Debbie

Considering St Martin for a vacation next year-has anyone recently stayed at The Maho Beach Hotel (on the Dutch side of the island)? If so, how would you rate it - services, cleanliness, beach, restaurants, casino, etc... Other hotel recommendations welcomed, preferably on the Dutch side. <BR> <BR>Have read some older posts about Great Bay-doesn't seem like the place to stay. Has anyone been there recently to recommend otherwise? <BR> <BR>What about a nice, special restaurant (Dutch or French side) to celebrate an anniversary?

debbie

Suggest you look up the comments on these two hotels in the '99 Fodor's Caribbean book. The Maho Bay one is supposed to be a lovely property but they recommend that you ask for a room closer to the front side of the resort so you will not be bothered with the planes taking off on the runway that is directly behind the hotel. <BR>For Great Bay beach, I believe they said that the two pools were very nice and made up for the slightly polluted beach adjacent to the hotel. <BR>I could be getting these mixed up, but do review the reviews in the Fodor's book. <BR>

stephanie

Stayed at the Maho Beach Hotel in '96 - sorry if you want more recent info. I thought it was a nice hotel. It's true you can hear the planes landing, but I honestly kind of liked it and didn't find it annoying. If you're looking for a tranquil relaxed beach setting, this isn't it, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. The sand and water are pretty, and it's kind of exhiliarating (sp?) to stand on the beach directly under a landing plane. There are no beachfront rooms, but the walk to the beach is pretty. The Royal Islander Club actually blocks the beach view from some of Maho & is closer to the airport runway - you could look into staying there as a choice. <BR> <BR>The Maho property is pretty, and one of the pools is huge with a swim up bar. The proximity to shops and restaurants & casino is so very convenient, and there are some excellent restaurants to choose from - can't remember names except for Cheri's - good food, live music, fun atmosphere.

Diane

There are many nicer places to stay in St Martin/St Maarten. We prefer the French side, but on the Dutch side I'd certainly check out Mary's Boon (We ate breakfast there and it was charming.)A car is a must because there are so many lovely places to visit. A wonderful restaurant for special occasion is L'Alabama, in Grand Case on the French side, or L'Hibiscus. Actually there are probably half a dozen wonderful restaurants in that small town alone! <BR>Probably the nicest place to stay on the Dutch side is Dawn Beach, although I don't remember the name of the resort located there...You DO NOT want to stay near Phillipsburg. The beach there is very depressing considering the beautiful choices available elsewhere.

Doreen

We stayed at the Maho in Mar. of 98 for 2 wks. and thoroughly enjoy it. The Hotel is very large and spotless, the food was excelent, we went on the all inclusive. There are many great restaurants to choose from away from the resort but most are pricey. The beach is very busy and the walk to it is short, is is not a private one to the Maho. Mullet Bay Beach is walking distance and very beautifull. The planes were interesting to watch and after the first day you hardly notice them, the airport closes at night time so sleep is not interupted. The view overlooking Maho beach and the air port is fantastic, we stayed on the 6th floor and watch the cruse ship's coming and going. There was NOT a lot of night life at this resort but taxi's will get you around this small island. It was safe to go on the local bus on the Dutch and French side day or night. Jewellery shopping is fantastic. There is a small casino in the main part of the Maho and a much larger one right across the street. We would certainly go back. Enjoy you vacation.