A newbie needs advice

Hello SXM experts! I am in need of some advice. We are frequent travelers to Aruba (since 1977) and love it. Looking for an alternative this year. St. Maarten looks like a good fit for us. Traveling in early June with my wife and 2 kids -11 and 15 years old. Looking at Royal Palm Beach Resort on Simpson Bay and Oyster Bay Beach Resort on Dawn Beach (which comes with access to their sister resort, Flamingo Bch Resort.) I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has good knowledge on both properties, beaches, etc. We've chosen those 2 as they offer larger accommodations (2 bedroom, 2 bath.) Open to hearing the good, bad and ugly along with any other suggestions you might have! Thanks in adance! Ken

Hi. Welcome!!

You've gotten it a little wrong, as Royal Palm and Flamingo are related, not OBBR and Flamingo. But there really is not a big advantage to that, I don't think, so I'm not sure that makes any difference.

Royal Palm has almost all 2 BR units (a few 1 BR and a couple of 3 BR), but all units are full ocean view with a nice patio or balcony. The 2 BR units have a full kitchen, fridge with ice and water through the door, all recently refurbished in 'hotel' decor, not really island-looking, but granite counter tops in the kitchen and bath. All units have 2 bathrooms, one exclusive to the 'master' bedroom, and one which is accessible from the hallway and the 2nd bedroom. Only the master bedroom has an ocean view. The second bedroom does not have a view. RP has among the best locations on the island if you want to walk to bars and restaurants, as there are MANY bars and restaurants in easy walking distance. The beach isn't the best, as it is kind of a man made beach, but most people on SXM go to other beaches for the day, not at their 'home' resort anyway. RP is in the middle of everything, so if you want to be in the middle of everything, between those two choices, take RP in a heartbeat.

Many people like Oyster Pond, it is a lot quieter than Simpson Bay. To me, if you want to be able to walk to a lot of places to eat and drink, it's not a good location, although there are several places to eat and drink that are close to OBBR. There are a wide variety of 'views' available at OBBR, from ocean to marina to 'back of another building', so that would be a big factor to me, what kind of view you could get there. Otherwise, I don't know that much about the resort.

So, to me, if you want 'busy', pick Royal Palm. If you want 'quieter', pick OBBR.

I haven't stayed there but stay a couple resorts down. The location is great. Many many restaurants are a hop skip and a jump away. One must do thing with the kids for dinner. Take them to Cheri·s in maho. It's right past the airport. They put on a hysterical dinner show. Your kids will love it as will you and your wife. Umm..failed to mention I was talking about staying at the royal in simpson bay. Many others on this board who have been going 20+ years will give you a wealth of information. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated! Thanks for pointing out the relationship between RP and Flamingo, I wrote it down incorrectly! I was looking at Oyster Bay, however, the beach didn't look great there, even on Tripadvisor.com in the professional pix section. I like the idea of all beach view units at RP. We definitely need R+R, and I like the idea of having things close by and not having to hassle with going too far. Is the beach at RP powdery? Is it very rocky/full of coral, etc once in the water? Any other suggestions for places to stay on SXM that offer 2 bedroom/2 bath units? RP's look to be a nice size- 1100 square feet according to their floor plans on the resort website. Is RP safe, clean and well maintained? Staff friendly? Thanks!

As I said, many or MOST people on SXM do not stay at the beach at their resort, which is different than Aruba, where people stay at their resort for the day, in many cases. The beach at RP isn't bad, although truthfully I have stayed there several times and probably only been in the water a couple of times. Most of the beach area I think is fairly good, as far as no rocks in the water, but I just sit on the beach there under one of the palapas and don't go in the water much. RP units are a very nice size, yes. For 4 people, they are a good size, with two full regular dedicated bedrooms. If you have more than 4 people, you will need to have someone on the couch, which isn't real comfortable, I don't think. I consider RP as safe as pretty much any place else in SXM, clean and maintenance seems good these days. Years ago, they seemed to have a problem with keeping the elevators in working order, but recently the elevators seem to be working well. I have always found the staff friendly, although sometimes they seem kind of clueless at the front desk. Your mileage may vary on that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

There are a TON of places on SXM that have 2 BR units. IF however, you are looking for someplace with a central location to a lot of different places to walk to eat and drink, I think it's difficult to beat Royal Palm and RP would be my recommendation to you.

Thanks so much. Appreciate the advice....great to have insider knowledge! Regarding going to other beaches, which ones do you suggest that are calm, clean and safe? Do they rent chairs, etc. at these other beaches? Thank you!

We are also doing the leap from Aruba to SXM this year! We are staying at the Villas at Simpson Bay in April. No beach right out front but to the left and the right! All villas have ocean view! Looking forward to it! RP was a little steep for our budget this go around and the price at SB was extremely reasonable. Glad we chose SB area for our first time for the restaurants and nightlife..but then again haven't' been there yet! Good Luck

Good luck, have a great trip. We love Aruba, it's our home away from home...so many friends there, etc. Wanted a little change of scenery. We already live in paradise in FL, so we are just broadening our horizons...

Most beaches have chair rentals, yes. Or, there is a guy that you can rent beach chairs from that you can take them with you to the beaches that don't provide chairs. Our favorites right now are Mullet Bay Beach and Orient, both of which have plenty of beach chair rentals. Some places, like Dreams restaurant, will provide free beach chairs if you eat and drink there (although their prices are not the cheapest).

A few more questions:

--Is a car rental necessary to visit other beaches or are taxis reasonable enough? Any prob getting a return taxi back to resort?
--Any decent grocery store close by RP?
--Any good casino near RP?
--Any problems with mosquitoes? (looking at going early June)

That's all for now......greatly appreciate your time!

Yes, to all. BUT the mosquitos are better this trip BUT do use some deet.

SXM Wendell

Thanks, SXMWendell. Are the mosquitoes only out at night, or during the day, too? Can you elaborate on my other questions - any suggestions on a good car rental company? grocery store, casino? Thank you.

RENT the Car,
several grocery stores close, some big ones to the Chineese,
"good casino" is relative, Hollywood is close, by Simpson bay resorts.
mosquitoes are worse at dusk,hit and miss during the day.

Check the sponsors list here on this forum.

SXM Wendell

Check the TTOL Sponsors link at the top of the page for car rentals. Any of the sponsors will do a good job for you.

Most on this board, myself included, will recommend you rent a car. There's so much to see and do on the island that using cabs will end out being far more expensive than renting a car.

My "home" is Divi Little Bay, which, while more isolated, is a lovely complex with lots to do as they have kids' activities. It's on the peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay and has a very nice beach on the Little Bay side, along with 3 pools.

There are 37 beaches on the island, and everyone has their favorites. Mine is Anse Marcel. Lovely, somewhat secluded, gentle water, lots going for it.

I will be arriving June 5 for 3 weeks.

Car rentals are CHEAP on SXM, and the way to go, versus taxis. Unlike Aruba there is not a reliable bus system either.

Regarding grocery stores, lots of great grocery stores on SXM, much cheaper than Aruba for groceries and for liquor. There is a nice full grocery store about a block from RP (Market Garden), a smaller gourmet grocery (Gourmet Marche), closer than that, plus the larger Grand Marche's, which are around a 15 minute drive, and lots of small chinese groceries.
As far as casinos, the casinos in SXM aren't even as large as Aruba, but they do the trick. The closest is Hollywood, at Simpson Bay Resort.
Mosquitoes are a function of how much rain there has been. For RP in particular, the mosquitoes are often worse on the ground floor, so I would avoid the ground floor there for that reason. (Plus you have a nicer view higher up anyway.)

There are many groceries convenient to the properties you are considering and if they don't work for you, or like some of us who hate to shop (one of us for sure....) you might also consider Jeannie's Shop and Drop grocery shopping and delivery service. She's also listed under the SXM sponsors and does an awesome job of providing the best in groceries to be had on the island

Definitely rent a car, if only to see the island as a whole as opposed to just that little slice of it found at the resort's you named. You could easily do without one but taxis at beaches are not very dependable IMO, and the island is a very easy drive.

A few powdery sand beaches we love are Simpson Bay Beach at Mary's Boon or Karachter, both of which offer free chairs and umbrellas with the purchase of meals; Mullet Bay Beach which does offer chair and umbrella rentals and Rosie's and DaLeos for beach lunches; Orient Baie Beach, an oasis of dining and most of the places offer chair rental concessions; and lastly, Pinel Island where lunch and chair rentals are also available and the 'getting there' is part of the fun. These are but a few of the great powder sand beaches and then there are many of the courser sand locations.

And if you're looking for a beach op similar to many of the Aruba beach areas, you might also consider a day on Great Bay Beach in Philipsberg. It's not a great beach destination by itself, and not one to head to if you want a true beach day, but it's an area where you can shop every type of store you could conceivably want along Front Street and the boardwalk, and then hop onto the beach for a great beach lunch and a cooling off at any number of chair and umbrella concessions.

So many other options on top of these but only so much time to see them all. IMO, St. Maarten - St. Martin is a great vacation destination but totally unlike anything we experienced in Aruba. See it all and you won't be sorry.

Moskies can be a problem. It's highly recommended you use a Deet based repellant jic. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I definitely found the right message board to assist me in our quest! All of the info thus far has been great and much appreciated.

Is the water safe to drink on the island?

I'm sure I'll have more questions, however, I am ready to get this trip booked!!!

get a car, one trip in a taxi would cost the same as a car for the day, i would prepare for tons of mosquitos and hope you dont need the spray. I have been there in both conidtions, need and not needed

Water is safe to drink at all resorts on the dutch side, yes.

Are there any American-type franchises on the island (Dunkin, Starbucks, etc.)? I am hoping that the reply is "no!" Just curious! Thanks all. You've been extremely helpful. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

There are American style franchises available.

Thanks, Islandgem....which ones are there?

Unfortunately there is...

KFC
Mickie D's
Burger King
Hard Rock Cafe
Dominos
Subway

On the franchises, if you are "chain adverse" as we are, consider staying on the French side, which is still resisting the chains and has a much more European feel. You won't find casinos, but you won't find McDonalds either.

Thank you, beachkitten. No Dunkin or Starbucks? I'm surprised, given the list that you just mentioned! I'll just steer clear of them!

Actually, isn't Mickie D's opening in Marigot? Albeit with a vastly "french" twist to the menu. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Unfortunately, yes. We were shocked when we drove past it in March. One of the things we enjoy most about SXM French is the lack of American crap. I hope this isn't the beginning of the end.

Don't worry about the franchises. They are few and far between which is unlike they are at home, basically being on every other corner or in every other shopping plaza.

The French side is lovely in areas and so is the Dutch side. We personally prefer to beach on both sides doing the farthest drives during the daylight hours, and dine, party and play on the Dutch side for the most part, which is why we choose to sleep Dutch. 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="" />

You'll experience the island much better if you do! (steer clear that is) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Go for local flavor. Island feel kinda stuff.

You can buy Starbucks packages in the Grand Marche grocery store. I must confess that we use that in the condo. But we also buy the Douwe Egberts brand from the Netherlands, and take some home with us (even though you can buy on Amazon.....it is more fun..) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Thank you.........we know Douwe Egberts from our many visits to Aruba.....we also bring it home!

To clarify:
I definitely did not mean to bash the Dutch side. As Pat notes, the chains are far from overwhelming. We spend plenty of time on both sides of the island. Each side has different strengths that complement each other.

Heck you should be use to the franchises from Aruba. We owned for many years at LaCabana and there was DD, Sbarro's, Cinnabun right in the resort, a Taco Bell behind us, McD's, Wendys, Tony Romo's, etc. Hate that! :o( Oh and wasn't there a Hooters in Palm Beach for a while?

The good news is we will be in Simpson Bay in exactly one month from today <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Yes, the Mickey D's is open in Marigot. I think it opened in December. Currently, I think it's the only American franchise on the French side, in terms of food anyway.

At one time there was a KFC next to the public toilets in Marigot. Closed in the late 1990s I believe.

take the kids to a LOLO in Grand Case. LOLO= locally owned locally operated. Lots of food for a modest price. Ribs, Chicken Fish, rice & sides.

Okay, got it. Keep the info coming! thanks.

The meaning of LOLO is the drum converted to a BBQ.

not sure what you mean about LOLO/drum/BBQ. thx

A lolo is a large barrel (drum) that has been converted into a grill, and by extension, one of the restaurants that uses that style grill.

Interesting, thanks for the education!

Their sign still exists after so long.........