TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Do we need a car

First time going back to the island in many years. We always stayed at club O and we always rented a car to go out to dinner and sight see. This year we are staying at LaPlaya for 5 days in March. I am thinking that we don’t need a car as there are many restaurants near the hotel. Unless you can change my mind what is the best way to get to Orient beach from the airport? Thanks for the help.

I can't imagine not having a car on SXM. There are so many beaches to go to and great restaurants everywhere.

With only 5 days, I guess a car is not necessary.

A taxi is the only way to get from the airport to Orient beach, unless you have a pre-booked car service I guess.

If you don't rent a car, there is not a BEST way to get to Orient from the airport. There is the ONLY way, which is a cab.

I also can't imagine being without a car in SXM. But I guess if you are just going to limit yourself to Orient, you don't need one. But if the weather is bad or there is tons of sargassum, you might well wish you had a car.

Personally for 5 days I wouldn't rent a car. Taxi in my opinion especially for dinner.

If you're happy with just the restaurants there, which there is a large selection in offerings and prices, you should be good without a car for a short 5 day trip. There is the Petit Casino store where you can buy groceries and supplies and On Dur Strait ( I probably botched the name) if you want some prepared foods or charcuterie items. Good Morning serves a great breakfast and sandwiches if you want to pack them and take to the beach.

Five days or 14 days I would not be on Island without a car. There is MUCH more to do than eat and the freedom of being able to just go for a ride around the Island should not be eliminated. LaPlaya is a great location for just wandering around and lots to experience but that can be in addition to checking out other areas,

Pony.. or anyone else know the actual name of the place in Orient that has charcuterie and prepared foods? Is it near the grocery store?

On Dirait le Sud
Yes, i really messed up the name in my post above.

We stayed for a week in the village without a car.There are car rental agencies at the Grand Case airport if you want to get one for a day or two. They will deliver it to you and on time I dropped it off and they drove us to the airport. The front desk at your hotel can hook you up.

Personally speaking, I can’t imagine NOT renting a car but that said,, there are many days when it remains parked outside our door for days at a time so really, it’s all about you and your trip plans. And even having a rental car there are times and situations when we choose to use a taxi.
Bottom line, you don’t absolutely need a car but it sure is a bonus to us to have one.

I agree staying only for 5 days in Orient, a car is not necessary. If you want to go into Grand Case for dinner, a cab will get you there and safely get you home after a few drinks.