La Samanna

St. Martin

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Overrated and too much attitude Visited: August 2005 Posted by erikafaden I would expect to feel pampered and pleased after a stay at a resort of La Samanna's caliber. Unfortunately, the expense is not matched by the quality and the attitude of management was downright insulting. $5.50 for a can of coke? $30 for a pitcher of iced tea, plus a $6.65 per per person room service delivery charge? Sounds more like extortion. And, if you're sunburned and want to make use of the cabannas on the beach (all unoccupied) you actually need to rent it-- I didn't even ask how much that was. We went there on our honeymoon and I booked a room upgrade special. I noticed that other couples were automatically being upgraded (free of charge) due to low occupancy. When I asked for the same treatment, they declined and I felt more suckered than ever. One of the French managers was expecially snippy when I said I could not recommend La Samanna: "well, the other couples we upgraded will recommend us!" 13 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Relax on the most pristine beach on the island! Visited: May 2005 Posted by sbenemer We stayed in La Samanna immediately after a lovely four-day stay at the Guanahani in St. Barts, admittedly a tough act to follow. But La Samanna's unbelievable beach, various amenities, restaurants and overall ambience made it tough to say which was ultimately our favorite (ended as a tie). Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the beach was both delicious and a delightful way to kick off the day. The gorgeous white sand beach with beach bar (and beachtable service!), as well as the infinity edge pool, were fantastic places to relax and sun yourself. St. Martin itself was an impressive, and fun destination, especially when compared to the more relaxed pace of St. Barts. Thus, renting a car for exploring Orient Beach, Grand Case, etc. was a must, given La Samanna's far western location. The only improvement we would suggest related to the rooms. The main house standard rooms were a bit small (and though recently refurbished, had quite a strong clinical smell). But at less than EUR 300 a night, they were still one of the best deals we could find among the world's "best hotels". We would definitely return, although perhaps after springing for a villa directly on the beach. 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Nice, but overrated. Visited: July 2003 Posted by mlance Overall, the hotel is nice, but overrated. The setting is probably the best location on St. Martin if you are looking for some privacy and a secluded getaway. We have stayed in most of the top-rated hotels and resorts around the world. Our experience at La Samanna was okay, but it doesn't measure up to any of the top resorts to which it is often compared. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful with the exception of the restaurant. The restaurant is overpriced and overrated. The breakfast staff was particularly grumpy. There are so many great restaurants on the island, we found it better to dine out. We had brought a special bottle of wine for our anniversary and the restaurant charged us a $50 corkage fee, which we thought was ridiculous. We didn't bother with dinner there again, which was fine since every place we tried on the island was as good or better. The rooms are nice, but not anything exceptional. The furniture and fixtures are a bit tired and seem to be in need of some renovation. New beds would help, as would some extra cleaning. They do have some nice bath amenities. I suggest renting a car and getting out and about to experience some of the scenery and great restaurants on the island. We had a nice time, but I don't think we would go back. We probably expected too much of La Samanna. 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was relaxing and the food okay. Visited: December 2002 Posted by sands12 We stayed for six nights. What a pleasure it was to be right on the beach surrounded by celebrities. The only problem was the food. It was okay, but $70 dollars for a bowl of risotto and Christmas buffet dinner for five of $750, it was a little ridiculous. But of course, we would still go back but dine outside the property more often. 8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was everything it was supposed to be - and more! Visited: November 2002 Posted by westconortho We just returned from this dream resort. Although we have been to St. Martin several times, this was the first visit to LaSamanna. The rooms, the beach, the pool, the staff and the food were all top drawer. The amenities were great and it seemed like the staff could not do enough to please you. We definitely will return. Yes, it can be expensive, but at no point did we feel we overpaid for what we got. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A slice of Heaven Visited: January 2002 Posted by edowney My wife and I stayed at La Samana for our 20th Anniversary. Everything about the experience was top shelf. From the moment we landed and were escorted to a waiting taxi (20 minutes to resort), to our greeting at the registration desk and getting to our room was efficient, courteous, and pleasant. The room we had was very nice (king size bed, walk-in closet with a safe, nice bathroom), but the real advantage was a sliding glass door onto a huge two-tiered patio that overlooked the beach. The beach was where we spent most of our day with lounge chairs, towels and unbrellas provided. The beach was beautiful, with soft sand and warm clear water. The depth fell off quite rapidly, and there was no good snorkeling (a little too rough and churned up), but it was a wonderful walk along the mile-long white sand. Very quiet, tranquil and restful. Lunch was served at the beach house (the lobster barbeque was the best), at poolside (great view) or in the main dining room. Breakfast was also served in the main dining room, which was beautiful and had a great view. The breakfast buffet was quite good, although it got a little repetitive after a week. Dinner at La Samana was very good with a nice selection and a decent, yet pricey, wine list. Another advantage to La Samana was that we were 15 minutes from Marigot and 25 minutes from Grand Case, which both have excellent restaurants. For the popular restaurants, make a reservation well in advance. We took a taxi tour of the island, but kept remarking that the La Samana resort and beach were the best. The week we stayed, most guests were over 40, and we only saw two small children the entire week. There were three or four topless women and one or two nude people at the far end of the beach, but not very prevalent. Everyone seemed to keep to themselves, which was just fine for us. Although it was quite expensive, it was a wonderful escape. For a special occasion, I would recommend it. 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Just what we were looking for. Visited: October 2001 Posted by bobbib We arrived two days after their re-opening. We had the place to ourselves. I’m sure it was partially due to the decrease in travel after the tragedy on September 11, 2001. We had a one-bedroom beachfront suite. The view was spectacular and we stepped directly out onto the sand. The staff learned your name and room number. You wanted for nothing. The beach was absolutely gorgeous. Comfortable plush beach chairs with umbrellas, beach service, which included nice, cold surprises (fruit, sorbet). The pool area was breathtaking. We felt like part of the rich and famous. In fact, many celebrities have stayed here. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. The restaurant was great. The grounds were perfectly manicured. We wanted privacy and relaxation with great service and did not want to stay somewhere with tons of people partying, etc. We wanted something special. That's exactly what we got. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? And If I die before I wake.... Visited: June 2001 Posted by melkojo It is more a lifestyle than a resort. La Samanna becomes your home, and unfortunately one becomes deluded that it will never end. At first I was "underwhelmed" by the accommodations, wondering what all the fuss was about. Very shortly it began to register that it was all in the details- the crisp, freshly laundered, ironed sheets; the fresh fruit; and chilled beverages set out the terrace adorned with tropical flowers. Also, the bottle of wine left unfinished at dinner, magically appeared in the room fridge. The coconut and mango soaps were wonderful. I have one still in my lingerie drawer at home. My husband was recuperating from an angio-plasty and was just informed he would have to undergo another upon his return. Having his daily walk on the beach, he was delighted when approached by a member of the staff offering a sample of freshly made mango sorbet. The guests were friendly yet respected each other's privacy. Dining while the sun set was a dream. And after a night out, a drink in the terrace bar was not without a surprise or two. For example, a beautiful couple on motorcycle drove up, disrobed and dove in the pool for a quick swim. La Samanna was like being in a film. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beautiful, but disappointing Visited: March 2001 Posted by alisons1 My husband and I spent a week at La Samanna last March on the recommendation of many friends who had stayed there in years past. We were really disappointed with the service at the hotel. Granted, the grounds, beach, pool and lobby were stunning. The room, however didn't warrant the price. Upon arrival(2 p.m.), we were asked to wait for over an hour at the bar until our room could be made up. Half of the appliances in the room either malfunctioned or didn't work including the air conditioner, minibar, television and lights in the bathroom. Unacceptable even at budget prices. Dining was mediocre as well. We wouldn't go back. 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Royalty in St. Martin Visited: February 2001 Posted by ryanbaker Breakfast on the terrace, overlooking a beautifully sunlit bay... Lazy days on an exclusive and almost private and pristine beach...Candlelit dinners in the moonlight. La Samanna offers exclusivity and privacy and service, something no other hotel or beach can match on St. Martin. You visit here for one reason...to be treated like royalty. The staff were friendly and courteous. The facilities were clean and bright. While the rooms were furnished rather simply, they were adequate, and offered the privacy we required. Every morning the beach was prepared and readied for us to simply lay around and enjoy the sun. La Samanna is the reason to visit St. Martin...we left the hotel only to sample the many fine dining experiences the island had to offer, but soon learned to cherish every minute of the peace and solitude of this very royal hotel. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Expensive, but wonderful. Visited: January 2000 Posted by davethel OK, don't go here if price is a big issue - very little is inexpensive here. Ah, but what you get for the money, the service is laid back, they are there when you need them, but never imposing. The grounds are breathtaking, as is the beach. Our room, a "Junior" suite was lovely with tile floors and a completely private rooftop patio. Very romantic. The restaurant was OK for breakfast, too expensive for lunch, and excellent for dinner, although the island is filled with excellent restaurants. If finding a great value is your pleasure, skip La Samanna. If being treated like royalty in a royal setting is more important, then by all means go! 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? What dreams are made of........... Visited: January 2000 Posted by rands333 If you close your eyes and try to picture what paradise looks like you would see the beach at La Samanna. The gentle waves caress the white sand beach as the sun sets on the picturesque horizon. The rooms here are simple and serene. Lovely fresh flowers intoxicate the body and soul, terracotta floors throughout the room lead you straight to your porch which rests right on the beach. The service is regal and the food is sumptuous. The restaurant is wonderful and is perched above the intoxicating sea, perfect for a marriage proposal. If you like variety the island of St. Martin has a multitude of extraordinary culinary selections. The prices are steep but this place is worth every penny; it will leave you with memories for a lifetime. 1 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Mystical paradise, my home away from home. Visited: January 2000 Posted by ATraveler I've been to La Samanna 24 times and it is the most wonderful place in the world. If you like to wear a sarong and flip flops and relax on the beach, there is no where else to be. The intoxicating air transports you to a place of total tranquility. The staff at this resort are so friendly, you would think they were members of your family. I missed the past two Christmas vacations due to the birth of my son and the last hurricane. I'm am counting the minutes to my next vist. The prices are very high but some things are just worth extravagance. The rooms are so crisp and clean like a perfect summer's day. I would highly recommend a villa on the beach. You can hear the ocean in your dreams and right from your door, your toes dance in the sand. If you have the means to afford this sanctuary, don't miss it. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Huge Disappointment Visited: January 2000 Posted by beau123 For years I have heard about the luxury of La Samanna. My wife and I have been going to the Islands for years, and felt like it was the perfect get-away. In the defense of the hotel, it had been ravaged by Hurricane Lenny, but the grounds left a tremendous amount to be desired. Regardless of how badly battered the resort was, there was no excuse for the grounds to not be kept better than they were. The pool was excellent, and the food was extremely good, but $75 for two hamburgers and a bottle of water made it seem much less appetizing. While the property was nice and the food was good, I felt like the resort was nowhere nearly as luxurious as it's reputation would suggest. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beautiful hotel and beach, disappointing service Visited: January 2000 Posted by ATraveler My husband and I just returned from La Samanna and I have to say we were unexpectedly disappointed. Though the hotel and beach were spectacular, the service left a lot to be desired. From a TV that was not working before we checked into our room and never fixed during our stay, to running out of bread at breakfast, to not replacing items such as the shower cap and an almost empty roll of toilet paper when the room was made up, and not having our pre-reserved rental car available until a day later than promised, it was unacceptable. Perhaps it was a bunch of coincidences but at a hotel of this caliber, it was inexcusable. I don't think we would return. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A+++++++++ Visited: January 2000 Posted by ATraveler My fiancé and I picked the perfect place to vacation. Even the least expensive rooms are very spacious and all have separate patios and balconies. The layout of the rooms/bungalows/villas allows for total privacy, so that you’re not looking at your neighbor or vice versa. The location of this resort is absolutely gorgeous and the beach is private. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We love fine dining and for those who know Los Angeles, Spago (Beverly Hills), Patina, L'Orangerie, Citrus, etc. are not much better (if at all) than the resort’s La Samanna's restaurant. The staff also knows of some very nice restaurants on the island. We enjoyed the water sports. The only drawback, (much to my fiancé's delight) is there’s no golf. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. 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