TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin What’s the deal with hotels “below the hill” in St. Maarten?

I’m 58 but look and act 45—so basically, I’m like a fine wine that moonlights as a spritzer. 🍷✨

I’m on the hunt for an adult vibe with all the essentials: a pool bar, a beach, and drinking in the pool (because why have your drink on land when you could have it in water?). But let’s be clear—this isn’t Spring Break 1985. I’m here for fun, not for beer pong championships.

On the Dutch side:
The Sonesta looks cool, it’s giving me “close to the action” vibes.
Le Samanna… Yeah, I’d need to sell a kidney to stay there, but do they do day passes? Asking for my bank account.

French side:
La Plage Hotel looks like a vibe, but are there other small spots along that strip I should know about?

Dutch Side: Am I missing any gems below the hill in Cupecoy, Maho, or Simpson Bay?
And what about the French side? Any hidden treasures you’d recommend before I start wandering aimlessly with a beach towel and a piña colada?

Thanks in advance, travel gurus!"

Look into Royal Palm, Simpson Bay Resort and Marina and Flamingo. All have pool bars, beaches and close to night life.

Cubanman: It looks like the dates I am arriving are the highest priced dates for rooms. Sick rates $700 or more a night.
I have a nioce studio in the Cupecoy and will have a car. My strategy if I can't find something at a hotel will be to hoit beach bars and hotels
that have good bar scenes. Not sure if I can use their pools though if not staying there.

I'm sorry, I don't know what "below the hill" means? And I don't know what hotels you are getting $700 a night for. And I'm not sure why you need someplace to stay if you have a studio in Cupecoy already? And generally you can't use the pool at a hotel where you are not staying.

Stay in the Simpson Bay, Maho area. Most of the French side is quiet and the only area hopping would be Maho.

Maybe Grand Case Beach Club (they have a beach/pool/bar)? Sounds like you want a party hotel in Cancun or something?

Given your criteria, I would imagine Sonesta in Maho would be your best bet. It has a party vibe and is close to other clubs in Maho that fit the bill.

Personally, the reason I go to SXM over Hawaii or west coast Mexico is because of the beaches, swimming pools are there if you don't have a good beach.

Cupecoy area beach comes and goes but it is a great location that allows easy access to the rest of the island and has Dany's right on the beach as well as several restaurants and bars in the area. Mullet not a long walk and it is the most active beach on the Dutch side.

French side has some places that are lively but not a big evening bar scene, more of a dining scene.

My three suggestions other than staying in Cupecoy which is what I would do.
A place that has a mix might be The Morgan, good pool area and close to a lot of the action. No beach right there but not far away.
Sonesta - not my cup of tea but it does seem to have a lively pool area and beach on site as well as a good beach a short walk away at Mullet.
Atrium - Traffic can be an issue in that area around 3 to 6pm and the pool is weak, beach not the best but you have a lot in the evening with in walking distance including my favorite evening bar, Huppel the Pub.

T

What is your definition of "below the hill or above the hill"? What hill?

NYE is literally called ultra high season on SXM, no kidding the hotel prices are high!

Just book a place where you feel okay paying, the island will be packed and its an amazing experience for the most part.

I agree I will be in the perfect area, which i heard is not far from. the french side.
I am trying to come up with a game plan of places to hit during the day and night.


The venues I think I will enjoy are as follows:

La plage (Grand Case) during the day.. Chic vibe little music durung day
Rainbow café (Grand Case) during the day.. Chic vibe day/party at night)
Kalatua (Dutch side close to the place I will be staying in Cupecoy
Moon Bar Roof top (Dutch Side)
La Samanna Hotel (French Side) I will be getting a massage there.
Tropics Beach bar (Grand case)
Captain Frenchy (Grand case)
Bamboo House (Dutch Side)
Nowhere Special (Ducth Side)

what am i missing.. Any hole in the wall spots around

Def Ultra high the prices are ridiculous

Oh, 12/30 to 1/4. That has to be the most expensive few days of the year.

So far so good my accommodation is under $800 for 5 nightts winning in that department.

I hear on the french side they charge Euro's. Do you just give them dollars and avoid using credit cards?

LaSamanna is the French side. Use credit card and they will charge you in Euros. You can pay with USD on the French side and some may give you 1-1 but others may charge the going rate and then some. Which is why I use cc on the French side and make sure it’s charged in Euro. Not understanding your hill references. But be prepared for traffic. And if in Cupecoy (where I own) during high season I barely leave the area. Maybe Maho to Nettle Bay. Just don’t want to spend my time in traffic. Maho will be your place to be for NYE. The rest just wing it!!!

Hi I am not sure about the ill thing either... I will also be in the Cupecoy area, I am renting a car... So hope I can figure out how to get around with the traffic...

Not really seeking frat party secene but just french vibes during day and then come back at night for some drinking and hanging dinner then live music on dutch side. These damn shootings have me worried, I don't have time for that crap on vacation geeeeze

Saint Martin - French
Sint Maarten - Dutch

But one big island. Can’t look at it as sides. Just one place. I enjoy Kalatua - but not on the weekend. Too crazy. And honestly more French are there than English speaking. But Mullet bay is a big beach - there is also Rosie’s and The Water Hole.

wow, I just relaized i am staying in the perfect location and do not need to go anywhere but 5min or 10 min away from where I am staying.

After doing some research I am staying 8 minutes from LaSamanna hotel and I can see myself chilling at their bar often.
Then Kalatua beach club I can walk there.

I can just stay in the Cupecoy area and enjoy myself without dealing with the crazy traffic.

My friends decinded to join me and we got a villa on the French side today....