St. Martin, places to stay

 >Any recommendations on where to stay in St. Martin?

I stayed at a place called the Delfina Hotel on the St. Maarten side.
Although it is advertised in Europe as a gay hotel, I had no problem staying
there and I'd recommend it to anyone even with a conservative outlook and
family. Probably not suited for young kids only because they like their
quiet. Very clean, inexpensive, owners were friendly. If you want an
inexpensive home-base for exploring the island, I'd recommend it.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

I've stayed at La Plantation in Orient Beach a couple of times and enjoyed
it. It was reasonably priced relative to the other beach hotels. Orient
Beach is a nice, large, beach which is excellent for swimming. There's
lot's of other stuff going on down there too. I like it because it has just
the right amount of amenities without being overcrowded or too busy. We
would go down there every day for a few hours, rent chairs with umbrellas,
swim, sun, eat, etc. La Plantation has small cottages located a few hundred
yards up a hill from the beach. They provide a breakfast for guests every
morning. The cottages and service were very pleasent. I'd stay there again
if I went back to St. Martin. I definitely think that the French side is
the place to stay and eat. It has been more sensibly developed than the
Dutch side. Shopping, restaurants, sight seeing are better on the French
side. The Dutch side has casinos which can be fun later at night. Also
Philipsburg is fun to visit.

"Jeffrey J. Nappi" <jnappi DeleteThis @lucent.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1b376dfda563574a989682@netnews.proxy.lucent.com...
 > Any recommendations on where to stay in St. Martin? Not interested in
 > all-inclusive. Beach front view would be nice, but not mandatory. Pretty
 > much open on any suggestions, will narrow our choices down once we
 > compile a short list.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

"Crash" <Krakatoa_1.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Q7szc.42773$0y.5470@attbi_s03...
 > I've stayed at La Plantation in Orient Beach a couple of times and enjoyed
 > it. It was reasonably priced relative to the other beach hotels. Orient
 > Beach is a nice, large, beach which is excellent for swimming. There's
 > lot's of other stuff going on down there too. I like it because it has
just
 > the right amount of amenities without being overcrowded or too busy. We
 > would go down there every day for a few hours, rent chairs with umbrellas,
 > swim, sun, eat, etc.

La Plantation claims that their guest card will get you free rental of
umbrella/chairs at 5 of the beach establishments. I haven't tried. I
suspect that ordering a drink or two is expected, though the Plantation
people claimed it isn't required.

 > La Plantation has small cottages located a few hundred
 > yards up a hill from the beach. They provide a breakfast for guests every
 > morning. The cottages and service were very pleasent.

All units have a kithenette.

 > I'd stay there again if I went back to St. Martin.

I've stayed at La Plantation about half a dozen times. I haven't stayed at
the Palm Court, which is a little closer to the beach than La Plantation and
only a little more expensive (doesn't include breakfast). I don't think its
rooms have the nice view like most of La Plantation's.

 > I definitely think that the French side is
 > the place to stay and eat. It has been more sensibly developed than the
 > Dutch side. Shopping, restaurants, sight seeing are better on the French
 > side.

Agreed.

 > The Dutch side has casinos which can be fun later at night.

Not of interest to me.

 > Also Philipsburg is fun to visit.

Cruise-ship tourist-trap heaven.

Bob C.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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 >I definitely think that the French side is the place to
 >stay and eat. It has been more sensibly developed
 >than the Dutch side.


Don't feel you have to choose one side or the other. The island is small
enough that you don't have to feel tied to one spot.

When I go, I always stay at a villa or hotel on the edge of the Dutch side.
I save so much money that way, I can materially extend my trip. Definitely
rent your car and buy groceries, liquor and cellphone cards on the Dutch
side - far, far cheaper. In fact virtually everything is cheaper on the
Dutch side. Also, if you have an old analog cellphone that stiil works,
bring it - that's what they use. I have a like-new Nokia analog that I can't
even get service for at home anymore, and I now use it only when I go to St.
Maarten.

On the French side, Grande Case has the best restaurants and is a cool olf
town. Orient Beach is the big party beach, particularly during Spring Break.
I like that sort of thing, but not everyone does. Orient is not a
particularly picturesque beach however, and the shops are rather new and
very touristy. Marigot has a fun Saturday market, and is overlooked by a
ruined fort that is worth seeing, particularly by kisses and moonlight.
Ahh.....

The most beautiful sunsets are on the Dutch side. You can see an absolutely
stunning view of Saba from the patio at the hotel on the north side of Maho
Beach at sunset. The Sunset Bar at the south end of Maho is tacky, but
everyone should go there once to have a beer and watch the Air France 747
come in low over the beach to the airfield. It's a rite that must not be
neglected.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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"Jessica Simpson" <jesssimp RemoveThis @adventure.cam> wrote in message
news:bfwzc.43533$0y.19449@attbi_s03...

 > Orient Beach is the big party beach, particularly during Spring Break.

Depends on where you go on the beach. If you turn left (not right) when you
reach the beach there's an undeveloped quarter-mile from the Esmeralda to
the Mt Vernon.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

I have just booked the Mt Vernon for 1 week starting July 3rd. My
first visit to SXM after doing Mayan Riviera, Puerto Plata and
Jamaica. Really looking forward to it.
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

"Dave" <candu2D56.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2c1fae2b.0406151109.58e930ff@posting.google.com...
 > I have just booked the Mt Vernon for 1 week starting July 3rd. My
 > first visit to SXM after doing Mayan Riviera, Puerto Plata and
 > Jamaica. Really looking forward to it.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

However, be prepared to climb the hill up to the Mt Vernon rooms from the
beach.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

 >
 > However, be prepared to climb the hill up to the Mt Vernon rooms from the
 > beach.

I'm just a hill climbing fool!<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

if its your first time to SXM, it surely wont be the last! one of the
greatest place in the carib!


"Dave" <candu2D56.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2c1fae2b.0406160326.2cf7eb91@posting.google.com...
> >
> > However, be prepared to climb the hill up to the Mt Vernon rooms from
the
> > beach.
>
> I'm just a hill climbing fool!
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

oh and for any of you interested, i have my 2 last SXM trip pictures on my
site www.marcline.com

"Dave" <candu2D56.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2c1fae2b.0406160326.2cf7eb91@posting.google.com...
> >
> > However, be prepared to climb the hill up to the Mt Vernon rooms from
the
> > beach.
>
> I'm just a hill climbing fool!
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

Last year, my wife and child stayed at the esmeralda. Great Place. It
is at the end of the beach so it isn't crowded. We drove all over this
island. I think we picked the best place. If you go, make sure you
stay on orient beach and not to far from orient beach there are day
trips to a small island . The island is only about 500 yds off shore
but it is a world away. absolutely beautiful. Also, go for the BBQ
place. Its called bahama mamas or something cooky like that. Its right
near the esmeralda. Your cab driver will probably reccommend it to you
anyway. Don't waste your time on the dutch side. It's seedy dangerous
and ugly. You feel like you left paradise to visit Newark, NJ.

The Esmeralda has many villa style apartments in varying sizes. Each
series of units shares a small pool. The walk to the beach varies from
3-5 minutes. The beach guys are very attentive and very nice. I had a
great time skinny dipping in the early morning hours. You will too!
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay 

"Jeffrey J. Nappi" <jnappi.DeleteThis@lucent.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1b376dfda563574a989682@netnews.proxy.lucent.com...
 > Any recommendations on where to stay in St. Martin? Not interested in
 > all-inclusive. Beach front view would be nice, but not mandatory. Pretty
 > much open on any suggestions, will narrow our choices down once we
 > compile a short list.

We've been going to SXM every year for a while now. Stay an average of 14
days. 7 days is just too short.

We have stayed at Club Orient, Oyster Bay Resort, The Summit, The Pelican
and the Sapphire. We have also toured the Flamingo, The Towers, Le Galion,
The Cottages and some of the villas and townhouses by Bikini Beach run by Le
Residence and Le Hoste. Each place has its advantages and trade-offs.

Our favorite place to stay is Club Orient, for all of the reasons that one
of those trip reports you were referred to. It is clothing optional, it is
right on the beach, no tv, no phones, it is truly a get away from
everything. Unfortunately they charge a premium for all that and with the
Euro exchange rate what it is right now we find the place a bit out of reach
for our budget. (Two kids in college)

When it finally came time to purchase, we purchased a unit at The Sapphire.
It was the right price. We love the location near the cliffs of Cupecoy with
great views of sunset and the Caribbean. First class resort with marble
everywhere, Jacuzzi on the deck and a mostly private balcony.

Nobody addressed the issue of all-inclusive so I will venture my take on
that.

There are only a couple resorts that even offer a limited "all-inclusive".
They are not worth it in my opinion. There are just too many world class
dining opportunities in less than 1/2 hour drive from where ever you stay
that to miss them would be a shame.

So rent a car, explore the island. Meet the friendly people and be prepared
to go back year after year. It is the kind of place that grows on you.

David<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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Saraa,

Tried the link to the pictures and got a "Bad Request" error when I klicked Enter
 >> Stay informed about: St. Martin, places to stay