TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Royal Palms, Sandpiper and Cell phone Questions

We are planning a trip to SXM in July. I have been to the island many time but always stay at Belair Beach Club or Divi. We were only able to get one week at Belair so am looking into renting a place for our 2nd week there and have a choice of something at Royal Palms or what used to be the Sandpiper.

I am familiar with the Royal Palms but not the Sandpiper. Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the properties?

Also we used to rent cell phones from Sharon but wondered what people do now given she is retired.

We will rent from Lesley as usual. Just love the service.

Thank you everyone.

Irene

True. Sharron is no longer in business. Use Whatsapp for cell call service when you have wifi.

Go to Friends of Belair Beach Rentals. There are several owners posting open weeks for rentals.

If that is Sand Castle formerly Sandpiper at La Siesta that looks tough to beat, although RP gives you a lot in walking distance which may be a nice change after Belair. We enjoy trying new places.

Cell phone is a personal financial choice based on how much it means to you. Yes you can go wifi and do wifi calling and such or you can pay to have data and use where ever which is what we do. So I spend a bit, oh well as it is still minimal, but check with your cell provider on options. I am on Verizon, and note that having access to phone and data during our stay noting we both work still allows us to be there for three or so weeks.
Cheers,
T

Thanks Irene .

Not familiar with Sandpiper, but have stayed at Royal Palm several times. Great location for walking to many different places. All units full ocean view. The restaurant there presumably still sucks, but otherwise, it's a good place to stay. Too bad they did away with the bar above the front entrance, that had a great view of the bridge openings.

As far as cell phone, if you are where there is wifi, you can use your phone without any extra cost to you. Royal Palm would have wifi there, so if you're there, you would have no problem. Otherwise, if you need it for an emergency, it will cost you a couple bucks a minute. Or check with your carrier about an international plan. Many run $10 a day, or some flat amount per week or month.

Verizon is $83 / month, and you can turn it on and off when ever you like, via there website. Works great.

Thanks everyone. This board is so helpful. I don't post alot but I sure appreciate all of the postings you do. I will check Verizon and yes I have Whatsapp so will use that too.

I am trying to see if I can work from there and extend our stay a little so wifi will be important. I have always wanted to stay at Royal Palms because it looked nice etc so I may try that.

Thanks again and hope our trip actually happens this year.

Irene