St. Martin/St. Maarten

[coreyh]

We are going island hopping/diving in the Leewards for Thanksgiving week and will be staying for one night on St. Martin/St. Maarten before our flight the next day. We only have from about noon till overnight on so we don't need a lot of amenities. Does anyone have a recommendation (or warning) for a clean, moderately priced hotel to spend our last night on vacation? Our current plan for the 1 day we have is Orient Beach for the afternoon, dinner (Grand Case or Marigot?) and possibly the casino after. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[5615mike]

I would suggest dinner in Marigot. Many places to eat. One of my favorites is Le Bar di la Mer (sp?) Don't know french. Very good and they have a patio where you can get lobster, fresh water lobster, shrimp, catch of the day and they have a large grill outdoors. If you don't mind the higher prices, French side is fine.
Bistro Nu is also outstanding. My friend knows the owner.
Dutch side will be more accomodating on price. I don't have any specifics for facilities since when I go I stay at a friends house in Guana Bay on the SE side of the island. Do a search for Phillipsburg. Have a great time STM is a great place.

Totally forgot about The Pasanggrahan Hotel in Phillipsburg. Its an old Royal Guest house.......One of the oldest on the island. I had friends stay there and they loved it.

 

[Scuba_Vixen]

Bought back some great memories of last summer. If I was going to try living on a different island, St Maarten would be my choice. Since Orient is clothing optional, you can wear some if you want to, it'll make for some great memories and stories for back home. Almost anywhere you turn, there's good places to eat. The Phillipsburg casinos struck me as kinda seedy looking though, reminded me of old time brothels. Maybe it's a "decadence chic" styling thing, lol. You'll have a blast!

Keep us posted when you get back.


Darlene

 

[DaveG]

St. martin is just about my most favorite place in the world.

for one night stay at the Alezia, it is a very small, quiet and friendly hotel. it is on top of a hill in the mount vernon area and just a 5 minute walk to orient beach.

just down the road from the alezia in the opposite direction from the beach is tatui which is our favorite place to eat on the island.

i bet that a one day taste will make you want to return to see more.

another option for food would be the marina in marigot. do a progessive dinner (there are at least 17 places to eat in the marina) there are no bad ones. have salad at one, soup at another main course at another and desert at yet another,,,,and drink lots of wine in between....


casinos are on the dutch side only and casino royal is by far the best IMHO.



ENJOY,,,,wish i could be there.....we have been three times so far and plan to return again soon.