Hey,

I'm planning on heading to the Island in June to hunt down and hopefully reserve an appartment for August entrance, and I wanted to know what places are good for someone to stay about a week? Would you suggest trying to rent a villa at weekly rates or staying at a hotel?

I'm trying to be economical, but I also want to be safe as I don't know much about the island and it'll be my first time there. I saw a place called "Sonesta" on cheaptickets.com. While I can't really tell from the maps, it looks like the closest place one can reserve. I'd appreciate an info as to how close it is to campus and how safe the facility is.

Any travel advice for SXM would be much appreciated. I'd also like to rent a car, although I don't know if that's advisable for a Texan who's used to wide and open roads.

Here's the deal, Sonesta is GREAT, but expensive. It is in downtown Maho, a big tourist area and is well lit at all times with many casino security and hotel security around. It is probably one of the nicest hotels on the island, and for an extra 50-60 dollars per night, you can go "all-inclusive" with meals and drinks included at all their bars and restaraunts (including a swim-up bar at the pool, NICE!). As far as driving, you'll be fine, just be used to ppl cutting you off and going around you, no big deal. I never had to rent a car, so hopefully someone can give you an idea of which one to use. However, I would honestly wait until July to make that trip down since most of the owners of buildings really don't know if something will be available until then. (I know it's frustrating, but, that's how its done down there). However, if you make contact with some of the local apartment complexes like Solutions Managment or some of the other Coldwell or Realty One people you can make appointments and find something in your price range.

Best of luck,
Nagy

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Officially an AUC GRAD - DR. NAGY!!! I'm done until June 16th!!! WOOHOO... Jan and I just have BOUGHT a house in Kalamazoo. SOoooo excited.

...Winners don't even realize they are in a race... they just like to run.

As a fellow Texan, I would say rent the car. Yeah the roads are small and you gotta drive a small POS but ya gotta see the island. Driving here isnt any worse than anywhere back home.

As for a place to stay try the Caravanseri (sp?) I stayed there and it didnt eat my pocket book. Try, The Flamingo or La Vista my mom and dad stayed at the Flamingo and it was nice. They got a good deal with flight and stay. The Atrium is another place to stay. I would wait til later though to come down, June's to early. I came in late July got a place and then came back 2 weeks later.

i used to rent a car (many times) when i lived on the island last year from a place down the road from AUC...i think it's called Summer car rental (not 100% sure). it doesnt look like much, (just a little shack of a place) but they used to charge me $25 a day for a toyota corolla. just tell them what you want to pay...they're pretty nice there. it's the fastest and easiest place to rent a car. just show them your license, pay upfront (cash only) and they hand over the keys.

it is directly across from the Tradewinds apartment complex (next to the chinese restaurant) i'm not sure thats the right name, but that's where it is. you can get a taxi for 7-10 bucks at the airport to take you there (unfortunately sometimes they are booked/or might not be there...) so i might be of no help since i don't know their #...but maybe someone else who is on the island knows what i am talking about...and can help you out? other than that, there are tons of places to rent there, just do a search on the internet. it's low season so it's easy to get a cheap car now.

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Thanks for the help.

So, mid-July would be a healthy time to fly down?

I've actually been sent a packet/brochure from Solutions Management. It's more than I'm used to here in TX, but I've been warned by most people already. I'll probably be trying to get somewhere in that block next to AUC where the Campus Villages are along with the other places.

I hear the Delphina hotel is nice.
http://www.delfinahotel.de/
Michael and Boris are very nice and their guesthouse is walking distance to AUC (next to Cote Azur Apartments).
No matter where you stay, let them know you will be going to AUC and they may give you a discount. Sonesta Maho does $98/night + 21% tax as a standing rate for AUC students.

Yeah, I also enjoyed Delphina for the nice landscaping and quiet rooms. Plus the low rate really is awesome.... 2 thumbs up on great service!