St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[Zing23]

I really expect to go direct to Carolina's (solely from reading the recent 10 pages in this thread). If I don't see anything I'm into, finish my beer and head back to hotel. To rent and park a car will not be cost effective (assuming I only go once!) Can you confirm the earliest time in the day I could hit Carolina's w / good selection on a Friday? I've read 11a. Is that too early? I'm budgeting 30 mins each way and $50 round trip for taxi. Throw in $60 more for the girl and room. Does that sound accurate?

Your plan is good, but a few edits: aim to arrive at Carolinas about 12 or 1230 pm if you can The day of the week does not matter. What matters is the number of cruise ships in port (more ships, more girls in the bar at an early time). In previous years, Friday has been a slow day for ships, but you are going in high season, so probably ships in port.

Throw in an extra $20 for incidentals and emergencies. Buying a $2 drink at the bar while you scope out the scene, buying a few $2 drinks for some girls until you find the one you want, and a small tip if you have a great time (totally optional). The girl and the room are total $53. Since the time in the room is limited to less than 30 minutes (or more $) , you should warm up in the bar. This is easy, many girls are into stroking and nuzzling and getting you interested. If this is your first time in a brothel, just remember that this is a regular part of everyday live in St Maarten. Like going to the medical clinic, but the nurse is going to remove some special stresses. Nothing out of the ordinary. Ha Ha.

-zing

[Alz55]

I try to stay on positive side as I am heading to SXM end of the month but the more fellow members post info, the less confidence I have about security around clubs below.

I easily could interpret it wrongly (and please excuse me if I do) but it sounds as there are always locals hanging out on parking lots which makes area not as safe at night.

My concerns: do I really need to be on lookout after I leave the place and go to my car late night? Do I need to be concerned if someone approaches me? I do not speak Spanish hence will I have problem communicating with locals?

Please pitch in if you think this is exaggerating on the safety part or just reality of how things are around clubs.

Cheers!

Some of the recent posts have compelled me to add my SXM experience and knowledge to the forum.

1) If staying in the Maho Beach area, you definitely want to rent a car.

2) GPS? Forget it. Map will suffice. You will not get lost on the island. It's a circuitous route around. Takes maybe a hour depending on traffic and what you want to see to make the loop.

Unless you've got friends in Point Blance, Guana Bay. Middle Region. Stay on the main roads and you'll hit all the Casas.

Security at Le Petite Chateau. Last time I was on island, it was rather late, and I left and went to my car in the parking lot. A big drunk local tried to intimidate me in the parking lot. I'm 6'2", he had to be 6'6". I stayed focused. Didn't engage, and drove off with no incident. He appeared to be high / drunk and was with a buddy and was parked a couple of cars away from me. I was more worried that he was going to punch the rental car, then try to do something to me. The parking lot there is still like the moon so I was a bit away from the building due to the craters. Just keep your wits about yourself here, since it's primarily locals. And if you've got cargo shorts and a hawaiian shirt on, you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Carolina's / Crystals. Park in front or to the side of Carolina's. Go in either the restaurant entrance or the side entrance to Carolina's. You'll have no problem. Area is pretty well lit. Guys hanging out are looking to give taxi rides. Walk across to Crystal's is as safe as crossing the street, since that's what you do!

El Capitan. Cool security guy at the door. Enclosed parking area. You might get wanded, but no worries. But if you venture to Seaman's. Drive down the alley.

Seaman's. Security guy sits in a chair out by the entrance. Not very engaged. Park as close to the entrance as you can. Even though there is security. I wouldn't want him covering my back.

Defiance. A bit off the beaten path. Up the hill. Big parking lot, but can get crowded. Usually some guys hanging out in the lot but again if you know the lay of the land. You're going to park and get your ass right into the club. Unless you're finishing a beer in the car like I sometimes do.

Sunset Retreat. Probably the club that is not for the faint of heart. But some simple advice from me can make this a safe excursion. If you've got a wingman, you should be ok. If not. You park across the street. Parking lot sucks. Lots of rocks and go easy or you can blow out a rent a car tire. Park to the road. Not to the back where the brush is. Again. After shutting down, be aware of your surroundings. There is a steep staircase that leads up to the club. It's across the road. The bartender has a security camera that looks over at the parking lot and for the most part, you're arrival is known by the bar, since this club doesn't have the Carolinas / Seamans tourist following. Walk the staircase to the security guard up top. I've never been wanded. When you leave tell the security guy to keep his ears open and give him a tip and you're back to you car and heading to Casa Blanca. Last stop on the magical mystery tour!

Casa Blanca. Security guard at the door. Club is usually quite busy. Especially as closing time approaches. Parking is up top after you negotiate the long driveway. Lot is fairly well lit. I always park fairly close to the dumpster. That's a safe zone. And a quick walk to get in range with the security guy at the entrance.

Bottom line for all these clubs.

1) If you're solo, don't be stupidly drunk. And if you're in a group the same applies. Numbers don't validate stupidity.

2) Keep your mouth shut. Be focused, and determined in terms of knowing where you are headed and where you are going.

3) An aire of confidence doesn't hurt. Don't be shy to engage eye contact and say hello. Puts people off their game.

4) Don't leave anything in the rental car that will attract attention. It can be a bag of t-shirts worth ten buck that you don't give a shit about, but can lead to a busted window and a rental car company hassle.

5) And lastly. Respect the parking lots with their rocks. Rental car tires can go kapuut! Very easily with in Casa Blanca, Sunset Retreat, and Le Petite Chateau's confines!

Aside from this sage advice. Be safe and have fun!

[PogoStick]

Nice post from Clubted. Right on the money.

Mel mentioned the custom of saying "Good Morning," "Good Day" etc. This a custom to be taken very seriously in the Caribbean. Proper use will open many doors and hearts.

It is quite regimented. Good morning should only be used until around 10AM. After that you move to Good Day. Once past 12 it becomes Good Afternoon. Dinnertime to right after sunset it is Good Evening. Once you are into the night it is Good Night (as a greeting!) Good Day can be used during any daylight hours, but being more specific is appreciated. Asking about one's health is also very polite.

You shouldn't be totally informal. Hi, Hello and other casual greetings need to be followed by the appropriate formal greeting. It's all about proper sequence. It should be something like: "Hi! Good Nite! How are you? I'd like a Happy Meal, please." Try it at common places for locals; banks, post office, fast food etc and see the difference in service and attitude.

A greeting should be spoken to an entire room upon entering. If you walk into a waiting room and say a loud GOOD MORNING, everyone in the room will return the greeting in unison.

It is a small thing, but it is very effective. Try it.

Pogo

[Double Windsor]

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

Thank you Mel. Appreciate the insight.

I really expect to go direct to Carolina's (solely from reading the recent 10 pages in this thread). If I don't see anything I'm into, finish my beer and head back to hotel.

To rent and park a car will not be cost effective (assuming I only go once!)

Can you confirm the earliest time in the day I could hit Carolina's w / good selection on a Friday? I've read 11a. Is that too early?

I'm budgeting 30 mins each way and $50 round trip for taxi. Throw in $60 more for the girl and room. Does that sound accurate?

Sorry for sounding like a newb. Literally had no idea of this 24 hours ago and trying to get enough knowledge under me ASAP to not be stressed about it,

Will report back. Thanks again

[ClubTed]

Some of the recent posts have compelled me to add my SXM experience and knowledge to the forum.

1) If staying in the Maho Beach area, you definitely want to rent a car.

2) GPS? Forget it. Map will suffice. You will not get lost on the island. It's a circuitous route around. Takes maybe a hour depending on traffic and what you want to see to make the loop.

Unless you've got friends in Point Blance, Guana Bay. Middle Region. Stay on the main roads and you'll hit all the Casas.

Security at Le Petite Chateau. Last time I was on island, it was rather late, and I left and went to my car in the parking lot. A big drunk local tried to intimidate me in the parking lot. I'm 6'2", he had to be 6'6". I stayed focused. Didn't engage, and drove off with no incident. He appeared to be high / drunk and was with a buddy and was parked a couple of cars away from me. I was more worried that he was going to punch the rental car, then try to do something to me. The parking lot there is still like the moon so I was a bit away from the building due to the craters. Just keep your wits about yourself here, since it's primarily locals. And if you've got cargo shorts and a hawaiian shirt on, you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Carolina's / Crystals. Park in front or to the side of Carolina's. Go in either the restaurant entrance or the side entrance to Carolina's. You'll have no problem. Area is pretty well lit. Guys hanging out are looking to give taxi rides. Walk across to Crystal's is as safe as crossing the street, since that's what you do!

El Capitan. Cool security guy at the door. Enclosed parking area. You might get wanded, but no worries. But if you venture to Seaman's. Drive down the alley.

Seaman's. Security guy sits in a chair out by the entrance. Not very engaged. Park as close to the entrance as you can. Even though there is security. I wouldn't want him covering my back.

Defiance. A bit off the beaten path. Up the hill. Big parking lot, but can get crowded. Usually some guys hanging out in the lot but again if you know the lay of the land. You're going to park and get your ass right into the club. Unless you're finishing a beer in the car like I sometimes do.

Sunset Retreat. Probably the club that is not for the faint of heart. But some simple advice from me can make this a safe excursion. If you've got a wingman, you should be ok. If not. You park across the street. Parking lot sucks. Lots of rocks and go easy or you can blow out a rent a car tire. Park to the road. Not to the back where the brush is. Again. After shutting down, be aware of your surroundings. There is a steep staircase that leads up to the club. It's across the road. The bartender has a security camera that looks over at the parking lot and for the most part, you're arrival is known by the bar, since this club doesn't have the Carolinas / Seamans tourist following. Walk the staircase to the security guard up top. I've never been wanded. When you leave tell the security guy to keep his ears open and give him a tip and you're back to you car and heading to Casa Blanca. Last stop on the magical mystery tour!

Casa Blanca. Security guard at the door. Club is usually quite busy. Especially as closing time approaches. Parking is up top after you negotiate the long driveway. Lot is fairly well lit. I always park fairly close to the dumpster. That's a safe zone. And a quick walk to get in range with the security guy at the entrance.

Bottom line for all these clubs.

1) If you're solo, don't be stupidly drunk. And if you're in a group the same applies. Numbers don't validate stupidity.

2) Keep your mouth shut. Be focused, and determined in terms of knowing where you are headed and where you are going.

3) An aire of confidence doesn't hurt. Don't be shy to engage eye contact and say hello. Puts people off their game.

4) Don't leave anything in the rental car that will attract attention. It can be a bag of t-shirts worth ten buck that you don't give a shit about, but can lead to a busted window and a rental car company hassle.

5) And lastly. Respect the parking lots with their rocks. Rental car tires can go kapuut! Very easily with in Casa Blanca, Sunset Retreat, and Le Petite Chateau's confines!

Aside from this sage advice. Be safe and have fun!

[Vitrea]

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.

Good advice from Mel.

For exactly this reason, when you are solo in SXM, I suggest staying on east side of the island. I do the same.

[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