This will be our third trip to Alamanda Resort - in three years.Visited: October 2007
Posted by paulahakkaart
This is a fantastic hotel with friendly staff, a great poolside breakfast, and lovely rooms. The location is on the beach with some of the best restaurants on the sand.
If you like St. Tropez, but hate the paparazzi, this is it.
The place is gorgeous and kid friendly. The pool at the hotel is wonderful, too. The two-story units are perfect for families.
There is also lots to do in the area...tree forest walk, butterfly farm, horseback riding, 30-minute boat ride to Anguilla, etc.
11 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Jardins de Chevrise offers a bare basic accommodation.
Posted by celticstar
We stayed at the Jardins de Chevrise. It was a bare basic accomodation.
We're low maintainence people, but I would have expected the sheets to be changed each day and the shower cleaned. Not so.
The walk to Orient Beach was more like 15 minutes down the path behind the resorts. Then, to get to the "chaired" area of Orient Beach, it's another 10-15 minute walk along the beach.
The resort is 220 wiring, not noted in the brochure or web site - which means a converter if you're from the US. There were only six TV stations (six of the same station from Guadeloupe and TNT w/o audio).
The staff was nice, the breakfast was simple - and available for $12 daily.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
We ‘ve read so many good comments about Captain Olivers that we decided to spend our weekly vacation there in December. We were so disappointed!
First of all, that resort was not a four-star.
The poor outside lighting at night made us feel so unsecure. I asked to the management if we could get closer to the front desk as the resort seemed to be empty. The lady made us feel that it would be a major problem to check into another room.
The overall service was quite poor. The phone was not working properly all week long. Our room was filthy, with a low light system, a cheap TV, and one American channel ( NASA ). It looked like they were on a budget here.
We had dinner at the restaurant once - and once too many. When we stepped in, we did not feel welcome. A young lady, who seemed to be in charge, did not bother to sit us at our table. She just pointed to a table next to the water, handed over two menus, and told us to sit down and she would be right back. She never showed up. The funny thing was - it was not quite busy that night. They had five tables - maybe six.
We loved the area. Oyster Pond was what we were looking for. It was away from the crowd.
We had a chance to visit La Caravelle Hotel. It was a cute little Property overlooking Oyster Bay. That property would be our recommendation with a 40% less expensive rate than Captain Oliver!
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
It was nice, so we extended our stay.Visited: July 2007
Posted by islandbound5
At first we were thrilled. However, once we realized the other villa features, we learned a few things.
This villa is not child-friendly. There are lots of stairs - both to the pool and into the bedrooms. Also, the slate on the stairs and hallway is very slippery - and quite scary for wet feet.
The pool is only a "plunge" pool with no shallow end, which also makes it more work to enjoy. The mosquitoes were merciless. I'm not sure if this is year round or in the summer only.
They wanted to charge for a DVD player that gave out while we were here - even though we reported right away that it was making sounds in the motor. This was a tedious argument.
Orient Bay is beautiful. The restaurants are delicious. It was nice enough to extend our stay a week for a three-week stay.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was the worst hotel stay I have ever had.Visited: March 2007
Posted by essexgirl
If you like being treated badly and discriminated against for no reason, this hotel is for you. If, like me, you want to enjoy your holiday - do yourself a favor and stay anywhere other than this hotel.
I encountered unbelievably rude staff. The room I booked was "substituted" for another lesser value room with no explanation other than "we're very full at the moment". Also, there was no corresponding discount on my pre-paid booking.
My room was supposed to be ocean view, but overlooked the exposed sewer mains. I could hear the band playing in the bar intil very late. Also, my TV didn't work. The ceiling had major water damage, and looked as if it was going to cave in over the tub. Generally, everything my room was unclean and scummy.
Although I didn't eat dinner at the hotel, they tried to charge me for the $38 buffet.
This was the worst hotel stay in my experience. The only good point was the Dinghy Bar (not associated with the hotel) located on site that had cheap drinks, fantastic food at reasonable prices and good service.
Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend Captain Oliver to anyone, and would give it zero stars - if possible. You couldn't pay me to stay here ever again. It was absolutely horrid from my arrival to my departure.
6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We have stayed in St. Maartin just up the beach from Club Orient for many years. We drove down to Club Orient every day to sit on the beach, and use their chairs and umbrellas. Everyone was all ways so nice.
We were not sure of the resort at first sight. We thought it might be a little higher priced than we wanted to pay. We have not been to St. Martin in three years now, and upon our return we wanted to try to stay at Club Orient.
We saw that there was new management, and we were very pleased. Now we are spoiled. Here, we can rise nude in the morning, open the door, and greet the day the same way. Then, after coffee, get clean beach towels at the office, and spend a beautiful day at the beach. I may have packed a few to many clothes.
We rented a car at the airport, and that was not necessary. The boutique had everything we needed. There were morning coffees at the restaurant, afternoon happy hours at the Perch bar, and late afternoon happy hours or wine and cheese parties.
The restaurant served three meals a day, and most evenings there was entertainment. You could also walk up the beach for a change of scenery .There was so much to do, the vacation went too fast. We are spoiled now!
13 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Caribbean Princess is a great place at a great value.Visited: December 2006
Posted by dadichter
My friend and I booked this trip last minute. We were so pleasantly surprised when we arrived to our room.
We worried about the ground floor room at first, but it became the best part of our trip. We were able to sunbathe in our own back yard with the sound of the waves. Also, the room was clean and beautiful.
We would definitely stay here again.
3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Alexambre, Orient Bay (French side) traveler review
I enjoyed it here.Visited: May 2006
Posted by elizabeth_kincade
This is a great house for friends traveling together. They offer three bedrooms and a loft. We were four women traveling together, and we all had our own space. There was lots of room.
It was in a very private setting, with a great view. It was also an easy and quick drive to Orient Beach. The housekeeping staff was great, and they will do laundry!
There were also lots of amenities. However, there were noisy, older air conditioning units, and the beds were a little old and worn.
The room had a gas grill, a microwave and a rangetop - but no oven. And, like most properties in St. Martin, it came with a cat.
3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This is the best kept secret in St. Martin.Visited: January 2006
Posted by susycav
I love this place! It's so homey. The rooms are huge for the price, and it's not a typical big nameless resort. It has personality and heart.
Also, it's just a short walk from the gorgeous Orient Beach. Plus, our room came with a cat on the terrace. Prior guests left a note requesting us to feed it, which we did. We then left a note for the next guests. I can't wait to get back!
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This is the best hidden secret of Saint Martin!Visited: August 2006
Posted by cosmonomad
We knew the excellent Soleluna restaurant from earlier visits, and believe it is just the best French restaurant we have ever been to.
This year, we also tried one of their apartments, the Nacre Suite. We just loved it! It was very comfortable, very clean, and a great feature was this Jacuzzi on the terrace. The place gave us all the privacy we wished to have. The owners provided generous assistance - when needed!
We strongly recommend the place, as it represents a great value.
22 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
We chose this hotel from a web site as it advertised "panoramic views of Orient Bay and surrounding islands". We couldn't see anything but the vegetation. Even the housekeeping manager agreed with us and recommended that we state so on the survey form left in our room.
We will not got back until they've trimmed the trees!
5 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
L'Hoste Hotel, Orient Bay (French side) traveler review
I wasn't impressed with Hoste Hotel.Visited: October 2005
Posted by sawmeinhalf
My room was ransacked, and the management couldn't seem to care less.
I believe this is the worst management in the history of hotels in Saint Martin.
2 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
Aralliaya, Orient Bay (French side) traveler review
Aralliaya boasts great views.Visited: March 2006
Posted by sendtobrian
We just got back from our trip to St. Martin and we stayed at the Aralliaya.
We really liked the location. It was on the hillside overlooking Orient Bay (across the main road that went around the island). We enjoyed walking to the beach in the morning. It was about a 15 minute walk. Be warned: the hill was steep! The walk back was a workout. The house was in a great neighborhood--very safe.
The villa had a nice deep pool (seven feet). I'm guessing it was about 15 feet wide. We got the morning sun on the patio, and it was all in the shade in the afternoon. The view from the villa was outstanding. Our bedroom window overlooked the steep hill and neighborhood below us.
Other good points: great kitchen, great garden, great housekeeping, and a good stereo.
Small gripes: There were not enough furnishings. There was one couch and one table. Bedrooms were sparse. The patio could have used an umbrella or two.
Overall, I would stay here again. We really liked the location and the views.
15 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This place was just great! The location was perfect - right on Orient Beach. There were loads of restaurants and some small shops within walking distance.
We came as a big family party - eight of us. We had a three- bedroom and a two-bedroom ocean view room.
This was the best holiday we have had and have booked again for this year.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
You have to like plain and simple. The simplicity of the rooms make it romantic. My wife and I only come here in the summer. Prices are right, and it's kind of great to get "VIP" treatment.
Our honeymoon was spent here, and we were the only guests for about four days. It was in the low season. We had the best food ever.
In addition, the staff was great - nice and quiet! We will be going back year after year!
1 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Jardins de Chevrise offer quiet studios surrounded by gardens.Visited: January 2006
Posted by a_thomas
Jardins de Chevrise is located in the Mount Vernon section of the French side of the island.
It is a great value for the price. The hotel is clean and well-maintained. The staff is friendly and helpful. Our philosophy is that we only sleep and shower in our room. As long as it is quiet and clean, we are satisfied. We were very satisfied.
The rooms are studios with small kitchens. The floors are tile, décor spare, but functional. A nice touch was the fresh cut flowers left by the staff. Each room has an air-conditioner operated by a remote control. The water pressure was a bit weak, but since St. Martin has to produce all their water through a desalinization plant, maybe it is a conservation measure. Anyhow, there is water enough to take a shower and get clean.
Also, there is a small color TV that gets only HBO on its one channel. The beds are made up for you each day. We felt the mattress was a bit hard, but not uncomfortably so. Fresh towels are set up each day, too. The hotel will rent you beach towels if you ask.
If you are interested in cooking, you can rent the dishes, etc. Breakfast is by the pool, which is located in a lovely plant-filled courtyard. It is extra, seven euros per person, per day; a little steep, but very nice and convenient.
There is a bakery nearby, within walking distance if you’d like to get your own rolls or croissants. The hotel breakfast is a nice way to meet some of your fellow guests. There were lots of Europeans at the hotel when we were here – mostly French, a Canadian group that was departing just after we had arrived, and a nice German couple that we practiced our high school German on.
St. Martin is a delight, and Jardins de Chevrise the perfect quiet spot for your headquarters as you explore the island.
8 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This will be my husband and my third stay here at Mont Vernon. We came here to enjoy the sun, the water, and the white sand. If you want to be pampered, this is not the place for you to stay. But if you don't mind walking up and down hills to the most beautiful part of the most popular beach on the island, you might enjoy what we experienced here.
Our favorite meal (breakfast) was a wonderful buffet that will satisfy any want or need. We enjoyed the beach, so when we return home in a week we are the envy of all our workmates.
Lunch could be anytime and anywhere you want along the 2 1/2-mile beach. We know where Corona is served along the whole beach. Only three restaurants or bars have them. You still get the wonderful sun as you walk, and we enjoyed seeing the different people in various shapes and colors and degrees of nudity - all enjoying this beautiful place.
Dinner here was very good and there was always something for everyone's taste. Or, you could catch a cab to a local restaurant. We never felt the need. If we wanted to stay for the nightly entertainment, we would. Sometimes we would go back to our room and have drinks and sit on the balcony and enjoy the lights from "Boo Boo Jams" (the night spot), or watch the moon cast its lighted path on the water.
Our fridge always had what we needed when we went to our room. On our arrival, we always took a cab to a local mart and bought beverages and snacks.
We leave in two weeks for our third stay here and look so forward to it. And as to the treatment by the staff - we have always been treated very positively. But, we always expressed our appreciation for everything we got - either by tipping or even greeting in the native tongue. We are all equal.
I hope Mont Vernon will continue to offer what it takes to recieve positive reviews. I will update my review after our next stay.
3 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
This is perfect for traveling couples.Visited: October 2004
Posted by ksaunders
I have just reserved the Caribbean Princess for nine nights in November for this year. It will be our fourth year in St. Martin, and our third at Caribbean Princess.
We love the view and proximity to Orient Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. We stay in one of the second floor beach view units. It wouldn't be nearly as good on the first floor, there is no view on the first. We use the porch to eat, lounge and play cards at the table.
The pools are small, but we have rarely used them. We are almost always at the beach. They come with the use of lounge chairs on the beach.
Obviously, we love staying here as we continue to come back. We are two couples, and find Caribbean Princess perfect as each bedroom is primarily exactly the same, each with their own bath.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
I stayed one night and got out quickly to a much nicer place.Visited: June 2005
Posted by scn272
The pictures shown on the site were not what I experienced. Where were the amenities? We had to pay for towels and maid service. Shouldn't that come with the room? I also didn't get the bus ride to the beach (as advertised).
This was not what I would call an island getaway. Don't get ripped off like I did. There were so many nicer places that were in the same price range (or better).
6 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This will be our third trip to Alamanda Resort - in three years. 
Jardins de Chevrise offers a bare basic accommodation. 
I was so disappointed. 
It was nice, so we extended our stay. 
I enjoyed it here. 
