Trip Report-April 10-17, 2016

Our recent vacation to SXM was just as fabulous as our 5 other vacations here! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> One of the things I like about returning to the same destination is being familiar with the area. We had no worries suggesting places to go to or things to see. We traveled with 2 other couples, it was one couples first time to the island.
We rented a van from Empress Car Rental. They picked us up promptly at the airport and after 10 minutes or so doing paperwork we were on our way to the Villas at Simpson Bay. We did consider renting 2 smaller vehicles, it would have been cheaper, but the van worked out great for us.
We enjoyed the Villas. We all had our own 1 bedroom units. They are spacious and had everything we needed.

Beaches:
Mullet is definately a beautiful beach and a favorite of ours! The water was so clear and calm and such a gorgeous shade of blue.

Orient is another favorite of ours. Just love to people watch. We stayed at Kontiki but ate lunch at Aloha. We felt the lunch prices were very high at Kontiki but do love their chairs, sitting areas and bathrooms. Aloha was a lot of fun! Great hamburgers and service. They do have an interesting way to give you your check! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Nice rum shots too!

El Zafino was very quiet the day we went. Some seaweed in the water but after an hour or two it went away. It’s a very nice beach with a great bar area. Service is attentive and not intrusive at all. Lunch was enjoyable.

The beach at the Villas is also a beach we enjoyed. The only thing I would say about this beach is that the sand is not as soft as the other beaches I mentioned.

Restaurants;
Bon Appetite. My husband loved his pork filet but my chicken cordon blu was just a dry chicken croquet and not very good. The singer was really good and service was friendly.

Toppers by the Sea. This restaurant was not crowded at all the night we went. As a matter of fact no restaurant we went to was crowded. With a party of 6 we made reservations but clearly they weren’t necessary anywhere. Our server at Toppers was in training so some things got mixed up but we are a jovial group and hopefully didn’t traumatize the man to much! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> We were surprised our drinks came in plastic cups but our meals were on plates and very good.

Skipjacks is a restaurant we always seem to go to every trip. I like the atmosphere and the service is good.

Cugini was a new restaurant for us. I enjoyed this restaurant. Again, not that busy but certainly other tables were occupied and only 2 women serving everyone so in our opinion service was very slow. I had the lasagna and thought it was my best meal so far. I would recommend this place.

The Stone is a unique place. Our steaks were very fatty and since it continues cooking on the stone – be careful or your meal will be overcooked. The service was friendly but only 1 of our party really enjoyed their dinner.

Lee’s Roadside Grill is another go to restaurant but maybe not anymore for us. I like the location, atmosphere, music and the food but the attitude of the servers leave something to be desired. This is the second time I’ve been there, where, while taking my order the server was totally bored out of his mind! He was looking everywhere except at me. Everything was just a “yep” or “un hun” and forget it if you asked a question! Very disappointed and doubt that we’ll go back.

I’tuno (next door to Hollywood casino) was my favorite this trip! Place is attractive, good location and very friendly service! The only thing that left us scratching our heads was that our server said when we asked if we could have separate checks she didn’t think she could do it but would try. Huh?? Not sure if it was a paper issue or addition…we just didn’t know but in the end she did it! We loved our meals and dessert, tiramisu, was fabulous! A very enjoyable night! I definitely would recommend this restaurant!!

Weather was perfect except for one morning of rain. Always fun to go to Sunset Beach Bar to see some planes. That place is huge now. Did a sunset cruise on the Lambarda. So beautiful and relaxing! Traffic coming home from Orient Beach was HORRENDOUS! Enjoyed the casinos every night! All in all it was another awesome week in SXM! Can’t wait to go back! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />&#61514;

Thanks for the report! We don't often go to Lee's because we have always found the servers there to be too lackadaisical. I enjoy their food, but too many other great places to eat!

Thanks for your report.

Separate checks is a rarity. We either figure it out with a calculator or just split the bill evenly.

The restaurant next to Hollywood Casino, is that "Isola" or has it changed names?

I find it depends on how big your group is, on the 'separate checks' deal. When we go in with 10 or 12 people at Regatta, no way I would hassle a restaurant for separate checks. With only four people, we have done it many times.

What are they charging for chairs & umbrella at Kon Tiki these days? thx, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Kontiki was $20 for 2 chairs and umbrella.

Isola is the correct name, thanks!

If we were a bigger group we wouldn't ask for separate checks either. We always ask as we are seated and before drinks or anything is ordered. We have never been told no so I guess we were startled.

You are so right, way to many great places with fabulous service in SXM to eat!!

Thank you to TTOL for all the great information I have used in the past! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the report. We have always loved Lee's but were very disappointed with the food this last trip. My fish was flavorless. They no longer offer red snapper filets, only whole which I didn't want. Instead I got Swai (only filet on menu) which was not good.

We usually go with a big crowd although not the last time. They have reconfigured the restaurant with the bar in the middle which made for a lot less tables.

Thanks for taking time to post an interesting report.

Just another note about Lee's Roadside Grill. Even though red snapper fillet is no longer on the menu, just ask for it and they will make make it. We visited twice and both times, once with another couple, everyone had the snapper fillet. We were in SXM from March to April 14th and visited Lee's quite a few times

Also about separate checks: sailors always ask for separate checks and we always get them. The Dutch side is very familiar giving separate checks, where most sailors frequent the restaurants. Just sayin'

Enjoyed your report because it sounded like our vacation. We stay at SBR and eat at all the same restaurants. We stopped going to Lee's a few years ago & skipped The Stone this year after not being impressed the past two years. It use to be one of our favorites and we would go at least twice during our three week stay. Give Bon Appetite another chance. Glad you enjoyed your vacation. Thanks for the report.

Sounds like you had another great vacation. As you said, it's good to return to a place you've come to know. Isn't it strange that there's always a little something new to find?