I decided years ago to always say on the Dutch side. We used to extend our stay on the front or back end in the Orient area but with the recent and past issues I would not consider that anymore. I have no problem with driving to Happy/Orient/Friar's Bay and they are my beaches of choice. But....for comfort....if there is another blockage issue the worst thing for me staying at SBR would be eliminating those trips...sucks, but no worries about getting pulled aside by "protesters" or worse

I love the French side but I cannot rely on booking in advance and just assuming everything will be fine....