Slob_out,

Welcome onboard
As long as you apply common sense, I've always found it prety safe to be out and about. As long as you don't have loads of expensive jewellery on show, you should be fine. Where to stay depends on what you want really. I prefer the south of the island, Caribbean coast as the marine life is better down their for snorkelling and diving. The north is more exposed to the Atlantic swell, although the beaches are still lovely. The east is inbetween really. Most of the major hotel chains are on the island so it's a case of picking a hotel to suit your budget and what you want to do when you get their.

Darren