Driving on Own -- which way do we go?

[lawgirl]

We are in St. Martin/Maarten Friday, December 27th. Six ships in port. We are renting a car and circling the Island. I think probably the plan should be to head clockwise to Maho Beach. Do we then go to Terre Basse or backtrack to stay on the main road? We then go to Marigot? Then circle to beaches on east/French side, right?

 

I am looking for advice from someone who has done this.

 

So, my questions are

1. Is this the correct way to go to avoid traffic the best?

 

2. Where are the bridges we need to be concerned about? I looked up the times online that they are up. Is there a time I should leave certain places by to avoid?

 

Dutch Side

Outbound 0900, 1100 & 1630 hrs

Inbound 0930, 1130 & 1730 hrs

 

French Side

0815, 1430 & 1730 hours

 

 

3. What time should we leave the French side beaches to be back in port by 3:30 or so. We are in port 8 to 5, so I need to be onboard by 4:30 I am sure.

 

4. Good place to eat given this itinerary?

 

I know there is info on other threads, but I am having a hard time "condensing" it, as it seems to be in bits and pieces. Thanks!!!!!!

[gtaylor]

That's the direction to take if you want to avoid as much traffic as possible, but you do realize that all that you will see at Maho in the morning is 'Puddle Jumpers", right?

 

From Maho, normally I would suggest continuing through Terres Basses to Marigot, but you'll be there after the new Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway is due to open (December 15th) and I would give that a try. You would head back along the airport runway, then straight across the lagoon instead of turning right and back through the traffic of Simpson Bay and the bridge, and connect to Union Road headed for Marigot near the Port de Plaisance complex.

 

You ask for the location of the bridges. Don't know what map you're looking at, but take a look at this one.

 

The Dutch-side bridge is at #23, and the French-side bridge is adjacent to Sandy Ground. I believe that the times you list are correct.

 

The new Causeway runs from near #11 across to just below the marked Boundary Monument at the border.

 

What time to leave your 'French Side Beach' depends on which beach you choose. From Grand Case Beach, Orient or le Galion, I would allow 45 minutes and hope for quicker. From Grand Case Beach Club I'd give an extra 10 minutes, and for Anse Marcel I'd allow a full hour.

 

For food, what are you thinking about?

 

For an open, but sit down, full table service option in Marigot, I would recommend a place on my to-do list, Sandy's Waterfront Bar and Restaurant, recommended to me by my friend Joyce Prince. You might also consider Rosemary's Restaurant, right next to it, as it is quite good and had been recommended by Tony Bourdain in the New York Times some years ago. We had lunch there fairly recently.

 

For an island-type quick lunch in Grand Case I would recommend Germain's Place at the Lolos downtown, but for a bit 'classier' lunch with sand in your toes, Calmos Cafe. For Grand Case Beach Club, your only choice is the Sunset Cafe.

 

For Orient Beach, I need to venture out, but I recommend Orange Fever, though le String is on my list.

 

For le Galion, the only option is Chez Pat.

 

gary

[lawgirl]

Gary, thank you for the info!

[gtaylor]

Things have changed,

 

I posted above about taking the new route across the Simpson Bay Causeway Swing Bridge to Marigot, but the opening date has been delayed and now I would suggest continuing through Terres Basses to Marigot.

 

If you have any questions about the route, just post.

 

gary

[Coastcruisers]

Wonderful information Gary, We were able to match the bridge and causeway locations due to your detailed explanation of the locations. We are not cruising to St. Martin this time, we are spending a week. We have been in touch with Joyce Prince to arrange for a driver for the evenings we need to be on the French side; thank you for the referral.

 

The map and details are a big help in choosing a property on the Dutch side east of the airport so not to interfere with the bridge @ Billy Folly upon arrival and departure. Any chance you also are knowledgeable about particular properties within the Maho/Mullet Bay/Simpson Lagoon area??

 

Thank you again for all your valuable assistance regarding dining, driving routes and Joyce -- she does sound like a gem.

[gtaylor]

Coastcruisers, are you looking for a hotel or a timeshare?

 

Both karysa and I have extensive experience with timeshares in the area.

 

gary

[Karysa]

Coastcruisers, are you looking for a hotel or a timeshare?

 

Both karysa and I have extensive experience with timeshares in the area.

 

gary

 

Gary would you worry about the bridge openings if you stay for a week? I hardly think about it anymore until I plan the days activities. Of course you need to time your trip to the airport right but it's really not that big of a deal. The islanders deal with this on a daily basis. Its really an issue for cruisers right now since they have a 3 pm opening but planning where you stay around it is going too far IMHO.

 

The Flamingo or Royal Palm are great choices of places to stay. There are so many restaurants and nightclubs, casinos and bakeries and also boat tours etc that you can walk to. I love walking and have walked to Simpson Bay beach from the Flamingo and to Maho beach via Simpson Bay Beach from the Royal Palm.

[gtaylor]

Gary would you worry about the bridge openings if you stay for a week? <snip>

 

Karysa makes a great point here.

 

The bridge openings and associated traffic problems are really only a concern for cruisers that HAVE to make it back to the ship for sail-away.

 

They certainly shouldn't be a concern as to picking a place to stay, just be aware of the schedule and plan accordingly while you're there.

 

As she mentions, many of the choices are within walking distance of attractions, or just a short drive away. You do really need to have a car to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer.

 

gary

[Coastcruisers]

HI Gary and Karyssa,

 

Thank you both so much for all your information. I have been reading your posts all along about getting around St. Martin. Yes, we are looking at timeshares, so many different opinions as we all know. We will be returning from the French side well after mid-night, thus the choice to stay east of the airport to keep the cost down for having a driver.

 

We have not looked at any of the properties you mention, but will do so now. We have reviewed Caravanserai, Towers at Mullet Bay and just yesterday Royal Islander la Terasse.

 

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated; we would like to make a decision within the next few days as our preferred flight times are slowly disappearing. We would prefer to arrive in the afternoon vs. 8:40 pm. Arriving at a timeshare after reception closes is not ideal.

 

Thank you again, and we look forward to "talking" with you both.

 

 

Pat

[Coastcruisers]

Just checked RCI, Royal Palm and Flamingo are not showing online for our dates, will have to check further.

 

Pat

[Karysa]

HI Gary and Karyssa,

 

Thank you both so much for all your information. I have been reading your posts all along about getting around St. Martin. Yes, we are looking at timeshares, so many different opinions as we all know. We will be returning from the French side well after mid-night, thus the choice to stay east of the airport to keep the cost down for having a driver.

 

We have not looked at any of the properties you mention, but will do so now. We have reviewed Caravanserai, Towers at Mullet Bay and just yesterday Royal Islander la Terasse.

 

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated; we would like to make a decision within the next few days as our preferred flight times are slowly disappearing. We would prefer to arrive in the afternoon vs. 8:40 pm. Arriving at a timeshare after reception closes is not ideal.

 

Thank you again, and we look forward to "talking" with you both.

 

 

Pat

 

 

Gary can give you info on the Towers. Personally I would avoid the Caravanseral. It's one of those projects that didn't get finished and there was one building that looked abandoned mid way through building. I have heard good things about the RI at Maho. I think that is the same property that you mentioned. You can walk to Mullet beach and also to Simpson Bay of you like long walks. Safe area at night. I would want a car in this area more so than in Simpson Bay even.

[Karysa]

Just checked RCI, Royal Palm and Flamingo are not showing online for our dates, will have to check further.

 

Pat

 

Is the Atrium available? I have never stayed there but the location is great. The grocery store is only a few minutes walk and well as far as location goes it has to be right at the top.

[gtaylor]

I hope that you realize that the resorts you named, Caravanserai, Towers at Mullet Bay and Royal Islander la Terasse, are all located at the western end of the airport runway?

 

I, too, would avoid the Caravanserai.

 

We have stayed at the Royal Islander la Plage, across the street from la Terasse. It was many years ago and was a bit dated at that time. Hopefully they have upgraded the rooms. Great location, especially for watching the planes. I would have no problem booking into la Terasse if it were available to me. I believe their parking is pay only.

 

We really like The Towers, it's one of our very favorite spots, even though it's not on the beach. Just a quick walk across the golf course to Mullet Bay Beach. Wonderful staff there.

 

You might check out The Atrium, La Vista and La Vista Beach. They're nice and we've stayed at all of them without any problems. The Atrium is right in the heart of the Simpson Bay action, the La Vistas are up and around the hill - a bit of a walk.

 

gary

[Coastcruisers]

Thank you again Karysa and Gary,

 

Atrium is not available; we have decided to stay two weeks and unable to get a second week at La Vista -- it was a good recommendation. Looks like la Terasse may be a good choice for us -- and it also gives us the advantage of utilizing the amenities at la Plage. In fact, one reviewer said the bus is available outside the property. I did check out parking fees, etc. so not to be surprised.

 

We are still open to suggestions and have kept notes on all your recommendations on dining, touring, etc. We will rent a car for part of the time to get around the island a bit. Are still playing with the thought of moving after one week for a change of scenery.

 

Pat

[Karysa]

Thank you again Karysa and Gary,

 

Atrium is not available; we have decided to stay two weeks and unable to get a second week at La Vista -- it was a good recommendation. Looks like la Terasse may be a good choice for us -- and it also gives us the advantage of utilizing the amenities at la Plage. In fact, one reviewer said the bus is available outside the property. I did check out parking fees, etc. so not to be surprised.

 

We are still open to suggestions and have kept notes on all your recommendations on dining, touring, etc. We will rent a car for part of the time to get around the island a bit. Are still playing with the thought of moving after one week for a change of scenery.

 

Pat

 

I like the Hideaway Restaurant at La Vista. It's a nice quiet resort. There is no beach there to swim in though. With that said none of the resorts Royal Palm, Flamingo, Simpson Bay, or the Atrium have the nicest beaches. They are certainly swimable but they are no match for other beaches on the island.

 

If you are thinking of splitting your weeks up I am going to step out on a limb and suggest a week at an RCI resort in Anse Marcel. This area is very close to Grand Case, Pinel Island, and Orient and Le Gallion beaches. It's a lovely part of the island but you will need a car and be a confident driver as the road in is very steep. It's just a thought. We stayed a week at Flamingo 2 years ago and 3-4 nights at the Marquis Boutique Hotel which gave us signing privelleges at the beach bar and restaurants by the beach. I have never stayed at any other RCI resorts other than the Flamingo and Royal Palm so you would need to do more research on the property but if I was lucky enough to have a villa on the island that's where I would want it.

[Coastcruisers]

Thank you Gary -- I mixed my east and west. We do not mind being adjacent to the airport if it is la Terasse or over at The Towers.

 

Karysa, we are still considering a relocation for the second week for a change. RCI does not have any properties on the French side.

 

We would like to confirm our decision today or tomorrow re the timshare(s), and may move forward with booking the flights before we lose any more time.

 

Thank you both again, I'll be in touch . . .

 

Pat

[gtaylor]

There are two RCI affiliated resorts on the French side that I'm aware of.

 

The Nettle Bay Beach Club is on Nettle Bay, Sandy Ground, very near Marigot. RCI #4824. If you don't see it, perhaps it's a weeks/points thing?

 

Les Cottages de Lonvilliers (#3143) is directly in Anse Marcel. We've walked through the property, but haven't seen any rooms. Wonderful location, but we had some Orient Beach 'friends' from Canada that we would see most every September/October, who were staying there and told us that it was horrible. That was years ago and perhaps they have upgraded.

 

RCI location maps don't have any clue where these resorts are located.

 

gary

 

p.s. With French-side resorts, you'll need a converter or adapter for your electrical things.

 

p.p.s. Have you actually booked with Joyce? She didn't seem to be aware of a booking when I chatted with her last night.

[Coastcruisers]

I did check out Nettle Bay -- not available; and Cottages looked interesting as far as offering a bit of a French flavor. I understand they are "renovating" so your friends were correct as far as it not being a wise choice.

 

Joyce and I have exchanged e-mails regarding the nights we require a private car and she quoted the rates. I now have the final information on that schedule. I had said I would get back to her once we booked our flight if they would like to pick us up at the airport, and confirm our timeshare. Booked our flight yesterday and would like to book properties today so that I can provide Joyce with our itinerary.

 

We were thinking of inquiring about a tour of the island -- what are your thoughts on that? Of all our visits via cruise ship, we have only concentrated on the immediate walking area in Phillipsburg, lunch in Marigot and Orient Beach. We would love to spend half a day exploring the French area, and half day doing the same on the Dutch side. If this is something to do on our own, we would do so the second week.

 

We are thinking of first week at la Terasse so to have access to the bus a few days (this is the week we will have Joyce arrange our evening transportation and perhaps a tour of some sort) and The Towers the second week. Do you know if there is a parking fee at The Towers and do they have a security guard at the entrance? Did you rent your car upon arrival at the airport or once at the property? Our rental would be Friday to Friday -- we are flying home the day prior to check-out.

 

Thank you again for all your help.

 

Pat

[Karysa]

I did check out Nettle Bay -- not available; and Cottages looked interesting as far as offering a bit of a French flavor. I understand they are "renovating" so your friends were correct as far as it not being a wise choice.

 

Joyce and I have exchanged e-mails regarding the nights we require a private car and she quoted the rates. I now have the final information on that schedule. I had said I would get back to her once we booked our flight if they would like to pick us up at the airport, and confirm our timeshare. Booked our flight yesterday and would like to book properties today so that I can provide Joyce with our itinerary.

 

We were thinking of inquiring about a tour of the island -- what are your thoughts on that? Of all our visits via cruise ship, we have only concentrated on the immediate walking area in Phillipsburg, lunch in Marigot and Orient Beach. We would love to spend half a day exploring the French area, and half day doing the same on the Dutch side. If this is something to do on our own, we would do so the second week.

 

We are thinking of first week at la Terasse so to have access to the bus a few days (this is the week we will have Joyce arrange our evening transportation and perhaps a tour of some sort) and The Towers the second week. Do you know if there is a parking fee at The Towers and do they have a security guard at the entrance? Did you rent your car upon arrival at the airport or once at the property? Our rental would be Friday to Friday -- we are flying home the day prior to check-out.

 

Thank you again for all your help.

 

Pat

 

Do you still have a chance to stay a week at La Vista? The two places that you chose are very near eachother. If you stayed at La Vista for a week you would have access to different restaurants and Aquamania would be a sort 10 minute walk away and there are all sorts of boat trips, land tours etc hat leave from their if you didn't want to rent a car for the two weeks. If you have to move I would think moving to a different area on the island would be better.

 

We rent from Tripple A and thy meet us at the Airport.

 

If you want any info on restaurants or boat trips to other islands just ask.

[Coastcruisers]

hi Karysa, At the moment La Vista does not have availability for the second week, I agree and had also thought of the total change of scenery as well. I keep checking back, have Terasse and Towers on 24-hour hold.

 

I have kept notes on restaurants, etc. from the posts from you and Gary, and will go back to them as soon as we confirm our lodging. Thank you for offering additional information and suggesting a car rental resource.

 

As I write this we are really supposed to have been on a cruise this week and had to cancel because I had some surgery so really looking forward to St. Martin.

 

Good to hear from you . . .

 

Pat

[Coastcruisers]

Any chance that a bus runs by the entrance area to LaVista? Property is available the first week if we decided to go to la Terasse or Towers the second week.

 

Thanks,

Pat

[Karysa]

Any chance that a bus runs by the entrance area to LaVista? Property is available the first week if we decided to go to la Terasse or Towers the second week.

 

Thanks,

Pat

 

The bus stays on the main road as far as I have ever seen. At the Pelican Marina aquamarina has tours and boat trips and that is walk able. There are shopping trips to Phillipsburg and Marigot and the one to Marigot at least is by boat and they are very reasonably priced.

[Coastcruisers]

Meant to ask if Aquamania is within walking distance, would the bus route also be passing by?

 

Thanks again . . .

[Karysa]

Meant to ask if Aquamania is within walking distance, would the bus route also be passing by?

 

Thanks again . . .

 

Yes aquamania is within walking distance. From La Vista to the main Rd would be about a 20 minute walk Tops. The bus goes down the main rd but I don't know much else about the bus because we rent a car.

 

I really like La Vista. On Thurs, Fri and Sat they have local musicians playing at the restaurant. It's slow and relaxed there so if that is not your thing then skip La Vista.

[Karysa]

Since you mentioned that you are dealing with Joyce Prince i should tell you that her husband has a reputable car rental agency.

 

Also in the winter months on Tuesday evenings in Grand Case there is a street party called Harmony Nights where crafter have their wares on display and marching bands play.