TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Picking Timseshare for first visit

Hello,
I am trying to help a friend pick a property to stay at for their first SXM visit. As I am more familiar with the French side I am hoping someone can offer some opinions on a place to stay from their timeshare options. They have the option to stay at the following. Royal Islander La Plage, Royal Islander La tarasse, Royal Islander Great bay, Divi Little Bay, Towers at Mullet bay, and Simpson Bay Resort and marina. They would like to be able to walk out for shopping and nightlife.
Thanks You for the input.

If being able to walk out to both shopping and nightlife is at the top of the requirement list then IMO, Royal Islander LaPlage is about the best of the best. It meets your requirements, plus has lots of good dinner options within footsteps, is very well maintained, almost all units have a good ocean view and you can watch the planes come and go from your balcony.

If I was looking for a place to stay, this would be my first choice for sure and perhaps Royal Islander La Terrasse which is across the street from it would be my second choice since it also meets your requirements. The only drawback is that it is not directly ON THE BEACH, but merely footsteps away.

We have multiple weeks at the Towers and I adore it there but one of my prime reasons for loving it as I do is because it's well removed from everything and is blissfully peaceful and away from any and all hubbub yet still very conveniently situated. The downside of that is you have to drive almost everywhere but on SXM we don't find that to be a problem, but it definitely does NOT meet your prime needs.<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

not sure where La tarrace is located.

Great Bay is P'Burg and they pull in the streets when the cruise ships leave.

Divi Little Bay has nightly entertainment but you'd need a car to go elsewhere. It's on a peninsular and tucked out of the way.

Simpson Bay Resort will put them in the thick of things in Simpson Bay but i've heard that makes for a noisy location. No personal insight. BUT walking at night very dangerous!

La Plage in Maho has some music, shops, restaurants and sidewalks.

Your choices are RI LaPlage or LaTarasse or Simpson Bay Resort. The others do not have good options for food and nightlife in walking distance. The first two are in Maho, which personally I don't like Maho. Looks like a little town to me. But there are lots of shopping, eating and nightlife opportunities there. Simpson Bay Resort is in the middle of Simpson Bay and there is a tonn of stuff to walk to from there. Not as many as Royal Palm, which would be my number one choice, but it wasn't on the list!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> SBR, there are a vast variety of rooms there, some with views, some with views of the back of another building! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Most of the units there now have been refurbished in the past couple of years and are lovely. If they could get a room at the Villas at Simpson Bay, they are the newest section, all ocean view and lovely. With regard to walking anywhere from SBR, disagree with the other poster, not dangerous to walk from there.

Carol,

I know you enjoy that area and it does meet the requirements as far as shopping and nightlife, and while I don't know that I'd find the walking there to be 'dangerous' it's not nearly as convenient as the Royal Islander properties and the walks are generally a lot longer. Walking TO dinner is not usually a problem anywhere, but walking back could be problematic, particularly in some of the upper buildings......those hills could take on new proportions after a glass or two of wine with dinner. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I guess the problem for me is all the traffic in that area....I enjoy some of the restaurants but crossing that road can be treacherous! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

La Terrasse is across the street from La Plage.

I like the Simpson Bay area 'cuz it has a more Caribbean feel to it (to me) so my choices would be the RP, SBR, Flamingo or La Vista

..and yes, there are some hills and if that is major issue then the Maho area might be more appropriate.

Pat--yes, there is the hill, that's why I prefer Royal Palm, but it wasn't on the list. You and I have gone over Maho versus Simpson Bay many times and I think we will agree to disagree on that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

As we always do, Carol and that's okay.....that's what life's all about - different choices. And as the saying goes, if we all liked the same thing....

Personally, I still prefer the Towers over all the timeshares on the island simply because it's tucked away out of the mainstream without a lot of noise or traffic and that's exactly what deters a lot of people from staying there. Once again, if we all liked the same thing...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

La Terrasse is across from La Plage. La Plage has it's own "beach" area, built up sand, lots of loungers around the pool and if lucky, sand on Maho Beach. La Terrasse has its own pool deck, but each building can only use there own pool area. Personally I'm happier with the La Plage pool area directly on the water.
We like the Maho area, resto's, some shopping, walk to Mullet and easy driving to other area's
J&B

Pat,

I am in total agreement with you. The Towers is tranquil, much more scenic. Beautiful pool and views from the condos. Nice to be able to walk the golf course or to Mullet Bay. Simpson Bay is way to noisy with all planes taking off..

Actually, in most of Simpson Bay, you don't hear planes taking off at all. Specifically at Simpson Bay Resort, which was one of the choices. At Royal Islander, I think one can hear planes there, but I don't really know.

Carol....and all.....this question is a no-brainer. The best place to stay is LaPlage!!!!! I am here now, (for the twenty first time), the place is in GREAT shape...There is a nice beach, it's across the street or next door to some of the islands best restaurants, also across the island's most popular casino, next door to airport so you get to see the planes coming and going. and it's also home to the most ''friendly'' people on the island!!!!! It's probably one of the safest places on the island to get in and out of also!!!!

Ed,

One item of curiosity for me regarding Royal Islander, both LaPlage and LaTerrasse - where do you park and if you have to use the garage, is it free or do you have to pay to parkthere? That's the only thing I might not find too terrific about either of these locations.

And please don't get me wrong - I still think the Towers is the best place for ME but not everyone wants the serenity thing like we do. And again, one of the nice features about RILP is once you're inside the property you really wouldn't have a clue about the traffic in the area, right?

We never found the noise to be an issue when we stayed in the Simpson Bay area - I just hate the busy atmosphere there, which reminds me too much of home but without the beach!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

But, Computerwise, Shhhhh, we don't want the Towers finer points to get out to too many people, do we? Let's keep it a secret as best we can.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Parking is under the La Terrasse building. If staying at La Terrasse, you take the elavtor to "P". If at La Plage, you walk across the street to La Terrasse and take the elvator down 1 floor to the garage or take the stairs. When you check in you tell the desk you need parking. It's $5/day - $35 a week. You get a receipt of sorts showing your start and end dates and you leave it on the dash at night when parked. You get a card to swipe yourself in and out of the garage. There is security man at the exit / entrance
J&B

TY - I was never sure how they worked that out. I'm kind of surprised they don't give 'owners' a free parking pass. That would be a very nice 'gimme' I'm thinking. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Parking is $30/week. At least it was last April when I stayed there. I'll be back there in May.

Pat--yes, I never understood that, why 'owners' have to pay for parking there.

RI La Plage, you could argue that it is the best run timeshare on the island and it fits the bill for what they are asking.

RI is not my favorite, prefer La Vista or Towers, but I would suggest this place with out hesitation.

I like the Simpson Bay area, but not a fan of Simpson Bay Resort unless you get the Villas in the new building.

Divi and Towers are nice, but both are a drive to any real hot spots for shopping or nightlife.

Cheers,
Todd

That should be an automatic inclusion for even just staying there.

Don't think I agree with you at all, scuba. The people who actually pay the AMFs and particularly those who come every year should get them but there is a difference between owners and traders as far as I'm concerned. We stayed in a nice TS in Mexico way back when and they included certain perks that were NOT available to General TS trades or renters THAT WERE EXCLUSIVELY FOR OWNERS AND THEIR GUESTS. I thought it was a nice touch but then, I was a guest. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

do they charge for parking at SBR? We have a rental car for a few days.

No. As far as I know, Royal Islander is the only place that charges for parking.

[. [/quote]

We never found the noise to be an issue when we stayed in the Simpson Bay area - I just hate the busy atmosphere there, which reminds me too much of home but without the beach!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

[/quote]

Wow Pat the time I saw Brookfield it didn't look at all like Simpson Bay ---even without the beach <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Rosemary,

I don't know when you were there last but our quiet little rural 'once upon a time farm town' is no more. Federal Road is bumper to bumper from Danbury all the way through Brookfield right up to the Super 7 extension to New Milford and pulleeze.......don't get me going on I-84 traffic status. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Pat, parking is across the street UNDER LaTerrace. It is a manned gated parking garage. There is a weekly charge for parking. Once inside very rarely hear any noise. In fact, usually can sleep till around 9 or 10. Even the planes don't interfere with my sleep. The beauty of LaPlage is the choices of restaurants, shopping, or just about anything one would need is right out the front door. The convenience is GREAT. btw...met your daughter last week.

One seems to be forgetting that LaPlage has one of the cheapest maintenance fees on the island. Many of the guests there do not rent a car, since it is convenient to just about everything. The small charge for parking is ok with me....it pays for the security guard to watch over the cars, and that is fine with me! Of all the years of coming down, i have never heard any of the owners complain about the small parking fee. Funny, it seems like the only ones that ever complained are non owners who don't stay there.... Would rather pay for something that I use, than pay for something i don't.... If this helps keep the maintenance fees low, i will continue to gladly pay for parking. Underground, protected garage parking as far as i know, is only available at LaPlage/LaTerrace. that probably has something to do with the fee also.

Ed, I agree with you 100%.

Couldn't disagree with anything you've said in this post if I wanted to....I really do like almost everything about Royal Islander and you sure can't beat the views from the balconies. We were at a cocktail party in one of the large penthouse units and I almost hated to come in from the balcony. Not so sure I'd want to sleep in though and waste that much of my vacation time but vacations are all about what makes you happy, right. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> And yes, Kim did mention meeting you. She enjoyed her day at Royal Islander and hanging with Sheila and Sue and all and meeting so many great people there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Yea...we may get up late...but usually are up to around 2 or after. What we lose in the am...we make up in the evening... LOL Usually arrive at a beach around 11 or so.....and leave around 5.

We have owned at La Plage since 1989 and love it. It's our #1 recommendation . If the airport noise presents a problem for the OP then we suggest Simpson Bay Villas; excellent accommodations and not difficult to reserve.