I’m looking to rent a a place that is on the water along Simpson Bay beach in behind the MacDonalds restaurant. It is located near the La Siesta condos. Reviews we have read have no concerns about safety in the area but I thought I would ask here what more experienced travellers thought about the safety of this area. We are in our late 40’s and are experienced travellers to SXM but have never stayed at a place that didn’t have security.
Their are nice hotels in the area with night security but You should be fine with normal precautions. Keep in mind the area is a mix of businesses, nice condos , smaller hotels and guest houses, modest houses and some shacks and junk cars alone the road which is typical for the island so don’t judge the area by the road you drive down if it doesn’t look like back home. If in doubt spend a bit extra and find someplace a little better. But Simpson Bay is as safe or safer than many areas.
My wife and I made our first trip to SXM last year - we are in our mid 40s. We stayed in a condo on the same street you mentioned - had no issues. To be fair the condo had a gate that required a security code to gain entrance and there was someone on premise that was watching the place at night (once it gets dark). The balcony had gates controlled with the push of a button which gives an added sense of security. My wife and I didn't actually realize there were gates until the 3rd or 4th night of our stay - LOL!
I read a lot of posts on this board and many suggested not staying out too late; also be aware of your surroundings (this hold true EVERYWHERE you go - not just SXM). Being that it was our first time on the island and everything was new to us, we felt a little nervous, walking through the short alleys at night between the condo and the dinghy dock. The alleys are not well lit - so we used our cell flashlight while walking through them. We didn't stay out too late - usually getting back to condo between 10PM-11PM each night. After the 4th or 5th day we were much more at ease, but stuck to the same curfew.
We booked the same place for our upcoming trip in May - can't wait to go back to pizza & co .
we have stayed at La Siesta many times,,, at first the area might feel sketchy but we've never had any issues,,,just keep your guard up and situational awareness,,,La Siesta has a guard out front every night,, not sure about the other properties along there I never carry anything valuable after dark,,, oh and take treats for the dogs along there,, they rule the road,,,,
Simpson Bay is usually a safe area, although I would not walk the back streets at night. I have walked the back streets and beach in this area during the day many times and never a problem. In Nov. I stayed at The Horny Toad, which is off the same road but more towards the airport, with no problems. There are a few restaurants in the area you are looking at with Sublime being one we really enjoyed. Other comments on your question cover the area and situation very well.
I would be concerned about the beach (or lack thereof) in the area you are considering. In Nov. I attempted to walk from The Horny Toad to basically the bridge via the beach and ran out of beach in the area you are considering. A few years ago the beach was there and it was an easy walk but the beaches change. Not sure what the current status is in that area but there had been a lot of erosion.
Just got back from spending 2 weeks in Simpson Bay (one week at La Siesta) and we encountered ZERO safety issues. We never had a car and walked everywhere and we're in our 60's and one of us is 82. We were out until 10 pm (some nights later) and felt safe the entire time. Like someone here suggested, keep your guard up because you never know.
If you are planning to swim at Simpson Beach, not all sections have easy access to swimming. Closer to the airport end, yes. Closer to the bridge end, not always easy right out your door.
It is near the police station, which is across from McDonald's (same side of road but across Simpson Bay Rd. It is almost behind Turquoise Shell Inn and from what I recall in NOV. there was no beach there. As I stated earlier and another stated, direct beach access may be an issue.
Hi. I edited your post to correct the name--it is SIMPSON Bay, not SIMPSON'S.
If it were ME, I wouldn't walk in that area after dark, except to and from the car. If I were going to walk to a restaurant for dinner, I would want to be back home by 8 PM.
Thank you everyone for your posts. I know that there is a lack of beach in that area, but there is a ladder to get down into the water from the patio of the place we are renting. Hubby and I are both in really good shape physically, but were concerned about the safety issue.
Safety-wise, you should be fine if you exercise everyday caution like you would anywhere else. Good luck with the ladder, I am not in bad shape but what would not get it for me. Enjoy.
Husband and I stayed at private condo on the beach close to where you are asking about. We never had a single safety issue whilst walking around either on the beach or in the street. We walked both the beach and the road, in the dark, to and from MB and felt very safe. Nobody creeping around. In fact, we didn't really see anyone at all. During the day as we walked in the street we said hello to the people we passed (just a friendly lil greeting) and the dogs did get a little snippy at one house but we got by them with no problems. I like the idea of bringing treats for the dogs. We'll be in the same hood in January and will remember the treats!
I'm glad that you had no issues, but frankly, if you don't see anyone at all, that would worry me more.. During the day, I certainly wouldn't worry about it, but after dark is different.
I’m glad this made the paper. I know one of his close friends and she posted about it. Stabbed 5 times. Not good. Sounds like it happened near the parking lot above Buc maybe.
yes he's a friend of mine,, used to work at Maho with Ramon,, very nice guy,,, we visited him at the Greenhouse in December,, very sad,,, hope he does ok,,,
We've stayed at La Siesta a couple of times and really liked it, so we can also vouch for the general safety of the area. As others have said it is a mixed neighbourhood, but we found everyone quite friendly. We did walk in the area in the evening, but usually we took the car if we were heading out to dinner somewhere, other than somewhere very close, like The Palms.
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