Do you speak French?  While not a requirement, it may be easier to get by in French controlled territory if you do.  I made it through Paris 20 years ago by saying "Je ne parley Francais.  Parley vous English?" (I'm sure my spelling is way off and the proper pronunciation can't be determined through text)

That says "I don't speak French, do you speak English?"  By using that, I went through the heart of Paris and through the local shops without problems.  Did not get the attitude that so many Americans said about the Parisians at that time, simply because I learned enough in two semesters of French to be polite.  Not everyone spoke English, some places they had to get a the one waiter on staff that knew it.

Neither for me. Enjoy your travels.

No suggestions here. I prefer visiting family and friends or staying home rather than traveling to a country whose people hate Americans!!!

I've been to both, massive poverty between the two sides.

The Dutch side is where the cruise ships take you and where we spent more time, the French side looked like WWIII had hit it (1995) but is where we went scuba diving, not really to tour or hang out.

Neither would be my preference. Enjoy your travels.

What a delightful subject to explore reminding you that there are no wrong answers. Bring your choice of snacks, a nice bathing suit and your relaxing genes. Let them out to play. 

I prefer something a little cooler and much further north.

Depends on what you are looking for. Best to do a bit of research. We always stay on the French side; drive to Dutch side if we want to. Dutch side has all the casinos, if that appeals to you. French side has nicer beaches and not so many clustered hotels/condos/multi-story buildings, it has more of an authentic Caribbean flavor plus great French and international food.

The island is small enough that it does not matter where you stay, you can visit anywhere on the island fairly easily.

Don't miss the action as the jets land and take off from Princess Juliana Airport. See it from the beach bar across the road from the end of the landing strip.

We haven't been. I hope you'll share your experience once you go. Enjoy!

Do both and let us know your opinion.

Take a cruise and see many destinations!

Been to both and have to say the Maarten (Dutch) side was nicer. Whichever you decide, ENJOY!!

Good choice but they drive pretty crazy on the French side... be careful crossing streets. Been a bunch of times and not talking a big country, an island so you will have plenty of time to explore it all. Consider St Lucia too... so so many neat islands with blue green water and white sandy beaches Tony Lewis ... where you are it is a short hop to Cabo as well. 

We have never been, but I have heard the Dutch side was the better side. I would google the island to see what each side has to offer, or speak to a travel agent.

I was suppose to go last year as part of a cruise but ports were cancelled. I hoe to learn in person maybe next year