Requesting advice on St Maarten lodging, preferably in the Dutch area. We're planning to visit next Feb, high on our, well...my list is feeling jet blast at the edge of the runway on Maho Beach.

Mrs Sigmund and I are not heavy drinkers, we're looking for a nice and reasonably quiet hotel that is NOT all inclusive as we like to get out and eat at different places. We'd prefer a place where we can walk to restaurants, gift shops, etc. It does not have to be at runway's edge or even close, we can take a taxi. I am not a wild and crazy guy, we'd take a place with little kids over loud, drunken idiots.

Look in the Maho Bay Area. Royal islander is fine but it’s a time share place. Sometimes you can get a deal there. Watch out for the 1st full weekend in March for the Heineken Regatta. Prices get high.

Link to where we stay

Not really what you are looking for but this is where we stay at. You don't have to rent all 5 rooms, and un-needed rooms ARE NOT rented out separately during your stay. Not walking distance but very private and well located in Simpson bay area.

The owners are close friends who just got back yesterday from spending 3 weeks there, they try to spend about 4 months over the year there so they know the island well. I copied your OP and sent it to him for their input. I will post it when i get it.

I would highly suggest renting a car so you don't limit yourself by having to walk or wait on a taxi. (Island time in not a made up joke) There are incredible restaurants on the island but they are not located in one specific area and if you are beach people you will want the flexibility to visit different ones around the island.

ETA; Forget the jet wash, ride the Flying Dutchman.
Flying Dutchman

Thanks for the replies. These will fit our needs, but we'll keep looking:

https://www.simpsonbayresort.com/

https://www.simpsonbayresort.com/the-villas.asp

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,

From my friend:

Our recommendation is the Royal Palm in Simpson Bay. It is within easy walking distance to many good restaurants, bars and shops, located on a white sand beach, and the rooms are completely refurbished following the last hurricane. Each unit is 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate sitting area and full kitchen, with view and balcony overlooking the beach. There is currently a special that if booked with a flight on frontier, the 2-bedroom unit is $160 per night, cheaper than most one-bedroom choices. We have stayed there and loved it. We have never had a problem with noise there, but with its proximity to places within walking distance, there may be some residual noise from those establishments.

You’re going to love St. Maarten. We still visit every few years. We usually rent via VRBO/Air BnB in Cupecoy and have had great experiences with it. Looks like you got lodging set.

I would also recommend renting a vehicle as it’ll allow you more flexibility. USA drivers license are fine.

There are many great restaurants on the island especially on French St. Martin but there are some on the Dutch side as well. The restaurants in Porto Cupecoy are all good, especially Thai Savanh. It’s always nice seeing the yachts and megayachts going in and out of the lagoon while having breakfast at the Yacht Club—you’ll need to time it while the drawbridge is up so that the boats are actually moving in and out. Abu-Gahzi is great for schwarmas and Pineapple Pete’s is good too. Shiv Shakti and Lal’s are great for Indian food. Of course Sunset Beach Bar for the plane landings and takeoffs. There’s a daily schedule written on a surfboard there you can reference.

On the French side we like Rainbow Cafe and Le Cottage in Grand Case and La Main à la Pâte (ask for their house ginger rum) in Marigot. Many many more with just a quick Trip Advisor search.

Don’t forget the great beaches. I like Mullet Bay and think that Orient Beach is overrated.

Stayed here and liked it

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Ho..._Martin_St_Maar.html

Not all inclusive but pretty complete as a resort. Nice pool and beachfront. Don't remember the restaurants so much. Has a casino, but didn't play there.

I'll second the recommendation to get a car. The best restaurants on the island, and reputedly in the Carribean are on the French side, and you'll need a car to get there.

Thanks for all the help. Places fill up fast in Feb, I made reservations here:

https://www.diamondresortsandh...lamingo-Beach-Resort