Returned from another wonderful vacation. I have summarized the experience below. We had NO issues with crime nor did we hear of any while there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
American Airline flights using miles from Ohare, connecting in Miami (UUGH), trip out was uneventful, return trip delays due to weather in Miami and customs was a nightmare. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />
Upon arrival in SXM found Panoramic for our car rental. This is the first time we have rented from them and will not again. Now I know this is going to create an issue for some but we were not pleased. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duel.gif" alt="" /> The car we got was very poorly maintained and the brakes were noisy. We returned it the next day for another one and the tires were pathetic. We do not feel they maintain their fleet like Unity does. Just our 2 cents! Sorry
Rented a private unit #24 at Palm Court in Orient Village through Molley Travel and the entire experience was great. Our room had everything we needed and more. Picked up our keys from Stephane at Cap Caribes, good experience.
Our days were the same...exercise in the AM, pack the cooler, head to Club O and relax there all day! We packed our lunch each day and did The Perch happy hour from time to time. Evening experiences follow;
7/12: Tired from the days travels so ate pizza at Le Pimente (Orient Village) (very good), we shared a pizza and it was plenty for both of us.
7/13: Spiga (Grand Case).....YUM!!! Love this place!
7/14: Bastille Day, a large yacht pulled in to Orient Bay...wow...was it impressive! Ate dinner at Cote Plages in Orient Village...first time we have ever been there and must say while the food was good the service was poor. Our bill was totally messed up and there were only 2 tables in the entire place. Probably won't be back.
7/15: wine, cheese, and fruit on the balcony. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
7/16: Philipsburg to do some Rima shopping and a few other stops, then off to Grand Case to La California(first time there as well)..LOVED it. Nice view and nice owners.
7/17: Yvette's...finally figured out where the the heck it was..thank you TTOLers!!!
Good food, prices and wonderful hosts!
7/18: Lolo's (Grand Case)...love it every year. Fun to go people watch.
7/19: Tried the Tap 5 pizza(Orient Village) and took it back to the room. Very good!!
7/20: Heavy sigh...pack for home and head over to Ric's Place(Simpson Bay) for one last meal on the island. Very good food but they do not take [color:"red"]ANY[/color] credit cards...glad we had some money left!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Few Observations:
Noticed that quite a few places are not taking AMEX on the island. Glad I had my back up!!! The owners said it is hard to get money from them...shame on AMEX!
Bikini Beach was a fun place to hang out at night for a few drinks.
Saw one road stop near Orient. Not a big deal for us, we only drink if we can walk home. Did notice more security in Orient Village which was nice to see.
Did the buy 5 get 2 free chair rentals at Club O. As usual met some nice people while there.
Can't believe it has come and gone...until next year. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Jeff and Vicki
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