California on the Beach Of Grand Case

St. Martin

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It was paradise found! Visited: November 2007 Posted by marigotsmom This was our third time staying here, so obviously we love it! The one-bedroom is plenty of room for the two of us. The apartment is always kept very clean. Zuzu, the owner, is the most gracious and welcoming host! The one-bedroom loft is charming and comfortable. The kitchen has many essentials such as a coffee maker, a full size refrigerator, dishes, and utensils. The balcony overlooking the beach and Grand Case Bay has to be our favorite spot! We enjoy breakfast overlooking the turquoise sea, "front row" seating to spectacular sunsets, and starlit nights that will dazzle! The apartment itself is perfect for us, not to mention the terrific location, right in the heart of Grand Case along the boulevard. We can stroll nightly, reading all the menus, choosing our restaurant...it's the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Breakfast for us always has to include the scrumptious chocolate croissants, fresh from the patisserie (bakery) just a short walk on the boulevard. Food markets are within walking distance, also. Will we return? You bet we will! Zuzu knows to expect us around the same time each November, as it is our anniversary. It truly is our paradise on earth! 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? California on the Beach of Grand Case was "paradise found" for us. Visited: February 2007 Posted by j_w_newhampshire Over a period of sixteen years, my wife, now sixteen-year-old daughter and I have stayed at a number of places on the French side, including some extravagant villas. Our current point of view is that, given the choice, we would stay nowhere else than La California. 3 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? What a jewel we discovered! Visited: February 2007 Posted by TonyPriscilla We have discovered a real jewel having vacationed for three consecutive years in the larger of two seaside apartments at la California in Grand Case. The amenities are simple and basic-- a nice retreat for us as Americans who may have become accustomed to more. We doubt that there exists anywhere in Grand Case, possibly the entire island, the quiet charm, sense of place nor sincere concern of the hosts Zuzu and Alanwe. A rising moon, a setting sun, a rainbow, all viewed from a spacious balcony overlooking a sandy beach washed with gentle waves coupled with the the hosts' friendliness and helpfulness make for a total experience to which we'll return again and again. Dinners below at California are surpassed by none on Grand Case where one euro still equals one dollar. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was just what we were looking for. Visited: January 2007 Posted by markamp;amp;chrisqua In 2006 we visited St. Martin for the first time with a brief stay at a small luxury hotel on the beach. We fell in love with St. Martin in general, and Grand Case, in particular. So, we decided to return in 2007 -- not for three days, but for three weeks. La California provided exactly what we needed for a longer stay. The two-bedroom unit gave us lots of space so we could accommodate visits from family members. The off street parking, the well-equipped kitchenette, the clothes washer (do you believe it?), the two full bathrooms and the king sized bed were all greatly appreciated. And, you can’t do better for location -- you can walk to anything in Grand Case, by beach or by street. If you’re looking for exclusive luxury and fine amenities, you won’t find them here. La California is basic, but it’s clean, spacious, well equipped, affordable and well managed. ZuZu will take good care of you. I’m betting you’ll reserve your spot for next year before you leave, as we did. 4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a great spot. Visited: December 2006 Posted by vikki I had a fabulous time at La California this New Years. Zuzu was wonderful - arranging taxis, dinner reservations and letting us stay on when our flight home was delayed. It was a perfect place, with the balcony overlooking the beach. also, the food was great downstairs - and elsewhere in Grand Case. We will definitely be back. Thanks again Zuzu! 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is the best place to stay. Visited: December 2006 Posted by alan_wise We stayed here for five days. Zuzu (the owner) was most helpful and accommodating. The central location allowed for walking to the best food we could wish for. Some other hotels were located on either end of the beach, and walking was not as convenient. The resaurant below the rooms (La California) was extremely delicious and convenient. We rented a car (another must) and drove around to different beaches during the day and came back to Grand Case for dinner each night. I will be back to stay at La California again. 4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? California on the Beach was a rip off. Visited: December 2006 Posted by sylvianel I stayed here 12/02/06 to 12/16/06. What was once an okay value is no longer worth the aggravation. The restaurant has been sold. Zuzu still owns the second floor apartments, but is no longer on the premises. Zuzu knew my arrival time -mid-afternoon- but I found a note she would stop by at 6:00pm. She showed up at 6:30 pm (after being called because I could not get into the apartment because one of the keys wasn't working). I had to wait one hour and a half outside, after flying since 6:00 am and getting up at 1:30 am. I rented an apartment with a balcony on the beach. However, I could not use the balcony at all because of a construction going on one foot away from the balcony. Construction workers started hammering and drilling at 7:00 am and continued until 5:00 pm. Too bad if you want to sleep. I had to have breakfast and lunch inside, on a filthy futon -the only seat- and a coffee table, with the balcony doors closed. When I tried to step on the balcony, the construction workers were so close that they were leaning on the balcony, whistling and insulting me for no reason. This occurred my entire two-weeks stay. I had to stop washing my clothes when I found cement on an Armani t-shirt. I found out upon arrival that the balcony left French door lock was broken, and anybody could walk in. Zuzu told me the lock would be fixed the following Monday, then she promised it would fixed on Tuesday. Still nothing. I had to go to bed five nights with a broken balcony door lock and had to lower the storm protection panel each night. I hurt an arm badly while doing so, and had to make a trip to the pharmacy. I woke up one Sunday to no running water. The apartments' water is coming from the restaurant below. If the restaurant water system is down, you're on your own and have to wait until after 11:00 am for the restaurant to open. Also, when the restaurant is running water, you can barely take a shower. I was charged for an apartment with a balcony on the beach that I could not use - and this is totally dishonest. Zuzu didn't tell me about the construction when I made my reservation, even though she is aware I am a recovering cancer patient who used to come to St. Martin only for peace and quiet -That, too, is dishonest. Those apartment are no longer worth $750.00 a week -make that $900.00 right now and $1,100.00 Christmas week. In addition, the sea has risen. Grand Case Beach is almost gone. The sea was slamming La California's walls. Don't make the mistake I made. I paid the two weeks' stay upon arrival. The one star I gave was because there was no half star. I gave La California a good review in 2004 because the apartments were okay then. However, they haven't been kept up at all. Owner's Reply I am Zuzu the owner for 9 years and I build my reputation everyday with a lot of work and attention. My customers come every year and they feel at home so I am very sad for this review, but I don't understand all this hatred. As you see I have very good reviews before and after this one. Hope you'll trust me in the future. Also the construction is completely finished. zuzu 6 users found this review helpful. 5 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a great place with great staff. Visited: July 2006 Posted by keith_gramling If you want a great hotel in the heart of the best food and culture of the island - this is the place. The staff is very helpful and welcoming. The apartments are spacious and well appointed. I plan to stay here again as soon as I can. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was perfect for us! Visited: May 2006 Posted by liskafreun We stayed in the La California, a two-bedroom, waterfront apartment in May 2006 on our 20th anniversary trip. We loved it! It had a private, waterfront deck with chairs, a table, a couch and a fouton. It also had a quiet, barely-peopled beach with incredibly soft, white sand and clear, warm water. We loved that it was within walking distance to Grand Case's wonderful restaurants, little shops, the Grand Case Beach club for excursions, and the market for wine, cheese and bread. The host, Zuzu, was absolutely awesome. She also arranged our rental car (Nono's Car Rental - terrific - included ferry pick-up and airport drop-off), provided secure parking and found us a very well-priced rental cell phone. Zuzu, her family and staff, were warm, welcoming and wonderful. Their La California restaurant on the street level of the building had a fun, funky vibe and fabulous food. The apartment had all the basics in terms of dishes, pots, pans, etc. However, you might want to bring or buy napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, laundry soap and such. I was not cooking on this trip, so we did not need much of those basics. The washing machine was wonderful to have. Also, free internet down in the restaurant/shop area was a treat. There was no problem with noise from the restaurant below. On our little deck we just felt away from it all, looking across the water to Anguilla. If you like privacy, independence, being on the water and having a gracious host, this is the place for you. Thanks Zuzu! 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? They have a great restaurant. Visited: May 2006 Posted by billwood This is one of the best restaurants in a town known for restaurants. I suggest you get there early for a table by the beach to enjoy the picture-perfect view of Anguilla at sunset. The efficiency apartments above the restaurant are comfortable, and are an excellent value considering the view from the balconies. The management is friendly and helpful. And, when I was here, 1$ = 1E, was an added bonus. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We were completely satisfied! Visited: March 2006 Posted by rbrooks My wife and I just spent a week in the smaller seaside apartment and had a wonderful time. The balcony was the best part with a stunning view to greet you each morning and a beautiful sunset while having a drink before supper. The restaurant below did not produce any noise or odors in the apartments, and we found ours to be quiet - even on the Tuesday night of the Grand Case street party! My only reservation was that the staircase to the loft bedroom was steep, so I would not recommend the flat for those terribly out of shape, visually or otherwise. Zuzu and her staff were great and we would certainly return for another stay. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is a terrific find, and a great value. We'd go back any time! Visited: December 2005 Posted by lindawynne After much research, I expected California on the Beach to have a great location, which it did. I didn't expect it to be as nice as it was! We had a two-bedroom apartment overlooking the ocean, with the sound of the waves lulling us to sleep. It was just a delight. We had two queen beds, two baths, a futon in the living room, and a futon on the balcony for siestas. We also had TV with cable, a full kitchen (including champagne glasses), and a washing machine. What more could you want? The restaurant was excellent. The staff was delightful. The hotel also offered free secure parking. Beware the unlimited rum after dinner - banana vanilla was especially good! Zuzu was a dab hand at making the superb crepes and was very helpful. In addition, the US dollar was at par with Euro for cash. All in all, this was an absolutely wonderful experience! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was perfection for us! Visited: November 2005 Posted by marigotsmom After numerous visits to St. Martin, we feel we have found "our home" here at California on the Beach! We stayed in the one-bedroom, which was plenty of room for the two of us. The apartment was kept very clean, and had the necessities we needed. The loft bedroom was charming and comfortable! We especially loved the porch overlooking the Grand Case Beach. The view was just gorgeous, and the perfect place to start each day with breakfast on the porch! ZuZu was the most gracious host (as were the others on the staff). La California, the restaurant downstairs, has been a favorite of ours for a few years, so it was very convenient to be staying upstairs! There was also a bakery within short walking distance, as well as food markets, and of course, plenty of wonderful restaurants. We already told ZuZu before we left that we will be back each year! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? That was just what we needed. We'll be back! Visited: July 2005 Posted by pccinc01 This was our first trip to St. Martin. The busy-ness of the Dutch side was not as appealing to us as the quieter French side. I picked Le California (this was a 20th anniversary surprise for my wife from me). I am glad I did! The owner, ZuZu, was very helpful and accommodating with my many e-mails for information ahead of our trip. We stayed in the two-bedroom apartment overlooking the beach. It was just what we needed: clean, beautiful colors, fully equipped, and relaxing. Truly, it was our home away from home. The beds were comfortable, including the one on the balcony. I slept there four of our eight nights, serenaded by the sound of the surf; though my wife prefered the cooler, dryer air conditioning inside. It was great to have options. With the help of our fully equipped kitchen, we enjoyed breakfast every morning on our balcony. The restaurant downstairs served outstanding French cuisine with a flair for presentation and flavor. And, ZuZu made incredible dessert crepes! The beach was ample and white, with a gentle slope into the water. It was not busy like so many of the other beaches. It was very nice for relaxing, and there was always plenty of beach chairs and towels. Local taxis and buses would pick up and drop off right in front of the restaurant. It was very convenient. There were also several places to shop, eat and get supplies within walking distance. ZuZu and her staff were very professional, yet down to earth. They seemed to jump at the opportunity to serve and be accommodating. They were very French, but did an excellent job with the English-speaking guests. Grand Case was the place to vacation, and Le California was the place to stay! We'll be back! Thanks, ZuZu! P.S. I'd actually give this 4.5 stars, but didn't have that option. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It's like coming home. Visited: February 2005 Posted by beadell This was our second stay in two years in a delightful, reasonably priced apartment which included king bedroom, bath, kitchen and living area, with yet another bed and bath on loft level. Most anticipated was the complete sense of euphoria that comes with stepping out onto the porch running the length of the apartment and taking in the best view of the Caribbean in Grand Case! For the price, there is nothing comparable - an unpretentious, basic and clean setting that reflects the laid-back living of Grand Case, bedding and towels that smell so fresh, quietude except for the sound of the surf, delicious food just downstairs where, incidentally one euro equals one dollar, and an accommodating owner and hostess Zou Zou who goes out of her way to oblige. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? California in Grand Case, St. Martin was a great value! Visited: February 2005 Posted by nextnest Over the past seven years, we usually stay on the Dutch side, but have found ourselves day-tripping to the French side more and more. This year we decided to stay in Grand Case, a little fishing village with the best restaurants in the Caribbean. California on the Beach was right on the beach, and downstairs was one of the best restaurants in competitive Grand Case. After finding it on the web, we chose the one-bedroom apartment: kitchenette, bath, Living room with futon and loft bedroom (queen bed). The best part was a porch that practically hangs out over the ocean. It turned out to be just what we like - no frills (bring your own soap, coffee filters, etc.) but comfortable. And the sights and sounds of the ocean were priceless! The owner, Zu Zu, will greet you and make you feel at home. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We enjoyed a great deal in a great location with great people. Visited: December 2004 Posted by sylvianel I have been vacationing in Saint-Martin, Grand-Case twice a year, for years. I used to overlook this small hotel located directly on Grand-Case Beach. I tried it this year, and am I glad I did. The studios had a fully equiped kitchen, AC, TV and were very clean. They had a great chef, and the food was wonderful. Guests could have lunch or dinner overlooking the Caribbean Sea or the neighboring island of Anguilla. Zouzou, the owner, was very friendly and helpful. Also, the rooms and meals were very affordable. Overall, it was a great bargain! 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?