It is like staying with the family you really enjoy!Visited: July 2002
Posted by egolembe
Laura and Win are the the fun "odd couple", and make your stay not only warm and friendly, but carefree. And the eclectic cuisine reflects their personalities.
I have stayed here several times and just made return arrangements. I almost hesitate to mention this place because I selfishly want to keep it a secret!
Also, I dived with "Dive Statia" and loved it (I have been diving since 1973).
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A clean and relaxing resort with friendly staff and great service.Visited: December 2002
Posted by jan_olek
The Old Gin House was a beautiful, open air, European-style hotel nicely furnished and decorated. The rooms were very clean with overhead fans, air conditioning, cable tv, a big walk-in shower, phones, king sized bed, and ample closet space.
The pool area was cleaned every day along with the surrounding landscape (leaves raked and tiles washed). I enjoyed sitting and reading on the balcony overlooking the pool.
The hotel was very relaxing. I heard that the restaurant was wonderful, but did not personally eat there myself. There were two casual restaurants within walking distance that served good food.
One thing to note: Statia is not a tourist island (except for divers). So, come here to rest, not to party!
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A dive vacation the way it should be.Visited: May 2001
Posted by copdiver31
I have been traveling and diving throughout the Caribbean since 1985 and I have been to all of the major dive destinations at least once.
It was not until I went to St. Eustatius that I realized what I was missing. I was introduced to “Statia” By Glenn and Michele Faires, the owners of Golden Rock Dive Center. Their personalized service was what made a good vacation great.
Arriving from St. Maarten, we had arranged to stay at Old Gin House, in the best waterfront suite. The room was everything you would expect - large French doors opening onto the water with a private balcony. The sunsets were amazing! With the island breezes and the ceiling fans, we never had use of the air conditioner.
The hotel had just changed management. We were met by the wife of the chef, Mia - both newly arrived from Belgium. We had some initial language problems which were quickly overcome by Mia’s “no problem” attitude.
Food at the hotel restaurant was more expensive than the other restaurants on the island, but it was what I would expect in any restaurant with a Michelin rated chef. There was a new, less formal facility under construction on the waterfront.
As Statia is a small island, there was no need for mopeds or car rentals. Everything was within walking distance from the hotel. With the limited vehicle traffic on the island, walking was a pleasure. It was not like other places I have been, where merely crossing the street was taking your life in your own hands.
Finally, a place where you’re not a number! The hotel staff knows your first name as well as your room number, the locals greet you as you walk through the town, and diving is as good as or better than anywhere in the Caribbean.
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St. Eustatius was such a tranquil island. It was unbelievable. The rich history and the friendly people really stole our hearts.
The hotel was beautifully decorated with colonial-style furniture and the king-sized beds were absolutly great! We hade dinner several times and the food Jan and Mia (restaurant owners ) served was truly fabulous.
If you like to experience something special, check out the Gin House. We'll be back !
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Nice property, but not as expectedVisited: June 2001
Posted by zavontax
We have stayed all over the Caribbean and chose Statia for the diving, which was awesome. Go with Dive Statia, Rudy and Rinda are great. Across the street from the hotel.
We booked a week long stay here and on arrival the best suite on the water (for which we had inadvertantly prepaid but that is a travel agent nightmare story for another time) was not even finished. So we were put in one of the regular rooms but were not given a straight answer about a reduction in rates (from 199 to 139/night).
The first room was right across from the dining room, and the windows are louvered so you hear every diner's conversation (and they hear you!). Finally at 11 pm we yelled "shut up" so the noisy guests would go home. The restaurant staff appreciated it; it was only one table of drinkers.
When we got the suite it was unbearable. No drapes (hadn't arrived yet), no shower curtain, and the AC was so weak it never got below 85 in that room all night. So back to the main building and a quieter room. That worked out fine.
We were also supposed to have mopeds for the week, and 4 of the 6 didn't work. Getting the other 2 meant literally searching the property to find someone to get a key, and even then it was grudgingly given.
The food at the restaurant was excellent but quite expensive, 2x or 3x the price of anything else on the island.
The pool filter evidently was on the blink or no one knew how to clean it because the water was a kind of swamp green color.
I loved Statia but I would not stay here next time.
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Peaceful, quiet, clean, good food and friendly people.Visited: August 2001
Posted by TPD232
We really enjoyed our stay. We needed the peace and quiet. The rooms were clean, nothing fancy with fresh towels daily, sheets changed every two days and cold bottled water in the refrigerator.
There were beautiful sounds of the surf on the rocks below the resort. We snorkeled and looked for the famous blue beads in the water and on the beach (no luck). We walked/climbed up the Quill with our guide, Charlie Lopes. Then took a short rest at the top. It was an incredible view.
The town was like a step back into history. There were many ruins and it was right next door to a much more current home/structure. Try walking up or down the slaves’ path. Wow is that steep!
Overall, we would do it again. We are looking forward to our return.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Very friendly and interesting peopleVisited: September 1999
Posted by mkouwenberg
We were guests in September of '99 and stayed four days with Win and Laura. She is a wonderful chef and he was like a father to us. The resort was very clean and you feel at home. They are building new rooms and you have a beautiful view over the sea. It's not too hot because there is always a breeze. We had a big room and lots of privacy if we wanted. They have different kinds of animals. There are always people coming to have a drink or to make a conversation. For us, it was perfect.
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Nothing fancy here but the rooms are clean and the people very friendly. The "full breakfast" wasn't much though they were prepared to cook eggs for you, if wanted. The dinner meals were excellent.
Statia is the perfect place for a relaxing vacation. No crowds and not much to do if you're not a diver but relax, take walks and enjoy the weather.
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Caribbean 
It is like staying with the family you really enjoy! 
A dive vacation the way it should be. 
Nice property, but not as expected 
Beautiful 