Hello!

I am learning quite a bit from this website and wanted to ask my questions as well.

I am visiting in two weeks with my girlfriend, we are around 30 and love the beaches so SXM should be perfect.

My first question is about the Atrium Hotel - we have decided to stay there because it is inexpensive, is near the airport (I like this feature), has great reviews, and seems nice.

Can anyone provide any feedback on the place?
Will we need a car to get around if we stay there?
How are the beaches nearby?
Are we making a mistake staying there?

My second question is about nightlife. We love to go to nice lounges and I haven't seen any reference to any lounges in all of my reading. Can anyone provide a suggestion or two?

All the best to everyone!!

I have not stayed at the Atrium but I have heard only good things about the place. It is very clean and well run. The beach there is nice although small.

Yes, it is highly recommended to rent a car, only because there is so much to see on this tiny island. There are many beaches to visit around the island and driving to the French side during the day will show you a less congested area. Beaches like Friars Beach (my favorite) Orient Beach, Mullet Beach, Baie Rouge, Galleon are the more popular beaches. It is very easy to navigate and driving is US standard. You will only need to bring your drivers license to rent a car and is highly recommended that if you rent a car, you charge it to a card that will cover your collision insurance to save costs. It is also suggested to take out liability for those "just in case" times. Recommended services are Kenny's Car Rental and Unity Car Rental, both local rental agencies. None of the rental places that have names like Hertz are really connected to the US companies and also not really recommended that I know of. There are also many other local rental agencies at the airport that you can rent from as well. With Kenny's and Unity (as well as some other local agencies) you can reserve a car ahead of time via e-mail. They will not ask for a deposit...just your flight info. They will hold a car for you and meet you at the airport to take you to your car.

In your area, there are many, many restaurants across the main road for you to eat. They are within walking distance. There is also the Red Piano bar in the Pelican area that has nice music for the evening hours. This is within walking distance although up the hill from you. There is also the Hollywood Casino up the hill in the Pelican complex. There is also the Bucanner Beach Bar just slightly up from you for hanging out and enjoying a drink or two.

Then there is the Maho area which is a 5 minute drive from you that has lots of nightlife and many fine dining restaurants. You can valet your car at the Casino Royale instead and save some time/money from parking in the parking lot under La Terrasse which is also good but easier the other way. You just have to have your ticket validated in the casino. Next door is Cheri's outdoor restaurant that has nightly entertainment (except Tuesdays). It's a fun time for those who never have been to the island. I believe their show starts around 8:00 PM or so. Their food is not exceptional but OK. There are also a few shops that stay open in the evening hours to window shop.

Also, a 5 minute drive is the Sunset Beach Bar or across the way directly opposite (my preference) is the Driftwood Beach Bar which to me has better drinks and less expensive (looks like a big rowboat) where you can watch the planes come in. It is mesmerizing and something to talk about when you return home. Next to the Driftwood is the Tortuga Restaurant attached to the Royal Islander Resort where you can also watch the planes come in and enjoy a very nice lunch under the protection of a canopy. Outsiders can eat there with no problem.

Hope this helps.

Vicki

[www.vrbo.com]

Life is not a child's game of follow the Leader. Instead, life is more about finding one's own purpose in life....your life's plan, and then making a positive difference on earth.



Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 07/05/2008 11:08AM by John.

I think the Atrium is a very good choice. The rooms there are quite nice and the location is fabulous. Be sure to ask for a wter view, not the road view though.
You can walk from there to restaurants, casinos, bars,etc. I would still recommend, as John said, that you rent a car. There are so many toehr palces to go and visit.
don't limit yourselves.
John mentioned some of the popular places. there also is a new club/lounge called Mansion that is located in the Dolphin Casino buildiugn..just down the road from your hotel.
I have not personally been there but I hear nice things about it.
Pick up a copy of K-Pasa when you arrive. it lists all the live music places and events for the week.
Also on Thursdays the local newspaper The Daily Herald has an Out 'n about section that lists things.

[barcann.livejournal.com]

We stay at Atrium twice a year and really enjoy the experience. The resort is well maintained, clean and comfortable. The employees are smiling and accomodating. There is gated parking with two security guards on duty. The units are large and well equipped and everything works. It's not new, but has been taken care of. We have stayed in both ocean view and mojntain view and both are very nice. Get 3rd floor or above for the best views - front or back.

I understand there is construction going on the lot at the Airport Road side of the resort. Unless you're going to hang on your mountain view balcony all day, I wouldn't be concerned about it.

The beach is fine if you want a day just hanging out at the resort. Here's my suggestion.

We use the Atrium for a home base. Rent a car and explore all the island has to offer during the day. Lots of great beaches, each one finer than the last! Beach bars, water sports, a zoo, butterfly farm, horseback riding, fine dining. Whatever you like.

In the evening, we park our car (most nights) and walk all over Simpson Bay to some of the wonderful restaurants and bars in the area. There's also a Casino or two if you're so inclined (we're not). Buccaneer Beach Bar is in your back yard. If you are looking for a more club atmostphere, Red Piano is just a 10 min walk up the hill, and probably faster stumbling back down!

Have fun!

Thank you very much for the great information.

you also have jimbos across the street great happy hour (2 fers)