Sonesta Maho? Will I be disappointed?
Nov 17th, 2010, 04:56 AM
#1
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Sonesta Maho? Will I be disappointed?
My husband and I are very frequent travelers and have been to many destinations in the Caribbean. We booked our first trip to St Maarten for Christmas this year and we made reservations at the Sonesta Maho. While I found several other good choices on other parts of the Island, I really wanted this location. We are not too picky but we usually prefer higher end hotels. For example we are spending Thanksgiving at the Ritz in GCM. I know the Sonesta will be far from the Ritz, and we are ok with that, but the reviews are really starting to scare me. Does anyone have any recent positive experiences to share? Any tips that you can add would be appreciated.
Nov 17th, 2010, 06:00 AM
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Hi,
We spent one night (all inclusive) at the Sonesta Great Bay St. Maarten before spending a week in Anguilla in June 2009.
This is the sister resort to the Maho and we chose the Great Bay location as it was closer to the ferry than the Maho.
Honestly, the food was OK but I don't really like AI and one night of the buffet was enough for us. The drinks poolside were also just OK.
If you're just staying at the resort and eating elsewhere I think that would be the better option and check Tripadvisor for up to date comments.
We spent one night (all inclusive) at the Sonesta Great Bay St. Maarten before spending a week in Anguilla in June 2009.
This is the sister resort to the Maho and we chose the Great Bay location as it was closer to the ferry than the Maho.
Honestly, the food was OK but I don't really like AI and one night of the buffet was enough for us. The drinks poolside were also just OK.
If you're just staying at the resort and eating elsewhere I think that would be the better option and check Tripadvisor for up to date comments.
Nov 17th, 2010, 06:10 AM
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Thanks Sassy_Cat. We did not book all inclusive (I dont really like AI unless it is the only option). I like to try the local restaurants and heard that there are a lot of good choices. I have been reading everything on Tripadvisor and it has me worried..... 
I try to not get too caught up in reviews but in this case I am starting to question my choice. Its too late to cancel so I am hoping for the best. This trip is mostly about seeing the Island rather than living in a resort so hopefully it will work out. Thanks!
I try to not get too caught up in reviews but in this case I am starting to question my choice. Its too late to cancel so I am hoping for the best. This trip is mostly about seeing the Island rather than living in a resort so hopefully it will work out. Thanks!
Nov 17th, 2010, 08:41 AM
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I think you should be fine! 
I read the latest 10 reviews on Tripadvisor and it sounds like they're renovating so ask for a renovated room on check in (join their loyalty program; it's free and even if you never stay in a Sonesta again it might work in your favour this time).
Glad to hear you're not AI and yes, you'll find plenty of restaurants better than the hotel buffets. Maybe rent a car for a few days and see the French side of the island plus eat at the restaurants in Grand Case. (Taxis are expensive).
I read the latest 10 reviews on Tripadvisor and it sounds like they're renovating so ask for a renovated room on check in (join their loyalty program; it's free and even if you never stay in a Sonesta again it might work in your favour this time).
Glad to hear you're not AI and yes, you'll find plenty of restaurants better than the hotel buffets. Maybe rent a car for a few days and see the French side of the island plus eat at the restaurants in Grand Case. (Taxis are expensive).
Nov 18th, 2010, 03:58 AM
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In general, the Maho is rated as a better hotel than Great Bay Hotel, but I have not been in the rooms for years.
It is in an ideal location.
You can walk to many restaurants, bars, and casinos.
Be sure to check out Sunset Bar and Grill to watch the planes come in.
Also a new excellent Italian restaurant is at Maho, called Granduca.
I agree that you should rent a car so you can get to the french side and some of the other beaches.
It is in an ideal location.
You can walk to many restaurants, bars, and casinos.
Be sure to check out Sunset Bar and Grill to watch the planes come in.
Also a new excellent Italian restaurant is at Maho, called Granduca.
I agree that you should rent a car so you can get to the french side and some of the other beaches.
