St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[Vitrea]

I am debating between these 2 hotels. Princess Heights Luxury Hotel and The Westin.

If anyone has been to either, please let me know pros / cons and preference.

Cheers!

Pogo summarized it well. PHL is not beachfront, though it is close walk down a steep hill. I would stay at Westin if Westin is say not more than 125% of PHL. For example, I would not pay twice for Westin.

[PogoStick]

I am debating between these 2 hotels. Princess Heights Luxury Hotel and The Westin.

If anyone has been to either, please let me know pros / cons and preference.

Cheers!

I haven't stayed at either one but I often stay across the bay at Captain Olivers, so I can still offer a bit of an observation.

Since they are very close to each other location is not a deciding factor. You'll have quick access to the casas without the traffic problems of Simpson Bay or P-burg. Both are guest friendly in the typical SXM fashion: No one notices or cares.

The main difference is that Princess Heights is a condo style accommodation while the Westin is a true resort. The choice boils down to: Do you want to cook at home and drive to eat out or go to the beach, but have a bit more quiet and privacy? Or do you want a full fledged resort; complete with restaurants, nightclub, casino, spa, room service and beach all on the property?

Personally, I'd take Princess Heights but only because I am on SXM for other reasons besides a vacation. All I need is a bed, a coffee pot and a fridge. A microwave is nice for leftovers. I stay in a lot of luxury resorts so a condo is a pleasant change. But if you want a beachfront resort, the Westin is the better choice.

Have fun!

Pogo

[Alz55]

I am debating between these 2 hotels. Princess Heights Luxury Hotel and The Westin.

If anyone has been to either, please let me know pros / cons and preference.

Cheers!

I prefer the Dutch side for reasons mentioned before. I would rent a car if you want to explore the island and do more than mongering. If this is strictly mongering, you can do with taxis only.

SXM is expensive and Jan is high season so you better start booking soon.

[MrParty]

Only tricky part is which road to take out of Philipsburg. The answer is the road along the right side of the pond, looking from the sea. After about 1/2 mile you will see El Capitan club on the left, in the location of the old seamans club. Along the right side of the building is a paved road, turn left down this road which deadends in the new Seamans Club. Not recommended for walking alone.

-zing

Thanks man! That'll be easy to locate then. I would be driving around for sure in that part of town. Will post a report upon return.

Cheers,

MrParty

[Zing23]

If any of you can give general directions (in words) from the old to the new seamans so I can find it with reasonable efforts at night that'll be much appreciated. I'll be coming from downtown phillisburg.

Only tricky part is which road to take out of Philipsburg. The answer is the road along the right side of the pond, looking from the sea. After about 1/2 mile you will see El Capitan club on the left, in the location of the old seamans club. Along the right side of the building is a paved road, turn left down this road which deadends in the new Seamans Club. Not recommended for walking alone.

-zing

[Zing23]

Will be in St Maarten Jan 15-19th and was hoping to meet up with some like minded guys to hang with at the clubs. I am staying at the Turquoise Shell Inn. Has anyone stayed here before and do you think there will be any problems bringing the girls here? I have been on the island one time before but stayed at a resort.

Thanks for everyones reports as they are helpful.

I have stayed at the Turquoise Shell inn two times, with a girl from seamans club. Shouldn't be a problem, but this is a budget hotel for couples mainly. Not very fancy, but clean and cheap and room has a kitchen. Across the street from the beach and near lots of restaurants.

-zing

[BuffaloJunk]

Will be in St Maarten Jan 15-19th and was hoping to meet up with some like minded guys to hang with at the clubs. I am staying at the Turquoise Shell Inn. Has anyone stayed here before and do you think there will be any problems bringing the girls here? I have been on the island one time before but stayed at a resort.

Thanks for everyones reports as they are helpful.

[MrParty]

Guys,

If any of you can give general directions (in words) from the old to the new seamans so I can find it with reasonable efforts at night that'll be much appreciated. I'll be coming from downtown phillisburg.

Heading there after 5 yrs for new yrs celebration so quite excited & hope to post my findings.

PS: Good to see this forum as I missed the now defunct world sex guide site!

Cheers,

MrParty

[Vitrea]

Vitrea,

I thank you for your help you've provided so far. We are about to book a trip to SXM and wanted last minute input on stay, rent-a-car or cab, etc. There will be only 2 of us going for 5 days. We are going last week of January. We plan to enjoy beach / sun daytime and p2p clubs at night. I would need to know.

Do you recommend staying on Dutch or French side, and what hotels / areas?

Should we rent a car or just ride with cab?

We would like to go to different beaches for the time being and also places hoping at night. We would not bring ladies to hotel as we'd get only 1 room.

Everyone's input is certainly appreciated.

Cheers!

I prefer the Dutch side for reasons mentioned before. I would rent a car if you want to explore the island and do more than mongering. If this is strictly mongering, you can do with taxis only.

SXM is expensive and Jan is high season so you better start booking soon.

[Alz55]

Vitrea,

I thank you for your help you've provided so far. We are about to book a trip to SXM and wanted last minute input on stay, rent-a-car or cab, etc. There will be only 2 of us going for 5 days. We are going last week of January. We plan to enjoy beach / sun daytime and p2p clubs at night. I would need to know.

. Do you recommend staying on Dutch or French side, and what hotels / areas?

. Should we rent a car or just ride with cab?

We would like to go to different beaches for the time being and also places hoping at night. We would not bring ladies to hotel as we'd get only 1 room.

Everyone's input is certainly appreciated.

Cheers!

Given that info, I would highly recommend a car and not Taxis. With 4 of you, and if you guys are drinkers, get at least two names on the rental (additional driver). It is a bit of a drive from Anse to the clubs but there is not much traffic on the east side of the island. French side is more mellow, cleaner, not as congested and has overall better restaurants. I like the Dutch side myself. It is more lively and I go to SXM to have fun.

[Vitrea]

it's a 5 mnts walk down the hill from princess heights to the beach at westin (dawn beach) , but i agree the return up the hill in the sun will get sweaty. a car is a better option. westin got free parking.

there is a sign at westin saying that the beach is exclusively for hotel guests only, but i have never had any problems spending time there. being friendly and spending some money on pina coladas and beach chairs probably helps.

driving down to westin is a detour which also would take around 5 mnts. halfway down there is a sign to busby's beach bar (making a left on emerald merit road driving towards oyster bay beach resort) , which also have access to dawn beach. it's a good alternative to the beach at westin. tbh i find the beach by bbb a better option, but that's just a personal preference. both are great beaches, but do not expect as many [CodeWord121] activities as in orient bay.

i have brought girls to both these two beaches in the past and enjoyed good times.

guys,

this is high season, and if you want to take a popular girl from a popular club out at night, then 300 + 70 is the going rate. it usually allows you to pick up the girl at 8 pm and making a return around 10 am (14 hours with a fresh girl). but there are ways around this of course. the following is based on discussions with the girls over the last 10 days:

some girls will allow that you pick her up during her siesta hours (4- 8pm) adding up to 4 hours to your time with her without extra charge.

you can also negotiate a late return, but be aware that popular clubs like carolina's / seaman's will ask for a new multa at 70 at 11 am. the going rate for a takeout during daytime is 200 at carolina's / seaman's, but this can easily be negotiated down if there are few cruise ships in port (check.

http://www.portofstmaarten.com/

). also, a day & night combo helps in negotiating rates down (from 500 to 300- 400 + multas).

a late pick-up should also give good opportunities for a reduction in the rate. the girl's working hours are (with some exceptions) 8pm- 2 am and 11am- 4pm. the girls will calculate that they will earn 300 during night and 200 during day, but only a few girls will make this. any earnings from 2am- 10 am is a bonus. if a girl quotes 300 for such a short night, she is simply just trying her luck. she would be lucky to get 200 imo (tired girl / reduced hours) , and i am not surprised some girls would be happy to party at bliss for free.

which clubs are most popular? i have spent most of my time at carolina's and seaman's over the last week, and there are always more guys at carolina's. i have also spent time at crystal's, defiance, el capitan and petite chateau, and they can be empty for men for long periods of time. many girls are quoting sessions at $40 at night and $30 in daytime in these four latter clubs, which should mean good opportunities for favourable tln rates. my problem is that i have trouble finding anyone to go out with in these clubs (compared to seaman's / carolina's) , but your taste may be different. multa seems to be 70 at night in all the clubs right now. i am not sure there is any multa in daytime at defiance, el capitan and petite chateau.

below a photo of oyster pond, captain oliver, oyster bay beach resort and the beach by busby's beach bar (the bar being under the palm trees) as taken by the private road leading to princess heights.

a very nice overview of the prices and the way tln works on the island. i personally prefer early pickups.

linked to rod. :-)

[Shark16]

it would be a hike down the side of the mountain to the beach, and i think you are better off driving there.

it's a 5 mnts walk down the hill from princess heights to the beach at westin (dawn beach), but i agree the return up the hill in the sun will get sweaty. a car is a better option. westin got free parking.

there is a sign at westin saying that the beach is exclusively for hotel guests only, but i have never had any problems spending time there. being friendly and spending some money on pina coladas and beach chairs probably helps.

driving down to westin is a detour which also would take around 5 mnts. halfway down there is a sign to busby's beach bar (making a left on emerald merit road driving towards oyster bay beach resort) , which also have access to dawn beach. it's a good alternative to the beach at westin. tbh i find the beach by bbb a better option, but that's just a personal preference. both are great beaches, but do not expect as many [CodeWord121] activities as in orient bay.

i have brought girls to both these two beaches in the past and enjoyed good times.

unfortunately, i never did a tln. granted i am pretty sure i could have bargained down, i just think $370 is a bit too much to pay for one night. back in the 2008, there was no bar fine / multa after 1am at seamans. i actually took 3 girls out to the bliss for nothing and ended up hooking up with one for nothing! i guess those were the good old days where seamans was actually a bar and the girls were not just about the money but enjoyed going out and having fun.

guys,
this is high season, and if you want to take a popular girl from a popular club out at night, then 300 + 70 is the going rate. it usually allows you to pick up the girl at 8 pm and making a return around 10 am (14 hours with a fresh girl). but there are ways around this of course. the following is based on discussions with the girls over the last 10 days:

some girls will allow that you pick her up during her siesta hours (4- 8pm) adding up to 4 hours to your time with her without extra charge.

you can also negotiate a late return, but be aware that popular clubs like carolina's / seaman's will ask for a new multa at 70 at 11 am. the going rate for a takeout during daytime is 200 at carolina's / seaman's, but this can easily be negotiated down if there are few cruise ships in port (check http://www.portofstmaarten.com/ ). also, a day & night combo helps in negotiating rates down (from 500 to 300- 400 + multas).

a late pick-up should also give good opportunities for a reduction in the rate. the girl's working hours are (with some exceptions) 8pm- 2 am and 11am- 4pm. the girls will calculate that they will earn 300 during night and 200 during day, but only a few girls will make this. any earnings from 2am- 10 am is a bonus. if a girl quotes 300 for such a short night, she is simply just trying her luck. she would be lucky to get 200 imo (tired girl / reduced hours) , and i am not surprised some girls would be happy to party at bliss for free.

which clubs are most popular? i have spent most of my time at carolina's and seaman's over the last week, and there are always more guys at carolina's. i have also spent time at crystal's, defiance, el capitan and petite chateau, and they can be empty for men for long periods of time. many girls are quoting sessions at $40 at night and $30 in daytime in these four latter clubs, which should mean good opportunities for favourable tln rates. my problem is that i have trouble finding anyone to go out with in these clubs (compared to seaman's / carolina's) , but your taste may be different. multa seems to be 70 at night in all the clubs right now. i am not sure there is any multa in daytime at defiance, el capitan and petite chateau.

below a photo of oyster pond, captain oliver, oyster bay beach resort and the beach by busby's beach bar ( the bar being under the palm trees) as taken by the private road leading to princess heights.

[Vitrea]

Never asked the hotel about bringing back girls, but there is no way they would know if you did. They call themselves a hotel but is more like a residence condo / hotel. The office where you check-in is in an entirely different building. It is super quiet as it sits on the side of the mountain that over looks the Westin Resort. I had a great view of the ocean that many other hotels would charge a premium for and there is a remote controlled gate to get into the property so I always felt safe.

It would be a hike down the side of the mountain to the beach, and I think you are better off driving there.

Unfortunately, I never did a TLN. Granted I am pretty sure I could have bargained down, I just think $370 is a bit too much to pay for one night. Back in the 2008, there was no bar fine / multa after 1am at Seamans. I actually took 3 girls out to the Bliss for nothing and ended up hooking up with one for nothing! I guess those were the good old days where Seamans was actually a bar and the girls were not just about the money but enjoyed going out and having fun.

Thank you for the detailed explanation re hotel setup. This time, I am renting a condo on the west side but I will keep this hotel in mind for next time. I am all about TLNs :-) but I do agree that it can get expensive. The girls will give a little bit of a break if they know you. I have had an 8 DR chica from Crystal come out for $200 and several Seamens and Carolina's chicas for $250 (plus multa of course). Great memories at Bliss.

[Party Boy]

According to the website the property you stayed at is a pretty nice place. But they want $199. 00 a night for a single? A bit steep, considering how much time you really stay in the room. What rate did you get? Surprised you didn't hit up Casa Blanca, or Sunset Retreat. You probably could have walked to Casa Blanca. And from my last visits, the talent has improved considerably and it's a flat $50, with no room fee. Plus with the restaurant and it's private bar, if you want to run away from the chaos in the main area, it's a nice on-site alternative. Although the area where you stayed. (I stay in Oyster Pond) is fabulous and only a 10 minute drive to Carolina's over the hill and through the woods. (no woods, just playing on the lyrics to the song) , it's a tricky drive at night. And if you've got a good buzz on, you need to sober up before tempting fate. 10 minutes sounds like no big deal, but shit happens in a split second.

Hey Clubted,

It looks like they jacked the price. I booked with Expedia and for 3 nights, I payed $400 all in. I guess I got lucky.

[Party Boy]

Party boy, Very nice trip report. Good lead on the hotel. I checked out rates for February and they are reasonable. Did not look like you did any TLNs. Did you check to see if they would have any issue bringing girls to the hotel? How far from the beach? Hard to tell from their website.

-V

Never asked the hotel about bringing back girls, but there is no way they would know if you did. They call themselves a hotel but is more like a residence condo / hotel. The office where you check-in is in an entirely different building. It is super quiet as it sits on the side of the mountain that over looks the Westin Resort. I had a great view of the ocean that many other hotels would charge a premium for and there is a remote controlled gate to get into the property so I always felt safe.

It would be a hike down the side of the mountain to the beach, and I think you are better off driving there.

Unfortunately, I never did a TLN. Granted I am pretty sure I could have bargained down, I just think $370 is a bit too much to pay for one night. Back in the 2008, there was no bar fine / multa after 1am at Seamans. I actually took 3 girls out to the Bliss for nothing and ended up hooking up with one for nothing! I guess those were the good old days where Seamans was actually a bar and the girls were not just about the money but enjoyed going out and having fun.