We want to go to St. Maarten in July with our 16yr old daughter and 21 yr. old son. What is the nicest hotel on the island that is on the beach that might have other teenagers around and some nightlife/shopping nearby.

I would definitely recommend the Maho Beach Hotel or the Royal Islander,right next door
the Maho area is the height of nightlife on St Maarten.
there are bars,restaurants,stores. casinos, clubs..all within walking distance.
it is THE place for young people and families.

Thanks for the info on St. Maarten Hotels. I was thinking of Maho Resort but read some negative things about airport being so close. My husband was not excited about a hotel right next to airport. Is that a problem? Otherwise it does sound like a fun place for the kids.

most people are not bothered by the airport.
The flights are mostly during the day,and during the day you will probbaly be off and about.
there are not flights all night long so you wouldn't be awakened from your sleep or anything like that. sometimes they have 1e or 2 flights that leave after 8 at night, but that's all
I think it is yopur best choice and the kids will probably love to walk down to
the beach and watch the flights come in right over their heads

Barbra's right on the money with Maho,also for a goof take them up to Orient Beach for the day,they'll get a kick out of it.