TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin House charge at Roxxy Beach

You can go see a fantastic sax player at Juliette's Bistro for no charge on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lots of people tipping the musician directly, but no pressure to do so.

Frankly, it's because of the pounding loud techno music coming from Roxxy that we are considering selling our eight weeks of timeshare at Simpson Bay Villas. Last Sunday night it went on until 3 am. I'm starting to agree with the resident that said they call the police every half hour. I say if you want that floor shaking bass for 10 hours at a time, please point your speakers at your restaurant, not straight across Simpson Bay so that people sitting on their own veranda cannot hold a conversation.

Okay, rant over.

Don't blame you. I would call the police also.

In December we went there for a drink during the day and enjoyed it. We then went there for drinks in the evening and again enjoyed the place and also ended up going there for dinner and enjoyed the place. The music was never too loud or anything but pleasant when we were there, and we spend one of our weeks at Atrium with a clear path to Roxxy and did not have any issues with the noise. I do seem to remember something about 5% but it was made clear at least at the time and we had no issue with it. The simple solution when they don't try to hide that amount which they did not is to adjust your tip accordingly. I have been to places that have done their best to hide the extra amounts including sometimes on the French side making their case to the American based tourist which has been discussed over and over.

If the establishment has a policy of splitting their tips between the staff, splitting it up with management, or giving all the tips to the server is not my personal issue. The server and staff choose to work there and that is their issue, they can leave if is not to their liking. Easy

We as a group of 55 plus year olds felt very welcome and had some pretty memorable moments, including getting them to play a techno version of a Barry Manilow song. I am not sure if you all know but Lola, she was a showgirl.........

Cheers!

Thanks for a different perspective.
Sometimes there are those on this forum who tend to have a vendetta when a certain establishment does not meet their expectations.

Not sure who this is directed at but I was just attempting to clarify the situation for the original poster and thought by going directly to the establishment and relaying their EXACT words, it may help others.

Todd--not sure what all of this has to do with tips. To me, the issue is a charge that they should not be charging to the consumer.

Ditto. My exact same feelings.

Thanks RC for the cut and pasted response. Tells me they don't give a s**t.

Wow. Got to write this down!

This thread has certainly been interesting. The statement that the internet can make or break a business is very powerful. I am sure that the "house charge" will make its way to other SXM web sites that will assure that the message will reach many SXM visitors.
The response from Roxy, grammar or translation aside, seemed to me to be overconfident. Likely the type of response when you tried something shaky and got caught.
T.

It's happened before and maybe will again.

Carol, simply that many places on island list charges and they could be TOT, service or any other item but if there is an amount added to the bill then I consider that and think others should as well as part of the service or tip. Pretty simple way to look at it, I like things simple.

I am a fairly educated traveler, many on this forum are, and regardless of if I am on island in SXM or other places I look for the extra lines on an invoice for items like this. Sometimes they try to hide them into it and sometimes they don't and when they try to hide them that does bother me. I know it was not an issue to us at Roxxy, six seasoned travelers. Nice that it is reported and others are aware going in but in my opinion way too much is being made about this amount when at so many places they hide the extra charges. Just like tipping on the French side, it is how you personally handle it.

For all you that are not going to go there because of this 5% or are throwing them under the bus with out having gone and having first hand knowledge, sad to hear. We almost did not go because of the banter, glad we went because we had a great time and we will be back.

I also just wanted to point out that Lola had yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there! Now try to get that tune out of your head! LOL

Cheers,
Todd

It's all about your personal comfort level and what an individual deems as acceptable regarding extra add on charges.

Todd--it's not a matter of the amount of money involved, it is what I call bad business practice and deceptive practices. I know how it is on island, you get a bill and there's a bunch of stuff listed there and you just look at the total and figure it's not outrageous and you just pay it. Don't forget that the server told the original poster that the charge had something to do with the 'government'. Are you saying that you questioned it and they told you it was a house charge? And again, a cover charge that is known to you up front is one thing, but if this is in fact a cover charge, do they have anything on the menu or anywhere else to state there is a cover charge? Somehow I really doubt it, although perhaps it may appear now!

I'm glad you enjoyed your time there and I was actually planning on checking it out next time on island, but doubt I will. I don't need to experience it personally to know that there are too many great restaurants to choose from on SXM, that I simply choose not to patronize this restaurant. I still think it is way too convenient that the charge is 5% of the total bill and it doesn't matter whether there is entertainment or not.

Todd, very balanced answer. If someone charges me 1.20 Euro rate and I am paying in cash, I now point out to them what the actual rate is. We normally come to a compromise. If they have an additional unwarranted charge(as far as I am concerned) but the meal was fantastic I tip accordingly but that would not stop me from coming back just a quiet word with Management for the next time and that also usually works.
It also depends on how they describe their charges. If it’s obviously ripping people off, it’s up to you depending on if it’s a life changing meal or entertainment to return or not as it’s their place, their terms and it’s up to you to act accordingly. They are providing a service, their way and if you don’t like it, complain, stay, leave or don’t return.
Use to be a food critic many moons ago and if I feel deception is found on a bill, I suddenly have come out of retirement. That’s also deception, but when dealing with ethics and principles, you use some ammunition.
Regardless, I also never heard noise, received great service and actually understand what they are trying to do and that is build up a following for those that appreciate it. Not all will as even witnessed here, but we have choices as with everything in life. Don’t like it for whatever reason, just walk on by.

bran--I will be making my choice and voting with my feet on this place.

I can't believe you just did that.....

Oh, Georgia........

Knowing Todd I have no problem believing he did that!!

"Are you saying that you questioned it and they told you it was a house charge? "

Carol to answer that question as I can not remember the conversation but possibly one of the other partners in crime can comment. I am 95% sure (want to leave out the 5% part) that they actually pointed out that amount to us. I very well could be wrong and there is a good chance I might have had a cocktail, or three as I have been known to partake.

Possibly I could talk to Tony, he is always there tending bar, I think from 8 til 4. The only problem we had if I remember is Rico went too far.

I know the place is not for everyone, but I think that people might be pleasantly surprised on how enjoyable the place is. Cocktails are expensive, but they are premium large cocktails and in line with what I would expect to pay in the US. Served in better glass wear than most places on SXM. We will certainly be back, all six of us that went there.

Please somebody ask another question because I have more song lyrics that might help everyone sing along!

Cheers,
Todd

Todd--OK

I am parcel to the singer Blind Mellon Chitlan

Wendell

OK, now you have me truly cracking up even more Todd. You had to be there....

I don't recall them pointing out the 5% house charge; I do recall our seeing it and wondering what it was, but since I always let you and David work out the check, I didn't give it a second thought. And yes, the cocktails are worth every penny, the bartenders are very entertaining, and the DJ is quite accommodating.

I was also there and I don't remember the 5% being mentioned either but in my defense I probably had a few more than Todd. If we had been told I assume it would have been when we were escorted to our chairs which is when I saw Lola standing there. Perhaps they charged the 5% when they used to have a show but that was a few months ago, now it's a disco but not for Lola. I don't think the drinks were expensive just not cheap, there is a difference. And the atmosphere, food and hospitality were exceptional. It started to rain when we were there and they immediately came and lowered blinds and adjusted umbrellas to protect patrons from the rain. Very classy place and a deal for your dollar I think. I will definitely return but be more aware of the 5% and adjust my tip accordingly.

My thought exactly on "getting caught".