Has anyone stayed at the Royal Pavillon Hotel, the Grand Case Beach Club or the Esmeralde Resort? We are a couple (no kids for this trip), looking for some R&R. We like a view of the sea if possible

We're off next month for our 3rd stay at Esmarelda. The rooms are nice, usually 4 to a villa sharing a pool, each with a small fridge etc. Great French restaurant and also one on the beach. Short walk puts you on Orient Beach. <BR>Enjoy

I cast my vote for Grand Case Beach Club. Had a lovely vacation there last year. <BR> <BR>Patty

GCBC is very nice - not so new, but very well kept up. The view from the upper floor ocean view rooms is very attractive over Grand Case harbour.

We went to Esmeralda twice in a row - last time was a couple of years ago. The hotel is wonderful; each of the villas has 4 rooms and a pool. We loved the restaurant on the premises, l' Astrolabe. Orient Beach seems to have gotten busier these last few years, though. But I can definitely recommend the hotel.

My wife and I honeymooned on the Dutch side in '94 and went back again in Jan '98 and stayed at the St. Tropez hotel which is roughly in the middle of Orient Beach. I would stay there again and rent a car to get to Marigot, Phillipsburg and Grand Case 0for dinner). Orient Beach has grown up lately, but the beach is 1.5 miles long so there's still plenty of room. Grand Case is nice, but more the focus of fine dining than of the beach scene. Try orientbeach.com for info on the area. Prices are good at St. Tropez also.

The Hotel Anse Margot is probably your best choice. Ask for beach front. It faces the salt water lagoon but is just across the street from the ocean. It's very quiet and offers lots of room (second-storey balcony with hibiscus growing along the railing, outdoor kitchenette, tile floors, second-storey living room and full bath, third-storey king-size bed, lounge area, desk and another full bath. They could use a new chef at the restaurant though. Luckily there are lots of other options nearby.