The Caribbean - St Maarten between Xmas and New Years 2007?

I know it’s only January 2, 2007, but in the past I have purchased plane tickets and made my hotel reservations in February for travel between Christmas and New Years. I have only gone to The Bahamas during this time, had a good time but the water temperature is not hot enough during that time of year to swim in the ocean. I will be traveling with my spouse, our daughter, her girlfriend (both 25) and another adult couple. I would love to go to a Caribbean island that has nice beaches, warm weather and decent restaurants. I have been to Aruba, glad I went but it is not one of my favorite islands. I have also been to Cancun, had a wonderful time but returned home sick (in bed for 2weeks) and just a little leery of going back. I will try to rent a condo instead of a hotel room so we can have some of our meals at the condo (mostly breakfast) and not be confined to a tiny space.

I would love to go to a destination that has:
Active Night Life
Gambling is a plus
Good public transportation
Easy to drive around the island
Many restaurant choices
Nice shopping

In doing my research, I thought perhaps St Maarten/St Martin would be the perfect island destination for us. My question is: would it be warm enough for us to swim in the ocean? I know the islands are very expensive but can you eat within reason less than $15 for lunch around $30 for dinner? How safe is the island? In Aruba, I found the island to be very safe but in Jamaica. I would not venture off the all-inclusive property. If we went to St Maarten, which area of the island is the best to stay in? If not St Maarten, what other islands would you suggest?

Thanks for taking the time to reply :)

IMNSHO you selected the perfect destination based of the attractions you listed. The night life is amasing everything from adult entertainment, nightclubs, cigar and piano bars, beach bars and the list goes on.

Dining options are limitless... it is rumoured that you could dine at a different restaurant every night and not cover them all in one year.

The ocean is perfect for swimming and snorkelling all year round.

Amasing shopping... duty free so get set to spend some of your casino winning on some diamonds or a rolex - the prices are amasing.

Getting around is a piece of cake the public transportation system is as reliable as they get by island standards, however taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Car rentals are also inexpensive USD30 per day average and driving there should be easy especially for North Americans (they drive left hand drive vehicles on the right hand side of teh road... you should feel right at home^ )

Thanks to it's duty free port status St. Maarten is probably one of the least expensive islands you could visit. I should point out that because the island is so diverese it would appeal to both teh multi millionaires who fly in on the private jets and cruise the mega yachts as well as the back packer.

The time of year you are planning on travelling is perhaps one of the best times to be on the island... very festive... lots of partying taking place and lots of celebs in town.

Finally you get two countries for the price of one... Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin (same land mass seperated by a border monument).

In closing I just want to give ^ ^ to you selection and also recommend you make some time for day trips to Anguilla and St. Barths. Trust me you won't regret it ;)

Wow, thanks so much for your input and all the information. From your description, I wish that I could go there today!!!! Now if I could just find a decent hotel that won't cost me an "arm and leg" I'll be all set. ^

Sorry I missed that one. Here are some links to reasonably priced hotels.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort ^ ^ ^ ^
My personal favourite due to its proximity to many of the party spots – Bliss, Bamboo Bernie’s, Q Club, Cherrie’s Café, Soprano’s Piano Bar, Platinum Room. There is also a casino across the street and a supermarket 2 minutes away. Shopping and restaurant are all within walking distance. One half of the hotel is a bit dated but the rooms are comfortable and you won’t be spending much time in your room anyway. Go for it but remember to do some more research on these properties.
http://www.sxmtravelguide.com/Sonesta%20Maho%20Beach%20Resort%20&%20Casino.htm

The Atrium ^ ^ ^
Lovely new property in happening area of Simpson Bay.
http://www.sxmtravelguide.com/The%20Atrium%20Beach%20Resort.htm

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort ^ ^
Nice but located in the middle of nowhere. Unless you rent a car coming and going as you please will be a challenge.
http://www.sxmtravelguide.com/Divi%20Little%20Bay%20Beach%20Resort.htm

Port De Plaisance Casino Resort ^ ^
Worth checking out.
http://www.sxmtravelguide.com/Port%20De%20Plaisance%20Casino%20Resort.htm

If you are really on a budget check out these properties in the heart of Philipsbury (Front Street). Both very lovely properties that I would highly recommend for any traveller on a budget.

Holland House Beach Hotel ^ ^ ^
http://www.sxmtravelguide.com/Holland%20House%20Beach%20Hotel.htm

Pasangrahan Royal Guesthouse ^ ^ ^
http://www.sxmtravelguide.com/Pasangrahan%20Royal%20Guesthouse.htm

The only one of your criteria that St. Martin misses on is the public transportation but it doesn't matter because car rentals are so cheap. Everyone drives and the rental car gives you the flexibility to go to whatever beach you want, go whereever and whenever you want, go on sightseeing tours, etc. I can't imagine being shackled to a bus or taxi on St. Martin. Just get a map and have a navigator so you can keep your eyes open for stray animals and drivers and you'll be fine. :) With respect to where to stay, 'middle of nowhere' is all relative, it's a small island, easy to get around, and it's so built up vs. what it used to be that I'd recommend staying on a quieter part of the island so you avoid traffic jams at least part of the time. Johannesj's post is right on and of all those I'd urge a second look at Divi Little Bay and rent a car. From there you can very easily drive to nightlife/gambling (Maho), restaurants (Grand Case), and shopping(P'burg, Marigot)

Thanks for the info, it was very helpful:)

Check out time share rentals at http://www.tug2.net/ and www.Redweek.com. I have stayed ay the Royal Palm Beach Club and the Flamingo, and enjoyed both. I don't spend much time at the hotel anyway. The beaches are super and the food is the best. BTW, I would stay away from the Pelican. I alway rent a car from Mickey @ Tropicana Rental and have been very happy http://www.tropical-tropicana.com/ St Martin is my favorite island and I have spent at least 10 weeks there over the past 10 years. Let me know if you would like some restaurant suggestions.

St. Martin is one of the best islands...been there several times,,,love it.