The Caribbean - St Martin vacation ~ advice welcomed

We're headed to St Martin for a couple of weeks during the coming winter. "We" will be 2 adults, one child aged 5.

Firstly I'd really appreciate some advice on accomodation. We would prefer to stay on the French side of the island and rent an apartment or bungalow, near amenities. What and where would you recommend? Also I'm thinking that something with 2 bedrooms would be best as some info I've read would indicate mosquitoes could be a problem in some areas?

We'll be first time visitors, so in addition any other recommendations on where to go/good places to eat/what are "musts" to do would also be very welcome.

Thanks to you all!

Cheers

Sim

We're headed to St Martin for a couple of weeks during the coming winter. "We" will be 2 adults, one child aged 5.

Firstly I'd really appreciate some advice on accomodation. We would prefer to stay on the French side of the island and rent an apartment or bungalow, near amenities. What and where would you recommend? Also I'm thinking that something with 2 bedrooms would be best as some info I've read would indicate mosquitoes could be a problem in some areas?

We'll be first time visitors, so in addition any other recommendations on where to go/good places to eat/what are "musts" to do would also be very welcome.

Thanks to you all!

Cheers

Sim


I really like L'Esplanade Hotel in Grand Case. It's on the hill overlooking the bay, not really oceanfront. The rooms have small but well equipped kitchens with a dining area. The rooms I've been in all have a full bathroom upstairs (no tub, but a big walkaround shower) plus an extra toilet room. There is a pool area which seems like it would be really nice for a child and the grounds are beautiful. It's within walking distance of the restaurants for evening meals. The people that run it are great. But it's not cheap.

I don't remember having problems with mosquitos but I have heard reports of them - maybe they're more prevalent in some 'inland' areas and get blown away when you're closer to water.

I've stayed at the Mercure near Marigot on the French side. Not too many mosquitos, but there were some nonetheless.

The butterfly farm near Orient beach might be fun for a child, but I wouldn't imagine you could go wrong with any of the many beaches.

I would second L'Esplanade which I have stayed at or their sister hotel Le Petit which is on the beach in Grand Case (may be better for the 5 year old). I've heard good things about the Grand Case Beach Club also. Generally speaking, the French side has less "amenities" than the Dutch side. Very good restaurants, nice beaches, but not a lot of nightlife. Grand Case used to be the center of the universe for dining, but there are other areas now with high concentrations of very good restaurants such as the Cupecoy area.

The Cupecoy (west end of the island) area may be of interest as you are close to a bit more activity if you feel the need. There are come new high rise condos for rent with spectacular sunset views. Terres Basses (also western side) has some spectacular villas depending on your budget.

I would strongly suggest that you rent a car. Driving takes a bit getting use to and roads can get clogged during rush hour. I prefer to get small Toyota-type beater as you don't need to stand out as a tourist. Rule number one: never leave anything in your car or the trunk.