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Jul 27th, 2026
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Posts: 152
Joined: August 2004
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Currency & ATMs
calle313
1 hour ago
Hi!
Since it´s our first time visiting St. Martin (Orient Bay) I´m wondering if there are any ATMs nearby, or if we have to get up to Super-U to withdraw cash?
We are mainly paying with cards, but I understand that cash are useful for renting beach loungers and general tipping. Do taxi drivers normally accept credit cards?
Which currency is best to get, US dollars or Euro? I have seen the price listed in both US Dollars and Euros. Since the Dollar is nearly 20% cheaper then Euro, it would save some money paying in Dollars :-)
Is it common for restaurants and shops to accept both currencies? Is usually a conversion made, or is the price really the same in both currencies?
//Cheers!
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Drivers Car rental insurance posible problem.
bran
4 hours ago
The villa has thrown in a car for my length of stay as they usually do, but I am responsible for insurance and taxes which with liability and collision plus airport taxes etc. could amount to 30 bucks plus a day and for 18 days that adds up. As you know a few CC's cover the collision part although not the liability part, albeit I know one poster here always recs Hertz for that.(things though may have changed?) However, the agency only go through thrifty. I think it's best to just copy and paste what AI has to say about this, but recently been giving me some bad info, but you guys would know how to get around this and if my concerns are not applicable, but just forgotten how to do this correctly as never really thought about the possible consequences until now. Thx.
That package setup creates a classic loophole that rental companies and credit card benefits administrators love to make complicated. Because the base price of the car is "thrown in" or bundled into your villa rental, you aren't paying a traditional, itemized car rental fee on a credit card. This triggers a major rule for credit card coverage: To activate the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) on cards like the Amex Platinum or Citi Advantage, or Chase card you are almost always required to charge the "entire rental fee" to that specific card. If the base car rental cost is locked into a villa package you've already paid for, here is how the mechanics and the extra fees break down:
1. The Credit Card Coverage Trap (The "Free" Car Dilemma)The Rule: Credit card issuers require you to decline the rental company's CDW and charge the rental transaction to the card to validate the insurance. The Problem: If the base car rental is buried inside a villa package invoice, your credit card company may argue that you didn't technically "pay for the car rental" with the card, potentially invalidating their collision coverage if something happens to the vehicle.The Workaround: If you can get the villa property manager or rental agency to itemize the invoice—showing a distinct, separate charge for the car rental (even if it's heavily discounted or zeroed out) that you can put on your card—some card issuers will accept it. However, if it's a lump-sum package charge, relying strictly on the card's collision waiver gets legally murky.
2. Dealing with the Daily "Add-Ons" ($30/day)The rental agency is trying to claw back their money through mandatory or high-pressure daily fees (airport taxes, local collision waivers, miscellaneous surcharges) which often total around $30 a day.Collision/CDW Fees: If they are forcing you to take their collision coverage because your card can't cleanly cover a bundled vehicle, you have to weigh whether paying that daily fee is cheaper than risking a dispute. Third-Party Liability: Remember that even if you pay their $30/day fee, check the fine print to see if it covers liability (damage to others) or just collision (damage to the car). Many international agencies bundle basic third-party liability into the local rental laws, but pad the daily fees with high-priced collision damage waivers. How to Handle It at the Counter ask for an Itemized Breakdown: Ask the villa managers or the rental provider to separate the car portion onto a distinct receipt if possible, or clarify exactly what that $30/day entails. Beware of Mandatory Local Laws: Some international destinations legally require you to buy their local third-party liability insurance regardless of what credit cards you hold. If that's a legal mandate, your credit cards cannot override it. Weigh the Risk: If the bundled car means your Amex or Citi collision coverage won't technically apply because you didn't pay an explicit car rental charge, you may be forced to accept the agency's collision waiver to avoid being fully out-of-pocket if a scratch or dent happens.
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2nd & 3rd Days on the Island
BarbyandLeo
Yesterday at 09:01 PM
After a trip to Super U for essentials, we put it all away and I made us breakfast. Then on to the beach…
We stayed close to home as it was noon, we were a little worried about sargassum but it was all good. The beach was mostly clear with some on the sand, but not bad. We had about 3 hours of beach, then came “home” and went to the pool for another hour or so.
Then showered, dressed and to dinner. We were wanting some creole food, and decided on La Villa Royale. We started with the stuffed crab backs, Leo got ribs and I got the goat curry. Both with rice and coleslaw…food was good and satisfying. Service was efficient and friendly. We left there full (Leo took a doggy bag with ribs), I did give him a little of my goat, which he enjoyed.
Today, we went back to Orient Beach after running a couple of errands. There was barely any sargassum in the water but by 3:00ish there was some coming in….not terrible. Another great beach day 
Now we’re home, showering and meeting up with Mahokid tonight. He was so nice to invite us over so we may meet and exchange our travel and love for “our” island stories.
Tomorrow our plan is to go to Friar’s Bay…we shall see! Whatever we decide on will be perfect!
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La Villa
mahokid
Yesterday at 11:28 AM
La Villa is the only restaurant that we have dined at since we started coming to the island although I believe they opened in our 3rd year of visiting.
While there has been a minor change of ownership and some new staff,
Christophe is always there to offer a friendly welcome.
The prix fix has risen from 47E to 62E but still fairly priced.
The night started with a complimentary round of drinks and the always wonderful carrot soup amuse.
Hard to imagine how good a carrot soup can be, but soooo good!!
My wife started off with her usual tuna tataki while I enjoyed the permanent chalk board special of "lobster Thermador ", puff pastry with bites of lobster topped with melted cheese and surrounded with a rich lobster bisque.
Happy to see it remains popular
A simple dish of shrimp and scallop duo was served with creamy potatoes and a basil sauce served on the side as requested.
La Villa usually uses maybe too much sauce for some while I enjoy alot of sauce.
My entree of lamb was cooked to temperature and very tasty although portion would have been a bit small if I had my normal appetite.
Still a good deal considering what an entree of lamb is back home.
With only one of us chosing the 3 course prix fix, we shared a ice cream trio.
All 3 flavors were delicious, rum raisin with nice rum flavor, salted caramel and coffee with espresso beans in it.
The usual pink rum was poured followed by a stronger house made vanilla vodka.
The gas can 3rd rum has been retired.
If you stay late enough you may see former popular server John Carlos stop over for a drink after his shift at Bistro Caribes.
Nice to know they are still friends and all for the best
The interior of La Villa has been redecorated and feels more welcoming.
We declined complimentary and paid 1-1 in cash.
While not our favorite for food, we still love La Villa for being so welcoming.
Grand Case was very quiet with street parking available only steps away.
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Pardon my French
mahokid
08/24/2026 11:04 PM
Friends in from Saba and chose Pardon my French for dinner.
No traffic from Orient to Simpson bay and we're lucky enough to find close by parking.
We dined on the first floor because of mobility issues.
Inside about 4-5 tables and more outside which we almost full when we left.
Service was professional, friendly and attentive.
They offer a three course prix fix with about 5 starter and 5 entrees to chose from as well as several desserts.
Wines by the glass were inexpensive.
Starters included a salmon tar tar which was replaced the smoked salmon from the menu and a lobster cassoulette.
The salmon was fresh but flavors just okay.
The lobster cassoulette was good.
Entrees included a rib eye with peppercorn sauce.
Cooked properly to temperature but a bit thin.
Not what you would expect from the same owners as Jax.
The frites were good.
The plentiful short ribs were served with a wonderful rich reduction and tasty mashed potatoes.
Love the sauce.
I ordered the hazelnut chocolate sphere which was good but did not benefit with the running chocolate sauce poured over tableside
The lemon dessert we took home was excellent.
A nice evening with friends but really no need to rush back to Pardon my French.
On a winning note, the Princess casino across the street will give you a voucher worth 10 percent of you meal cost.
We banked $36 with the complimentary voucher
A 15% gratuity was added to the bill and asked if we wished to leave additional in a no pressure manor.
Service was very good and deserved the additional gratuity.
Only pictures as others won't attach for unknown reason
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Anyone been recently to these places?
bran
08/24/2026 06:34 PM
Starting to put a list together and many will be new to me as not travelled to SXM for a while.
District 721. Restaurant food choices and nightclub on Welfare Rd. Simpson Bay. Eat first, drink and dance to various bands.
MaTi Beach Restaurant Nettle Bay. Lagoon side, looks cool.
Alize Marina Royal. Marigot.
Mezza-Luna. Nettle Bay Area. Went many years ago before hurricanes when first opened and had a good breakfast. Nice views. TIA.
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Our Arrival
BarbyandLeo
08/24/2026 11:23 AM
We had a pleasant flight from MIA, good arrival at SXM. We were very impressed with the new system, it was quick and easy.
Got our rental car and off we went to Orient for the beginning to our 5 week stay in our favorite island! We got to the studio we rented in Palm Court Residences with the intention of unpacking…after a bit we decided that could wait. Went off to grab a cold drink and dinner.
We decided to keep it casual and drove over to Lee’s Roadside Grill. After a couple of beers, we were ready for food. We shared a Coconut shrimp appetizer…it was meh. Leo ordered fish and chips and I got the grilled Mahi with fries and Cole slaw. The servings were adequate, sort of on the bigger side. My Mahi was good, fries and slaw were ok. Leo’s fish was soggy. Although the food wasn’t the best, we enjoyed the evening with the breeze in our hair and the cold Carib in our hand.
We drove back to Orient and stopped in the Petit Casino to get a bottle of Cointreau for a nightcap at our studio. We watched a little tv and went to bed about 10ish.
So went the beginning of our trip…today I will finish unpacking, go to Super U for some needed items (beer) and FINALLY get our toes in the sand!!!!
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Welcome Leo & Barby
mahokid
08/23/2026 07:26 PM
Welcome back
Hopefully good flight and arriving to a great day.
Tuesday invitation for light appetizers and pizza and wine and maybe something else from bona mamma depending on thier specials of the day
Touch base
We can chat or email
If already have plans we are flexible but trying to chill out after our first 3 big meals out
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Astrolab
mahokid
08/23/2026 12:50 PM
Running on a few hours of sleep, Astrolab has been our traditional first night of celebrating our anniversary.
Almost all the tables around the pool we're filled and we were shown to our table which had a small floral arrangement and flowers added to our silverware holder.
They continue to make our first night special.
It is always nice to see the same servers and I now prefer a night without the live entertainment which hasn't always been that good.
Service is attentive and at a preferred relaxed pace.
Astrolab offers a 66 euro 3 course prix fix as well as a la carte.
While I went prix fix, my ldc chose two courses knowing we can not eat like we used to.
Appertifs included a proper aperol spritz and a glass of sancere which showed its wonderful flavors once warmed up the glass in my hands.
The smoked salmon with "pearls" of something were served in a puff pastry.
A great start to awaken our palates.
My wife started out with a tuna tar tar in coconut milk.
My duo of excellent foie gras came pan seared and with a "pate"
I enjoyed a half bottle of sauterne to compliment this dish saving the remaining for dessert.
Portion size were just right.
Entrees included sea bass with saffron rice in a sancere cream sauce as well as a triggerfish with mashed and a basil sauce.
The portions were perfect for our diminishing appetites and wr still our finished half our dinners.
I enjoyed a glass of chablis with my fish.
B
It is so nice to be able to enjoy a nice glass of wine with each course and only 12 euros
Sucks getting crappie wine by the glass in the states at the cost of the whole bottle.
We shared the warm chocolate cake a la monde with an anniversary candle with the rest of the sauterne.
I respectfully asked for no complimentary champagne which they would have served after dessert.
One thing I noticed was how well all guests were dressed and relaxed at the pace of dinner
Working in a resort town back home, most guests are extremely casual and definitely don't understand a two hour dinner.
My boss would go crazy over a two hour turn of the table.
Astrolab really is a beautiful hidden gem and got our vacation off to a wonderful start.
Appologies as remaining pictures will not download
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