So, the wife and I just wrapped up a week on the island. We had a pretty decent time. We stayed on the Dutch side, near Oyster Pond. The hotel was great. Had a casino in it. Ocean view room. Couldn't have asked for more.

Food was great. We ate twice on the Dutch side, and all the other meals somewhere on the French side. Something about the food at Grand Case, Marigot, etc. Loved the flair.

Driving would have been more fun had I been the only occupant. I like the aggressive style on the island. Funny thing, our four banger rental had a bitch of a time getting up and down hills. But, otherwise, it was fun to get it going and use the handbrake for directional control. There is a saying, "nothing handles like a rental car."

Shopping was okay. I don't know why anyone expects to get a phenomenal deal in this global society we live in. And, being from the states, our dollar isn't so strong vis a vis the Euro, etc. I couldn't find a watch for cheaper than in the states. But, I did spend some serious coin at the casino. No discounts there.

That is all.

MR. B, Sounds like I might be glad I'm not the rental co who rented you your car. LOL Seriously tho most will tell you to shut the ac down/off going up the big hills and you'll get a surge of powre thats usually more then adequate unless they really saw you coming and gave you a total clunker. Besides there speeds most of the island drivers we encounter are pretty courteous and I usually have more dismay with visitors gawking at the sites than the locals but thats just me I guess.
Guessing you stayed at the New Westin. How'd you like it there?
Most Americans come back with the same complaint about the money these days but you do get a little more bang for your buck on the dutchside of the island.

I enjoyed the new Westin property and the casino. You talk about the car have a difficult time going up the hill, you should try and walk it. Good luck!