We have decided to go to St. Maarten for our honeymoon, and I am wondering which hotel would be the better one out of the Great Bay Beach Hotel, or the Maho Beach Resort.

These are my 2 choices b/c I want an AI resort. If anyone has been to these hotels, or has any advice (pros/cons) please help me with this.

I also need some advice on some good places to see, eat, and day trips to St. Barts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Congrats on your upcoming honeymoon!

Just for reference, Great Bay Beach Hotel is in Phillipsburg (the capitol of the Dutch side), while Maho is near the airport. Both are nice places to stay with all the typical AI ammenities. So, it would really depend on which location you prefer to be in.

As far as things to do and places to dine, there are many on St. Maarten. Therefore, might I suggest you do a text search for those topics in St. Maarten (here on Fodors), and then come back with questions about specific places. By doing a text search, you will come up with a lot of helpful information for your trip.

Also, giving us some idea of things you enjoy doing and types of food you prefer will allow us to make further suggestions.

I think you would find more activities in the Maho area, epecially if you want to go out at night. There is a great deal of information to be had also on things to do and where to eat on traveltalkonline.com. Most of the posters there will recommend against AI on that particular island.

I booked my trip today at Maho beach resort with the AI package. I know that people don't care for AI, but that is what we're looking for. Anyway, thanks for the help you guys have given me and I look forward to reading more posts.

Hi: We stayed at the Maho in Nov/2003 and loved it. The only way we good afford St Maarten was by going all -inclusive. We were given 3 vouchers to use at restaurants on the Maho Plaza strip. We went to the Paris Bistro (go early in the week they have entertainment), the Grand Cafe was also very good and we went to the Points which was on the Maho property. The food at the Maho was excellent every meal you can have a la carte or buffet. It is not a bustling resort with lots of entertainment ect but has nice rooms lounge and restaurants. It is very convenient for nightlife... Bamboo Bernies, Sunset Cafe , Cheri's are all real close. Rent a car for the week so you can experience the whole island. We had such a great time we are going back in May. We went on the Edge to St Barth's for a day trip. We rented a car and travelled the whole island it is very small. One gem we discovered was Friars Beach and we plan to go back there next trip. Have a great honeymoon...make sure to check out the weekly planner that is in the lobby. Karen