Saint Martin Travel Forum

We are considering St. Martin for our anniversary in January. We are not beachy people, more city people - but we want to have a week of relaxation. We are more interested in food, culture, history, spa treatments and seeing an occasional movie. Would prefer to be able to walk to several restaurants - the room doesn't have to be big, but if it had a balcony or terrace for reading that would be awesome. So, where should we stay? Philipsburg or Marigot? We'd like to stay under $200 per day. We are big Francophiles - especially love to go to Paris - but we would be open to staying on the Dutch side.
Merci,
Mary

I definately prefer the French side of St. Martin. It is much more like Europe to me. The Dutch side is where the cruise ships park and where the casinos are. We rented a villa last time we were there (in Dawn Beach) but I would check out hotels in Marigot or Grand Case. Definately check out Grand Case for wonderful dining. We especially loved L'Alabama.

Thanks Traci, if you ever need help with a trip to Paris, don't hesitate to ask me for help.
Mary

I'm going to St Martin in the end of July.
That will be my first. My DH have been there before but it was 14 yrs ago. I don't know much about Hotels because we are staying in a time share.
I'm doing a lot of research and I think that 2 web site that can help you a little more in that especically area are: Travel talk on line and Go beach.
They are very good for the Caribien, and are very active. Very good info there.

We love Paris also!!!!
Maria

ABSOLUTELY stay in Marigot, not in Philipsburg! And visit Grand Case (fabulous restuarants) and Orient Beach (funfunfun and a gorgeous beach to boot).

I liked the Hotel Beach Plaza for a great value in Marigot:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/stmartin/H31951.html

It has lovely water views and is a convenient walk from the town center.

Merci beaucoup!
Mary

Well, it is more village than city, but Grand Case on the French side offers easy walks to great restaurants. We stayed there in May 2006 for part of our 20th Anniversary trip and loved it. It may be too quiet for your tastes, especially for a full week, but you cannot beat the wonderful restaurant choices in this small French enclave. If you don't stay here, you will want to visit and eat! For what it is worth, we rented an apartment above La California restaurant. It is private, in your price range and has a wonderful balcony right over Grand Case beach from which you can see Anguilla. The restranteur/hotelier, Zuzu, is wonderful and exceedingly helpful. http://www.sxm-hotels.com/california/

Philipsburg is totally not our bag, especially on any days with cruise ships in port, but it does appear to offer lots of shopping, casinos, restaurants, and other visitors with whom to mingle. I am sure every possible visitor service is available there.

We did not have any trouble getting around on St. Maartin/St. Martin, but listen to the locals about when the roads get crazy (combine regular "rush hour" on two lane roads with cruise ship buses) to avoid major slowdowns if your drive about for your historical and culteral experiences.

Good luck & happy anniversary.

Thanks for your response - the link looks great and I have bookmarked it for future use. As it turns out we have changed our plans TOTALLY; we're going to Palm Springs, CA.
I'm sure that we'll get to St. Martin sooner or later!
M