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A short report in response to questions I have seen on this site over the last 2 weeks. We have been at Beachside Villas for 10 days and amazed at what the staff has accomplished since Irma. It appears there are now 4 units open at Beachside and they are working from sunrise to sunset to keep moving forward.
We have eaten at Bavarian German several times and the food was great. Next up was White Swan twice and as always the food was good. We have also eaten at Rendevous in Porto Cupecoy and they have a reasonably priced happy hour. Also, we have eaten at 3 Amigos in Maho and Savannah Thai in Simpson Bay. We have had lunch and dinner numerous times at El Zafaro and happy to see Ed & Nicole are recovering and have units available to rent.
Our island impressions; we have been tracking down island friends and helping where we can. They all offer a thank you for coming we need visitors to sustain the economy. One person told of the roof blowing away and he and the family laid on the bathroom floor praying they would make it through the night.
We have driven to many of our favorite places to check on rebuilding. Chesterfields is closed and we spoke with the owner yesterday-he was on the roof with several laborers trying to get the roof finished. He told us he is going to try and reopen in a month or two. Next we walked and drove through the French side and it will be a long time before any sense of normalcy. We have checked on the Towers in Mullet twice and there are holes in the roof, windows out and not a person to be seen. We stopped and spoke with the staff at Daleos on Mullet Beach. They are open with food, beverages and chair rentals. Rosies on the beach is also open and on the weekend both areas were packed tight with locals and visitors.
Having stayed 4-6 weeks annually at LaTerrasse in Maho we were overcome by the damage to all of the stores, condos, casino and Sonesta Hotel. Many of the merchants have told us they are looking at a 2+ year rebuilding process and will probably move to Simpson Bay or elsewhere. There seems to be good news for both Royal Islander properties-possibly reopening in the fall.
Lastly walking by the airport terminal upon arrival-I could not get over the odor of mold and seeing there was still standing water in the building.
If you are able to find a flight to the island there are many places to stay and your visit will be appreciated by the people of the friendly island.

Thank you for your on-site information. Trip reports are always appreciated and now, moreso than ever before.

We have weeks at the Towers and while I’m aware of the gaping holes in the roof and some missing windows, I’ve slso been told the damage was mostly limited to the 7th and 8th floors and there are people actually staying there. Not timeshare owners but possibly some AUC students and others..And I know their staff is still working so I’m somewhat surprised you didn’t see anyone while there. Good to hear about BSV, too.

We’re not due back on Island until the Fall so any and all firsthand information is truly appreciated. Thank you.

Thanks John for a very informative report. It is good to hear some places are recovering but I know it will take several months for things to get back to some form of normal. Hopefully by the time I am able to return, things will have greatly improved. I just could not stand to see all the devastation from Irma. I saw the results of Luis in 1995 and that was bad enough when we returned 8 months later. Seeing the results of Irma is just too heart breaking now.

Thanks for the report.

Thank-you for the report.
It sounds so sad, even though businesses are opening and improving daily.
We will be there in April staying at BSV also.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Thanks so much for all the great information! Glad to hear that things are coming along at Beachside.

Thanks for taking time to post your report and observations.

Thanks for the report and greta information.

Thank you for a very informative report.

Thank you for your report.

Thanks for taking the time to report. Have a great time!

Good to get some additional first-hand information. Thank you for the report.