st martin / st maarten

We went there on a cruise, it was fabulous!!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't be able to tell which side to stay on since we didn't stay overnight on the island, but I know that the french side was really nice and the beaches were PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY HONESTLY MADE US NOT WANT TO GO TO LONG ISLAND BEACHES EVER AGAIN!!!!!!

The water is so clear u could look down and see your feet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks...this is so hard It looks like most of the resorts are on the dutch side and smaller hotels on the french

I agree about doing a few nights on each side.

I've been twice and stayed on the Dutch side both times.

Also - keep in mind you can always rent a car and stay on the Dutch side and drive to the French beaches.

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Posted by Bride908

where did you stay on the dutch side? and would you recommend it? it seems the dutch side is less pricey

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I stayed in a timeshare both times, so I don't think that would be much help. :(

The French side is definitely more 'upscale' and the Dutch side is more flashy with the casinos and such. If I went again I think I'd stay on the French side, but that's only b/c I've seen the Dutch side twice!

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Posted by JB1122

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Posted by Bride908

where did you stay on the dutch side? and would you recommend it? it seems the dutch side is less pricey

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I stayed in a timeshare both times, so I don't think that would be much help. :(

The French side is definitely more 'upscale' and the Dutch side is more flashy with the casinos and such. If I went again I think I'd stay on the French side, but that's only b/c I've seen the Dutch side twice!

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ohhh i just cant decide - i want to stay on the french but am afraid i will get bored

Hmm I'm wondering what the cancellation policy is like if you make reservations at places on both sides and then decide when you get there Just a thought....

Is there a travel agent you can speak to?

I have been to St. Maarten about 4 times. My family has a time share at the Royal Islander in Maho beach (next to Princess Juliana airport). The Sonesta hotel is right next door, it has a great pool and it shares our beach. Since Maho is next to the airport, you get to see planes coming in, it has been an attraction. Across the street there is a casino, and many restaurants and small shops.

I have never stayed on the French side, only dined there. I would definetly rent a car and travel around the island . Phillipsburg is great for jewlery shopping.

As for excursions, def do the Lambada catamaran snorkeling trip to Anguila also the Rhino was alot of fun!

Any questions FM me

bump for my suggestions

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Posted by stacyconway

I have been to St. Maarten about 4 times. My family has a time share at the Royal Islander in Maho beach (next to Princess Juliana airport). The Sonesta hotel is right next door, it has a great pool and it shares our beach. Since Maho is next to the airport, you get to see planes coming in, it has been an attraction. Across the street there is a casino, and many restaurants and small shops.

I have never stayed on the French side, only dined there. I would definetly rent a car and travel around the island . Phillipsburg is great for jewlery shopping.

As for excursions, def do the Lambada catamaran snorkeling trip to Anguila also the Rhino was alot of fun!

Any questions FM me

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thanks!! from what everyone is telling me the dutch side is more like the city and very busy and the french side is very quiet and relaxed. Either way we are renting a car and will be everywhere..

We stayed at La Semana (we went in early May 2007). The hotel is fabulous and you have your own beach (for hotel guests only). The backdoor of our room opened up right to the beach! It was awesome.

There's not much to do where we were and taxis are pretty expensive ($20 to basically go anywhere).

Almost everything is closed on Sundays.

I loved it there!! Stay @ La Semana on the french side. rent a jeep and you can hop from either side at your own time! Personally i loved the french side...i lovedddddddddd Orient Bay beach :)


i was the only one on the beach (kinda far pic but im @ work)