Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel - St. Martin/St. Maarten

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I was very pleased! Visited: October 2002 Posted by chipmateone I just came back from the Maho Beach Resort. I can't wait to go back. The grounds were beautiful and clean, as were the pools. The food was also good. The beach was small, but still was enjoyable! Watching the planes come in was fun. There were other beaches nearby to explore. There were shops and places to eat within walking distance. You will want to try Paris Bistro - good food! Everyone was friendly. We were very pleased. Our 7 days flew by. If you want to relax, this is the place to go! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The very best of St. Maarten. Visited: August 2002 Posted by charascheryl My family flew me to the Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten to celebrate my 50th birthday. I've been to St. Maarten before, but this was not like any other time I had vacationed here. I've stayed at nice hotels and on beautiful ships, but I found the Maho Resort to be the best of what St. Maarten has to offer. It was perfect for newlyweds, couples, families, or just friends vacationing. The Maho Beach Resort had 600 rooms, and the one I stayed in was lovely with a balcony. The rooms were beautiful,and the food was the best. Also, tthe view from our balcony was breathtaking - my husband I would get up at 7 am just to sit and gaze at the beautiful scenery, the water warm and blue-like the sky. Shopping was "must do". Maho had many nice places to shop for jewlery, fragrances, beach attire, clothing and so much more. We were treated very well. There was a restaurant across the street (I think it was called Cheri's) - you will love it. The food and entertainment iwere the best! We just loved it. I hope to return in the near future. (I hope for my 27th wedding anniversary or before.) We have told our closest family and friends about this beautiful place. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was comfort and relaxation from day one! Visited: July 2002 Posted by dompap21 Unlike previous resorts we've visited, there was minimal adjustment required - we felt right at home from the first day. The food at the buffet and a-la-carte was above average compared to other resorts we have stayed at in the Caribbean. They offered California wines, as well as premium beers and liquors. Unfortunately, the Palm Grill was not in operation during our time of stay (late July). Our Conquest package included a complimentary dinner at the nearby Dali restaurant. The food there was exceptional and given the otherwise expensive cost, we may not have visited. Nightly entertainment and daytime activities at the Maho would have enhanced our visit. There was, however, a lively Cafe, casino and disco nearby. Our highlight was visiting Philipsburg by way of local bus. The locals were friendly and courteous and the shopping was enjoyable (a great place to hone your bargaining skills). In conclusion, we would definitely consider revisiting the Maho resort. 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was terrific! We'll be back! Visited: April 2002 Posted by pseres We have been to Maho twice now, and will definitely go back! Initially, we were concerned about the proximity to the airport but most planes were really not too loud, plus it was neat to watch them take off and land. We recommend checking out the Sunset Bar around the time the 747s arrive and depart! The beach was a little small, but the pool area was nice. We rented a car so we could go to other beaches. Mullet Bay and Cupecoy were only moments away. Orient Bay was less than a half hour drive. There were lots of great restaurants on the island--some only steps away like Paris Bistro (excellent), La Rosa Too (also excellent) and Mama Mia (great pizza). Also, we went to Ristorante Laguna (very good) and The Boathouse by the airport (just okay), as well as L'Escargot (also very good) in Phillipsburg. It was definitely worth going into Marigot one night and eating out overlooking the marina. Bring lots of cash (if you go to another beach, they charge for the chair/umbrella) and your VISA or MC (Amex is not accepted at many places). 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? An excellent value - highly recommended. Visited: March 2002 Posted by chipmike We just came back from a week at the Maho Beach Resort and we have to say that this is surely one of the best values on St. Maarten (if you take the all-inclusive option). The meals were much above average for an all-inclusive resort. There were three restaurants on the property, two to choose from for all meals and the third just once during your weekly stay. The Point Restaurant was the once-only exclusive one and it was fantastic. The grilled lobster was terrific. The Ocean Terrace was the buffet restaurant with various themes throughout the week. It was always good and on the Italian and International nights, it was excellent. The Palm Grill was a-la-carte and was also wonderful - without exception. And what other all-inclusive would include bottled California wine in your plan? Outstanding! We had superb mango daiquiris, premium liqueurs, terrific espressos, unlimited Carib, Presidente and Heinekin beer - all in our package. Previous reviews mentioned the spotty waitstaff. They must have read these reviews because everyone, without exception, provided the best service we have ever encountered on any island at any resort. We have travelled extensively, cruised several times and tried all-inclusives four or five times. Nowhere else have we had such good service. The rooms were very clean and the maid service was prompt (lots of towels too!). Our poolview room also took in the ocean and the landing path for the airport. Watching Air France's 747 come in each day was something else. And if you really must, there were a dozen television channels or more. The beach was certainly not Grand Anse, Palm Beach or Seven Mile Beach and it was a bit rough for swimming. The proximity of the airport was a great diversion - you will spend many an hour watching and photographing the planes coming in. And they were not in the least offensively loud. If you prefer a swimming pool, Maho had two very nice pools with more than enough chaisse lounges. The so-called "quiet pool" had a water slide and was almost empty for the entire week we were there. If you want a lot of organized activities, you will be disappointed at the Maho because it was pretty subdued. That suited us just fine, but may not be to everyone's liking. Nightime entertainment was modest, so drop into Cheri's Cafe across the street for something a little more lively. By all means rent a car, see Marigot, shop Philipsburg, take in one of the great beaches, visit Cheri's Cafe, gamble at the Royale Casino - have fun! But stay at the Maho if you want to do all this at a very, very reasonable price. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is a wonderful resort. Visited: February 2002 Posted by swirlgirlmeadows My husband and I stayed at the Maho resort in February 2002. We truly enjoyed our stay. It was a very clean and updated resort. They had a great pool, but the beach was small. But there were so many wonderful beaches near buy, it didn't matter. The Q Club on Wednesdays and weekends was so much fun. Cheri's, located across the street, was great fun. I recommend doing an all-inclusive package because it was very expensive to eat at the hotel and other restaurants. The food at the Palms Grill was great. That was really the only place we ate. As far as the planes flying overhead - we liked it. It was kind of loud at times, but it really didn't bother us. The only negative thing was that some of the staff here was a little rough around the edges. But by the end of the week, they warmed up. In addition, the spa was great! We highly recommend the resort. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? An excellent resort. Visited: April 2001 Posted by bchild14 This resort boasts two separate pool areas and a spacious ocean front beach. The house beer is Heineken, and the food is delicious! The resort is also close to everything and is well worth the money. I would recommend the all-inclusive option, as it would be expensive if you had to buy meals or alcohol. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Can't wait to come back to heaven! Visited: January 2001 Posted by bradh Of all the places we have been the Maho Beach Resort is the only place we will travel to from now on. The food was fantastic, but a little expensive. The staff, for the most part, was very friendly and helpful. The pools were simply beautiful. Cheri’s Cafe had the best entertainment. Sweet Chocolate were great entertainers. Although the waves at the beach are a bit rough at times, it was great for body surfing. The rooms were always spotless. The view from the rooms was breathtaking. The airport is very close, but time consuming even though it’s interesting watching the planes come in. With the island being so small it is easy to get anywhere on the island in no time at all. We can't wait for January 2002 to come back. Be sure you plan your vacation for two weeks. You will wish you did! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? All was great, except extremely slow wait staff. Visited: January 2001 Posted by billdavi We enjoyed our stay at the hotel. The only complaint that we have is with the wait staff, they are slow (I know that island time is that way) but we waited over 40 minutes to get a drink one evening, and in that time asked numerous times for our drinks that I finally went to the bar to get it myself, and when I did our waitress put in our order while I was standing there. That is the only complaint we have, the hotel is beautiful and all other personnel is extremely friendly; the location is great and it will really be beautiful when final restoration is complete. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beautiful hotel, with a lot to offer Visited: December 1969 Posted by tiev_98 Maho Beach Hotel is set on a beautiful piece of land with a giant pool, swim up bar and extravagant flowers. This is definately a high class hotel, but it is very very close to the airport. If you were on the beach when the planes were landing you could feel the breeze from the planes. Beach isn't much to speak of, small and not the best I have seen, but gets the job done. Nice hotel, but too close to the airport for me, with the ocean view side I heard planes fly in at all hours of the night. Any questions just e-mail me, would be happy to help. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A fun hotel, with a casual atmosphere and lots to do. Visited: December 1969 Posted by ATraveler This was a fun hotel since there was so much to do here, and a very casual atmosphere. There were plenty of great restaurants, and the food was good in all the ones that we tried. The rooms were nice and the balconies afford a great view. Be forewarned, you can see the airport and the planes fly right over the far part of the crescent beach. But most of us had fun watching them! The grounds are pretty and the pool was big, with a swim-up pool bar. This is a great place if you want to "hang out" and meet people, not a place you go for seclusion. Everyone here is so friendly! 8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Glad we tried it - wouldn't make it a habi Visited: December 1969 Posted by ATraveler Maho Beach was a very clean, very comfortable resort to stay at. They have a very nice pool for hotel guests and an equally nice beach as well. The hotel staff were not incredibly friendly - in fact, the restaurant staff were often difficult to find and slow when found. However, the food was good (buffet) and plentiful. In general, if you are looking for a good place to relax with few worries about room size, cleanliness, etc. this is the place to be. However, if you are looking for more, consider these things: 1) There are no organized activities at the hotel - no water sports, no aerobics, sailing, etc. This is not a high-activity place. You will sit by the pool, sit on the beach and eat - the resort does not offer much more. 2) If you are traveling with Sunquest, beware. The Sunquest staff at Maho Beach are brash, arrogant and rude. Their day trips were terrible (avoid the bus trip at all costs as the roads are bumpy and the tour is not interesting in the least). You are better to rent a car and drive around the island yourself. As for their boat trips, do not take them. Everyone ended up sick and said the trips were way overpriced. Also in regard to Sunquest, they lure you with the promise of all inclusive drinks - take heed! Their drinks are only offered during specific hours and you have to walk half way across the resort to find the one bar that offers them - not the best deal in town. Luckily, Sunquest is not a necessary part of the vacation - you can avoid them if you like. 3) The casino across the road is great. A must see. The staff there were very nice. 4) If you are going to eat outside of the resort, up the limit on your credit cards. Very $$$. 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Been there four years in a row and was satisfied. Visited: December 1969 Posted by ATraveler We have stayed there four out of five trips to St. Martin. We used the Maho as a base and rented a car to go to different beaches. The beach at Maho is too deep and the surf can be rough. The pool is beautiful and the swim-up bar was great. The rooms are adequate and clean. We have never eaten at the Maho, but there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance. We liked the fact that we could party at Cheri's all night, hit the casino after Cheri's closed and then just walk across the street and we were home. The streets in St. Maarten/St. Martin are not for those who drink and drive. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?

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