Irene, Yes, they are the same hotels and are both owned by the same company and while I don't know exactly what the connection is, they are both under the Sonesta name and have been for the past year or two. I personally enjoy the Sonesta Maho Beach area because there is much more to do there than at most other hotel locations but for sure, it' doesn't have all the things you&#
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Kate, Sorry but I think your only options are to rent a car and drive yourself or take a taxi. Respectfully, pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Irene, There are two all-inclusive hotels that come to mind, one being Maho as already discussed, and the other being Great Bay Maho, which is actually owned by the same people. Of the two hotel properties, I would think neither is going to meet your needs exactly. Since the island is considered to be a timeshare destination, have you contemplated renting one of those? They wouldn't b
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Elaine, Thanks for the clarification. As I said, I've only exchanged once and that was several years ago to Barbados, and there, too, the check-in inventory was required so I drew from the combined experiences that all timeshare properties required it, but possibly there are those that don't, hence Kris'annoyance over having to do it. Respectfully, pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Kristina, I'm glad Lesley was there waiting, as I knew he would be. He is absolutely the best and we so enjoy being able to get our car at the airport and being on our way without the need for other stops as is the usual way on St. Maarten. Not to say it wasn't the case but personally, I can't imagine the staff at The Towers being either unavailable or unfriendly as this has
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Boy, Augie, you are really good. It seems like such a short time ago we were looking at baby pictures, but I have to agree, I think Gert needs to post something recent so we can see those beautiful babies all grown into young boys. Respectfully, pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

pres, I can't help you on Automax, we use Lesley Bruce of Kennys Car Rentals and have done so for years now, but the one thing I can say is you will love getting the car right at the airport and doing the paperwork right there. To me that is so much nicer than having to go to a lot somewhere, even if it's only five minutes away. Have a great trip. Respectfully, pat :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

When J last cleaned the driveway he said there was a good 10-11 inches so far and he's out there doing it again but now we're getting sleet and it's wind driven. Winter in New England - you just have to love it!! And the weather forecasters are all over the place with this but I think they're still saying that overnight it's going to turn to rain so maybe the Saturday t
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Barbara, I'm really glad the sun is shining and you've got lots of blue sky because here in CT the temp is 27 degrees and we're looking at a wall of white. The snow is coming down almost at white out proportions right now and I'm betting there are a lot of people praying it clears before Saturday morning...... And I thought on the eve of St. Paddys Day we'd be lo
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Kenny, Oops, that should have read, "Barbara and Kenny...." but thanks for getting my drift. Hmmm, "....over-populated and too many illegals..." Now where have I ever heard that before? I think we'd all like to be able to dream a little about living in paradise but for those of us who must still work, best bet is do it at home so you aren't denying a legal c
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Kris, Barbara gave you the correct information - Lesley Bruce at Kennys Car Rental Company or - as Barbara said - bruce@sintmaarten.net Don't get too worked up about it because if Bruce gave you a confirmation I'm sure he'll be there waiting as you leave the airport. Have a
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

To all the above posters, This question is asked fairly routinely on this forum and while I have no first person experience in this area, I've known good people with strong credentials who were promised working certs. for years and after establishing residency on the island, were never able to obtain them from the appropriate island agencies, eventually giving up their quest and moving b
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Spike, It seems regarding their e-mails they go in spits and spurts. I finally gave up after 3-4 e-mails and called direct - had to do the expensive one because the 800# was down - but I spoke with Rochelle and Maggie both along with Larry and I guess the reason they hadn't gotten back was because one of them was on vacation and the other one was feeling overwhelmed. Profuse apologies
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Lenny, Thanks for making this post and for giving those who haven't already done so another opportunity to sign this petition. I signed it as soon as it was sent to me because over all the years I've been visiting St. Maarten, Mullet Bay and it's surrounds have always been my island home. It would be a shame to see the beautiful Mullet Pond go the way of so many of the other
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

jmasons, There are ATMs all over and obviously a tremendous number of people rely on them and use them without issue but there have been a few reports of double dipping from accounts and as recently as Jan. or Dec. past there were major problems with ATM thefts by way of stealing data from the magnetic strips. The people doing this were caught, as was reported in the local paper. Personall
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Augie is right on the money. They're better than cash IMHO, because if you should lose them, as we all know, they are replaceable. We usually bring 2-3 hundred dollars in small bills for tips, etc., and then rely on TC's for the rest of our trip. On St. Maarten, they are easily cashed at the major grocery stores and at the casinos but you will probably be asked for a picture
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

scotch, I have to tell you, much as I love those ladies, they're horrible for answering their e-mails. If you don't hear from them, send again and if all else fails, call. Respectfully, pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

There you go, Karen - if one solution doesn't work hopefully the other will. Have a great trip. pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

For the benefit of all here who may know her I want to share the following with you. Today is Annie's (*annie*) birthday as some of you may already know. A birthday should be a happy day but sadly that isn't always the case. Many of her friends here may already know of the health concerns she has been facing with her husband, Paul, but sadly, Annie received additional bad news l
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Very nicely said, GaKaye, and I agree with you absolutely. Because something isn't for me, doesn't mean it's not for the next guy and the diversity and the tolerance usually displayed by reasonable people on both sides of this vacation destination is but one of it's many drawing cards. Respectfully, pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

katie b, We only made it to Aruba once and from my most limited experience, I think the reason for the seemingly lack of mosquitos there has something to do with the fact that in most areas, the wind doesn't stop blowing long enough for them to land anywhere. We stayed at the Hyatt and used the beach there and sorry to say, it was extremely hot with no breeze for most of the week we were
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

ed, I'm with Annie and Grumpy with a bit of a twist. There was a time when I truly felt Orient Beach was perhaps the most incredibly beautiful beach on the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten and it was never all about the clothing optional but about the natural beauty of that particular beach. Today it's over-developed and over-peopled and the atmosphere just isn't there. I
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Karen, YW. And I have to tell you, we must be kindred spirits because that's the way the bugs are with me, too. My wonderful hubby and I can be standing or sitting in almost the same spot and I'll get devoured while he gets nary a nibble. So bring the Off or Skin So Soft and use it in the late afternoon to early evenings and have a wonderful trip. Respectfully, pat :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

ken, Since you haven't had any other takers let me suggest that, while I'm definitely not saying they aren't available there, I've personally never noticed them for rent in the Simpson Bay area itself. Years ago there was a concession in the lagoon in the Simpson Bay area but I haven't even noticed that of late. Is it possible the creation of the huge yacht basin the
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

YW, Jamcleet and have a wonderful trip. pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

jamcleet, Most island car rental companies will deliver the car wherever you want it to be delivered - hotel, villa, etc., if you make your arrangements with them for that service and truthfully, I think it's a smart move to do it this way, particularly if you're uncertain as to how to get wherever you're going or, as you said, you're arriving on a late flight. Just be cer
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

karen, You can purchase mosquito milk all over the island in most stores that carry miscellaneous items. I seem to be one of the very few people who doesn't find it to be particularly effective so I always bring a can of Off or the Skin so Soft lotion with sunscreen in it from home. As to whether or not the little pests will be around - it's pretty hard to say and personally, I&#
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Az Guy, Boy!! Am I ever slow!! Just realized what Az stould for - duh!! Anyway, Augie's given you the link for Random Wind - and the sight is very representative of the way they run their trips. We usually either contact Martin direct or book through our activities director at The Towers, depending on who, how many, when and what, etc. We've done a bunch of snorkel trips t
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

ted, Who knows? You might get lucky on those flight prices as others have suggested but don't forget, early April's the Easter/spring break time here in CT so if I were you, I'd keep a pretty close eye on the airline seat maps and if your heart is set on those dates, you might want to go for the tickets now (or if and when you see the planes starting to book up) and hope for th
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

A to Z Guy, The Prickly Pear trip aboard the Bluebeard is another fun trip - a little more active than the Random Wind, though. The snorkling off Anguilla is very good so either would be great choices but it basically comes down to the atmosphere you're looking for and the type of boat you want. Your pictures are great, by the way. Respectfully, pat :-) :-)
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum