DAC0909

I am planning an all inclusive trip to St Maarten. A friend wants to book at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. Can I get some advice on this. The reviews have been mixed. We are 4 women looking to relax on the beach and have a few cocktails. One of us is on a budget of $1000.00 which is why she has picked this hotel. Any input would be apprectiated. Other ideas??????

Stephie

Wow, it was the Maho Beach Resort & Casino when we stayed there in 1996. But, after glancing at the website it doesn't appear to have changed drastically since then - by that I mean it has the same ammenities - pool, shopping area, casino, restaurants right on the facility. We loved it there. You can stand on the beach and almost touch the jets as they blast in for a landing overhead at the airport which is a stone's throw away - it's actually kind of cool. We loved the shopping and restaurants so close and thought that overall the property was very nice. The rooms were Marriott-ish then (big and roomy but not over loaded with character.) We also took the ferry over to Anguilla for a few more days - of total contrast - quiet, a bit isolated, but paradise. Sonesta Maho won't feel quiet and isolated, but maybe you don't want that anyway.

You can easily rent a car or take a taxi to other beaches around the island which I would recommend - there are so many. The one with the sand cliffs is very interesting - it begins with a "c", but I can't remember the name right now.

Enjoy, whatever you decide.

Stephie

It's Cupecoy beach with the sand cliffs...

coppertone80

We just got back on Sunday from St. maarten where we stayed at the Sonesta Maho. If you like beaches, this is NOT the resort for you. While we were there, the massive waves took out about 75% of the beach in front of the resort. The waves are too high to even get in the water. We went to Orient Beach 6 of the 9 days as the beach is like no other, clear bright blue water, very small waves, and super soft white (not completely white but almost) sand. The Sonesta is nice don't get me wrong. If you stay you HAVE to request the Sky Tower as the other towers have not been updated and are pretty gross. The pool is very nice, the grounds are well taken care of, but the beach is not good. I would suggest a Villa in Simpson Bay. You can find one at the Pelican for about $100 a night. Rent a car for $50 a day and drive 30 min to Orient Beach everyday. You can't go wrong. DO take a day trip to Anguilla. the ferry costs about $30 per person roundtrip and takes 30 min. Go to Shoal Bay East - take a taxi or rent a car for $50 for the day. You will not be dissapointed with this island. Have fun!

Anguillagirl

I agree with the last poster. If you like the beach this hotel is not for you. It's tiny. And I especially agree with needing to request the sky tower. We didn't the first time we stayed there are got a gross room complete with cockroaches. I was scared to go to sleep!
The location of the hotel is nice because you can walk almost anywhere, but I did not care for the facility itself.