US Airways does include the departure tax. Sounds like you got a good price on the tickets.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

I know for sure that US Airways includes it now, though they didn't used to.
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I can't help you with suggestions on where to stay on a budget, but I'm sure someone will pipe in. Dining can be inexpensive or not, depending on where you eat. The French side of the island in particular is renowned for its restaurants, and you should venture into Grand Case for at least one expensive meal. The 12-metre sailing challange is absolutely worth while. We do it every ti
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No, you cannot carry any liquids on board. Ask that your rum be wrapped in bubble wrap when you buy it, and pack it in your checked luggage.
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Top 10 lists are usually done is reverse order, with number 1 being the most important. At least that's the way I did mine!
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10. Have morning coffee on a balcony overlooking the beach 9. Hike the trails at Pic Paradise 8. Stroll along the marina in Marigot 7. Have Salade Nicoise for lunch at the sidewalk cafe of La Vie en Rose 6. Have a nice lunch at Kakao on Orient Beach 5. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Spiga 4. Enjoy a romantic dinner at La Vie en Rose 3. Take the 12-Metre Challange 2. Relax in
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There is safe parking everywhere. Just park where there are other cars. In Grand Case, where a lot of the restaurants are, there are parking lots, and also parking on the streets. How long it takes to drive from the Dutch side to the French side depends on where you are and where you want to go, as well as what time of day. It can be 5 minutes or a half hour or so. Either way, you're on
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Staying at Cap Caraibes you get chairs at Waikiki. All of these areas are among the best on Orient Beach, IMHO.
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For a really special meal, I would recommend, in this order: La Vie en Rose, Marigot Spiga, Grand Case Le Pressoir, Grand Case Each of these is a very special restauran that we visit at least once each time we go to St. Martin. Enjoy!
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Thanks Spike! I know exactly where you're talking about. How early is "very early"?
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Spike, Please tell me more about purchasing fresh fish in Marigot! I'm a reasonably good home chef, and am excited about cooking in our condo at LaVista. Exactly where do you get your fish? At the market, or do you get it from a particular fisherman?
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Well, that never occured to me, but it sure would be great! Wouldn't have to worry about how much time you had between connections in the US!
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

This is a pretty old thread, but I for one and glad it was resurrected! We've only been to St. Martin twice so far, and have really enjoyed the French restaurants, but have not ventured at all into the local culture. We'll be going for at least two weeks each year from now on, and I'll be interested to try the local cuisine. Thank you Barbara, for taking the time to write such a
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That's good news! I don't bring alcohol home, but I know that lots of folks do, and I hated to know that the airport shops were suffering. I have a somewhat off-topic question: I've read a lot recently about item being stolen from checked luggage. I've never had that happen to me; is it really commonplace?
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If you love good food, then St. Martin is the place for you! Grand Case is well known for its restaurants, and I have never had a bad meal at any restaurant there. My favorites are Spiga and Le Pressoir. La Alabama is also excellent, and the most reasonably priced of the three. My absolute favorite restaurant in St. Martin is La Vie en Rose in Marigot. You will find deliciously tasty food th
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When we were there in March they appeared to have converted to condos. Didn't look open to tourists to me.
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I'll second that recommendaton!
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Thank you Gert, for everything you do to keep this board up. The spam over the weekend was terrible, and I know it was a lot of work for you to clean it up!
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It's been going on since Saturday morning. Highly annoying!
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Looks like he is using something automated to spam us.
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keep bumping this one
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Looks like spammers have hijacked every thread! Idiots!!
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Debbie, That will be great! Thanks for the info! Georgia
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Dean, I don't think that anyone at La Vista is paying any attention to that message board. I agree that Neil & Barbara definitely have it under control here! I saw a couple of spammers pop in here over the weekend and they were wiped out in no time flat! On another note, I was just able to get St. Martin up on Google Earth, and found La Vista. I could see all of the buildings and
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If you like good food, don't miss the restaurants in Grand Case. My favorites are Spiga and La Pressior. Also, La Vie en Rose in Marigot.
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I was thinking of those bags that compress the air out, not sure what they're called. They're clear, and I thought that might make the bag inspection on the return trip a little easier too. I'm not real keen on those guys going thru my underwear. I'll look for the Samsonite ones too. Good suggestions!
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Thanks for the info Buddy. I gather from what you said that there's no laundry facilities at the Beach building? I keep reading about folks who bring only carryon bags, and am thinking of trying that. Not sure if I can make it for two weeks on what fits in a carryon though!
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I have some questions for La Vista Beach owners, or others experienced with staying there. Is there a safe in the room? How often is the maid service? Where are the laundry facilities, and are they clean and modern? What is the cost? Thank you!
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I think, but I'm not positive, that both have kiosks at the airport, and their cars and offices are located a short ways away. They have shuttles to take you there. You will see a doorway near baggage pickup. This of course, assumes that you are arriving at the old terminal. I don't think you can avoid the shuttle bus dealing with Avis or Thrifty.
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Don't bother with any of these. Rent from Kenny's! Lesley Bruce, the owner, will bring you car to the airport, meet you at the gate, and the paperwork is done in the car. He is the BEST!
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