We have gone to many of the other Caribbean Islands and even with a few SXM issues it still has so many more good reasons and still prefer going to SXM . Yes the French side has its issues too. Water problems, political , occasional civil strikes and unrest. We have stayed at VRBO and Airbnb properties and most are find but we just prefer dealing with a legitimate known hotel etc as they are normally easier to deal with if you need to cancel , change , refund, etc. than an owner might be. Plus Hotels pay their fair share to the Gov in rooms taxes etc to help keep the island maintained that many of the private owners just don't pay into help with those things. With High season coming and how important that is to the island economy I have to believe with the arrival of the new generators the power issues will be fix our at least much better. But you just can't ever be for sure.
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