Timelord

Hello everyone,

We are going to SXM for the first time. I would like to watch planes from Maho Beach but have read really bad reviews lately at the hotel there. What is the best hotel in SXM for families? ( ages 3, 8, 11) Looking at a higher end resort. Also is it possible to go to Maho Beach, and not be a hotel guest? (wasn't sure if it was a private beach or not). Also how is the snorkeling /diving?

Thanks!

Timelord.

mkt

I'll take on one of your questions... Maho beach is a public beach, so feel free to go there without being a hotel guest

As far as lodging goes, I tend to rent an apartment on the French side, either in Oriental Bay or Oyster bay. The only time I've ever stayed on the Dutch side (where SXM/Maho Beach are) was in Burgeaux Bay, and I did see several families there.

cactuspete

Check out the Westin (see SPG forum). It gets a bad rap from old-schoolers because it is modern and a bit sanitized, and there are a few areas that might need a little sprucing up. And I think that a lot of people are expecting 5-star service wwhen they pay high-season room rates, and that just is not goingto happen in most places in the Caribban. But it has a huge pool area and a really good beach for the kids. And it is away from the crappy Dutch side, near Oyster Pond, so Orient Beach and Grand Case are within reach.

Timelord

Thanks for the info.. I was leaning to towards the Westin, or the Radisson Blu... wondering which was more kid friendly.. with activities for the kids...

cactuspete

I haven't stayed at the Radisson, although I believe that it is an older property that has been renovated fairly recently. My sense is that it is a notch below the Westin. There can be some waves on Dawn Beach (Westin)at certain times of the year, if that is a concern with young ones.

Both can be a great value using points, especially in the high winter season.

One caveat on Wewstin - - I have always travelled atlow season, and had at least SPG gold, so I have always been able to score a complimentary upgrade to one of the many oceanfront rooms (and oftentimes a suite), which makes a huge difference. I would not want to be in a standard room.

I've not been that impressed with snorkeling on SXM. For example, the reef on Dawn Beach is for the most part dead. I'm sure there are decent areas on the island, it depends on what you are comparing it to. SXM is basically just a stopping off point for me on the way to Anguilla, and I do my snorkelling there.