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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: weeks5051]
#104200
08/01/2016 06:52 AM
08/01/2016 06:52 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562 Long Island, NY
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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My opinion is no for all inclusive. But, it's just MY opinion. Know that there are so many great restaurants on the Island and weigh your decision. It may be just what you like.
Rick and Grace
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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: blackmercedes]
#104203
08/01/2016 11:10 AM
08/01/2016 11:10 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 680 Burlington, Ontario, Canada
JohnandBev
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 680
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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We've stayed at the Sonesta Maho, our 1st trip to SXM was there. My opinion, if it's your 1st time, maybe just a wk or 10 days, sure. I would use it as starting point to get out explore. rent a car for all or part of your stay. Make it a point to get around. So what if you pay for lunch out and the odd dinner - a Moulin Fou dinner across the road for sure. It would be a great starting point to learn more and come back again and that time stay somewhere you discovered on this trip.
J&B
Note you thru me for a loop when you said it's AI now, thought it always was, but then I remembered when we stayed guests had different col wrist bands - I asked and they delinated the trip plan, WestJet for ex did not do AI, Airtransat did, someone else did modified AI etc. - however it's been AI only for several yrs.
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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: JohnandBev]
#104204
08/01/2016 11:58 AM
08/01/2016 11:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Johnandbev,
I certainly don't advocate making this island, of all of them, an AI destination, but like you, IF if it's the OPs first visit and/or IF it's a great price, I wouldn't hesitate to go for it.
Sometimes the AI packages are actually equal or very close to booking your air and hotel seperately and just because you've booked it as AI, there's no law saying you have to take every meal there.
Maho is a nice hotel, particularly if you want a relaxing vacation without needing to worry about cars and taxis. You're able to walk out your door and easily enjoy all of the Maho area on foot...... Casinos, nightclubs, ice cream shops and shopping in general without the need or the worry of a vehical.
Our very first trip to St. Maarten a long time ago was basically an AI trip but that didn't cause us to be married to our resort, typically enjoying breakfast there every day, lunches wherever we happened to be, and some dinners there and some not.
Personally speaking, I think I'd plan the trip both ways - AI at Maho and as an independent trip wherever and do the numbers and see where they fall and then make my decision. If you're of the type who's content to pretty much stay in one place then it might be a great choice. If you're of a mindset to want to be out and about exploring ALL of the island, then maybe not such a great idea. <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: Sonesta questions
[Re: pat]
#104205
08/01/2016 12:56 PM
08/01/2016 12:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902
Central Florida!
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It appears, according to this post, that it is not the poster's first trip to SXM. Not sure if the original poster is specifically looking for a/i or perhaps somewhere in Maho, in particular?
Carol Hill
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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#104206
08/01/2016 01:44 PM
08/01/2016 01:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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I thought I recognized the screen name and perhaps they'll return and elaborate as to what they were looking for.
But I will reiterate, while not for most of us, there are people who really enjoy an AI vacation destination, and if the price is right, you can have the best of both worlds that way. Over the years I've spoken to a few Canadians who have paid almost the same for Sonesta AI as we've paid for air only. It all depends on the package price and inclusions, IMO.
And a major surprise to me, I've met people who have actually stayed at the Towers for an entire week and never wanted to hit the beautiful island beaches and were content to eat in their suites for most of their meals over most of their week. We don't have a restaurant on site and they were fine with eating in and just going back and forth to the pool. It's all about what makes you happy, and while this would NEVER work for me, I do get that some are fine with it. <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: Sonesta questions
[Re: blackmercedes]
#104208
08/01/2016 08:39 PM
08/01/2016 08:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Not a hundred percent certain but I don't think it's an option to NOT do AI at Sonesta Maho these days. You could try to book something at LaTerrasse or Royal Islander timeshare resorts, both of which are right there in the same location and you'd still have the benefit of walking around Maho at night and the freedom to enjoy the island at your leisure during the day. <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: Sonesta questions
[Re: pat]
#104209
08/01/2016 08:59 PM
08/01/2016 08:59 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 402
DavidinChelseaMA
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 402
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As timeshare owners at the Royal Islander LaPlage next door to the Sonesta, we can definitely say that if you can book something at LaPlage, it's a lovely non-AI option. Right in Maho village area, next to the Casino and restaurants, like Cheri's Cafe, etc. LaPlage has beautiful grounds and recently-updated units. The units have full kitchens, and there are many with separate bedrooms as well. And rent a car to go to all the wonderful beaches and beach-side restaurants. The pool is being renovated between August and the first week of October, this year, so take that into account. Best of luck for a great vacation on St. Maarten !!!
Last edited by DavidinChelseaMA; 08/01/2016 09:00 PM.
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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: blackmercedes]
#104212
08/02/2016 06:54 AM
08/02/2016 06:54 AM
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,705 Newtown, CT
kim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,705
Newtown, CT
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blackmercedes said: Thank you again! This is what we were wondering?! Where else in Maho we could stay... The pool is important to us for a little of the day. Is it under renovation at LaTerrasse also? Are you trying to go next week? Or in the future? There is a Rental site for The Royal Islander. Royal Islander Classifieds
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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: blackmercedes]
#104216
08/02/2016 05:39 PM
08/02/2016 05:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,705 Newtown, CT
kim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,705
Newtown, CT
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blackmercedes said: We will be there in 2 weeks. We don't want the AI but we wanted to stay at Maho this time. We always stayed on the French side and we are hesitant about driving around after dark now. If that's the case, I would contact Royal Islander and see when the pool construction will start. Get a price direct from them and also take a peak at the website I posted in my previous comment and see what they have. There are no week 34's available on the website but some nice units in week 35, may be overkill for 2 people but nice balcony off bedroom, which 1 bedrooms don't have.
Last edited by kim; 08/02/2016 05:44 PM.
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Re: Sonesta questions
[Re: blackmercedes]
#104218
08/02/2016 07:07 PM
08/02/2016 07:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902
Central Florida!
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I have to say that Maho is not the ONLY option, if you don't want to drive at night.. Royal Palm, Flamingo, Atrium, Simpson Bay Resort, LaVista and LaVista Beach, all have a TON of rooms where you don't have to drive around at night.... And this time of year, should be lots of timeshare units available there at those various resorts... Check out the FAQ section here on TTOL, with listings to the timeshare owner's sites, with lots of rental potential.
Carol Hill
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