TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin July Trip Grand Case 3 people...where to stay?

Hi All,
I haven't been to SXM in 10 years! We used to go with a big group of family every year for 7 years.
This July I'm going with two other people for just a week. I want to stay in Grand Case because I love walking around the little strip to get ribs, the french grocery store, the bars and restaurants so close too.
We are usually in for the evenings or swimming, but never out on the town.
We like to cook lots of our meals, so a kitchen is a must.
Two bedrooms is also a must.
Any ideas for me? This is a budget trip, just spent way too much on our airfare.
A pool would be nice but I don't recall anything on Grand Case having beach front with pool except for GCBC.
I know this is a tall order.
Has anyone stayed the The Dove's Nest of the Bayview Beach houses?

Whaddya think? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Check out Creole Rock. It is the only rental that I am aware of that has access to a swimming pool. It is a excellent location next to Calmos Cafe.

Hi, not looking to change your mind on location
but as another Fr side option, maybe think of Orient Village instead based on your wish list
ie
2 bed rentals, kitchen, pools [probably communal based on budget], walking to beach, resto's, bars, bakery and grocery options. Maybe no take out rib options, but there is rotisserie chicken take out

J&B

I like Flamboyant beach villas but it has been 3 years since I stayed there.....basically right next door to the GCBC. You can walk the beach and be at the sunset cafe in about 2 minutes. You could rent two single bed units on the water if you are lucky with your dates or there is also a two bedroom unit that is not on the water. It is nothing fancy but you did say you were on a budget:

https://www.vrbo.com/346111

I believe the Bayview Beach houses are next door (between the GCBC and Flamboyant). The property didn't look like much 3 years ago but do look lovely online so I'm assuming they were renovated.

Second this thought pattern <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the responses! I'm looking into everything! The Orient Village might be too busy for us? We are not interested in being around a whole bunch of families, does that sound horrible? : ) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />
I've got emails into several places.

Friends stayed there and said it was noisy from loud music at Calmos.

Grand Case Beach Club has lowest rates in July. Beautiful grounds with a pool, restaurant and free water sports. But their tennis court won't be available due to upgrading starting in June.

LINK

LINK

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two possible choices...

I suppose Doves Nest was not available?

Choice # 2 is not in GC.

I sent you a PM look for flashing envelope next to your name.

I don't see it flashing.

for

Jackie original poster.

sorry meant for original poster jackieusc4

sorry that post was for jackieusc4

I've stayed at Dove's Nest, although it's been a few years. It's kind of up the hill from Grand Case and a bit of a walk from town, considering the uphill part, and, unless something has changed, no lights on that road. We enjoyed our stay there, but I personally wouldn't walk to the restaurants in GC from there. Beautiful views from up here though. No pool there, unless something has changed. Perceptions are always different, but I don't view Orient as being more crowded than GC and there are definitely a bunch of different places there with semi-private pools (shared with other people, that is)

Click on poster name you wish to reply.

Grand Case Beach Club has reasonable rates in the Summer and a 5th Night Free Summer special. It really can't be beat. If you're on a tight budget, try Flamboyant Beach Villas (as was suggested on here) right next door.

I Have no experience re Orient Village / Beach in July, I'm sure some on this forum visit at that time and can give their perspective

I don't think Orient is by and large a family estination, as opposed to European beaches in the summer, which are family destinations.

Regardless good luck in your search

J&B

Why wouldn't you walk to the restaurants from Dove's nest? I feel like it would be a 10-15 min walk, am I just day dreaming? It has been 10 years since I've been back to the island. How was the view from yourDove's Nest villa and how was far was the walk to the beach?
we are leaning towards Doves nest since GCBC 2-bedrooms are booked.

First, understand that I am lazy and I have no desire to walk uphill after dinner in the dark. As I said, unless something has changed, there are no lights on the road going up to Dove's Nest, which raises a security concern to me. The view was lovely out over Petite Plage, but as far as a walk to restaurants, I personally wouldn't do it after night.

Carol- Totally understand, I am same way.
DO you have to walk up and down a hill to get to the beach from Dove's Nest? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Doesn't look too bad to get to the beach level but it is definitely elevated.

We are a couple 70 & 81 years old and had no problem walking each night to & from GCBC to dinner. Streets lighted but we carry a flash light to let crazy drivers know we're there.

But this walk is level. Like Carol I don't think I'd like walking uphill on a dark street.

Louise (fabila) posted a picture of the steps to get down to the beach from Dove's Nest, at one point. I'm not certain they were even there when we stayed there. We have not been down to the beach there. When we stayed there, we mostly went to Orient to the beach. That villa in Mantas' picture wasn't even there when we stayed there. The road to get to Dove's Nest comes in on the right hand side of the building, up top.

We have stayed at the Dove's Nest. We alternated between walking to "downtown" Grand Case and driving (depending on how fancy we were dressed). The walk down to their part of the beach is down a hill and somewhat steep. We found ourselves just walking down the main road and cutting into Petite Plage via the public access alley just outside GCBC. Besides, we wanted to rent chairs so there's that.

You would definitely enjoy the comparative privacy of the Dove's Nest. We never felt like we were surrounded by other people even though obviously the units were booked. We had a two bedroom and it had a large kitchen, a large living area, but only 1 bathroom and not much of a view, though there was a nice porch off the kitchen.

It really is a good value and the people who own and run it are so nice.

Does Dove's nest have a pool? I think poster wants a pool.

No, they do not.

we are staying at Doves Nest April19-26 and will try and let you know if the wifi lets me access this site. I think it looks wonderful and hope the reality is just as good