TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Directions/ groceries

Well ready or not here we come! Last year we traveled from the airport to Orient via the Marigot side of the island. Is that currently the most efficient direction, and also, what are the better grocery stores en route for meal supplies? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

I think the best route probably depends on the time of day [and the day if landing on Tues during Carnival days in Grand Case]. Weekdays later in the day, really busy through the Dutch side - bridge and causeway openings also affect traffic later in the day.

failing that the Marigot route has Super U - pretty good. Not so happy with their rum selection,fabulous if you are a Coke fan [pretty much an entire aisle!], but no cans of club soda. Otherwise good selection of most items.

Dutch route will take you past the Carrefours, more American and generally well stocked

J&B

Thanks. we will be arriving wed. midday. Super u sounds like it's out, because we need Bacardi, Pepsi, and the wife needs club soda! LOL.......Carrefour's doesn't seem to be to far out of the way though.

Carrefour is very easy to get to, just go over the Causeway and make a RIGHT, and it is very close. Then when you leave Carrefour, come out of there and make a left and head through Marigot.

Or, head the other way altogether, go to the Grand Marche by Mark's, and go the other way to Orient through Orleans..

Thanks, will shoot for Carrefour. Do you think its easier/quicker one way or the other?

Personally, I prefer the Grand Marche by Mark's to the Carrefour and to me, I think the drive is about the same each way. So I personally would probably go to the Grand Marche UNLESS you get started through Simpson Bay and the traffic is backed up stopped in Simpson Bay, which it can be, by 5 PM. If so, I would probably turn around and go back to the Causeway.

Many thnx. This is a very helpful post and thread. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Great, i will probably try Grand Marche, hoping the traffic is not too bad around 2:00pm. Thanks!

I've never hit the grocery after leaving the airport because many of the TTOLers have often warned not to leave the car unattended with luggage in it (even in the trunk) so I guess I would pass that advice on that someone should stay with the car while the other shops........ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

We stay in Orient, and my observation is that before the causeway, going through Marigot or P-burg were about the same, time-wise. With the opening of the causeway, I feel like it shaved 10 or 15 minutes off the Marigot way (and is easier if you don't know the dutch side very well.) The Cole Bay Carrefour is only a block or 2 out of the way if you take the Marigot route. BTW, I am confident that the Super U carries Bacardi, can't speak to Pepsi or club soda.

Beware of Carrefour at the end of the causeway bridge. We bought (3/12) what we thought were fresh vegetable's and they started wilting and molding the next day. I also bought a package of some kind of salami meat and a couple days later noticed the expiration date was February 7th so in the trash in went. Make sure you check the expiration dates for sure. We've had the best luck with freshness and variety at Grand Marche in Phillipsburg. Fresh Market is also good just not as big a selection.

Oh yeah, i never thought about the luggage left in the car! Hmmmm, may have to run back out after check in. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Good catch by Pelican Pirate! I guess I assumed that you knew that already and were just going to get bare essentials.

I did know better than to leave anything in the car, but it slipped my mind. My minds already on island time i guess! LOL...............Thanks everyone for the great advice <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

I would strongly suggest that you contact Shop N Drop Grocery, a Sponsor on this forum and they will deliver everything you need right to your unit before you arrive. Your fridge will be stocked with your drinks and other supplies and your cupboards will be stocked too. No need for you to stop anywhere to shop for supplies along the way and an absolutely perfect way to start your vacation. I have used this service for several years and it is absolutely the best! You can go to their website, place and pay for your order and they take care of the rest. Jeannie, the owner is well known and highly respected here, so you are guaranteed excellent service.

Elizabeth, I am surprised you were the first to mention Jeannie, to me, it's the only way to go after a hectic day of travel. Cold drink with my feet up looking at the view! Priceless................ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Maybe a little late for this go around, but maybe next time. I've heard nothing but good about her service!

I just popped into Carrefour. I was really impressed with their selection and prices. We provisioned up at the Maho Market but Carrefour was much better. I'm shopping there next. Gorgeous baguettes and nice deli
/cheese selection...produce was gorgeous.

I've only shopped at Super U and I needed a quarter to unlock a shopping cart. Is there anything like that at Carrefour or Grand Marche? I'm not good with surprises...lol

To an earlier question, there are no Pepsi products at Super U.

Shopping Carts were free at both Carrefour and Grand Marche. Actually Carrefour is owned by Grand Marche which I hadn't known until this past trip.

I do not shop at Maho Market, except for emergencies--like wine!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Since the Grand Marche closed in Simpson Bay, we go in the Maho Market occasionally for a bottle of wine or the Daily Herald, but in general, I only go there when it's about the only option, or I'm feeling really lazy and don't want to travel further. The parking is very iffy, I don't care for the cleanliness of the store and the selection is often pretty meager.

I would consider the Carrefour market the best on the island. Selection is fantastic..Carrefour brand products are cheap and decent. Beer, wine, fish, cheese selection is the best.

As far as expiration dates on whatever I always check them BEFORE i purchase rather than waiting until I get back to the condo.

We just returned from Carrefor and was VERY impressed with the selection there and the pricing. Seemed better priced, and a much cleaner store than any of the others we have been in on the island.

We just returned home today, and did manage to find and used Grand Marche. We found them to be very well stocked. The traffic was quite crazy at 5pm in the round about! Also popped into the Leader Price near Orient and found it to be woefully under stocked. Petite Casino is really well stocked for the size of the store. We tried to get to Carrefour on the way in, but traffic was badly tied up do to a traffic accident, we think, so we traveled though Marigot to Orient. Thanks for all the tips from everyone! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

We found prices to be higher at Carrfour than Super U or Fresh Market (Fresh is not on our way)

OK, hoping to hear more about your trip!