TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Riu

Hi everyone,
I will in St. Martin again May30- June 6 2015, staying at the Riu Palace in Anse Marcel. Anyone have any input about that resort, as I usually stay at Green Cay near Orient.
Thanks! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

I stayed here in March 2012 when it was under the Radisson Blu brand. It changed to RIU in early-2014.
http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2014/3...ot_of_Questions

As I read reviews, the General manager, Jean-marc Jalbert , is still there and I remember how cool he was when it was the Radisson Blu hotel. I hope they still have special "managers receptions" at the front lobby bar with some good all-you-can-drink champagne.

Here are photos from that trip with my then (now ex) girlfriend. You'll see some nice shots from inside the hotel.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottsteg/sets/72157629652444861/

Now that it's under an all-inclusive brand, most folks will want to stay on-site for meals but I highly encourage going off to Le Calypso for some great pizza and wine. Yes, seriously. Its a great little spot for some nice casual dining.

If there's any criticism I can think of is that the drive up to Anse Marcel is tricky with that single road going up the mountain/hill then back down. Little cars can have some fun with that if you know what I mean.

We stayed there on our first trip to the island, when it was Le Meridien. The area is beautiful, and the beach is nicely sheltered in a cove. We didn't find the road to be a problem, and left every evening to drive into Grand Case for dinner. We did rent a Jeep that trip, but have driven the road since then in a smaller car with no problems.

I can't speak to the resort, as we haven't stayed there since it became Riu. As you know, since you've been to the island in the past, St. Martin really doesn't lend itself to all-inclusive.

Jet skied there today
Great fun
RIU seemed to have a different vibe than Radisson
A little louder and busier
But still one of the most beautiful areas on the island!

Having stayed at the Radisson for the past 6 years and adored everything about it, Let me say that the Riu is nothing like it. We only kept our reservation there for January as the Riu would honor our Radisson rate and free night. This was our 26th year in St. Martin, and we are not interested in all inclusive. We had the benefit of partaking in the buffet brunch and lunch, but left the property for our dinners. If you like club med's vibe (loud) than you might be happy. If you like lining up in the morning to make a res. at one of their 3 restaurants for dinner than you might like it. Much of the staff is the same, and that is a plus. The amazing GM Jean Marc is not there and that is a loss. We will not be going back. The quiet elegance is gone.