St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[BigRiddah]

Go back in the posts and read of a senior member who was on island during one of the most heaviest rainstorms in the past which flooded the roads and shut down the island.

You might have been referring to me or Party Boy or Knoteebuoy. We all had intense experiences last November.

To anyone wondering about what ClubTed and other members have said: A Tropical Storm or Hurricane weather could cut short or ruin your vacation on the island. If in storm weather, always be prepared for it. Listen to the radio, read SXM news, or ask a local person. Do not expect Emergency Services like Fire / Police / Ambulance to be available in very bad stormy weather. During the curfew in Nov 2014, I drove around the next morning and it took 45 minutes to travel a mile. We all had navigate the water-flooded roads and I had 2 previous years experience of driving on SXM. This was not easy and perhaps it was stupid to be out after the storm. If I got my car flooded or stuck, there would have been no one to help me. I would have had to waited for a kind person to help or for the Dutch military personnel to help me.

These were the official government notices of Curfew and island shutdown.

http://www.sintmaartengov.org/PressR...ssary-and.aspx

http://www.sintmaartengov.org/PressR...possible-.aspx

11-18-14 05:05 #5404.

Friday:

I woke up late and headed over to Carolina's. A ghost town. I was informed that most girls don't work Friday afternoon because there are no ships in port. I went over to Seamans and it was dead too. I headed into town to grab some food and ended up walking around Philipsburg. It started raining pretty hard and I was stuck in a casino playing blackjack until it let up. This was a preview of what was more to come.

I finally got out of there and headed to Carolina's. I was pretty horny from not having a session yet. This time I asked the bar tender to go knock on Johana's door. She came out shortly after. She said she was just napping but was happy to see me. We went back to her room for another great session. After I went back for a quick rest and a luke warm shower back at my hotel. Went out to Grand Case for dinner. I found this area in my last trip and I would recommend. Lots of nice restaurants with some high end to good casual dining options.

I then headed back to Carolina's. Johana came and sat with me for a little while. We chatted over a few drinks. I wasn't going to go for a session but she convinced me After another great session, we talked about TLN. I told her tomorrow would be my last night and that I wanted to spend it with her. So we agreed on TLN for Saturday night. I leave and head over to Maho area. I made a pit stop into Bada Bing just to gather intel. There were about 10 girls. One came and sat with me and she gave me the lay of the land. Basically the girls there are from all over, Colombia, DR, Venezuala and other countries. They offer lap dances or they offer $120 for 30 minutes, $200 for 1 HR full service. The girls there are all pretty good looking but some of the top girls at Carolina's are comparable. Needless to say, I did not indulge. As I leave, it starts raining hard. I drive over to the casino and start playing poker. At around 1 am, I go look outside and it's still pouring. After a few more hours, I find out that the main road is flooded and I am stuck. Faaakkk! The casino closes at 5:30 am, and it stops raining. I go out to check the road, and there is virtually a river! I park and sleep in my car for a few hours.

Saturday:

It is now 9 am and I wake up to the sound of an airplane landing. Road is still flooded and police are saying only SUVs and trucks can attempt to pass. I decided to park my car and try to get back to my hotel. A nice couple agreed to take me across in their SUV. I then caught a bus into Philipsburg. From there I tried to get a cab. None in sight. I start walking to the one place I know where there will be tons. Carolinas. Only problem was that both the main roads were flooded. I was literally wading thru water when another couple picked me up and drove me to Carolina's. From there, I was able to catch a cab back to Capt Olivers. I was informed that the St Maartens Government placed a noon curfew on the entire island while they dealt with the flood. When I finally got to the room, I crashed from my long odyssey.

I woke up around 5 pm and turned on the radio. The curfew was to be lifted at 6 pm. I decided I needed to go get my car back and try to make it to Carolina's for 7 pm to keep my date with Johana. I had the hotel call a cab. 45 minutes pass and no cab. Damnit! I start walking out and wanted to get to the Westin where I figure there would be cabs. As I am walking, a Jeep comes by and offers to take me to find a cab. We got to Oyster Bay resort where I was able to get a cab. As we were getting to the flooded area, I was praying that the water level would be low enough that my little rental car could make it over. To my surprise, the water was totally gone! It was like it never even rained. I was shocked. I get my car and raced back to Carolina's.

11-08-14 18:48.

On the way home we ran into the heaviest rain storm I've ever seen. The road back to our room in Oyster Pond was flooded with a stalled car in the water. We decided not to chance crossing the flooded section of the road and slept in the car until daylight. We then drove around the back way into Oyster Pond and hit the sack at 8 am.

All in all it was a wild and memorable night. The island is under a curfew with more weather expected tonight. This may curtail our fun this evening. Phillipsburg and Simpsons Bay roads are still underwater according to local reports. No one is allowed to drive on the roads so getting to and from the airport is challenging. I am sitting at a local bar and some people are talking about trying to get to the airport. Not sure they will make it.

We may have to check out Casa Blanca if the roads don't open by this evening. It will be hard to top our Seamans experience though.

11-08-14 18:56.

Today, post-storm cleanup and damage made the government issue a curfew & warnings.

Since I stay on the Dutch side close to the casas it didn't stop me from going out.

Had to get the car up on the curbs and drive on the sidewalks to avoid the flooded areas at the roundable traffic circle at Soualiga Rd in Philipsburg.

Made it to Carolinas at 12:30 pm. The boss lady is out front talking to people. I talked to her & found the place is closed but they opened the door & let me in. Not a single person at the bar. The adjoining restaurant is closed. I saw Viviana again. Another good time.

Had to jump the curb again & get past the floods. Made it back to the hotel. Hopefully, they will have this cleared by evening.

[DavisLucJr]

I posted this over in the CUR forum, but since I was kind of comparing the two destinations, I'll post it here as well.

I've been going to SXM for years, and recently visited CUR.

For what it's worth, here's my SXM-CUR comparison:

There were about 50 girls at Campo, although if you asked any staff, the number was inflated to about 70. Whatever the number was, there were really only about 10-15 girls that were worth visiting, and only about 5 max that I would describe as exceptionally attractive. If I compare that number to our SXM visits, it falls a little short.

Here are some of our favourites. I only have room numbers for some, as my travel partners didn't always remember room numbers:

Adriana (172) - light-skinned Colombian, very service-oriented. Unfortunately, she's gone back home now.

Tania (13?) - long-haired Colombian, very busy, huge ass and huge bolt-ONS.

Joanna (126) - short dark-skinned Colombian with nice big legs.

Gloria (131) - probably the shortest girl there, light-skinned Colombian; giant bolt-ONS; she was a unicorn because you barely saw her outside of her room; it seemed like guys would wait in the bushes for her to make an appearance and pounce (I know. I was one of them).

Marcela (25?) - light-skinned Colombian, probably the prettiest of the bunch.

Lucy (2?? - next to the castle) - very tall and thin Dominican.

Scarlet (- red-haired Dominican.

Carolina / Karen (238) - very sweet-looking Colombian with braces, almost looks Russian; we called her the starfish, so this is not necessarily a recommendation.

There were 3-4 more, but info gets forgotten.

Anyways, my report was mainly to compare destinations, and not for individual reviews.

I can confirm that while the rooms have signs stating that pricing is 75 NAF, most will accept 50 NAF if there were no extras. At the end of the day, even at 75 NAF, CUR wins the price category.

There have been a lot of questions about take-out, and I promised to find out answers, so here they are:

We were successful on 3 different occasions to take girls out during the day (noon-5:00). In one case, two girls went for $400 USD collectively, but a foursome was negotiated. In the other two cases, there was no exchange of $$.

We also had two cases of 5:00 pm-5:00 pm take-outs. Those cost 750 NAF each (250 for the house and 500 for the chica). This initially seemed like a lot, but if you compare to SXM, you'd be paying the standard rate of $370 USD for the day + $370 USD for the night, or $740 USD. The CUR rate of 750 NAF seems like a steal. The only downside with Campo is that you have to pay the full amount to the house before the take-out, whereas in SXM you only pay the bar fine, and then pay the chica afterwards. CUR wins the price category again.

Overall we found that mongering prices were definitely better in CUR, but the selection was not as good. Also, we generally prefer the ability to go to different clubs in SXM, as opposed to just Campo in CUR, as it becomes easier to avoid chica politics. And wow, were there ever some chica politics at Campo.

Here are some comparisons in other categories:

Food. Definitely better in SXM, and less expensive as well. Freakin' frikandels everywhere.

Nightlife. Better in SXM by far. Other than the odd beach party, CUR goes to bed at 10 pm.

Driving. Better roads in CUR, but a little easier to get lost.

That's it for now. We were there pretty recently, so I'll try to answer questions as best I can.

[Puntz79]

ClubTed gave some good info. I've been there during heavy rainfall, and when that happens you're not going very far from your hotel room. I haven't been there during a tropical storm or hurricane however, but I've heard from those that have been on the island during that time it can be a pain. Nevertheless, hurricane season this year has been quiet up until very recently. There's a storm that rapidly formed into a TS off the coast of Africa in the last 24 hours, I always look out for those. If there's one that looks like it could get close to the Antilles in a 5 day track, I'll change my trip. If not, I'll go for it. Last year I had a trip planned the week that Hurricane Gonzalo hit, I changed my trip 3 days prior to it hitting once I got a good sense that it was not looking good. The French side of the Island seems to fare a little bit better during the storms, but Orient Beach was hit badly during Gonzalo. The good thing about the quiet season is that it's actually nice on the island when not dealing with terrible traffic to / from the airport and just all around in general. I've nearly missed a flight twice during busy season when leaving from Oyster Pond 2. 5 hours before flight time and getting to the check-in counter less than an hour before and only getting through because I fly the airline frequently.

Take a chance and have a good time.

I've been to SXM 4-5 during winter but never in September. Looking to go with few friends end of September for weekend. Any insight from fellow members on hurricane situation / possibility on island?

Also I would appreciate any tips on things that are different in September vs winter.

Cheers!

[ClubTed]

Not sure where you're staying, but most of the major hotel properties have generators so they'll have power in the event of a catastrophic storm. But say you're staying in Maho, and power lines are down and roads are closed. You won't be heading over to Carolina's at all. If you were staying in the Philipsburg area, you might be able to walk to the clubs, even if the island took a major hit. As for me, I usually stay in Oyster Pond and if I was stuck in my apartment due to hurricane damage, I'd be camping out at Casa Blanca and Sunset Retreat via walking if the roads were impassable. So keep in the back of your mind where you're staying If you get stuck on the island, you want to at least be able to be stuck with a hot chica! LOL!

I've been to SXM 4-5 during winter but never in September. Looking to go with few friends end of September for weekend. Any insight from fellow members on hurricane situation / possibility on island?

Also I would appreciate any tips on things that are different in September vs winter.

Cheers!

[ClubTed]

I've done it many times. Actually loved it since the island is quieter, less tourists, less traffic and less cruise ships. Clubs are still in full swing. Some businesses may be seasonally closed and open either October 1st or November 1st. I. e. Captain Oliver's restaurant, some other restaurants and maybe some daytime activities (one day island cruises) may not sail based on limited demand.

Only downside is the roll of the dice if a hurricane hits the island. One of three scenarios will happen. Airport will be closed and you won't be able to get in, airport will be closed and you won't be able to fly out, or lastly infrastructure will be decimated and you won't be able to get out of your room which could be a living hell. What I mean is if the island takes a direct hit, electricity will be out, roads could be closed / flooded / impassable, beaches could be messed up due to wave erosion, churned up seaweed and boats literally tossed on shore.

Go back in the posts and read of a senior member who was on island during one of the most heaviest rainstorms in the past which flooded the roads and shut down the island. The infrastructure of SXM is pretty good, but the island in the path of a hurricane is no match. If you have a flexible travel schedule most airlines allow you to adjust your flight due to the travel advisory, but I flew into SXM once after it got hit by a hurricane and the airport had limited power, roads were a mess, and they literally had to plow the runway to remove fish that had been washed up from the fury of the waves from Maho Beach.

Just be prepared to have to adjust your plans if the worst case scenario arises, but as for me. I'd go for it and not worry about the weather. Usually airfares are a bit lower and with it not being high tourist season, you'll feel at times like you've got the island to yourself!

I've been to SXM 4-5 during winter but never in September. Looking to go with few friends end of September for weekend. Any insight from fellow members on hurricane situation / possibility on island?

Also I would appreciate any tips on things that are different in September vs winter.

Cheers!

[Alz55]

I've been to SXM 4-5 during winter but never in September. Looking to go with few friends end of September for weekend. Any insight from fellow members on hurricane situation / possibility on island?

Also I would appreciate any tips on things that are different in September vs winter.

Cheers!

[Capt Cruiser]

Thanks for the info and advice. I am looking forward to checking things out.

[Puntz79]

I am coming to St Martin on a cruise and will be in port from 8 a-6 p. I have read through the forums and saw something about a siesta when the brothels close. What time is this usually? Are these places open to accommodate cruise passengers?

Go around noon. The clubs open at 11 AM, it's usually around the time you see some TLN's rolling in with their temporary novio. I've had TLN's that I'll have at the club by 11:15 or 11:30 and even noon once. As others have said, if you don't see that many chicas in the bar area then ask the bartender to call out some chicas.

My best experiences have taken place during the slow season (Aug / September / October). Not sure why, but during the busy season anyways the clubs get very busy and chicas end up being busier too. During the slow season it's usually a little more attention. As far as quality goes, I don't think there's been much of a difference. It might appear like there are less chicas, but I never have a problem finding an 8 or a 9.

[Shark16]

Good advice as always by Pogo. Just adding:

- Carolina's / Hypnotic open at 11 am. Not sure about the other clubs (sometime between 11 am and 1 pm?).
- If the pickings are slim, just ask the bartender for help. Normally they are very helpful.

Have fun!

[PogoStick]

I am coming to St Martin on a cruise and will be in port from 8 a-6 p. I have read through the forums and saw something about a siesta when the brothels close. What time is this usually? Are these places open to accommodate cruise passengers?

They usually take siesta around 4 pm but even then there is always someone around to take care of you, just not as much choice. However you'll probably want to be heading back to the ship around 4 so that won't be an issue. Most clubs are going fairly strong by 11 am, especially on ship days. You will have no problem at all.

Have fun.

Pogo.

[Capt Cruiser]

I am coming to St Martin on a cruise and will be in port from 8 a-6 p. I have read through the forums and saw something about a siesta when the brothels close. What time is this usually? Are these places open to accommodate cruise passengers?

[Puntz79]

SXM has always been safe for me, although at night there are some sketchy parts around town and one should understand that lighting can be significantly less than what one might be used to. Don't walk around dark areas at night especially if you are by yourself, and don't be drunk or flashing any type of wealth. Driving is fairly easy and having driven around the island several times, it's actually a good way to pass the time during the day (drive around the Dutch side and the French side and back to the Dutch side). Don't walk between the clubs (unless it's from Carolina's to Crystals, anything else nope). Never leave valuables in your car. Basic common sense applies as it does in most large cities, if you take the basic precautions and what not, SXM is safe.

[PogoStick]

Primary reason is because of the safety reports around the area and that I can't walk between the clubs. Do not want to have to drive or use a taxi, basically.

I hope he leaves his hotel. Yes, SXM does have some crime issues but driving is easy, taxis are safe and as long as you park at the clubs and don't wander around the neighborhood it is reasonably safe. Just don't act stupid or drunk and it will be fine.

[Scubatoo]

Primary reason is because of the safety reports around the area and that I can't walk between the clubs. Do not want to have to drive or use a taxi, basically.

OK, you have been there for at least several days. Time to give us some feedback on what you have discovered. We all learn from each other.

[Puntz79]

You're there for 10 days and don't want to step out of your hotel / apartment?

Never heard of outcalls there.

Primary reason is because of the safety reports around the area and that I can't walk between the clubs. Do not want to have to drive or use a taxi, basically.