Hotels in Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten: Dutch Caribbean Between Great Bay and Maho Beach

Sint Maarten occupies the southern 37 km² of the island of Saint Martin, shared with the French collectivité of Saint-Martin to the north. The Dutch side became a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. Philipsburg, the capital, stretches along a narrow strip between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, lined with duty-free retailers and waterfront restaurants. The island receives roughly 1.6 million cruise and stay-over visitors each year, many arriving through Princess Juliana International Airport, whose runway ends within 50 metres of Maho Beach — making low-altitude jet approaches a signature draw in their own right.

Where to Stay in Sint Maarten

Simpson Bay holds the densest concentration of hotels, casinos, and restaurants, running along the lagoon west of the airport. Dawn Beach on the Atlantic shore offers smaller properties and calmer swimming. Philipsburg's Front Street sits within walking distance of the cruise pier, suiting guests who prioritise duty-free shopping and Great Bay. The French border crossing at Bellevue is open and passport-free, placing Grand Case — known for its Creole restaurant row — 8 km north of Philipsburg.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Taxis operate on fixed government rates; rent a car to reach Dawn Beach or the French side independently.
• Currency: US dollar is official on the Dutch side; euros circulate freely on the French side.
• Best season: Peak demand runs December through April; hurricane season spans June to November.
• Airport noise: Properties near Maho Beach experience significant jet noise during peak flight hours — confirm room orientation before booking.