Forums39
Topics38,698
Posts312,842
Members26,572
|
Most Online2,218 Jan 21st, 2020
|
|
42 registered members (lcote, kajunlady61, MrEZgoin, steve74, IWIWSE, GaryB, dolfer, jagmansr, taraavo, jrw, JeanneB, George1234, ndfaninnc, VirginGordaResident, RickG, alecu7, knitsoftwear, Buddyhog, PML, Todd, NumberCruncher, MKGrey, Brad_Va, RebeccaTN, ColoBoater, jazzgal, RickinAtlanta, Kegoangoango, Kennys, NoelHall, jaxon60, Compskier, GeorgeC1, 9 invisible),
1,311
guests, and 111
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: JAR]
#69862
10/01/2015 03:32 PM
10/01/2015 03:32 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
Hi JAR--welcome to TTOL! I really am not sure what you are looking for, but I will suggest MY personal favorite place to stay, Beachside Villas . It is a set of about 12 individual units, 2 and 3 bedrooms (although if you rent a villa there, you don't share it with anyone else, the other bedrooms are locked off), each unit with it's own living room, full kitchen, separate bedroom, 2 full bathrooms, and a lovely covered porch with full ocean access, just steps down the stairs to the sand.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: JAR]
#69864
10/01/2015 04:47 PM
10/01/2015 04:47 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,377 Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,377
Hershey, Pennsylvania
|
Everyone has an opinion. I reread your post and feel that you may want to consider our "home away from home", the Belair Beach Hotel. Dutch side, on the beach, small (only 65 apartments), safe, quiet, close to lots of restaurants and Philipsburg, if they have anything available when you want to vacation, it may meet your requirements. PM us if you like more info. We are
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: JAR]
#69867
10/01/2015 05:49 PM
10/01/2015 05:49 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,143 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,143
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
|
I agree with Carol regarding Beachside Villas. It would be the perfect location for you right on the beach,close to shopping and restaurants.It might be a bit more expensive than other accommodations at the time of your visit as that is high season.We have stayed there a few times in November when the prices are more reasonable.Check out VRBO.Com and you will find several nice places to stay on both the French and Dutch side.There are lots of villas and condos available for your time period.
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: JAR]
#69868
10/01/2015 06:15 PM
10/01/2015 06:15 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,172 Cobourg Ontario Canada
jeepers
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,172
Cobourg Ontario Canada
|
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />Orient village, alamanda, l'hoste, blue bay hotel, palm court, residence de la plague #26 (managed by magali), la plantation. Beach close & restaurants there. We have personal knowledge of these places. Our second home now is mon reve (Augustin Lake, owner on friars bay road close to friars bay beach 20 minutes from orient beach, 5 min to Margot &10 minutes from grand case restaurants. He also has rental cars & will pick you up at airport. Tell Gus, Lynn & John sent you. Just don't take our unit, lol!! ) we spend 3 to 6 weeks on island per year. As you can see from replies, everyone has their favourites & you can't go wrong by picking anyone of the recommendations. There is no place in the world like SXM!! Enjoy!! While there visit Peter & Haresh at jewels in paradise at 43A front street in Philipsburg & no, we are not paid commission. We have become friends with our many visits. Also check out le Taitu Restaurant on mont Vernon Rd. A small intimate dining experience with great food & wpersonal service.
Almost forgot sonesta great bay nice as well on Dutch side.
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: islandgem]
#69869
10/01/2015 06:36 PM
10/01/2015 06:36 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
Elizabeth--I missed exactly when it is that they wanted to go, but definitely agree that BSV is much more affordable during the off season.
With all the responses, I'm sure the original poster is probably more confused than they were to begin with, as everyone has their favorites!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: JAR]
#69870
10/01/2015 08:23 PM
10/01/2015 08:23 PM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 702 Lake Texoma, Texas
cruzer
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 702
Lake Texoma, Texas
|
Let me also chime in with Grand Case Beach Club, but know that buildings 0 1 and 2 are at least 15 feet from the water. I think the town of Grand Case beats Simpson Bay for that low key feeling, easy walk to the numerous restaurants, and with a funky rather than congested atmosphere. Just watch out for the maniacs on their bikes.
The main downside of GCBC, if you are going in high season, is their pricing, which is around 2x the low season rates. I have no desire to go there in high season because of that.
And while I am not a fan of Simpson Bay, I love the beach there by the airport, and enjoy spending a few days at Mary's Boon. I haven't been to BSV, but I think that would be a fine place to stay as well. I think that Simpson Beach is nicer than Grand Case or Petite Plage, and the water is a bit rougher, but not too rough.
And a big deal for me--no sunsets at MB, but they have them at GCBC.
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: JAR]
#69871
10/01/2015 08:44 PM
10/01/2015 08:44 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
JAR,
Like so many others, I would also suggest Beachside Villas if you're the type who is independent and doesn't NEED all the resort amenities. The units are well equipped and furnished much as you'd expect a beachside property to be and its so nice to fall off to sleep with the sound of the waves lulling you into la la land over the hum of the air conditioning. It's on the Dutch side of the island and while there's not that much within walking distance in the line of restaurants and such beyond Karakter and Sunset Bar and Grill, it's an easy drive to Maho and Cupecoy for some incredibly good restaurants and tucked in between the two is Mullet Bay Beach, one of the best on the island and my personal favorite.
My next suggestion would be Grand Case Beach Resort just outside restaurant row in Grand Case. It's a full resort but not obtrusively so. It boasts its own very good restaurant, swimming pool, and two different beaches and incredibly wonderful little nooks and crannies with lounges if you want an hour or two off the beach but in the shade. And on top of that, it has full service drink service on the beach and all kinds of water toys available, too. We've only stayed there once in studio with loft and it was delightful.
And then there's Mary's Boon, again, on the beach with a restaurant and bar, and a small pool which is for guests only. You would definitely want a car for dining around and sight-seeing and such, but it sure is nice to walk out your door and be right on the beach. The restaurant is great for breakfast and lunch, or at least, it always was when we went there, but IMHO, just so-so for dinner, although once upon a time it was wonderful.
There are several places on or very near to Orient Beach but I'm not that well informed and personally knowledgable about them. We don't rate Orient Beach as high as most people in our list of favorites so while a day at the beach with lunch is nice, it wouldn't be one of my preferred places to stay but those who do give it high marks.
Sonesta Maho Bay or Sonesta Great Bay are both nice and Maho in particular is very convenient to night time entertainment and dining.
And these are just the tip of the SXM iceberg.....there are some very expensive properties on and off the beach, oodles of timeshare resorts and hotels and incredible numbers of private villas available but too little time to research them if you're hoping for this coming January, I'm thinking. I think cruder nailed it with regard to MB ~ vs ~ GCBC......THE SUNSETS THERE ARE INCREDIBLE.
Good luck in your search and I hope you enjoy St. Maarten/St. Martin as much as most here do. This is one island that draws people back year after year and trip after trip, and no matter how many other spots we explore, it's the only island that literally has called us home for over forty years. <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."
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: contessa]
#69874
10/02/2015 09:38 AM
10/02/2015 09:38 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
Different strokes for different folks! I LOVE the planes at Beachside, as do most people who stay there. They are noisy only for about 30 seconds at a time and then mostly during the mid afternoon, when the big planes land and take off. If everyone loved the planes, I would not be able to get a reservation there, so I'm good with that!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: BobNLiz]
#69876
10/02/2015 10:14 AM
10/02/2015 10:14 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
Bedrooms only. Sorry. That's one of the few things that is not perfect about them, for me. However, if there was a/c in the living room, I'm sure the cost would be a lot more per night. There is generally a very nice breeze through the main part of the house though.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: BobNLiz]
#69877
10/02/2015 11:32 AM
10/02/2015 11:32 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
As Carol has already stated, there is only ac in the bedrooms and while we stayed at BSV once for only four days, we were very fortunate in that there were zero moskies the entire time we were there. Wonderful breezes the whole time but if HVAC is important, this is definitely NOT the place for you. We enjoyed the breezes and the units are very well screened. Between that and the airflow through the atrium area, it was more than comfortable for us, but I'm one who doesn't care for ac in the first place, even though DH usually does.
But there is most definitely a great feeling if you're a fan, when your front door is across from the airport and your backdoor is the beach. Talk about good living!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
And on the other hand, if airplane watching is important, OMGoodness, what a great location. From the pool deck you can actually watch the planes on the runway and they have a viewing stand along the driveway........one of the KLM pilots actually waved to us. My DH is an avid plane watcher and he loved staying there. Every time he disappeared it was an easy guess as to where he was - off watching the planes come and go. Directly out our front door was an open fenced area for great viewing if you didn't want to walk a few units down the road to the viewing platform. He got a few great photos.
And while some would find the plane noise bothersome, we had no issues with it. The trade off of seeing the planes come and go up close and personal was more than worth the few seconds of noise. <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."
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: RonDon]
#69881
10/02/2015 01:10 PM
10/02/2015 01:10 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
Very well stated, Rosemary.
We all have different likes and dislikes and what works for me may very well not work for the next person. So the best suggestion I can make is do exactly what the OP has done and ask some questions and then make a decision for the first trip, and while there, check out all the different parts of the island with the idea of returning in the future to that area which best suits your preferences.But keep in mind, if you want to be 'on the beach' or 'up in the hills' choose accordingly. If you want to be on the French side then Maho sure won't cut it and if you want the convenience of being in town - chances are you'd be miserable at Cupecoy.
There are countless different people who post here regularly and love staying in the Simpson Bay area at any of the many different hotel/resort/villa choices in the area. Personally speaking, this is about my least favorite area of the island although I do enjoy BSV and Marys Boon and a few of the restaurants in the area. But I absolutely hate the traffic and the commercialism of the area - it just isn't what I think of with regard to 'my' Caribbean.
And in fairness, sad as I was when what once was Mullet Bay all changed, I still love where we stay at Mullet Bay and many others don't get it at all. Personal preferences are what it's all about and I love the whole Mullet/Cupecoy area for the peace and quiet of the different properties found there although I'm not sure what the future plans for Starz Casino may ultimately do to the location. Again, not for everyone, but sure does work for me.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: pat]
#69882
10/02/2015 01:51 PM
10/02/2015 01:51 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 135
BobNLiz
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 135
|
pat said: As Carol has already stated, there is only ac in the bedrooms and while we stayed at BSV once for only four days, we were very fortunate in that there were zero moskies the entire time we were there. Wonderful breezes the whole time but if HVAC is important, this is definitely NOT the place for you. We enjoyed the breezes and the units are very well screened. Between that and the airflow through the atrium area, it was more than comfortable for us, but I'm one who doesn't care for ac in the first place, even though DH usually does.
But there is most definitely a great feeling if you're a fan, when your front door is across from the airport and your backdoor is the beach. Talk about good living!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
And on the other hand, if airplane watching is important, OMGoodness, what a great location. From the pool deck you can actually watch the planes on the runway and they have a viewing stand along the driveway........one of the KLM pilots actually waved to us. My DH is an avid plane watcher and he loved staying there. Every time he disappeared it was an easy guess as to where he was - off watching the planes come and go. Directly out our front door was an open fenced area for great viewing if you didn't want to walk a few units down the road to the viewing platform. He got a few great photos.
And while some would find the plane noise bothersome, we had no issues with it. The trade off of seeing the planes come and go up close and personal was more than worth the few seconds of noise. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for the info. He would LOVE it... Hence I won't tell him about it <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: BobNLiz]
#69883
10/02/2015 01:54 PM
10/02/2015 01:54 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
Smart lady, Liz, and I can't say I'd blame you - but I really loved it as much as he did.
Have a great trip whenever, wherever!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: BobNLiz]
#69884
10/02/2015 02:24 PM
10/02/2015 02:24 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
Oh what devious ladies we are!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> Enjoy your vacation, wherever you end up!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: january]
#69886
10/02/2015 02:55 PM
10/02/2015 02:55 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
I'm not sure if you really intended this statement to be addressed to me, but my comment that you replied to was addressed to BobnLiz. I certainly recommended the original poster check out Beachside Villas.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: Computerwise]
#69892
10/02/2015 10:25 PM
10/02/2015 10:25 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
|
Yes, well, everyone's perception is different. It is NOT!!! incredibly noisy at Beachside, but if you think so, you will not be competing with me for a reservation there, so I'm happy with that.. Personally, I think there are lots of really neat places to stay in Grand Case and I think Cupecoy is a perfectly terrible place to stay if you're talking a high rise, which to ME, says Miami Beach and not St. Maarten... Oyster Pond, I have no personal interest in, as it is far away from anywhere I personally want to be, and Dawn Beach these days has been covered with nasty seaweed pretty continously for about the past year.
...which all just goes to show that everyone's tastes are different. If everyone thought exactly the same, it would be hard to get a reservation where you want!!!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#69893
10/03/2015 12:43 AM
10/03/2015 12:43 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,766 Med/ Caribbean
sailbynight
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,766
Med/ Caribbean
|
gotaluvit said: If you all are new to SXM then maybe we should start with some basics. The island is part French and part Dutch and they could not be more different. Some people here argue that and I always wonder what they are smoking...they can provide their own observations. The airport is on the Dutch side which is totally American and dominated by big hotels and condos. Yes, there are smaller places as some folks have indicated but they are the exception. The French side is much more laid back and international. I don't believe there is anything on the French side that is more than 4 stories and there are no "major" resorts with the possible exception of the hotel Riu. 95% of the best restaurants are on the French side judged by international standards. Their are tons of restaurants on the Dutch side that people love but very little you can't find in Miami. There is little debate that the best beach on the island is Orient on the French side, based on size and restaurants and other activities.
If you really want a first floor unit I would not recommend the French side where everything is quiet and vulnerable (with the exception of the Alamanda resort on Orient or the Grand Case Beach Club). Stay in the bright lights on the Dutch side and take cabs to Orient and Grand Case for very memorable experiences. If you can move up one floor there are many, many rentals on the French side.
Judging by where you have been staying the ambiance on the French side is a better fit but Your food preference might be the deciding factor...if you really love gourmet European food, run from the Dutch side to the French but if you don't care and can find a nice small place on the Dutch side, then that is your ticket.
In any event I will be surprised if you don't enjoy the experience. Best answer ever. Read the question, check. Offer sound advice based on that particular question, check. Offer personal experience with advice relating to the actual question, check.
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: Computerwise]
#69895
10/03/2015 12:47 PM
10/03/2015 12:47 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
Hmmmm, not living next to an airport at home is a fact and perhaps that's part of the novelty of staying near one on St. Maarten.
Our last trip consisted of two weeks tucked away in my quiet little corner at the Towers, but if you asked my DH what was the BEST part of our trip, it would definitely be the last four nights of our trip when we stayed at Beachside Villas right next to the runway and well within the fifty foot line.
To each his own right? <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."
|
|
|
Re: First time visit. Where to stay?
[Re: Computerwise]
#69896
10/03/2015 12:55 PM
10/03/2015 12:55 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545
Ohio
|
This is why people have and can make choices, Personally, staying near the airport has never been a problem to me. Like others have stated, it is not an issue with everyone.
I think the thrill of the airport must have a little bit to do with the crowds at Maho and Sunset Bar and Grill along with the Boat Bar.
J.D.
|
|
|
|