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#37702
02/02/2015 09:25 AM
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We are spending the weekend at SXM before heading to San Juan for a meeting. We like to avoid kids, do some partying, and enjoy the sights. Any suggestions? We are considering Sonesta Ocean Point, but are not real excited about the $600+ per night.
We are not into a lot of touristy things, but having a couple of drinks at Sunset Grill looks like a lot of fun.
Last edited by Illinois; 02/02/2015 09:29 AM.
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What are your dates on SXM
So. IL. SXM??? Wendell
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SXMWendell said:
What are your dates on SXM
So. IL. SXM??? Wendell We arrrive on Feb 20th, and we are from the STL area.
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You might want to look at Simpson Bay Suites (about $169 a night close to things to do). Red Piano for some late music ( caution.. very smokey) The Simpson Bay strip restaurants will have music also. For beaches I prefer Mullet Beach. Rent a car. You can explore the Dutch and French Side. I like to stop at Driftwood Boat Bar after a day at the beach ( watch the planes ( and watch the tourists "watch" the planes).
In Wood River SXM??? Wendell
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Close to WR. We stopped at The Franchise on Friday.
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Somewhere in Maho might be a good choice for just a weekend, as you wouldn't have to rent a car at all. I honestly don't think the Sonesta Ocean Point is worth the money right now, as it is not all complete yet and there is a lot of construction still going on. You might see if you could rent Royal Islander as a hotel room just for the weekend. Or somewhere in Simpson Bay, as Wendell suggested. If you're looking for a bit more upscale, the Villas at Simpson Bay are pretty new and all water view.
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 02/02/2015 11:44 AM.
Carol Hill
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Stay at the Westin[Find deal on www.wiol.com] on Dawn Beach. Rent a car Go to Orient Bay,Grand Case and Beach. For nice breakfast go to Mr Busby's right on Dawn Beach. Enjoy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
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If you want a cool, non touristy vibe…I can't recommend Love Hotel in Grand Case enough. Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor. It is a 7 room place very chic and not price prohibitive. Lots of fun in the evenings. If the Dutch side (more commercial/corporate in my opinion) I would say something in Simpson Bay.
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Do I dare say stay at the Alegria, right next to Sunset Bar, close to Maho and restaurants and the airport.$178/night on Expedia.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
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I'll throw out GCBC - Grand Case Beach Club. That way you get beach as well as a local restaurant. Plus you're close to Grand Case with lots of quality restaurants.
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Remember, no elevator and frequent hot water issues.
Last edited by Bob_Dot; 02/02/2015 09:02 PM.
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Grand Case is my choice. Maybe not a big party scene but quality. Love Hotel is cool, Blue Emarude is very good as well but Love has the bar scene and is closer walk to strip.
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February is high season. Several years back we grabbed a great airfare but most resorts were already booked and those that weren't were high priced. Grand Case Beach club was getting twice as much as what they typically get off season and that is true of many of the hotels/resorts on the island. Having said that you may want to check out the Royal Palm or the Atrium as they are both in walking distance to several restaurants and nightlife.
The Atrium is nearby to Buccaneer’s, Prive (night club), Topper's, La Bamba (live music on Sunday), Yacht Club (good happy hour and able to see yachts pull in and out of marina) and not a long walk up the hill to Red Piano. Royal Palm is across from Lee’s and fairly close to the other places mentioned but you are walking on a main road with lots of traffic.
We drive so I may be a little off but I also believe Pineapple Pete's is within walking distance where they have live entertainment. Staying at either hotel you would have to take a taxi to Sunset.
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fabila said:
February is high season. Several years back we grabbed a great airfare but most resorts were already booked and those that weren't were high priced. Grand Case Beach club was getting twice as much as what they typically get off season and that is true of many of the hotels/resorts on the island. Having said that you may want to check out the Royal Palm or the Atrium as they are both in walking distance to several restaurants and nightlife.
The Atrium is nearby to Buccaneer’s, Prive (night club), Topper's, La Bamba (live music on Sunday), Yacht Club (good happy hour and able to see yachts pull in and out of marina) and not a long walk up the hill to Red Piano. Royal Palm is across from Lee’s and fairly close to the other places mentioned but you are walking on a main road with lots of traffic.
We drive so I may be a little off but I also believe Pineapple Pete's is within walking distance where they have live entertainment. Staying at either hotel you would have to take a taxi to Sunset. Thanks for all of the great help. The Atrium and Love Hotel are both sold out for that weekend. I will keep trying, and find something eventually.
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Simpson Bay Suites is across the street from Atrium.
SXM??? Wendell
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you can book rooms at divi. Rent a car on sight and return it there when you are done
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SXMWendell said:
Simpson Bay Suites is across the street from Atrium.
SXM??? Wendell Looks like a good option. Is Simpson Bay Suites the same as Simpson Bay Resort and Marina?
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You said you wanted to avoid kids, I would stay away from Simpson Bay Suites. I agree with the Westin or Les Balcons in Oyster Pond. Westin is a big resort and Les Balcons is small and quaint the owners are fabulous. You can rent a car, you also have the Dinghy Dock close by it is a great spot to have a few drinks and great food.
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No, Simpson Bay Suites Simpson Bay Suites is 1 block closer to the main drag in Simpson Bay. And basically nowdays Simpson Bay is where most of the night life is. You can walk across the street to BBB, and a little farther to La Bambas. Or you can walk to the main road to many restaurants ( many have music). This area is not isolated ( a little touristy) but you don't have to drive a 1/2 hour to the night life. I also might suggest going 1 evening to experience Grand Case (1/2 hour drive) the restaurants open about 6 PM and some nights in Feb. there are bands in the street. During the day you might want to go to Orient Beach , 1/2 hour drive)( very touristy), or Mullet beach ( 10 minute drive) less touristy, Maho Beach ( less than 10 minutes) very touristy because of the airplanes or Plum Bay or Bay Rouge ( 15 minute drive) on the secluded side. I will be on island the first part of March. SXM??? Wendell
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Simpson Bay Villas is much nicer than Simpson Bay Suites and is part of the Simpson Bay Complex you have questioned. It is the big yellow building with all units being water front and very close to Kim Sha Beach and close to the Atrium Resort and Buccaneer Beach Bar.
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I could be wrong, but I think the technical name is the Villas at Simpson Bay?? Or maybe not.. Either way, that part of the Simpson Bay Resort is much nicer than Simpson Bay Suites for sure and all are waterfront.
Carol Hill
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We stayed for 4 nights last week at the Blue Bay Beach Hotel on Orient Bay ( formerly known as Le Grand Bleu; and before that, as the Cap Caraibes ). We paid less than $200/ night for a Jr. Suite, with a small kitchenette, and we were right in the middle of Orient Beach. Excellent location, and value for $.
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I would look into Beachside villas!!! http://www.beachsidevillas.com/
Sand Gravity, got to love it!
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rastamojo7 said:
If you want a cool, non touristy vibe…I can't recommend Love Hotel in Grand Case enough. Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor. It is a 7 room place very chic and not price prohibitive. Lots of fun in the evenings. If the Dutch side (more commercial/corporate in my opinion) I would say something in Simpson Bay. Grand Case Beach Club has a 3 night minimum.
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David--OP is looking for two nights only, which normally Beachside doesn't do.
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Carol_Hill said:
David--OP is looking for two nights only, which normally Beachside doesn't do. We need three nights, and are checking with Beachside. The rates are not real cheap, and the owner is seeing if she can open up the nights.
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CJIMI said:
We stayed for 4 nights last week at the Blue Bay Beach Hotel on Orient Bay ( formerly known as Le Grand Bleu; and before that, as the Cap Caraibes ). We paid less than $200/ night for a Jr. Suite, with a small kitchenette, and we were right in the middle of Orient Beach. Excellent location, and value for $. Thanks for the suggestion, but they are sold out.
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CJIMI said:
We stayed for 4 nights last week at the Blue Bay Beach Hotel on Orient Bay ( formerly known as Le Grand Bleu; and before that, as the Cap Caraibes ). We paid less than $200/ night for a Jr. Suite, with a small kitchenette, and we were right in the middle of Orient Beach. Excellent location, and value for $. Thanks for the suggestion, however they are sold out that weekend.
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I'm a fan of the Westin but you will most definately see children. The Westin has a "kids club" which is ver popular with families and young children.
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I love BSV, and if you get a space there, I'm sure you'll be happy, but you MUST rent a car, as there is nowhere to walk to at night.
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islandgem said:
Simpson Bay Villas is much nicer than Simpson Bay Suites and is part of the Simpson Bay Complex you have questioned. It is the big yellow building with all units being water front and very close to Kim Sha Beach and close to the Atrium Resort and Buccaneer Beach Bar. Something about Simpson Bay Suites does not hit it off with me. Maybe the website or the pictures. Anyone know much about Belair Beach Hotel as it is about the only thing available besides the Westin.
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I would never recommend Simpson Bay Suites! My recommendation is Simpson Bay Villas, part of the Simpson Bay Resort. Check it out.
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There is another thread here about Belair, including some pictures. Can't believe Belar and the Westin are the only things available. Did you try Mary's Boon?
Frankly, I personally would never recommend the Westin, as I don't like their business practices and their policies which have basically closed off Dawn Beach from all use except those staying at area hotels. The Westin is also pretty isolated from the rest of SXM, and a long way from Sunset.
[edit] What are you exact dates? If you want, you can PM them to me. I can't believe the Westin and Belair are all that are available..
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 02/04/2015 06:01 PM.
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I have to agree with Islandgem, the Simpson Bay Villas are the way to go. (not the Simpson Bay Resort!)
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Have you seen the "new" units at Simpson Bay Resort? They are just like the villas in decor, only larger. Up a hill, but the views are better. Personally, I think the studios in the Villas are way too small, 2 double beds, no kitchen, and only room for a chair on the deck. (That's what I would stay away from!)
That said, I would note that the Marina and Flamboyant buildings have not been renovated as yet.
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Hi! 1st of all that's high season plus it's Presidents vacation week for lots of areas, so it's going to be quite booked. I'd never recommend Westin because it's too far out unless you're familiar with the island. The best bet is in Maho if you're w/o a car. I'll message you a suggestion. Good Luck. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa
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Illinois said:
We are spending the weekend at SXM before heading to San Juan for a meeting. We like to avoid kids, do some partying, and enjoy the sights. Any suggestions? We are considering Sonesta Ocean Point, but are not real excited about the $600+ per night.
We are not into a lot of touristy things, but having a couple of drinks at Sunset Grill looks like a lot of fun. Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. Although it is short, we are looking forward to our first trip to SXM.
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Perhaps I missed it, where did you decide on staying?
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Carol_Hill said:
Perhaps I missed it, where did you decide on staying? The smaller places were all booked up, and are booked at the Sonesta Ocean Point. The rates dropped a couple hundred/night to make it somewhat reasonable. We are still hoping to get in at one of the smaller places.
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OK. The good thing about the Sonesta, I guess, is that you won't have to rent a car. Hopefully maybe something else will open up for you.
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