In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Saint Barthelemy - any experiences?
For a more budget trip to Saint Barthelemy, you can get away with around €250-€350 a day if you're careful. This means renting a studio or guesthouse outside of the main towns, shopping at the local markets for groceries, and limiting your dining out to one nice meal. The beaches are free and gorgeous, which is where you'll spend most of your time. We used our Visa and MasterCard with no issues anywhere, from the gas station in Lorient to the shops in Gustavia.
It's a beautiful island, but the budget for Saint Barthelemy is definitely on the high end. I’d suggest planning for at least €300 a day per person, and that's being conservative. We stayed at a smaller, boutique hotel in Gustavia and took advantage of the kitchen facilities. The biggest savings came from skipping the high-end restaurants and finding local spots for meals. We rented a Mini Cooper convertible from Pure Rental for a day, which was a blast but not cheap.
Don't kid yourself, St. Barts is for luxury travelers. The daily budget is easily €1000 or more if you're staying at a resort like Eden Rock or Le Barthelemy and dining out. We found the best way to save was to frequent the small bakeries like La Petite Colombe for breakfast and picnic on the beach. Rental cars are expensive but essential, so book one in advance. Your American Express card will be fine here, but carry some Euros for smaller purchases.
St. Barts is one of the most expensive places I've ever been, so a daily budget is hard to nail down, but start with at least €500-€700. We stayed in a villa with friends, which cut down the cost, and cooked many of our meals. Eating out, even at a casual place, can easily be €50-€100 per person. We rented a small Suzuki Jimny from Hertz; it's a must to get around the winding roads. Stick to the public beaches like St. Jean or Gouverneur, which are stunning and free.