La Samanna
 

Going with friends the last weekend in October. We're chartering a crewed catamaran for three nights, then spending two on St. Martin. La Samanna seems to bethe choice of hotels. Is it all its craced up to be. Also, any restaurant suggestions or interesting anchorages to which we can directour crew? We do plan on sailing over to and around Anguilla for at least one day.

WAS THERE IN JULY.THE ONCE BEATIFUL LASAMANA UNFORTUNATELY IS LIVING OFF ITS REPUTATION.MOST OF THE BEACH GOT WASHED AWAY AND ALL THATS LEFT IS A SORT OF ROCKY BEACH.ALSO THE ROOMS ARE A BIT RUN DOWN(BUT THEY ARE REDOING SOME).ALL IN ALL ITS STILL NOT BAD ,BUT SHOULD BE DOWNGRADED FROM 5 STARS.BY THE WAY WHY WOULD YOU GO THERE IN OCTOBER IN PEAK OF HURRICANE SEASON?

I agree that the hotel is highly overated. Yet IMHO it is the best on St. Martin.

The beach is washed away? WHAT beach is washed away? (I know the name of La Samanna's beach but I'll let you tell me -- this is a test) I was there at the beginning of June and the beach was totally fine in every respect. <BR> <BR>Have never stayed at La Samanna but it's always been considered to be the finest on St. Martin. My only other recommendation would be Le Meridien L'Habitation & Domaine in Anse Marcel, which is quite beautiful, isolated and has it's own marina.

Baei Long or long Bay has become as you enter the water very rocky. The best area is directly in front of the hotel. You can walk the beach and swim but the beach is not as good as it looks. The beaches on Anguilla are much better. If you sail tto Anguilla, you will plrobaly go to Sandy Ground, stop off at Cove Bay. <BR>

Check out Julie's response to the thread titled "Which of your island vacations sucked the most & why?", posted 8/22/01 at 2:40 PM. She was not impressed with La Samanna's restaurant. <BR>

I'm in the camp that liked La Samanna. We stayed in April for 10 nights and had a great time. I didn't see a problem with the Beach. <BR> <BR>I thought the restaurant was very good, but a little pricey. I posted this before, but I think Mario's Bistro in Sandy Ground (near Marigot) is just terrific. Without a doubt one of the 5 best meals I've ever had (Duck in a Ginger and Orange Sauce. Unbelievable.) Didier the co-owner, is extrmeley friendly. Make reservations as they fill up quickly with only 12 tables.

We've just returned from LaSamanna and I seriously do not recommend it. For the same price, you will find gorgeous, newer, luxury hotels with much larger rooms, beautiful bathrooms, and better staff and service on Anguilla or St. Barts. LaSamanna is "tired", overpriced, and the rooms need an overhaul.

You should have read my original post.Would I lie to you.