Flights: Delta TPA to ATL to SXM and reverse. No problems either way.

Car Rental: Unity – they were wonderful no problems at all would definitely use again. They were very responsive with emails and right there to pick us up at the airport. Their office is just down the road by the Pizza Hut and it only took a few minutes to complete the paperwork, arriving and departing. We even got a brand new 2004 Corolla that was green! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Chairs & Umbrella: rented from Craig at Pack Light and this was great. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" /> He met us exactly as agreed both arriving and departing. No problems he even exchanged our chairs on the 2nd day for lighter ones. This was a big savings for us, since we always use an umbrella. We could go to some of the more secluded beaches and still be comfortable.

Accomodations: Royal Turtle the first 2 nights. Really loved staying here – we had room #8 which is the biggest room <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> with king size bed, table & chairs, small refrigerator & coffee maker, huge bathroom, deck overlooking the bay. Everyone was really friendly and the price included breakfast for the 2 of us each morning. There was a special breakfast menu which had several choices and one morning we ordered off regular menu and paid extra. You could here the traffic and planes, but did not bother us at all. We were able to check out some of the other rooms and they have 2 queen rooms that adjoin, perfect if you brought kids or another couple. Will definitely think about that for next year.

Used Cheap Caribbean again (3rd year in a row) to book the remainder of our stay and as usual they were great. We stayed at Sapphire (Unit 212) which was a large studio – and yes there were problems as everyone has read on this site. We are not owners so were able to tolerate the warm hot tub and misc other things. We did not use the elevator since being stuck in it last year and I did notice that one was not working when we arrived. When we left it did appear that both were working.

Beaches visited: Cupecoy, Guana, Rouge, Maho, Mullet, Plum, Long, Orient, Dawn, Friar’s, and Happy Bay (our favorite again this year).

Restaurants/Bars: Jimbos, Hot Tomatoes, Bliss, Talk of the Town, Sunset Beach Bar, Cheri’s, Turtle Pier, Atlantico Bakery (not sure if right name) across from Hot Tomatoes.

Harmony Nights: this was a great night with all the vendors out and bands playing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/band.gif" alt="" /> We saw a great sunset too! Lots of people walking the streets, eating and shopping. We ate at Talk of the Town and it was great – between 4 of us we had chicken & ribs, shrimp plate with all the sides and beers, total bill $44! A great evening and definitely worth the time. We arrived a little early and there was some organized parking in the grass field by the police station.

Boardwalk: checked out the walk one day when the sky was cloudy. Lots of fun just walking around, watching the cruise ship people, and having lunch & drinks, and doing a little shopping.

Misc: worked out at the gym and ran the golf course every other morning. The island looked greener and even the golf course looked in somewhat better shape this year. We had a great week but it went by way too fast. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> Already looking forward to next year!