TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Orient Villa decsion

We are torn between two options. I *think it is a case of if we want more space with a longer walk or 'in the middle of it all' and more chic. Could we possibly get lucky and find a TTOLer that has stayed here??

Any thoughts on the location of each would be appreciated!!!

Which would you choose?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10727054
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1420360a

How many people is it for

The furniture looks more comfortable in the airbnb one, it looks like a grill there, also. I would likely pick that one.

Sure looks like the second one is more private. Are you interested in privacy or not?

We are traveling with another couple. Good friends. This will be trip #2 with them. Privacy is important. I'm not sure either is without privacy. Both answered that it was not. Tough decisions....but what fun!

Sorry, both answered that there was no privacy?? Just trying to understand your post.

I see how that was not clear. Both said pools ARE private. But I think that sometimes translates to "not shared with others" instead of "not visible to neighbors". You guys know better than I.

I really am not familiar with either place, although I did see that the first one, apparently the owner/manager is French speaking, which could lead to a bit of miscommunication with regard to that type of question. The PICTURES looked like the second one was more private, in terms of the neighbors. If it were me, I would have a tendency to send a really pointed email to the owner, something to the effect of if I decided to walk around without a swimsuit, etc..

Carol I know we don't know each other, but we first visited sxm 10 years ago, and every other year since. We found this site maybe 11 years ago and have relied on it. Time after time, nuggets that have made our experience better have come from reading your thoughts. Thank you!

I think you should make your friends pick. Both properties have plusses and you will likely be happy at either one.

No problem.

With regard to choosing between the places, one thing I noted was that the second one said that there was a/c in the LIVING room. The other one just said there was a/c. A/C in the living room sometimes is a big deal. (But maybe not, in light of your question regarding the privacy of the pool!) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> When you're sending an email about the privacy of the pool, I would ask the first villa person about whether there is a/c in the bedrooms only, or also in the living room. All other things being equal, I personally would probably prefer the one that is closer to the beach. But I'm lazy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Enjoy, whichever place you pick!