jml@caelum.UUCP (J.LACY) (06/06/85)
*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE *** My folks are travelling to St. Maarten (in the Caribbean) in October. If anyine in netland has gone there or knows someone who has, I'd like to hear from you. Did you enjoy the trip? Where did you stay? Was it nice? Are there any places on the island (both sides) which are *MUST SEE*Are there any places to shop where you can get good bargains? Did you find any good places to eat? Any information you could supply would be helpful. Jml AT&TIS HOLMDEL ps: how was the weather & what time of year?
mae@weitek.UUCP (Mike Ekberg) (06/19/85)
My wife and I honeymooned on the island of St. Maarten 3 years ago. We stayed at the Oyster Pond Hotel, a real nice place but a bit pricey. It's on the opposite side of St. Maarten from Phillipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of the island, about a 10-15 drive. Oyster Pond is rather secluded (an ideal place for a honeymoon). The same management owns Dawn Beach next door. You can either eat at one of the hotels or drive into town. St. Maarten is really two separate countries. The Dutch half seems to be cleaner, more populous, and wealthier. Most of the casinos are located in Phillipsburg, on the Dutch side. The French side does have La Samana, a $200+/day resort with an excellent restaurant. I recommend purchasing one of the travel guides to the Carribean, such as Fodors. They are worth it. By the way, most of the islands in the Carribean have *Carnival* during the summer. Each island seems to take a different week. We happened to catch St. Maartens at the end of April/start of May. Also pick up a wheel of Gouda cheese to bring back to the 'States'. Mike Ekberg
halle@hou2b.UUCP (J.HALLE) (07/31/85)
I recently spent a week in St. Maarten and would recommend it highly to anyone thinking about the Carribbean. A few thoughts: Check with the travel agent about accomodations. A lot of the hotels are under construction. Avoid any in Phillipburg. The two in Little Bay are nice. We stayed at the Belair and would recommend it. If you want to be near the town that is probably the best. If you want to be farther out, several appear to be nice but I cannot make recommendations. But consider staying on the eastern shore. The breezes are better and it can get somewhat "stuffy" on the leeward side. If you rent a car, use Avis. Their cars are in the best shape. Anyone else and you take the risk of not making the hills. But a car is not really necessary for most of the time. Avoid the Peacock Casino (at St. Maartin Beach Club). They cheat. The best restaurants are on the French side, especially in Grand Case. Two in particular are outstanding. I have never eaten anyplace better. They are: Tastevin and L'Auberge Gourmand. Make reservations. And if you ask for Michel (T) or Jean Paul (AG) you will get even better than their usual superb service. It's almost worth the trip just for those two restaurants. (BTW, if you go there, tell them how you heard about them.)