St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[AmpDude2003]

Yes, I checked. I basically got a sense of availability thru Expedia, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor, etc. It probably has a lot to do with the time I am staying - 2/27 thru 3/4 (5 nights). I noticed in a couple of places there was a day or two unavailable during my requested dates, rest had availability.

Thanks for checking in!

Did you check.

Divi Little Bay.

Holland House.

Captain Olivers?

[Mel365]

Did you check.

Divi Little Bay.

Holland House.

Captain Olivers?

Hey Mel,

Most of my postings are in RI, some in MA. From MA.

I have two days to cancel Esmeralda. Wondering if I should but like I mentioned there was not a great deal of availability. I am travelling with just myself. I did check out some of the links you fellas provided for rental agencies. Most were suited to larger parties, then there was always the great unknown of booking thru an unfamiliar website.

[AmpDude2003]

Hey Mel,

Most of my postings are in RI, some in MA. From MA.

I have two days to cancel Esmeralda. Wondering if I should but like I mentioned there was not a great deal of availability. I am travelling with just myself. I did check out some of the links you fellas provided for rental agencies. Most were suited to larger parties, then there was always the great unknown of booking thru an unfamiliar website.

Orient Bay is at the north end of the island on the French side The clubs near Carolinas are near the south end of the Island on the Dutch side.

It is about a 15-20 minute ride without traffic. The closest bar is the Border Bar, Casa Blanca at Oyster Bay. The rest of the clubs are another 10 minutes further south.

Where do you Monger in the USA and write on the USA board?

Happy Mongering.

Mel.

[Aussie Greg]

Mel,

I'll be in St Martin from the 29th May, yes cricket with Australia playing West Indies again in the Caribe, maybe we can catch up.

A. G.

[Mel365]

Orient Bay is at the north end of the island on the French side The clubs near Carolinas are near the south end of the Island on the Dutch side.

It is about a 15-20 minute ride without traffic. The closest bar is the Border Bar, Casa Blanca at Oyster Bay. The rest of the clubs are another 10 minutes further south.

Where do you Monger in the USA and write on the USA board?

Happy Mongering.

Mel.

Hi guys,

I am a senior member on the USA site, and further realize that doesn't mean anything here. Finally going back to St Martin after a 3 year hiatus. Last time I was there with family, but this time I get to go alone. No more sneaking out to go to the grocery store and get side-tracked to Carolina's. Last time we stayed literally right next to the airport around Simpson Bay, same road as a casino and sunset bar right next to the air strip and beach. This time I am staying at Esmeralda Resort, choices were slim with my deciding to book just today. Renting a car too. I was on a short leash the first time and it was difficult to get away, I got to experience Carolina's 2 x and once went to the strip club right next to our place.

This time I can freely do as I want, so I'll be exploring a little bit more in terms of night life and options. I think Esmeralda is north of all the fun houses so I think the proximity will be good. I'll look into a little take out as well. Thanks to all the great references and safety tips on this forum I should be in good shape, but always welcome your kind recommendations please.

I will make sure I report back once I return. Take care all.

[AmpDude2003]

Hi guys,

I am a senior member on the USA site, and further realize that doesn't mean anything here. Finally going back to St Martin after a 3 year hiatus. Last time I was there with family, but this time I get to go alone. No more sneaking out to go to the grocery store and get side-tracked to Carolina's. Last time we stayed literally right next to the airport around Simpson Bay, same road as a casino and sunset bar right next to the air strip and beach. This time I am staying at Esmeralda Resort, choices were slim with my deciding to book just today. Renting a car too. I was on a short leash the first time and it was difficult to get away, I got to experience Carolina's 2 x and once went to the strip club right next to our place.

This time I can freely do as I want, so I'll be exploring a little bit more in terms of night life and options. I think Esmeralda is north of all the fun houses so I think the proximity will be good. I'll look into a little take out as well. Thanks to all the great references and safety tips on this forum I should be in good shape, but always welcome your kind recommendations please.

I will make sure I report back once I return. Take care all.

[Mel365]

Carolinas and El Capitan have VIP rooms for parties of a number of people on the second floor.

I was referring to the 3 VIP BEDROOMS available at seamans / hypnotique.

They are accessible via the driveway on the side of the building. They have king beds, flat panel TVs, multi head showers and one for sure has a kitchen.

They can be rented at the Back desk at Carolinas.

Mel.

[DavisLucJr]

Here's a good resource. I think they're the largest vacation rental broker around:

http://www.homeaway.com/search/keywords:Sxm

That one works. The one we use is http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...ten/st-maarten.

If you're mostly going to be spending time mongering, you'll want to find a villa on the east side of the island, so try and narrow your search to areas like Dawn Beach, Guana Bay, Oyster Pond, Orient Bay, Tamarind Hill. Even Beacon Hill and Great Bay (Philipsburg) are close enough, although they are more "urban" areas.

Cupecoy and Maho (the area by the airport) have a lot of nice villas, and although they are far from the casas, they are much closer to the nightlife (stripclubs and dance clubs) part of town.

I'd rent cars, but if you're adamant about not doing any driving and taking taxis, I'd stay close to the casas.

The taxi scene will not be what you are used to. There aren't really many (if any. I can't recall) marked taxis. In fact, you'll find that a lot of people will automatically become taxi drivers on the island if they sense you need a ride. Shouldn't be too risky if you're in a group, so long as you negotiate a fixed rate before hopping in. Still, I'd rent cars and have DDs. You don't need to be as strict about it, just sensible about it.

Again, narrow your search to a villa with 4 bedrooms. Specify with the villa owner that although there are 4 of you, you want 4 bedrooms. Most villa owners will assume 4 people want 2 bedrooms. Getting yourself a place with a pool should be very easy, as most have them. Beachfront is a bit tougher to find, and will cost more. Other than that, most have BBQs and what passes for wi-fi.

Hope this helps a bit. I am excited for you and your buds. Sorry if you already mentioned this, but what are your travel dates? I only ask because you will save a bunch of $$$ if you can postpone your trip until after April 15. That is the magical date when high season turns into low season. Any money you can save on villas is money you can spend on extra-curricular activites!

Let me know if I can be of any further help.

[John2526]

Here's a good resource. I think they're the largest vacation rental broker around:

http://www.homeaway.com/search/keywords:Sxm

3. DavisLucJr: Thank you for the kind offer to help with the villas. Don't have PM privileges here yet. Any chance you could post it here? Even a general what to look for in a villa, location etc. I'm worried we'll book a fancy villa and then won't be able to get the chicas there. Cost isn't much of an issue, we've been saving a while for this trip and want to splurge for a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks also for the advice on picking up from the same place, makes so much sense, we'll definitely be doing that!

[Lucky Strike]

Hey lucky strike, how much are the VIP rooms?

Last time I used Carolina VIP room was a while ago - 2008 or 2009 - I recall it was $100/ hour and included a bottle, or something similar. Back then they had 55-56 chicas, so the bar was packed and the VIP room was often offered to groups of customers.

[Lucky Strike]

Wow, thank you for all the replies, I'm blown away by the attention!

1. On the VIP room, I haven't read about this before. Is this a room that's separate from the main bar where me and my friends can book and hang out for a private party? Sounds like fun if so! How many can this room accommodate?

In Carolina and El Capital the VIP rooms are separate from the bar. They're on the 2nd floor. I've not been in El Capitan, but the room seems very large, seems like it can accommodate a large party. In Carolina the room is not huge, but when I was there last time (2008 or2009 - don't remember) there were couple of couches and definitely can accommodate 4 men + 4 chicas.

[Mel365]

There are 3 very nice VIP rooms above Seamans.

They used to be $125- a night. You can rent them at the back desk in Carolinas.

If you take a chica up there there is no Multa.

Hey lucky strike, how much are the VIP rooms?

[GoodTimer]

Wow, thank you for all the replies, I'm blown away by the attention!

Mind if I ask a few follow up questions:

1. On the VIP room, I haven't read about this before. Is this a room that's separate from the main bar where me and my friends can book and hang out for a private party? Sounds like fun if so! How many can this room accommodate?

2. On renting cars, we'll all be pounding back the beers, and so am nervous about driving. I think we'll be sticking to taxis unless it interferes with the Chica transfers.

3. DavisLucJr: Thank you for the kind offer to help with the villas. Don't have PM privileges here yet. Any chance you could post it here? Even a general what to look for in a villa, location etc. I'm worried we'll book a fancy villa and then won't be able to get the chicas there. Cost isn't much of an issue, we've been saving a while for this trip and want to splurge for a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks also for the advice on picking up from the same place, makes so much sense, we'll definitely be doing that!

[BobX99]

Hey lucky strike, how much are the VIP rooms?

One suggestion: rent a VIP room at Carolina (I think El Capitan also has one), buy a couple of bottles of JW Black and "interview" the chicas there. Have them do a quick pole dance, ask them to take off clothes, find out what they're willing to do so to prevent future disappointments. You may also want to weed out the crazies, stoners, cokeheads, etc unless, of course, you want to participate. In a word, see if you "feel the vibe. " If it's 4 of you, the cost of VIP room will be immaterial relative to the cost of the entire trip.

Have Fun!

L. S.

[Mel365]

Just to add my two cents- I have had great luck with chicas picking other chicas to take out with them.

If you are lucky you might run into a bisexual chica and her friend might even be in another club.

For example Defiance, ElCapitan, and Petite same owner.

Seamans and Carolinas same owner- so many of these chicas.

Know each other from other clubs. You just have to specify what you are looking for with the first chica.

I also second the idea of taking a chica for a test drive in the club before you invest in a dud.

Mel.

GoodTimer, you're about to wade in to my personal idea of the ultimate vacation. My travel mates and I have been renting villas for years now. Aside from the odd insignificant complaint with the villas themselves, we have never encountered an issue with safety. There's not much I can add that hasn't already been said.

A decent 4 BR villa will run you guys anywhere from $500-$800/ night. If you're coming from the USA, then rent one on the Dutch side (no need for adapters). And trust me, if you're planning on the 4 of you each brining someone back, you'll each want your own bedroom.

Definitely rent two cars, especially if you'll be transporting chicas back and forth.

Your TLD or TLN will most likely be $370 per chica. Most will be uncomfortable with the idea of "switching things up" back at the villa. Some will agree for a nominal charge per "extra" session with one of your roomies. The important thing is to talk about it beforehand.

I will also second (or third) the sentiments about trying to have the chicas you bring back know eachother beforehand. It really does make for a more comfortable and fun environment.

Two more pieces of advice:

1. Don't hesitate to test drive a chica at the club. Find someone you're comfortable with, build up a relationship, and then negotiate for the following day.

2. If this is truly a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip for you, then don't hold back. Leave no regrets on the island. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy all that SXM has to offer. Most of all, don't forget to come back on the boards and tell us all about it!

Feel free to PM me for villa recommendations.