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Marigot for dining and shopping

Posted By: sxmmartini

Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 12:49 AM

I have not been to Marigot since Irma. What is the feeling among TTOL members about Marigot for dining and shopping. My last trip was not a vacation but more of a working vacation. This next trip I hope to have more time and see the whole island. It is a shame I did not venture out on such a small island but I get lazy and just stay at the villa. Tell me why I need to get myself moving again.
Posted By: d_fish

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 01:02 AM

When clearing into C&I in Marigot - we arrived by boat, we ate lunch in a bistro/restaurant "O Plongeoir" across from the Port Louis Marina. It does have mixed reviews, however we really enjoyed our meal.

In addition Seraphinas has opened up but on the Port Royale side of the marina. I did not venture there but did try a new bakery where a crepe place once was. Probably enjoyed the best ham and cheese croissant I have ever eaten.

If you haven't visited since Irma, seeing the devastation is very heartbreaking. My husband and I looked for what was Seraphinas and its shocking. I can only begin to imagine what it was like shortly after the hurricane.

Next time we visit we plan on checking restaurants out in Port Royale Marina. Supposed to be some nice ones there.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 01:35 AM

I wouldn't hesitate to shop or dine in Marigot during the day. Night time is a different story.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 01:43 AM

In June last year, we had one of our best meals for lunch at Tropicana. I agree that I personally wouldn't go there after dark.
Posted By: jeepers

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 02:49 AM

We ate there 5 nights in 3 weeks & 5 times in the day & never felt unsafe or threatened. We were welcomed with open arms every time we went there. The parking lot is well lit. We took taxi at night so we could drink without driving. We drove in the day time & actually twice at night. A lovely place to spend time as well. Some lovely shops with French flair.
Posted By: jeepers

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 02:52 AM

I'm curious why do you say night time a different story? Are you speaking from personal experience? Ours has been that it's safe day & night.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 03:15 AM

Just my personal feelings and no need to have to explain them to you.
Posted By: PelicanPirate

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 03:49 AM

I thought Marigot during our recent visit was as vibrant as I have seen in day and night with a good mix of pedestrian traffic of all kinds of people walking with confidence, happiness and purpose.
Posted By: wendyk

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 11:32 AM

Another exceelent French restaurant in the Marina Royale is Be Kool. It is across from Tropicana, and has an extensive blackboard menu that changes frequently, if not daily. They are right next to the new Sarafina's. I have been there for lunch several times. I would hesitate to go there for dinner at this time, as the "boardwalk" is in poor repair, and I've been told it's still not well lit. Plans are in place for work to be done on the Marina I've read. Hopefully it will happen soon.
Posted By: GaKaye

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Just my personal feelings and no need to have to explain them to you.


When people have different opinions about the same thing, it helps us all if we can understand the reasoning behind those differing opinions. Clearly Jeepers has experienced Marigot at night and felt safe. He (or she) simply asked if you had a different experience. Your disingenuous response isn't helpful to anyone here.
Posted By: VGerfo

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 12:49 PM

We are on island right now and have visited Marigot several times. Happily surprised to see many people enjoying what there is. West Indies mall seemed fully occupied. Hard to find a parking space, an indication of lots of visitors. Serafinas is up and running and will be relocating to a larger space in a different location.
Posted By: ruralcarrier

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Just my personal feelings and no need to have to explain them to you.

Huh? You made a statement yet you don't want to back it up? Pretty lame.


Remember just a short while back you directly asked someone what they paid for a villa rental and you expected an answer, and you did get an answer. Double standards?

Quote
What was the cost for the stay.
Posted By: sasasal

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 07:37 PM

Actually. My husband and I do not feel safe at night, but could be from long past scary parking lots, and too much walking between building in the dark. Of course we never had a problem, but because of hearing about others we decided not safe. Of course this could have changed, but everyone is entitled to his or her safety issues. Carol and eric do not feel safe. they too need no explaination. Has had a bad reputation, and some french resturants loosing business moved to the dutch side. ask them why they moved. People have to feel safe, and so far not yet in marigot.
Posted By: sxmmartini

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 07:58 PM

I will agree about late evenings in Marigot. It is so sad because years ago we liked to go to Marigot for dinner. I will go for lunch and shopping in Marigot and see how I feel.
Posted By: sasasal

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 08:00 PM

sometimes there is no explaination. people have a feeling of safety. its a feeling. I rememember walking through building to get to marina. and feeling really ikkkkkky. hows that. just a feeling. no explaination for that. feeling. this could change. and hope it will. we had a great friend that owned a resturant on marina. cugini sam is long gone, but we loved wanting to eat there. but bad feelings kept us away alot. Gut feelings are real,even if not to anyone else.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 08:00 PM

We had a really lovely lunch at Tropicana last time. But from years of driving through there after dark with all those closed buildings, I personally have no desire to go there after night.
Posted By: RobT

Re: Marigot for dining and shopping - 02/15/2019 10:44 PM

Here is my take on Marigot. I was there earlier this month on a cruise ship stop and cannot understand why the government does not do more to improve the looks of the city. I know Irma did a lot of damage, but there are empty building that pre-date Irma that look really depressing. Walking the streets you see too many boarded up shops that are pre-Irma. There are a lot of cars parked in town because the workers all want to park their cars next to their place of work. That leaves no spaces for customers. Before Irma, the government started a program to force the local workers to park at a lot just out of the downtown area, but it never worked. I just do not think the government is really serious about making the town welcoming to tourists. It may just be a French cultural issue, I just do not understand it.

Regarding safety. I remember walking through Marigot one evening as being stopped by someone asking for money in a way that made me feel uneasy. I have been asked for money all over the world, and am not easily made to worry about my safety. The problem may come from immigrants who cannot work an have no sources of income. Every so often the gendarmes will run a sweep to get these people to leave.

Anyway, that is based on multiple visits to St Martin, including many stays in Marigot, many walks through Marigot, and many talks with locals over the last 20 years.
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