1] Cash 2] Mostly 3] No 4] Although not as readily available, TC's are available thru Amex's website. We received ours in 2 days - charged to our card w/a $7.95 shipping charge. Most restaurants and merchants will accept them. One exception was Market Garden. Most resorts and the casinos cash them for guests.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

When you say "best and worst", am I correct if I assume you were referring mostly to crime? Here's my 2 cents (or Euros). Not too many places on earth can be guaranteed crime-free, not my backyard, not SXM. When on the island, we have stayed at Club O several times, and I have felt safer there than anywhere else we have stayed. Security is constantly, actively patrolling. For worst
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Anonymous User Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > people are leaving ttol in droves Maybe not in droves, but I know several people, and can think of others who at one time were regular contributors to TTOL, but are no longer . The people I know have used the terms "clique" and "nasty" when referring. I wouldn't go that far, but I un
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

If heading from Orient toward Grand Case, at the roundabout turn right, toward Cul-de-sac. On your right hand side, look for their sign, on the corner of a very narrow road. When you get there, try to at least pull half-way off the road, it is narrow and you can easily block trucks going up the hill.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

In Nov. they did not take our TC. It was the only place on the island that we encountered this, although I've heard there are others. Nice enough store, but not as well stocked as LGM, or US Market. Check w/your hotel, they could possibly cash your TC's for you in a reasonable amt.
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The rave reviews for Le Cottage, unlike some other places', are well earned. You'll have to go there on a future trip. We also love Temptation, in Cupecoy. Not French, but also top-notch food, service, and similar in price.
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Thanks for the report. HH at Dinghy Dock is always a good time. We too get frustrated at the "service" charge. Our rule of thumb is to leave an extra 5%, and not to return. There are too many other places that don't stoop to doing this. But of course, we're on vacation, and don't let it ruin our good time.
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Thanks, everyone. Have been to Mark's numerous times, also Yvette's. Like them both, especially Mark's. Just looking for some new ideas.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

In their lowest $ of 4 categories, the top 2 rated (5 feathers?) are Bavaria and Tutta Pasta. They've both been mentioned, but I can't find any reviews, good or bad. Any opinions would be appreciated. We always try to be reasonably frugal so on our final night we can "splurge".
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Try Quai Quest, in Oyster Pond. Excellent French food, laid-back (but friendly svc.), and NO stupid "service" charge. Go toward Capt. Oliver's, watch for sign on right. We loved it. Also Mama Pizza is terrific (on main road) in Oyster Pond.
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We'll be arriving at Les Balcons on 5/22 for 12 days, and can't wait to try the buffet. Previous visits to Capt. Oliver's have been mediocre at best, but since Phillippe has been there, it has received rave reviews on "all 3" boards. I havn't posted on this board for a while, but as our trip nears, will be checking more frequently for helpful advice.
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Sorry I didn't respond to this earlier, but we've been away on a mini vacation. And to read horrible news like this is enough to make my blood boil. We always used to say and think that if you used common sense on SXM you would be safe. However this and other recent crimes prove how wrong that line of thought was. Bruce and Kim, you should be commended for sharing this nightmare, and I
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Our tipping practices are the same on the French side, the Dutch side, or at home in USA. That is 15-20%, depending on the dining experience. HOWEVER, if they add that 15% "service" charge, and this is and is not done on both sides, and they try to say "tip not included", we do not tip on top of this, nor do we return to that place. In fact, we were told by a local French coup
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

The Mini Moke.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

That picture brings back memories, Rented one on our first visit, in 1985. They were quite common then, both with travelers and residents. Times have changed.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Overall, we prefer the French side, for the most part (except Marigot) it's less crowded and touristy. If you want casinos, they are all on the Dutch side. There are great beaches, and restaurants on both sides. Keep in mind that most of the French beaches have a "continental" flavor to them. Also, you don't have to go to the fancy, more expensive restaurants to get a great me
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Mullet Bay and Friar's bay are two different beaches. Mullet is only several minutes north of the airport, Friar's is further, on the other side of Marigot, the French capitol. Of the two, I prefer Friar's; if tou buy lunch, you are provided with chairs and umbrella, also. Plus, there is another beach nearby, Happy Bay, only accessable by walking (10-15 minutes) that is more remote
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Mama Pizza is truly excellent. We stay nearby at Les Balcons. Enjoying one of Mama's gourmet pizzas with salad and a nice Bordeaux from the local grocery, sitting on our balcony with the view, listening to Island 92 = paradise! Thanx for sharing.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

We love Tabba Khady (Oyster Pond), and La Gondola (Cupecoy). And we also have always paid a visit to Mark's Place, a long time "must" for us.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

We just returned from Les Balcons (Oyster Pond), and they have free wi-fi on the unit's balconies. Although my key-word when on d island is "disconnect", I'm sure this is almost a necessity in other cases.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

This subject has been discussed here, and on other boards, without a clear definition of what this "service charge" actually is. In my mind, it definitely is a tip, and if the service personnel don't receive it, then it's the owner's fault, not the diners. If the owners want, for instance, $11.50 for a $10 item, then it should be listed on the menu as such. We rarely, if
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Sol e Luna, in French Cul de Sac, I promise you will not be disappointed. Also, our favorite Italian food is La Gondola, in Cupecoy--a bit pricey but no more than a comparable meal stateside. Bon appetit!
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Ric's=Good food,friendly service, cold beer, fun atmosphere. GO EAGLES!
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How is the area next to where Danny has his ribs and chicken BBQ? We always enjoy spending a day or 3 there.
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It took three weeks exactly, but Carine received our deposit, and promptly acknowledged. I would recommend anyone not making reservations far enough in advance, to follow Elaine's advice and Fed EX it.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Elaine--we were told that we should make our reservation deposit by check or traveler's check. We mailed our check (U.S. airmail) over 3 weeks ago, but it hasn't yet arrived. Is this a normal thing?
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We've stayed in a number of areas on the island, but never oyster pond. We like the location, can't wait to take in the view while having breakfast, or maybe some tap 5 thin crust w/wine at dinnertime. Plus close to OB, and several favorite restaurants.
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Thank you Elaine, we've read nothing but positive things on four different web sites. We e-mailed David & Corine with several questions and they gave us a quick and friendly reply. We've already made reservations and sent deposit for a 10 night stay arriving Apr. 16. Originally, we wanted to go in Jan., but had to delay till Apr. (6 months from today). Again, thanks for sharing your
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Going back in April, '07. Anyone ever stayed at Les Balcones, in Oyster Pond? I know it's 6 months away, but we really like what we see on their web site, particularly the view, the location and the price, and we want to make sure the best units are available on our dates.
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Do you know where, exactly, in Mullet these crimes are being committed? This is an area that we drive through a number of times, it's pretty hard to avoid unless you circle the island.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum