St. Maarten Hotel Recommendation

[zich6]

We're looking at hotels at the end of our transatlantic. The dates are 11/28/14-11/30/14.

 

We'd appreciate a recommendation.

 

Thanks.

 

Tim

[PaulaJK]

On the French side, we enjoy both Grand Case Beach Hotel [loft room allows more space for luggage] and Radisson Blu. The latter has large rooms and better facilities but also is more expensive.

[Jim Avery]

We have enjoyed the Sonesta Maho Bay resort. Nice (by Caribbean Standards) with lots to do nearby including the World Famous Sunset Bar at the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport runway.:eek::D

[zich6]

Thanks for the recommendations. Anyone else?

[Stabilizer]

We are leaving in a few days for what will be our 16th January visit to St. Martin. We rent a home in Terres Basses, on the French side, so I have no stays at hotels, but I've checked them all out. After Seabourn, these may seem a letdown, but here are two that have not been mentioned:

La Samanna, the most expensive hotel on the island, is located on a gorgeous and empty beach on the French side. Some say it is overpriced while others love it and return every year. And judging by the guests I see there, the hotel appears to be popular with middle-aged Russian zillionaires and their younger girlfriends. The hotel dining room is lovely, the prices high.

The Dawn Beach Westin, on the Dutch side, has all the amenities of a fairly new resort, and there is a casino in the lobby.

In general, the Dutch side is more built up than the French side, and has fewer zoning restrictions so the nightlife is more prolific and livelier especially if you like to gamble or dance the night away.

As a general observation, restos on the French side tend to serve better food so wherever you stay, be sure to eat in Grand Case or in Marigot.

Depending on time, budget, and your likes and dislikes, you might want to spend your post-cruise days in Anguilla or St. Barths. Anguilla is a fast ferry ride and St. Barths is a short plane hop from the island.

Enjoy the planning for your cruise.

[HotRoot]

Princess Heights in Oyster Pond or Coral Beach Club on Dawn Beach. Both are on the French/Dutch border so you can experience the best of both world's. Both have full kitchens. Fresh Market grocery store on the Dutch side looks like the USA. Wine on the French side is cheap. Alcohol on the Dutch side is duty free. Recommend renting a car. The island is easy to navigate. Pictures of the hotels on the internet are accurate.

[wripro]

I think La Samanna is still the best in the island. Not perfect by amy means but gorgeous setting and views.

[Jim Avery]

I think La Samanna is still the best in the island. Not perfect by amy means but gorgeous setting and views.

 

But Wripro, I know I saw you on the Travel Channel hanging off the fence at the airport at Maho Bay.:eek: Playing with the Big Jets.:D:D

[sandyruns]

I'll be at the Westin Dawn Beach shortly (staying on points). I can report back if you end up having an interest in the hotel.

[Desert Princess]

We are staying at the Holland House in Philipsburg before our sailing in January! Anybody stayed there? Any comments? It has pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor

[wripro]

Jim,

 

I was hoping no one saw that.