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NahanniV · 21-01-2017, 10:31

We have some guests who want to visit us in St.Martin, but not stay aboard.

Can anyone suggest a good hotel where we could anchor nearby ?

Either French or Dutch.
With dinghy access would be great.

Zanshin · 21-01-2017, 11:04

My recommendation is that they get a hotel in Grand Case, there are many along the waterfront to choose from starting at the Grand Case Beach Club at the far end and some smaller places at that end (plus the Flamoyant Hotel up the hill) and then a whole slew of places all along the beach. The dinghy dock at Grand Case is not without its potential issues but unless there's a north swell it is always useable. Anchoring is a breeze in Grand Case with 10-15 feet of water over sand going from close to the beach all the way out for more than a kilometer (so you can really anchor far out there if you want to). I've had friends stay there and then took them on day trips.

This is my favorite recommendation for both the shore-side and the boat-side. Other places might work as well - Marigot on the French side or Philipsburg on the Dutch.

What budget category are your guests in when it comes to accomodation?

Jsta_Rebel · 21-01-2017, 12:12

For anchorage, I'd suggest Marigot because it is soooooo much easier to check in at the Budget Marine Kiosk, and the best part is that it's free of charge. Not so on the Dutch side. Going into the lagoon is also free on the French side with bridge openings at 9:00 am, 2:00pm, and 5:30 pm. and there are mooring balls to be had usually. They run 25.00/ day. I entered one time through Simpson Bay Bridge on the Dutch side, and was out 125.00 for checking in, bridge fee, and anchorage fee inside the lagoon. Food is excellent on the French side and I would suggest Le Croissantaria for breakfast. There are plenty of hotels on Marigot beach and they run between 100.00 -150.00 a night. You will half to look them up as we always stay aboard in the lagoon. Totally flat calm ya know. Make sure no matter which side you decide on to secure everything well especially the dinghy. BTW, anchorage in Marigot bay is good holding and a very close dinghy in should you prefer. There are places in the lagoon to lock up to. Have fun!! By the way, it's easy and fast to dinghy from the French side to the Dutch side. You can secure your dinghy at IGY Marina should you wish to make a day of the Dutch side. There are also dollar mini vans that go from Marigot to the Dutch side and back. Cheap transportation.

MarkJ · 21-01-2017, 12:21

If you like Simpson Bay on the Dutch side then Royal Palms Resort is on the beach next to the Dutch Bridge with the St Maarten Yacht Club and it's dinghy dock straight over the road.

Simpson bay is very boat & cruiser oriented. So if your friends are not into that then I would go with Zanshins idea if Grand Case.

You could certainly do 2 nights in each Grand Case, Anse Marcel, and Phillipsburg they all have dinghy docks with resorts attached or close by.

MarkJ · 21-01-2017, 12:25

Btw, just to clear up the Dutch side clearance facts:
40 foot boat is $7 harbour fee; $7 bridge (only pay inbound not for outbound) and $20 per week anchoring fee.

But the best clearest water is outside in Simpson Bay, Marigot etc.

wayne.b · 22-01-2017, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by NahanniV

We have some guests who want to visit us in St.Martin, but not stay aboard.

Can anyone suggest a good hotel where we could anchor nearby ?

Either French or Dutch.
With dinghy access would be great.

===

In my opinion the best combination of a good hotel and a good anchorage is the Radisson Blu resort at Anse Marcel. The anchorage there is quite good and there is a dinghy dock inside at the marina. The resort is first class and has a nice beach.

https://www.hotels.com/ho219367/riu-...FQVAhgodw3ILfQ

RafaCavi · 22-01-2017, 20:40

I was 2 weeks ago. It depend your budget. Anse Marcel has good marina an Riu Hotel 5 ****. Good option. But you will need a car to go to Marigot or Philipsburg

ranger58sb · 23-01-2017, 04:54

When we sailed on Star Clipper last February, we stayed several days on each end of the trip at Holland House on Front Street in Philipsburg, very nice.

Right on the beach (dinghy landing easy), decent lounge, has its own restaurant and there are several more nearby, easy to wander the shopping district, etc.

-Chris

NahanniV · 23-01-2017, 05:03

Thanks for all the replies !

We don't plan to rent a car, so I think an in town (or close to) location would be good.

Marigot or Philipsburg look like they might be best options.

We draw just less than 6'; Is there a place to anchor inside the lagoon at Marigot that would be close to hotels ?

MarkJ · 23-01-2017, 07:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by NahanniV

We draw just less than 6'; Is there a place to anchor inside the lagoon at Marigot that would be close to hotels ?

Bay Nettle inside. Beach resort there u can anchor off.
But there's no easy access to go for a sail. But if they don't want to come on your boat at all it might be OK

What about Divi Resort u can anchor in Little Bay.
http://m.diviresorts.com/divi-little-bay-beach-resort.htm

Or Phillipsburg at Sonista.
Phillipsburg is a good size town with lots of tourists from cruise ships in the day.

You probably need to arrive a week early to check out all the options ... There are loads

Mkronquist · 15-02-2017, 07:04

We stayed at the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina while preparing for a charter a couple years ago. It was perfect for us considering we needed more space than a regular hotel room would have provided and a full size fridge/kitchen was nice for provisioning purposes. The property was nice, staff were responsive and the rates were very reasonable.