St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[Mel365]

Maho is quit far from the mongering spots.in the day probably 20 dollars at night probably 30 dollars for a cab from casa blanca or Defiance maybe 40 at night.

Additionally you can not then go to other clubs nearby Seamans and El Capitan as it is not recommended to walk at night.

I would suggest you don't get shit faced and just rent a car, the police are quite lax on the Dutch side with respect to blood alcohol levels.

If you insist on a cab coming home, there are drivers waiting in front of the clubs looking for riders, there are also private citizens that will give you a ride for a fee. I have used both for years and never have had a problem.

When you approach the clubs there might be a few guys hanging out in front of the club.

That is exactly what they are doing just hanging out and nothing more. In St Maarten it seems the custom to say good day or good evening when you walk by the folks by the clubs or in a restaurant Etc. It works for me.

Mel

[Double Windsor]

New member here. Great, detailed thread. Thanks for all the contributions.

Heading to SXM on the 24th for 3 nights. Going solo. For some gamble, check out the jets etc.

I had no idea of this scene.

I'm staying in Maho area and would be all over this but I'm a little concerned with the security aspect, and traffic / finding the location. I plan on drinking and don't want the responsibility of a rental.

A cab to Carolina's seems simple enough. But what about when I leave? Are there cabs there? Don't want to be waiting around.

Is anyone in SXM Jan 25-26 and up for heading to Carolina's (thinking late afternoon or evening as early as possible?)

Thanks.

While I probably do not need to stress this. I am going to anyway. Follow all the advice on safety and walking between clubs given on this board. I drove right out of a club last May as the police were responding to a stabbing of a person walking to Seaman's.

[SL Willie]

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=18.042...5&z=13&l=0&m=b

[Scubatoo]

Great feedback about security and thanks to all!

I plan to go with one of my buddies and we will be renting a car on airport. What would you recommend as best way of road guidance to get a around. Renting a GPS from car rental company or maybe buying a SXM map?

I am not sure of size of island and roads, and if map or GPS is really needed.

Cheers!

Like most islands, the maps suck in terms of details. However, in St. Maarten, the ones that come in the free handouts are enough to get you around the island. I don't think a GPS gets you anything here as none of these places have building numbers on them. The only things you need to know about most of the clubs are these:

1. Take the road from Philipsburg past the stadium. Petite Chateau will be on your left. When the road ends at a T-intersection, Crystal will be just before the T on your left, and Carolina's will be on your right.

2. At the T-intersection, turn right. Follow to stop sign, turn left. El Capitan will be on your left and immediately after it an alley will take you back to Seaman's.

3. Continue past El Capitan for a mile or so up a long winding hill. At the top, on your right will be an archway that leads you into Defiance.

4. From airport go toward Simpson Bay, first road on right past the airport runway will take you to Bada Bing.

5. From airport go toward Maho. As you swing right past the runway, you are in Maho. Platinum Club is there on the north side of town. Parking deck on your left, if not enough parking around the club.

6. Free map gets you to all the main beaches.

7. Free map gets you to Marigot and Grand Case on the French side for some great restaurants for lunch or dinner.

I use Google Earth to get a good feel for the island roads. It is very detailed and you can see just about everything. After several trips to St. Maarten, I am completely comfortable finding my way around without any map. The map gives you all the major roads. Stay on them as you circle the island as there are very few shortcuts anywhere. Use your $$ on the girls, instead of a GPS unit for the car.

[GuyThatLikesStuf]

While I probably do not need to stress this. I am going to anyway. Follow all the advice on safety and walking between clubs given on this board. I drove right out of a club last May as the police were responding to a stabbing of a person walking to Seaman's.

[GuyThatLikesStuf]

great feedback about security and thanks to all!

i plan to go with one of my buddies and we will be renting a car on airport. what would you recommend as best way of road guidance to get a around. renting a gps from car rental company or maybe buying a sxm map?

i am not sure of size of island and roads, and if map or gps is really needed.

cheers!

it is very difficult to get lost in sxm. i had a gps given to me for free and never used it. besides traffic, construction and the road conditions. driving is easy. beware that on the french side there is more traffic enforcement and speed bumps are a little hard to see at night.

[Alz55]

Great feedback about security and thanks to all!

I plan to go with one of my buddies and we will be renting a car on airport. What would you recommend as best way of road guidance to get a around. Renting a GPS from car rental company or maybe buying a SXM map?

I am not sure of size of island and roads, and if map or GPS is really needed.

Cheers!

[Mel365]

I would agree with pogo 100% I would only walk between carolinas and crystal if I could (one of my Colombian novias is friends with the bartender at crystal.so I can not enter)

I have heard that from time to time crystals has some great chicas. It is the same management as the old seamans.

In any event just drive everywhere, also the parking at sunset also creeps me out, it the club reminds me of the movie From Dusk to Dawn. It is off my list.

With respect to the guys hanging ou in front of the clubs they are doing just that. Hanging out, never had a problem, some of them are looking to be used as a taxi. I have used them without a problem.

Mel

[PogoStick]

I have read number of comments people leave on SXM and one that stood out from few people is the safety at night around the casas. Carolina's, Seaman's, etc. People say is dangerous area at night.

Can someone shed some light on safety at night? Is it dangerous to walk in that area at night or simply to be around? Is it safe to drive with rent-a-car?

Any feedback is appreciated and it will definitely help fellow members be safe during stay.

Cheers!

Unfortunately over the last few years there have been a few incidents at or near the clubs. Many of the clubs; Carolinas / Crystals, Seamans and Casa Blanca have increased their visible security.

Stay alert and follow a few basic precautions and you will be fine. First, the golden rule in SXM. Leave nothing in your car, not even a t-shirt. Car break ins are a national sport. However, I have never had a problem including parking over night in the back alleys of P-burg. But that is the first bit of wisdom you'll see on all the regular travel boards.

The Casas and safety. The good news is that you probably will never have a problem unless you are drunk, stupid, or both. Stay sober enough to be aware of your surroundings. (you'll perform better too)

You can safely walk to Petite Chateau from downtown Philipsburg during the day as most of the journey is on the University campus. I have walked there at night, but I would consider it risky.

At night the only two clubs that you can safely walk between are Carolinas and Crystals. They are 30 yards apart, sharing the same small street. Carolinas has security in the parking area. Park there for both clubs. El Capitan and Seamans are very close to each other and it is tempting to walk but do not do it, even during the day. This area has been the site of several incidents, including a few shootings. You are fine in your car. Both clubs have enclosed parking areas with security on site. Defiance and Casa Blanca both have some parking very close to the door and visible security. Sunset Retreat. I'm not sure. I've never been there as their parking lot at night gives me the creeps, yet I have not heard of any problems.

Use common sense and you'll have a great time.

Pogo

[Scubatoo]

i have read number of comments people leave on sxm and one that stood out from few people is the safety at night around the casas. carolina's, seaman's, etc. people say is dangerous area at night.

can someone shed some light on safety at night? is it dangerous to walk in that area at night or simply to be around? is it safe to drive with rent-a-car?

any feedback is appreciated and it will definitely help fellow members be safe during stay.

cheers!

i have been to st. maarten many times and always have a rental car. i have parked at the various houses in the day time and at night, never a problem. you might see some local guys hanging in front of the clubs, but this too has never been a problem for me. as for walking, during the day, it is a fairly long walk from philipsburg to carolina's / seaman's / el capitan. but the road to carolina's via the stadium is now paved and i doubt you would be threatened by anyone during the day. at night, however, this road is quite dark, and i would not recommend you walk it at that time. there is not much traffic on that road in the evening. there have been reports of a few incidents walking the paths between those three clubs, even though they are close together, both day and evening. if you chose to walk between them, i would stay on the main roads and enter the club sites from the main road. the main road to defiance is a much longer walk, and a road with many twists and turns, not well lit, and vehicles driving at high speeds. i would never walk that road day or night, and often wonder how often locals are hit along that stretch. a walk to defiance from philipsburg would likely cost you all of your mojo going, but burn off the alcohol on the way back in time to swing into the other three clubs to start over.

[Scubatoo]

Hey guys,

I am a yachty, regular to sxm. I know all the clubs, usually going to carolinas or seamans as I prefer the rooms.

Now I am thinking about having a girl to hang out with for 1 or maybe 2 days. I will be in a nice hotel and was curious if this would help the bargain.

So my questions are-

Would staying in a nice hotel help with price?

I was thinking going in at midday, hanging for an hour or so and doing a sample or two. I was thinking if I like a girl after 30 mins offering 350 to head out around 2pm, back 9am next day. Would this be realistic? (I mean she already would have 50 bucks from the 1/2 session, so really she has got 400 out of me). If I got her for 2 days, would she come down a bit or would it probably just be double.

Also, any recommendations for known chicas that prefer to get out and stay somewhere nice. I am wondering if most chicas prefer to make the cash in the house or chill with someone cool for a while?

Thanks, will definitely report back upon conquest.

You have gotten a lot of good feedback. My post at #4034 gives you my latest impression.

[Vitrea]

I have read number of comments people leave on SXM and one that stood out from few people is the safety at night around the casas. Carolina's, Seaman's, etc. People say is dangerous area at night.

Can someone shed some light on safety at night? Is it dangerous to walk in that area at night or simply to be around? Is it safe to drive with rent-a-car?

Any feedback is appreciated and it will definitely help fellow members be safe during stay.

Cheers!

Just like anywhere else where there is some poverty, be cautious but don't have to be scared or worried. Driving in a rental car is very safe but walking alone at night is not. Taxis are safe as well.

[Alz55]

I have read number of comments people leave on SXM and one that stood out from few people is the safety at night around the casas. Carolina's, Seaman's, etc. People say is dangerous area at night.

Can someone shed some light on safety at night? Is it dangerous to walk in that area at night or simply to be around? Is it safe to drive with rent-a-car?

Any feedback is appreciated and it will definitely help fellow members be safe during stay.

Cheers!

[Mel365]

I keep my boat in St Martin all winter.

When I haul the boat for work I stay in a nice hotel.

The chicas do not seem to care as long as they are out of the clubs.

The chicas do like to get away from the 24/7 hell holes they work in but,

I feel it is not a bargaining chip. They are there for the $$$. If it makes sense to do
A tln then they will do it.

I would suggest sessions with chicas you like then ask if they would like to have an early

Dinner with you between 4 and 8 in town-that part is a freebie, and even possibly bring along.

One of her girl friends. They all seem to love lobster and shrimp,

Chesterfields is close to the clubs and also the restaurant at bobby's marina.

In Phillipsburg is good for chicas.

After dinner if you hit it off ask one of them out.

I have found that they want to go to the disco or whatever it takes not to go back to the boat

Or the hotel for sex.

You usually get a few hours of sex after returning to you hotel and possibly one shot in the

Morning you should negotiate this before leaving the restaurant and taking them out for the night.

If you really click with a chica then take her home otherwise it is more economical just to visit her a few times a day.

I really should not be lecturing about this because if you read my reports of distinction. You will see.

I have taken chicas our for as long as 10 days.

Mel.

As a ps, if you want to make a big hit in the club, bring a bucket of Kentucky chicken to the bar and offer it to all ths girls—it is like catnip.

[Vitrea]

Hey guys,

Would staying in a nice hotel help with price?

I was thinking going in at midday, hanging for an hour or so and doing a sample or two. I was thinking if I like a girl after 30 mins offering 350 to head out around 2pm, back 9am next day. Would this be realistic? (I mean she already would have 50 bucks from the 1/2 session, so really she has got 400 out of me). If I got her for 2 days, would she come down a bit or would it probably just be double.

You already got sage advice from LS and Shark. I will address only the two questions above.

Hotel: If you are staying at a total dump, that would be a negative. A 3 to 5 star would not make a difference. A really fancy hotel might tempt the girl to quote you more and she will wonder if you are willing to pay $500 a night for room, why you are negotiating with her for $50 bucks :-D. BTW, a nice hotel and good treatment from you might tempt her to give you a steep discount the second day or second time. That has happened to me.

If you can get a 9 for $350 from 2 PM to next day 9 AM, that would be a good deal. Multa would be additional.

Have fun and report back.