First timer here. We're considering renting a condo on the beach in Grand Case. We'll have 2 young kids with us, so we won't be able to go to the restaurants much at night, and really just want a peaceful, calm beach for the kids to play on and for us to relax on. Is the beach in the center of town nice? Enough room for kids to run/play on the sand, or is the beach too narrow for that? Also: how noisy/busy does the town get during the day and at night? Too crowded or hectic for us if we're not looking for nice restaurants or nightlife and don't want to hear cars honking all the time? Thanks in advance for your help!

Suggestions for other areas we should look into where we could also find a beachfront place would be much appreciated. Don't really like huge resorts/hotels. More inclined to stay on the French side, but open to the Dutch side as well.

Do check out the Grand Case Beach Club Hotel and Petite Plage for the kids

www.gcbc.com

Just Another Ho Hum Day On D Planet

Adam,

I have to agree with Neil - the Grand Case Beach Club is a great choice with kids. They have a small pool, a great restaurant on premises and what I've only known to be a calm beach that should be good for kids.

Other places you might want to consider would be the new Radisson on the St. Martin side of the island - the beach there is one of the cleanest and calmest on the island but the hotel itself is rather out of the way and IMO, you would definitely need a car there.

Along Simpson Bay there are several places you might look into that are actually beach front properties and very nice ones at that but sadly, it's the St. Maarten side of the island if that really does make a difference to you. The places that immediately come to my mind are Marys Boon although I'm not sure of the age status there and whether or not they encourage kids; Beachside Villas if there is availability; and also in the Simpson Bay area there are all the time share properties, many of which have their own beaches such as Flamingo and the Atrium.

I'm so glad to read of families traveling with their young ones - these are memories you'll never forget so I wish you a wonderful trip.

Respectfully,

pat