TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin First time visit. Where to stay?

Ya think!? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

There are no large planes that take off at 7 AM, just prop jobs. Regardless, I am glad that at least you won't be competing with me for a reservation at BSV. The beach there to ME is the best beach on the island. Your mileage may vary.

One place more that I didn't think of that meets your criteria OP is the Nettle Bay Beach Club which on the French side. It is right on the water and close to dining and drinking establishments. Check out the trip reports by BEERMAN. Carol can tell you how to access them. I am completely inept at doing stuff like that.

Interesting thread. Wonder why the OP hasn't participated any after the 1st post? Certainly a number of good options for a 1st time visit.

Probably data overload.

I agree Carol. I've been staying at BSV since 1996, at least twice a year. NEVER been woken up by the planes. I respect that BSV is not for everyone. I've met several that really don't like the planes so close. Under my breath and in the back of my mind I think and say, "good, less people to compete with for reservations". <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Funny story, I live in the vicinity of an airport in CT. My neighbors across the street, very anti airport in our community. They joined our group last year in SXM and BSV for the 1st time. They were constantly at the view stand watching the planes or snapping pictures of planes from the pool. They thought it was awesome. They're coming again this year, 3 weeks from today <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />, had to throw that in there. To ME, there's no better place on the island to stay than BSV. Over the years, the Mascarin family and the entire staff there have become like family. You have the best beach on the island, a pool at your convenience and great accommodations. Let's keep it the best hidden secret on the island <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Wingman--that is pretty funny, that they hate the airport at home and can't get enough of it in SXM!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> Wish I was going to be there in 3 weeks! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> Enjoy your stay!

I must disagree. French side while quiet in some parts, is not all vulnerable, If I'm not mistaken last time I checked stats there was less crime on French side than the Dutch.

As well as GCBC there's Love Hotel Grand Case, Lot's of places that list on VBRO.com Nettle Bay Beach Club with little houses walk out onto sand. Le Domaine Anse Marcel, La Samana on Baie Longue. Sol e Luna has gorgeous rooms (see web site) just to name a few .

Couldn't have said it better, Mike See you and the crew soon.

I agree with Rondon. We have stayed in Orient Village numerous times, ground floor and upper, and we have never had a concern for our safety(actually on ground floor right now). And OV is pretty much self contained, with a dozen restaurants, Casino grocery, etc. And Gran Case is only ten minutes away, P'Burg about 15. Good that there are so many diverse opinions. It would get pretty crowded if we all went to the same place.

I have to laugh! We are half an hour from an airport at home. Planes fly over depending on the route of the day. We LOVE BSV! The planes are not a nuisance for us but rather entertainment! I always run to the beach or front door when I hear a plane. Just love it! Most people staying there are on the beach, at the pool or MOSTLY somewhere else (don't really get why but to each their own) We stayed at Caravanserai our first year and OMG honestly sounded like planes were coming right through our room! But agree, BSV isn't for everyone and so much harder for us older visitors to get reservations there now that it has been publicizied. Our first year we booked in March for an April visit. Now have to just about book before we leave for the next year. Speaks volumes but to each their own!

Maybe they already left for SXM <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> That's why we haven't heard from them.

My wife and I would like to thank all those who have posted information concerning our request on where to stay in St Martin. With the information you have posted I am sure we will find a place to stay that will suit us. This information is greatly appreciated. Thank you JAR <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Hope your trip is all you want it to be. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I agree with Pat! Please post a trip report when you return. It's great for us long-timers to hear a first-timer's opinion of our favorite island!

Please do let us know where you decide to stay and post a report afterwards!!

I'm in my 70s and my wife is catching up so we are similar in ages and we love the French side of the island. Did visit on the Dutch side before, but too hectic for us. We had stayed for years at the Alamanda in Orient Village, but decided to rent a villa with our own private pool. We stay about 5 minutes from Orient Beach and love it. We have been to Grand Case Beach Club before and found it nice, but not in the same class as Orient Village as far as I'm concerned. The restaurants in the village are getting close to matching those along Grand Case row. Orient village is a protected community for safety if that's a must for you. And, you are only 10 minutes to Marigot, 15 to Philipsburg and perhaps 25 minutes to the airport. Check out my blog link below to see some of the villas we have rented in Orient.

You know, it is hard to cover everything but we too have stayed in the village for many years with no problems but we do have friends that have been broken into 100 yards away. I will say that I am defining the "village" as the square bounded by Bikini, Le Piment and Alamanda.

Well, actually that is a triangle...oops.

Gotaluvit,
Just sent you a PM.