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 We would rate St. Maarten/St. Martin a zero! Visited: September 2007 |
| Posted by ecochallenge |
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I agree with "Noemail1" that St Martin/St Maarten was an overall digusting trip!
The island had great weather when we landed and throughout the stay. However, when we landed, we were inundated with the locals wanting our money now. They were very demanding. We were surrounded by this behavior until we left.
Our first tourist mistake was forgetting insect repellent. I recommend 14 spray bottles for one week - two per day. We had to spray all the rooms before bed and after. Do not leave doors open for the breeze.
The second tourist mistake was not trying locally owned small restaurants that served better food and were cheaper.
The third tourist mistake was buying cheap products - very cheap. Do not buy any electronic products, jewelry, cothes - nothing! They are of very poor quality.
Oyster Bay Beach was very beautiful. But outside of the resort, it was absolutely nasty. There was trash piled on the side of the roads, and more trash on the side of buildings, and restaurants. Also, the beaches had broken glass and all kinds of trash on them. It was a very nasty island - outside of Oyster Bay.
Renting a car for a week was expensive, and we didn't even use it. We drove around the whole island within an hour, and it was such a nasty trip that we decided to stay within Oyster Bay.
In addition, the locals will not let you use the bathrooms outside of the hotel unless you pay a dollar or more!
We will not do this trip again, and have not recommended this island! The brochures are beautiful, but the reality is that the island is trashy and nasty. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 It was not bad, but not great. Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by yardbird |
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The motto on license plates in St. Maarten is the "friendly island". That was not the case at the Great Bay - or the St. Maarten people, in general. No one was nasty, but there was little warmth from most everyone.
We stayed in a one-bedroom, time share "apartment" at the Great Bay. The room was very clean, and the pool for the time share users was wonderful. We pretty much had it to ourselves.
Generally, there was an older crowd at the resort. It would not be a place for singles. Other than swimming, there was not much for kids to do.
If you do go, rent a car and see the island. We found very nice beaches and reasonably priced places to eat off the beaten tourist track.
Also, if you go, get an ocean view room. The mountain side view was not appealing at all.
Finally, some advice to the resort staff....smile! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Moondance, Dawn Beach traveler review
| It was just okay. Visited: August 2007 |
| Posted by jkjkjkjk |
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I thought it was okay. It was not great, but not horrible. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
 It is clean and tidy. Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by wonderful |
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The Belair Beach Hotel is clean and tidy. It's 40 years old, but is well maintained.
The service is very good, and the resturant is adequate for what it is .. a beach restaurant! Also, the beach here is beautful, and the hotel staff keeps it clean and neat.
Jodi's Place, which is a little store on the property, is high priced. However, it's only game in town. |
| 7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
A St. Maarten travel review
 The Cliff is a truly beautiful property. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by robertico |
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The Cliff was an amazing property, and in a great location on the beach with fantastic ocaen views.
We enjoyed working out in the fitness center. Can you imagine ocean view from a treadmill? The steam rooms and saunas were great and relaxing, too. We even played a little tennis.
There were no restaurants on site, but the best of St. Maarten's dining was directly across the street along with a 24-hour casino- Atlantis.
I would recommend this property to anyone. |
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was incredible! Visited: February 2007 |
| Posted by coloradoblueskies |
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We had a wonderful experience - the private pool, private home is worth every penny! It was far enough away from the airport - where the only noise was the ocean. It was closer to the south end of the island than other rentals.
If you want quiet and lack of crowds, this is your place. Wake up, take a swim, have your own breakfast, visit the sites, then unwind in the pool, watch the sun set ~ call it a night or head out to the local nightlife ~ your choice.
The local grocery was very close. Also, the housekeeper service was outstanding.
Wireless or internet access would be helpful - but on you're on vacation, right? Internet was available at a couple of restaurants/bars where we were able to check on business.
We've never gone to the same place twice, and we've already reserved again for 2009. You can't say more than that!
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is my fave resort! Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by bobharvey |
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No, it is not the Ritz. However, the views and ambiance of this resort are hard to beat.
Away from the hassles of Philipsburg, Dawn Beach is stunningly beautiful, peaceful and ideally located. It is close to the French side (amazing restaurants and beaches), and 20 minutes to the shopping mecca of Philipsburg.
The rooms are spacious, clean and bright. This is a timeshare resort, not a hotel! We actually used the full kitchen, but really used the gracious balcony overlooking the ocean! |
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| 10 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We encountered major beach erosion during our stay in March 2008. Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by marlena |
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The beach was washed away in the March storms. I suggest you check the status before booking here if you want to spend any time at the beach.
Our stay was not very enjoyable. We stayed one night before/after our other accommodations were available.
Apparently, it is key to be in a remodeled room, which we were not. Our room, in the main building, fifth floor, was very dated and not comfortable at all.
I would not recommend this to anyone looking for beach time or a "resort" feel.
One positive aspect was that it was close to countless wonderful restaurants. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is a fabulous resort! Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by marlena |
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My husband, our eight-year-old son and I spent our Spring Break at the Divi and loved the property.
The recently renovated rooms were spectacular. Our one-bedroom room consisted of: full kitchen, dining area, smooth top stove, stainless appliances, Washer/dryer, sleeper sofa, WC with a stellar shower, vanity, pocket doors leading to jetted tub, additional vanity area, master bedroom with private patio, 2 plasma HD TV's, etc.
The resort had tennis courts, pools, beachfront on Little Bay, and fabulous views across Great Bay of Phillipsburg.
Despite an oceanic storm, there was plenty of beach available for all, unlike many other resorts.
The resort also featured duty free shops, mini mart, cafe w/internet and wifi code for small fee.
The staff was all quite accommodating, and Angelique at the front desk and Paul at the poolside restaurant were notably so.
There are onsite "day trips" arrangements, jetski and kayak rentals, as well.
The Little Bay was wonderful for snorkeling, yet there was enough "wave action" for our energetic eight-year-old.
I would definitely recommend this resort for anyone traveling to St Maarten. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was Paradise! Visited: November 2007 |
| Posted by nannyofthree |
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Good friends of ours invited us to stay with them here for a week.
The staff was great, and the cafe had good food.
We never had such a relaxing vacation. We enjoyed it so much that we are now owners. I can't wait to go back! |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Oleander, Pelican Key traveler review
| This is the best villa. Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by kcluster |
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I must say we've never stayed in a villa before, but it was the greatest.
We had the villa stocked with food. It had everything we needed, and the housekeeper, Ivy, was the best.
Having a bathroom for every bedroom was even better. I loved having our own pool, too. We had lots of privacy.
I highly recommend the Oleander! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a relaxing, worry free stay! Visited: September 2007 |
| Posted by tsmith36 |
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Last September, my girlfriend and I decided to take a trip to Hawaii.
The property was amazing. With the lush vegetation and the ocean views, it was hard not to feel like we were truly in paradise.
The hotel amenities were all top notch, and the service far exceeded both of our expectations. Being the forgetful person I tend to be sometimes, I forgot to pack my swim trunks. When the concierge overheard us talking about it and how we had to rush to make dinner reservations, she offered to purchase a pair for me while we were out.
Of course, they would have billed it to my room charges, but this just shows the dedication for excellence on part of their hospitality staff. I was very impressed! Though I did not take them up on their offer, it was nice to know that they were willing to go out of their way to make my stay as worry free as possible.
Thanks Hilton Waikoloa staff! |
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A big "thank you" to Captain Alan! Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by captainalans |
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A big "thank you" to Captain Alan for making our time on the island the best part of our cruise. It was perfect - even with the rough waters of the day. We got a thrill out of our "roller coaster ride"!
We enjoyed great snorkeling, beautiful beaches and excellent service! We will be back!
If you ever get to Alaska, look us up and we will take you out on our boat. Thanks again! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I enjoyed my stay at Garden Gate Inn. Visited: January 2008 |
| Posted by davegoray |
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While in Lahaina, Maui, I stayed at the Garden Gate Inn.
This bed and breakfast inn was better than any five-star hotel. The staff was unbelievable, and so friendly. It was the best stay I ever had at any hotel, and would highly recommend it to anyone. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Summit Resort is highly recommended. Visited: March 2007 |
| Posted by dicksteele |
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I have stayed in St. Maarten for approximately 17 years. I usually visit two to three times a year and have stayed at almost every resort here at one time or another.
The Summit is very quiet and close to activities. The people here are great, and they have an excellent "Kissing Fish" bar and restaurant. It's a reasonable cost for breakfast, coctails and the occasional pizza.
Regularly, friends will join me here even if they are staying in other resorts.
The staff does a great job maintaining the rooms, property and the pool. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 You may want to stay elsewhere. Visited: October 2007 |
| Posted by agordon10 |
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We stayed here in order to have a good vantage point to watch the start and end of the Ironman competition. For that, this hotel was perfect. However, if you are looking for amenities, comfort, or service - stay away!
Our original rooms (booked a year in advance) were unavailable due to the air conditioning in them supposedly being out. No matter, the new rooms assigned to us also had no air conditioning, and we could not get our room under 80 degrees the whole week we were here.
The hallway of the floor had a huge gap where an ice machine had been. This gap was leaking water, and during our stay the hallway rug eventually became soaked and smelled musty. Also, our toilet leaked, and the repair was fixed by wrapping a towel around it.
The room itself was pretty drab, and smelled musty - which was really only bearable to be in during sleep time.
None of the restaurants on property were open the whole week we were here - except for the outside Billfish Bar. This bar served sub-standard pub food at outrageous prices, and the quality left a lot to be desired.
The pool and spa adjacent to the bar were nice and were kept clean the whole time we were here.
The luau was done nicely. It was very entertaining, and the food was very good and offered a few local fares. The show was fairly long, and the entertainers were engaging and fun. However, the free drinks quickly disappeared earlier than advertised.
The hotel had a nice beach as well, and easy access to a lot of the activites such as fishing, surfing, and snorkeling.
The service was okay. There were a lot of excuses for things being out of sort due to the Ironman. However, I think one can only blame so many things on an event that is there once a year.
All in all, I would stay away. |
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a night to remember. Visited: September 2007 |
| Posted by grimace |
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I didn't stay at the hotel overnight. However, if the restaurant quality and service is anything to go by, it must be top notch.
We had dinner overlooking the harbour, and the food was divine. I recommend trying the Sashimi. This was the perfect setting for that romantic dinner for two.
We took a stroll along the seawall (literally ten steps away) following the meal, and there are magnificent views across the harbour to the lights of the waterfront. You can just sit and relax and take in the mood that is Samoa. It is highly recommended. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I expected more from the hotel. Visited: January 2007 |
| Posted by tlc |
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This is a nice resort, but some of the property was not open.
The staff was a little rude, and the food was not fabulous. We were glad we didn't do all inclusive.
It's in a good location, and the room was excellent, though. We would return. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
La Vista, Simpson Bay traveler review
| It would be good for basic accommodations only. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by island_hopper |
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This small resort had very few sponsored activities, and no list of nearby activities and places to do them (e.g. diving, kayaking, windsurfing, zip lines, butterfly farm).
I may be spoiled by resorts with concierge staffs that help you plan activities, but I felt like precious time was lost researching, finding and scheduling activities on my own.
The small office and adjacent Internet access room were open only until 6:00 pm, and there were times I wanted Internet access or other assistance planning activities after that time.
In my studio unit: a) the microwave did not work, b) despite keeping doors always closed, I killed one or two mosquitoes in my room each night, c) five of 13 TV channels would drop out from several minutes to several days at a time, d) there was a permanent planter box mounted to the floor in the kitchen, making it awkward to position the kitchen table, e) bare hooks on a white wall showed where some type of art previously hung.
Two people primarily staffed the small office. Debbie was extremely helpful. Anna was not. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is an amazing hotel. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by dotherockaway88 |
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I have stayed here for ten years now. Every time I come here, I have a great time, and I sleep extremely well.
It's just a great place, and it is owned by a great man, Marcel. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
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