Arrival: I flew in on US Airways and arrived about four in the afternoon. Nothing special about the airport. Customs and baggage claim were no issue. I was at the end of the line and it still only took about 30 min to get through it. After getting your bags you walk through the double doors into the main lobby with all the awaiting families and car rentals.
Transpo: I got a four pax car (see pic) from dollar rental for $165 for the whole week. You do not need an international license, a states side drives license will do. Something different than in the states is that the rentals are not kept at the airport. After doing the paper work you get in a van that transports you to car pickup about 2 min drive down the road along side the runway. Driving was not too bad. Most drivers are a little more aggressive but if you drive the same way you will fit right in. There is a draw bridge that opens at set scheduled times of the day (pic). That’s when traffic is at its worse.
Hotel: I stayed at the Sonest Great Bay Beach Resort. I got a deal on the room thought a gov discount. Excellent location right on the beach and walking distance to Front Street and back street in Philipsburg. I did notice the average age was about 50+ and a lot of families with kids so I don’t know if you would stand out bringing some company back to the room. I management would care less.
Clubs: I know everyone has there favorite but from what I read Seaman’s, Defiance and Carolinas seem to be the most talked about. Over the course of a week I had several women from each other than Defiance.
Seaman’s was easy enough to find. Just follow Suckergarder rd. around the lake and you will see it on the left as you start up the hill. Most if not all the women are from Columbia. When you walk in its like walking into a regular bar room 60ft X 60ft. There is a small stage against one wall with pornos playing on a flat TV. Most of the women are sitting around the bar waiting for new customers. Not to overly pushy. The going rate was $50. Going back to the room you walk through a door near the back of the bar into a wide hallway with rooms on the right and left. All service I received was CBJ. Never had anyone ask for money upfront or was a starfish.
Carolinas is also easy to find but there is no sign on the building. I had to have driven past it four times before I had to ask for directions. Easiest way is take a right out of Seaman’s parking lot then take the next right which is about 300ft down the road. And then the next left about a quarter mile down the road and it will be the large building on the left. There is no sign on the building but you will see what looks like a restaurant at the far end. You can enter there and you will see the side entrance. Inside is the same setup as Seaman’s but just a little smaller and the music is louder. I would have to say all the women were Columbian and better looking. Still not overly pushy but I did see one thing I didn’t like. When a chic is on stage, other women are asking for you to give them a dollar so they can tip whoever is dancing. If you say no they just frown and walk away calling you cheap. The going rate was $50. Going back to the rooms is same as Seaman’s but you have to pay a $3 fee for the room. All service covered. I was quoted $400 to take out for the day and when I said too much she came down to $300. I would have but just wasn’t getting a good vibe.
Defiance: If you true left out of Seaman’s parking lot you drive up the road about two miles and its on the right. You can not miss it. It has an arch opening at the front. Same deal as all the other clubs but the room is much larger 80ft X 80ft. The bar is a large wrap around that the girls dance on while you drink your beer. Same rate $50. Most of the women were from DR and three or four from Columbia. Each time I went I never saw what I wanted so I never when back to the rooms.
Down time: If you’re an aviation enthusiast I suggest Maho beach to watch the planes takeoff and land. If you go on Utube you will see what I’m talking about. They have the arrival times of inbound flights listed on a surf board (pic) so you know when to keep a lookout. The cheese burgers are not too bad also.
Drive around the is land can be accomplished in 2 – 3 hours taking your time taking in the sights.
Departure: Same as arrival, no big deal. There has been mention of a departure fee but if you’re on one of the big airlines you do not need to pay (pic).
Language: I would recommend learning some Spanish although not required, but is does beak the ice had help feel a chic out. If all she says hi and lets go to my room might lead to a rush service, but that’s just my opinion.
Cruise ships: If ships are at port you can expect to see a lot more Thais and Phili at the bar. One night I went there and a line was forming at the front door waiting for the club to open.
Well that pretty much all I have. I am not a subject matter expert on the island it’s just all the things I saw in my short first time there.
Lakeside
(Message edited by lakeside on May 01, 2009)
