Marigot - is it worth going to?

[Yukonbear]

My wife and daughter will be there in a couplenof days and considering taxi a taxi from the port to the French side for some shopping.  Is it difficult to get a taxi back.  What would you expect to pay?   

 

Are there many shops and vendors open.  

 

Thanks 

[Ashland]

I'm sorry to say but personally I don't think it's worth it. They can do just as well staying in downtown

Philipsburg. We were just there this past September and my have things changed since that last hurricane.

We've been to the islands many times and found this to be truly sad. They are trying to rebuild but it's an huge undertaking.

[satbeachbill]

Agreed

[fielddreamer]

Must stores are closed or vacant now. The French side is still in bad shape. A few places to eat are open but forget the shopping !

[drarill]

On 11/13/2018 at 5:42 PM, Yukonbear said:

My wife and daughter will be there in a couplenof days and considering taxi a taxi from the port to the French side for some shopping.  Is it difficult to get a taxi back.  What would you expect to pay?   

 

Are there many shops and vendors open.  

 

Thanks 

We decided to go to the French Side last June and don't regret it.  We had a wonderful lunch at the Tropicana, and managed to do some shopping.  Many of my favorite stores on the French Side were open, though Max Mara was still closed. It was really sad to see all the damage done by Irma,  but the best way to help them is going there and spend your money.  Animosity between the French and Dutch side is well known, but since Irma, is getting worst.  People on the Dutch side want to keep all the business for themselves and this is wrong.  Don't know what you want to buy in Marigot.  I like to go to the drug store to buy French products, my husband likes to buy wines, my daughter got new sandals, hand made jewelry and a new Longchamp bag.  I also decided to buy my favorite perfume there, just to help them.  We are taking the Freedom for NYE and we will go back to do the same, some shopping and great food and wines.  Happy cruising 

P.S. you will find taxis both ways, don't remember how much we paid

[drarill]

On 11/13/2018 at 5:42 PM, Yukonbear said:

My wife and daughter will be there in a couplenof days and considering taxi a taxi from the port to the French side for some shopping.  Is it difficult to get a taxi back.  What would you expect to pay?   

 

Are there many shops and vendors open.  

 

Thanks 

This is a link to the restaurant we went to have lunch.  https://www.frommers.com/destinations/st-maarten-st-martin/restaurants/tropicana

 

[Yukonbear]

So my wife and daughter did go to Marigot and had a good time.  They thought it looked pretty good but did notice evidence of damage and some resorts are not yet open.  They used D&A Taxi service and they could not say enough things about the driver (and service) so I was quite pleased about that.  We have a cruise in April 2019 but it doesnt stop at this island but we'll be there is Jan 2020.  

 

Thank you for your replies

 

Graham 

[OmarOak]

Planning a return to Marigot on our upcoming trip including Lunch at Tropicana and potentially Dinner in Grand Case as well.

[Karysa]

For arguments sake these are two countries and not just two sides of an island. They have their own Governments and money although both widely accept US dollars. The Dutch have Casinos, timeshares and a large cruiseship port. I know that there are not Casinos or a large cruise ship port on the French side of the island and to the best of my knowledge there are no timeshares and there are many on the Dutchside. 

 

They are different in many ways when you think of it,  just as each Caribbean island is different from the next.The differences have always been part of the charm of the island.

 

The cruise industry has helped St. Maarten bounce back quicker for sure but they have always gotten the majority of the money from the day visitors. 

 

Regarding Tropicana restaurant. Fantastic food with a lovely water view has made this a St. Martin faviorite for decades.

[MisterBill99]

On 11/17/2018 at 12:19 PM, drarill said:

This is a link to the restaurant we went to have lunch.  https://www.frommers.com/destinations/st-maarten-st-martin/restaurants/tropicana

 

 

Interesting. It's apparently located at Marina Port la Royale which I believe is where Sarafina has reopened. 

 

Does anyone know if the Marigot craft/flea market has reopened? There was a family selling flavor rum in plastic bottles that was excellent. I know there is a place to buy a similar product on the main street in Phillipsburg. 

Edited December 13, 2018 by MisterBill99

[yknot13]

We were in Marigot the 3rd week of November and the market was open.

we purchased some great crafts from local merchants. 

Stopped into Case de Habonos to pick up some great smokes 

We then had a fantastic lunch at La Petite

[oregonian123]

On 12/13/2018 at 7:26 AM, MisterBill99 said:

 

Interesting. It's apparently located at Marina Port la Royale which I believe is where Sarafina has reopened. 

 

Does anyone know if the Marigot craft/flea market has reopened? There was a family selling flavor rum in plastic bottles that was excellent. I know there is a place to buy a similar product on the main street in Phillipsburg. 

 

Hi, Sarafina's has reopened? That is great news. Thanks for posting  this.

[MisterBill99]

On 1/11/2019 at 8:22 PM, oregonian123 said:

 

Hi, Sarafina's has reopened? That is great news. Thanks for posting  this.

 

Details in recent reviews on their Trip Advisor page:

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147348-d1754928-Reviews-Sarafina-Marigot_Saint_Martin_St_Martin_St_Maarten.html

Edited January 15, 2019 by MisterBill99

[OmarOak]

Was in Marigot last week. The Craft Fair was open as was the enclosed Mall. Much of the town remains in disrepair but a number of restaurants are open including our favorite, Tropicana.

[MisterBill99]

1 hour ago, OmarOak said:

Was in Marigot last week. The Craft Fair was open as was the enclosed Mall. Much of the town remains in disrepair but a number of restaurants are open including our favorite, Tropicana.

 

Thanks. I had been planning to have lunch at a lolo in Grand Case but after looking at Tropicana after I read about it early, I think we may go there, instead.