At the risk of appearing prejudiced you can record our vote for the French side..resoundingly. We love the area near Captain Olivers and we were told nearby is a 3 storey house where 10 Gendarmes live..on a 3 month rotation from Paris. I would suspect a lot of people know this and we felt very safe and the evenings were quiet except for the odd dog. As for the French side we would not stay in the Marigot area but love the market. I still remember a daytime incident where tourists were robbed at the Citadel and according to reports the caretaker refused to call the police. In general we found the French side to be more family oriented whereas some of the Dutch side appears a lot like the Vegas strip at night..including the traffic. It all depends what your preferences are and your personal comfort level. If you're "streetwise you may well enjoy the Dutch side and all the glitz it has to offer. If you're family oriented you might feel more comfortable and safer on the French side...particularly the Oyster Pond area.
Jimnjudy
Canada...near the big....sometimes unsafe ...city of Toronto.

You are absolutely right about Oyster Pond being safe and the Gendarmes staying there. Matter of fact is that since now 3 years we have a squad of 18 gendarmes rotating every three month, living right across from Captain Oliver's Resort entrance in the building of the "Colombus Hotel. This "settled down" a situation in Oyster Pond where in the past it was not so safe, since located right on the border it was an easy target for thugs coming in and out of the Dutch Side to commit hat ever they wanted. It is now peaceful and quiet.

Kind Regards,
Philippe



[www.facebook.com]

pat Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anonymous User Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > could be your standards are lower than most
>
> anon user Bob rob....
>
> I generally don't respond to snarky comments such
> as yours but having just stayed three nights in
> Philipsberg I can only say there are some very
> nice places there and I'm really glad we did.

He/She is not that anonymous - lives in Jackson, Michigan. Many years, many visits, and never had a problem in any area.

My husband and I are looking for a great area to spend a week using VRBO. I see Nettle Bay has some interesting rentals. Is that a great area for beaches and restaurants? I see that most people suggest Grand Case or Orient Beach area. This will be our first visit. Thanks.

So I've read through a bunch of these comments. It seems everyone has something to say. I would LOVE input on the best place to stay even if it's a b&b. There are SO many places to choose from, my mind is spinning. I like adventure but love small boutique hotels. I picture something like that on the French side of the island. Perhaps with a small lounge for a cocktail at the end of the day. Is there ANYTHING like that?! I'm a young female, so no "golf-course senior centers" or Giant Casino style. Any thoughts?

Seems like not many people have participated here in quite a while, but as a visitor to St. Martin/Maarten seven times so far, thought i'd throw in my two cents. The island is amazing. As with many countries, there are amazing areas and areas that are challenged- but overall, this island is fantastic. Everyone we've ever met has been super friendly and very helpful. The french side is more laid back and less developed for sure, but the food is awesome. The Dutch side is progressive and more commercialized no doubt, but caters to the demands of the residents, and the visitors. We've noticed a sense of pride over the last few years - things seems much cleaner. For anyone who is looking to Visit, either side is great - just EXPLORE. We have stayed mostly on the French side but recently have stayed in Oyster Bay area - amazing. Nettle Bay is also pretty sweet - although it's close to Sandy Ground, we've NEVER had any problems (but then again, we don't go wandering at night). Marigot is awesome in my opinion.
I dont' think you'll run into any problems at all anywhere if you're a smart, aware "visitor". If you are respectful of the people who live and work there, they will return it. Enjoy St. Martin - it's one of few remaining islands that hasn't been "taken over".... again, just my two cents (and I'm from Toronto Canada!).

Seems like not many people have participated here in quite a while, but as a visitor to St. Martin/Maarten seven times so far, thought i'd throw in my two cents. The island is amazing. As with many countries, there are amazing areas and areas that are challenged- but overall, this island is fantastic. Everyone we've ever met has been super friendly and very helpful. The french side is more laid back and less developed for sure, but the food is awesome. The Dutch side is progressive and more commercialized no doubt, but caters to the demands of the residents, and the visitors. We've noticed a sense of pride over the last few years - things seems much cleaner. For anyone who is looking to Visit, either side is great - just EXPLORE. We have stayed mostly on the French side but recently have stayed in Oyster Bay area - amazing. Nettle Bay is also pretty sweet - although it's close to Sandy Ground, we've NEVER had any problems (but then again, we don't go wandering at night). Marigot is awesome in my opinion.
I dont' think you'll run into any problems at all anywhere if you're a smart, aware "visitor". If you are respectful of the people who live and work there, they will return it. Enjoy St. Martin - it's one of few remaining islands that hasn't been "taken over".... again, just my two cents (and I'm from Toronto Canada!).

I could be wrong, Johnny, but many don't consider this to be a chitty-chatty forum but more of an 'if you have a question, ask it here' and people will try to respond to the best of their ability. Nothing wrong with either one and each has its own usefulness.

We're long time island visitors and check in on this forum fairly regularly but one thing I WON'T do is respond to random questions of the "what's best" type because 'BEST' is always in the mind of the person asking the question and dependent on personal likes and dislikes. I've loved the entire island of St. Martin - both sides - for over 40 years worth of visits and hope to continue visiting for a long time to come, and what's best to me might well be totally irrelevent to someone else. Its the nature of people.

Things chanmge, people change and the island changes too. For us, every year we find new places to go and new things to do and we still explore BOTH sides of the island.

I live in Canada and rarely need to be concerned with crime. How would St. Martin compare with an average Canadian city. Also, I am looking for a nice beach in an area that has a nice beach and a moderate nightlife. Nice to take the wife dancing a few times while there without having to travel to far. I was considering an apartment on the beach in Grand Case? Also is Orient Beach still covered in seaweed?

I would think the Maho/Mullett area would fill the bill nicely.

I agree. Maho area. Orient seaweed is coming and going..
Grand Case is really nice but it is pretty quiet at night.

[barcann.livejournal.com]

Just back, and sadly, we avoided many of our favorite French beaches because of the heavy amounts of seaweed. Took an around the island daytrip and was amazed at all the floating seaweed this trip - so I would also agree with Barbara and WWII that Maho general area or even Simpson Bay area whould fit your requirements nicely.

Respectfully,

pat

Just returned from another great week. Stayed at The Lighthouse on Oyster Bay & Dawn Beach. Loved everything about the area and the people. This area is away from the built up airport areas. On the Eastern French border. There is a casino in the Westin Hotel but not very busy. My favorite area other than Oyster Bay is Orient beach, specifically Cocoa , Bikini beach area. There is something for everyone. My least favorite areas were Marigot & grand case. Went to Grand Case for some great BBQ 3 nights…Food is tremendous but there were fist fights with Islanders & police 2 of the nights. Eat there and leave. My next trip will be to spend time in Cupacoy. So far though Orient Beach & Oyster Bay…in that order.

I am a medical student planning to spend next six months in AUIS in Cole Bay.Can someone suggest please which one would be the best area of residence for me?

Why don't you check on Airbnb....see if there is a place on that!!