hand knowledge you have of the people and the actual situation or hearsay? It is a pretty substantial amount and could be very harmful to the place you mentioned if not accurate.

I always thought it was illegal to take over $10,000 out of the USA. Back then I believe it was even less.

Perhaps they had a good night at the casino on the island and it was not all brought with them.

No, not illegal however you must inform Customs and complete forms - also bringing over $10,000 into the US, same procedure and the island government may also have restrictions and limitations -this includes, US funds or other countries funds, checks, etc - see the US customs declaration form for more information.

Thanks. I forgot about the declaration requirement.

Thanks everyone....good info. I will take my chances. I do have a pacsafe bag for the beach that I plan on using.

It's altogether possible someone had a great night at the casino but having been told almost this identical story so long ago, and questioning then and now why you'd have a watch of this value with you and yet not wear it out to dinner, I hope the poster comes back and shares more here.

I've known most of the staff at the Towers since it opened and they have almost no turn-over of personnel. I just can't imagine any of these people risking their jobs for even that much cash. And I'm guessing many who know the place would probably say the same thing about the Sapphire staff. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We need to establish if the poster has FIRST-HAND knowledge of this. Otherwise, mentioning the name of the place is not at all right or fair and could have other consequences.

Ditto

I've had jewelry worth much more than that in the safe. In fact these days I think I rarely wear my engagement ring around island and certainly not to the beach. It's quite valuable. At Towers have forgotten and left it on the nightstand....that's how comfortable and familiar I am with everyone.

I'll jump in at the end without reading any of the first post. We were in Cancun and had everything stolen out of the safe. Front desk said thats to bad and not our problem. Couple with us laughed(behind our back) and they got ripped off the next day. American did not quibble and paid off quick, air mexico gaves us credit. But a lot of hassell

I hesitate to share this, since it's an old story, but we were at our timeshare (Flamingo) and needed an extra night on the front end. We were given a ground floor unit (up in the "villas") but I protested, saying I didn't want a ground unit. I was told that that was the only one available, so I relented. (The "welcome" desk guy at that time was very rude to me.)
The next day, after a morning trip to Philipsburg, we returned to find the door slightly ajar. As we entered, we discovered that someone had forced their way through the sliding glass doors, pried open our safe (taking the contents, but leaving our passports) and taken some other items, e.g. camera.
We reported it; the resort security came and called the police.
Bottom line: insurance covered what we had lost, but it certainly unnerved us. Flamingo offered us a dinner in Marigot as well as their apologies for how I had been treated upon arrival.
Since that time, security patrols the area where the burglar(s) had entered, although moreso at night (this occurred in broad daylight).

As sailors and experienced travelers, my wife's fine jewelry stays home. We don't need to impress anyone and don't want to make ourselves targets. As to the $10,000 cash, must have been before credit cards and mileage rewards <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I have no intentions on wearing my wedding set. Not because I'm afraid to be a target but because I wouldn't want to lose it in the ocean.

I am so sorry!!!! Because they had timeshare at both towers and sapphire, I got them confused. It was saffire, and as a matter of fact!!! they never went back due to this happening. I wish I could remember all the details but yes, the safe was broken into, and they being big time casino folks they did have a lot of cash. I thought 10.000, but could have been more... Was a long time ago, but we knew them and actually, the husband still comes on Island, and has stayed at the towers. Could be the same incident... Sorry for the mix up. And probably should not name the place, but to late... I would assume safes are made break in proof at most resorts... But this is a true story... And no, should not have that much cash on hand, but they did the casino thing every night, so it is what it is...

We know the people that this happened to. We have know them for many years... Only see them on Island. this happened a long time ago. Got this first hand from them. Probably not a good idea to mention resort, and I did make a mistake when saying towers, it was sappire. they had timeshare at both, so easy mistake. They got no where with sappire, and decided never to return to that timeshare... They are casino people and that could be why all the cash... I have no reason to make up storys here, Not sure how someone got into the safe, but they had to know when they would be gone, as they did the same things day and evening. And casino every night...

sasasal,

Thank you for coming back and correcting your post.

As I said earlier, I've known most of the staff at the Towers for almost as long as they've been open as we are original pre-construction Towers owners and I know there is virtually no turn over in staff there.

I've always known them to be honest and trustworthy in every way and it really bothered me to hear this story and for it to be even remotely directed at any one of them. But thankfully, I had heard it before, prior to you telling it here and while it bothered me to question anyone publicly, I had to do so lest people draw bad conclusions about good people.

Again, thanks for your clarification. Many might not have come back and owned up to their error publicly so on behalf of a lot of very good people, i thank you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />.

Nobody said you made anything up. I just like to have facts and first-hand knowledge versus hearsay, which happens a lot and then the story continues to get blown out of proportion.

Thanks for the clarification.

We always use it.

I would never trust a hotel safe for more than I could afford to loose. Most are not that well installed if someone really wanted to take it plus I doubt in the USA you'd find many hotels that would take for be forced to take responsibility for your loss. And definitely no Hotel responsibility in St Maarten for such losses. I don't think thieves are really interested in passports, credit cards, just limit the cash and jewels Etc.

What would we need cash for? I am happy to use my credit card or debit card.

Many smaller places/restaurants only take cash. Beach chair rental and tips are almost always cash. You may limit yourself as to where you can go with ONLY using credit/debit cards.

We also use credit cards whenever possible; but in addition to tipping, and to those places that do not accept credit cards, there is always the possibility of a credit card system failure. We always have enough cash for the day, just in case. I never use a debit card anywhere, even at home.

We do use the room safe, and feel comfortable where we stay. In the past, we've used a Pac Safe backpack, locked and cabled to the bed frame. It's large enough for a full-sized laptop, which we no longer bring.

GaKaye,

I don't know where I've read or heard this, but for some reason I'm thinking that debit cards are NOT recommended for international travel to SXM. My question to you - fact or fiction? We also use cash and credit cards but someone recently asked me about using debit cards, and I had to admit I didn't know myself but did know a retired banker to ask. If you know........?

Credit cards are good for resturants, front street buying, especially jewelry, but grocery stores do not take them, and I am sure there are lots of places that refuse them... And you can not go into a casino with one... Just have to be extra careful with cash.

Re not using CCs in grocery stores, we almost always use ours in the LGM (could now be Carrefour?) at Porto Cupecoy and the original LGM on the roundabout heading into P'berg and have never had a problem doing so. I would assume the smaller Mom-and-Pop-type groceries haven't taken CCs in the past and probably still don't accept them.

And with regard to CCs for jewelry, you can often negotiate a better deal using cash. And there are some restaurants that definitely don't choose to accept CCs for whatever the reason . I remember how shocked I was the first time we went to Scilly Caye to learn they didn't take them there, and as of the last time we were at FBBC, they weren't taking CCs either. In both those places it might be because of the logistics of telephone verifications. Or not? Thus the suggestion often made to carry enough cash for your daily activities 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="" />

Most of the grocery stores DO take credit cards, including Discover. Even most of the small groceries have a credit card terminal. We used cards at Grande Marche and Market Garden without any problem. Not sure where you are getting your information regarding this.

Hi Pat

We use a combination of credit cards + debit (ATM) card + cash.

1) Credit cards, at least two , bank is notified when they are to be used out of the country or in another State. One card (the same card) is used for hotel + airfare + car rental to avoid issues with blocking.


Blocking

2) ATM or debit card is used only for cash when needed. Funds are made available in our checking account to be drawn down as needed.

3) Cash, as needed.

Pat, I don't use a debit card anywhere, nor do I recommend them. The reason is that a crook can empty your bank account if they're able to clone your debit card. The bank is not obligated by regulation to replace your stolen funds unless and until you are able to prove that they were taken via fraudulent activity. With a credit card, you can dispute a transaction, and are not obligated to pay it unless it's proven NOT to be fraudulent.

Thank you, BC and GaKaye.

I never use my Debit Card and honestly, I don't even bring it to SXM. I do bring two checks with me - one for visiting my favorite island jeweler if I decide not to deplete our cash stash, and the other for the unlikely need of additional cash while there! I would never do so unless absolutely necessary, but if needed I do have the ability to cash a personal check while there.

And Georgia - that's the reason I was trying to come up with. The banks have to honor CC disputes but not debit card losses and they have had problems in the past with cards being cloned on the island, both credit and debit. Hopefully, that's a thing of the past but JIC, it pays to be forewarned.

Here is are our general rules of thumb we use when visiting. We always limited amount. May be a couple hundred dollars. Nothing more. If we need more cash we will head to a major bank (Scotia, RBC) and use the branches ATM (less likely to have a skimmer).

Last visit I brought a pack of $100 in singles. For tippage. Brilliant move...very handy. We do not carry wallets or purses. We both have water proof hard case wallets. That hold room key, ID cash and a credit card. That's all you need.

Nothing expensive or of meaning is brought down in the way of Jewelry. I have a basic watch, wedding ring. That's it.



SBR is very safe, however we lock up everything of value. Anything that can be easily lifted. Cameras, wallet cash, passports, credit cards not in use and even laptops. (We usually stay two weeks and do have to engage in work from time to time. Losing work laptop = bad). We lock up everything especially when we know we will be gone for the majority of the day.

We also call the banks and let them know which cards may be in use. Especially my Chase card. It has a hair trigger for fraud. Its cool but also can be a PIA. (Imagine buying about $1,500 of IKEA cabinets and 10 people behind you when it decides it does not like Swedish Furniture purchases..it takes about 30 seconds to clear with the app, but the cashier and people behind me don't buy that....I digress).

Just be prudent, wise and use some common sense. All will be safe and good.

Pat, it never occurred to me to bring a check. Where are you able to cash one if needed? I'd feel much more comfortable with that than I would using an ATM in the event our cash ran out.

Sending you a PM. I don't think cashing checks is the norm though I don't know this as fact. We're just lucky, I guess and it pays to have good friends in high places. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Unless you have an "arrangement" such as the one Pat has with a merchant, trying to cash a check drawn on a foreign bank (foreign to SXM)is going to run into problems.

Using a debit card at a bank or casino ATM should be safe.

I have used debit cards worldwide without any problems. Fortunately Canadian banks honour debit and credit cards in the same manner and will replace your funds into your bank account on the same day once you have reported the funds being
Fraudulent.Apparently the banks in the USA are very different.

I was always under the impression my bank would protect me. As a matter of fact they do now that I think of it. A few of my friends have been victims of "skimming" and had their funds wiped out. The bank put their funds back in. With that said, I do think the CC is still a better bet. I don't think Capitol One charges a transaction fee which is good. I don't want to have to bring a lot of cash with me but am very nervous to use an ATM.

They most definitely are. What Georgia and Bobcat said is spot-on with reference to debit cards according to our banker here at home. And worse yet if you have both your checking and savings accounts tied to the same card as most people tend to do. It's potentially a whole lot of exposure. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

It's funny, I have a friend who is a branch manager of a bank here locally. She has been in banking for probably 30 years. She ALWAYS uses her debit card for everything. I agree that it is very dangerous to use a debit card. I don't even own one..

Debit vs.Credit Protections
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Using a debit card from an ATM funds are drawn from a checking account.

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Withdrawals (specifically transfers ), if allowed, from a savings account are limited to 6 per calendar month by law.
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Savings

I never use my back card as a debit card. That means I don't withdraw money at a store with it. I only use it as a Credit card in stores, no pin.
I do use it at ATM, such as Scotiabank and never had a problem. Did use a pin for that but was very vigilant. Just as I am in US. My Platinum AMEX has been jacked many times and according to NYPD, they are probably internal thefts. One time I was in SXM with my AMEX and it was being used at restaurant in Michigan. Swiped and thief added tip!
You can only try to be careful. Last time was in Oct. I was in NYC and card was used by Uber in CA.
That being said, it shouldn't freak anyone out about traveling. General comment, not directed at anyone.

As was mentioned a few times WAAAAY back before the cc/debit/cash/check thing, yes, the safe is secure