Esmeralda Resort - Orient Bay

We have stayed at Esmeralda several times before, and were pleased to see everything had been really been "freshened up". The food at the restaurant and the food at Cocoa Beach is excellent, and we love the location. The staff at the hotel and the restaurants were very, very nice.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Really nice and spacious suite. Good restaurant onsite and La Plantation close by, although the service there was atrocious. Loved the private pool area right off our patio. We spent the whole time nude except to walk to the beach or dinner.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was our fourth trip to Esmeralda and 5th to St Martin. Esmeralda is located on a perfect spot on what we think is the most beatiful beach we have been to. It is close to Grande Case, the roioms are spacious albeit not exactly 5 star. The Coco Beach BAr and its food is fabulous for breakfast and lunch. It is a quiet spot and perfect for decompressing […] and relaxing which is why we go there. It is not a party spot and the crowd was considerably older than normal, but probably typical for Januray. The grounds are secure and the walk to the beach was short from our room. Our typical day was breakfast and lunch while sunning and walking the beach and swimming, a short nap and Grande Case at night for a gourmet dinner. Unfortunately the north part of the beach is no longer clothing optional due to cruis ship traffic and increased develepment, but still is our favorite. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was the second time we have stayed here in the past year and by far the best hotel we have stayed at in Orient Bay. Although other places we have stayed at in Orient Bay are rated as well or close to Esmeralda I just don't see it. Beach access is exceptional, the restaurant (Astrolabe# is exceptional both in food and abiance #although expensive) […] and the rooms and grounds are very well maintained.Service was excellent as well. About the only crticism I can make is that perhaps the rooms and bathrooms could use some updating although they are certainly comfortable and exceptionally clean. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Having been a tourist in St. Martin for many years, and later, as a homeowner who just sold my house, I stayed at Esmeralda from 12/1 until 12/21. I found it so uncomfortable there, I left one week early taking a big financial hit. That's my mistake. However, prospective tourists should know, it it is not value for money.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very kind staff, nice pools. Nice room. If you love a nice beach, with activities, and topless girls, this is the place.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Esmeralda is a favorite on the spectacular Orient Beach. It's the Cote d'Azur without the jet lag! It's independence away from home. It's quiet, peaceful and beautiful with a wonderful manager and friendly staff.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great stay, by far exceeded our expectations. The experience from Yolene at the reception to the resort kitties and dogs this is a place for our future vacations.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Esmeralda. The staff were very informative and helpful. The room was spacious and clean. everyone at the hotel wanted to make sure that I was comfortable.

Genuine Expedia guest review

I have stayed there two other times before and just went back August 2012. The first couple of times the staff was friendly and were very helpful. I just took my vacation from August 2-9 2012. The service and staff was very disappointing.We came back from the beach to take showers and no water. We did not have any water for hours. The water came on […] later in the evening and after going out to eat we came back to the hotel and did not have power. Some of the visitors staying had power and some did not. I went to the front desk to report the power outage and the person at the front desk said she had not had any complaints with power out. I then said would you like to come to our room to see we do not have power. She said she had only one other complaint about power problems and no one would come out then to repair it.I said you just told us you had no complaints about power being out on the property. She would not respond but to say I will give you a flashlight. It was our last day there and had to be at the airport the next day. It was hot in the room and we could not sleep and had to pack and shower in the dark with only a flashlight. I called the front desk to see if we could move to a room that had power. The line was busy for an hour. The front desk stays open 24 hours so I walked up there to find that she had closed the front desk and evidently gone home and fixed the phone so you could not call in without a busy signal.The power came on the next day as we were leaving. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very nice but simple accomodations, extra large rooms, just a short walk, 2 minutes or less, to the beach which is as beautiful as any in the island of St Martin. You are able to charge to your room any spending at several of the area restaurants and even a free beach chair and umbrella, just spend something at the Cocoa Beach restaurant. There is an […] on site car rental agency to explore the island and it's superb restaurants. We loved The Plantation Restaurant, the Astrolabe is or should be an award winning one and it is right at the Esmeralda. Drive to Ernest and Fidel for a very nice and tasty lunch on the other side of the island, the dutch side. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

A great long weekend on a wonderful southern carribean island!! The property was wonderful and the staff even better! We will be returning again at our next available opportunity. Thanks

Genuine Expedia guest review

The rooms have only two uncomfortable, wobbly wood chairs perhaps salvaged from an ancient Amish shipwreck. The walls conduct noise very well so if your room is next to a noisy person who cares nothing about his neighbors, forget about sleeping. The rooms actually amplify sound, especially in the toilet, which will make your roommate wonder what the […] hell is wrong with you. The televisions do not work when the weather is bad, and this is, of course, exactly the time when you need them most. The rooms formerly had a stove and cookware, but this has been done away with. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We have been to Esmeralda before and it has always been clothing optional but this time the clothing optional area was fenced off- very weird. May not return to Esmeralda because of this. We wish it was still clothing optional.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We have visited St Maarten at least two times a year since 1987 and this was our first stay at Esmeralda Resort. The location is great and we did not need a car. The hotel, restaurant staff and beach staff were all polite and friendly. Our room was spotless and our villa pool clean. We had such a wonderful time we are going back in the fall and will […] take our entire family next year. An excellent value. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My sister and I spent a delightful 10 days at the Esmarelda Resort. We are both seniors. We walked Orient Beach every day, clothed. Most walkers are not. The food at the Astrolabe, the main dining room was wonderful but very pricey. The Beach bar was more affordable and still very good. The nightlife was lacking. There was nothing to do after 8:30PM. […] Even the beach bar was closed. There were other resorts on the beach that did have entertainment at night but without a flashlight, we chose not to participate. Johan, one of the beach boys was most accomodating, always providing us with great chairs and umbrellas. We brought books and had a most relasing time. Our one complaint was that fresh drinking water was not provided. We were told not to drink the tap water by the staff and had to buy bottled water. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Esmeralda is one of the best hotels on Orient Beach. Although a bit more costly than others on this side of the island, we find the extra cost is worth it. We have been there 5 times now and found we could rely on good quality with only a few very minor complaints. The grounds are meticulously manicured. The staff is very friendly -- fluent in English […] and French (and more?). The rooms are a bit sparse (could use a small couch or sofa in addition to the table and 2 chairs), but nicely maintained. They are a bit stingy with the soap -- we had to ask multiple times in order to get a new bar of soap when the old one ran out. Plenty of towels. Nice kitchenette area with refrigerator, basic utensils and dishes. Small porch/deck area for each room looks out on your pool (a separate, private pool for every 4 rooms, kept sparkling clean). The included continental breakfast is more food than you can eat, including fresh fruit, juice, coffee, tea, and a large basket of croissants, toasted baguette, etc. You can order eggs and other items for an additional charge. It is a convenient walk to the beach from any of the rooms. Esmeralda guests get a beach chair, towel, and umbrella on the beach in front of Coco Beach restaurant. Drinks and snacks can be ordered from the Beach Boy and charged to your room. The view is incredible -- gorgeous white sand beaches along turquoise blue water. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We love this place, especially because of its simplicity, privacy, and ease of stay. We are happy to see it has been renovated recently.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel needs some repairs, the handle to the chest in our room was broken. The pillows were not very good. Hotel is a far distance from the nearest city, Gran Case, the cost is $30 round trip from the hotel, too costly. The restaurant at the hotel was very good, but very pricey, over $100 for dinner without wine. When we were leaving to go back to the […] airport, the hotel got us a taxi, i.e. someone they knew and the taxi driver completely ripped us off by charging us more than double the price we had paid when we took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A nice, basic room with convenience to Orient beach and Grand Case restaurants. The semi private pool is a really nice amenity for early or late day play around the usual daily trip to a beach. Included continental breakfast is nice. The L'Astrolabe restaurant is very nice, very expensive. If you prefer the French side of the island (more quiet, more […] laid-back), this certainly works as a mid range choice. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

My husband wrote a great review already, but I wanted to add that the upgrades to the bathrooms, esp the shower, and the kitchen were SUPERB! We had stayed there twice before, and I love the new changes. We look forward to returning, and had a great experience. Coco Beach was wonderful and hospitable, too -- Christie, the massage therapist, is the best […] and started my vacation on just the right note! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was our third trip to the Esmeralda Resort. 2005, 2007, and 2011. We love this place. Nice villa to stay in. Private pool with every four units great for an evening swim. The restaurant and beach bar / restaurant are first class to say the least. And Orient Beach is an outstanding place to sun, swim and enjoy numerous water related activities, […] like parasailing, jet skiing, etc. Very close to Grand Case and the best restaurants in the Carribbean. Rent a car, the island is small and easy to navigate. We'll be back! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Nice rooms are all on one level with great proximity to Coco Beach on Orient Bay. The beach chairs and umbrellas are free when you stay at Esmeralda Resort. You can also bill everything at this restaurant and others on Orient Bay to the resort. The restaurant at Coco is awesome with gormet French food..never had a bad meal. I've been to Esmeralda and […] Coco many times. Always loved it! The beach is one of the best in the Carribean. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Esmerelda is located on the most beautiful beach on St Marteen. (orient bay). Our room was an oceanfront. Altough you really cant see the ocean because they all sit far back from the beach and there are a line of trees. We paid for the upgrade to ocean front not knowing that. Dont pay for the upgrade, all the room have no ocean front view. Overall the […] hotel was ok. It was recommended to us by my Father. However, he had not been there in 3 years and I could tell it was not being kept up as nicely. The grass was long in alot of areas and the chairs at the pool were either dirty or broken. Also, there are no comfortable chairs inside your hotel room or out on the deck to sit and relax. They are hard wood chairs. just an FYI if you like to relax in your room. You will only have your bed to do so. The rooms were cleaned everyday but you have to request new sheets if you prefer them. Overall i had no complaints about the room other than the uncomfortable furniture. The beach is great (Coco Beach) and the staff there was friendly for the most part. Remember they are French and most cases the french are not overly friendly to the Americans. Even if we stayed somewhere else on our next visit we would still go to Orient Bay everyday. We rented a car which I think is a must. Grand Case is the safest place (and best restuarants) to visit. It is about a 10minute car ride from Esmerelda. This island is not cheap. Look to spend atlest $150 a day between lunch/dinner/drinks on the beach. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed for a week in May. We enjoyed our stay and plan to visit again. As others have noted, the resort is showing its age, and rooms are definitely in need of renovation. For example, our room had peeling paint, a dripping water heater, a few ants, and a floor in need of a good mopping. But the room was generally comfortable, and the minor failings […] were outweighed by the pleasant, quiet environment, semi-private pool, proximity to the beach, and the amenities at Coco Beach.The included continental breakfast provided a pleasant start to each morning, though the fare was perhaps a bit monotonous after a week. Our dinner at Astrolabe restaurant was outstanding, the best of many meals on the island. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Getting a bit tired. Needs to be refurbished and a more thorough cleaning. Still such a beautiful site and so close to the great beach. Great restaurants close by.

Genuine Expedia guest review

My wife and I first stayed at the Esmeralda Resort 12 years ago and we were very satisfied with all aspects of the Resort. Our visit this time was very disappointing. The combination safe in our room did not work and after the "technican" could not fix it, he gave us a key. However, it was difficolt to operate and we finally were able to open and close […] the safe. The paint on the outside of the buildings ,railings and porches was peeling and the grass had not been cut for weeks or probably months. The air conditioner control remote did not work properly and we were cold for the first few days and then we did not have air conditioning the last few days. We had surrendered! This Resort is overrated and highly overpriced. Disappointed Bill Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed at this hotel 5 years ago and had a great experience, however I cannot say the same this time. We upgraded our room and that helped make things better. Have stayed at other properties for the same price or less on Orient beach and had better experience so can't say I would return to this one....

Genuine Expedia guest review

I stayed at this hotel 5 years ago and had a great experience, however I cannot say the same this time. We upgraded our room and that helped make things better. Have stayed at other properties for the same price or less on Orient beach and had better experience so can't say I would return to this one....

Genuine Expedia guest review

One of the finest locations on Orient Bay. Well organized hotel for optimal relaxation. Both the beach bar and the hotel restaurant are excellent. Overall atmosphere is quite relaxing and peaceful. The semi-private pools are also an excellent arrangement for a quick dip.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Best beach on the island and the hotel has a lovely beach area, chairs and beach restaurant. Rooms were spacious and reasonably well appointed...but seriously in need of a renovation. Crumbling steps to room, cracked glass wall surrounding pool, shabby reception area, so/so landscaping. Everything needs painting and refurbishing. Service was spotty […] and funny policies, such as, only two chairs on the beach came with our room (though we were paying for three people in our suite, so were asked to pay extra for a third chair for our child!). Food in the restaurant was very nice, free breakfast was good, though service very uneven too! Despite all, place is comfortable and location is suberb. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was a great hotel with a 2 minute walk to the beach where you get free beach chairs and an umbrella. It is located in Orient Bay Village where there are beach restaurants and bars to walk to and about 6 restaurants in the village. Very private and quite place.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The location was very good, the pools at each villa were very nice, but the buildings and grounds were in need of repair and the furniture and draperies, etc. need to be replaced. Would only consider going back if we know maintenance and updating has been done.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The room, the pool, the pleasant walk to the beach and the accommodating staff make The Esmeralda a relaxed vacation. We look forward to it every year.

Genuine Expedia guest review

For a three and a half star hotel-It 's what we expected. the beach is beautiful! we have been there 4 times now.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is the third time that we've stayed at Esmeralda and it was another great visit! The staff at the front desk was very cheerful and helpful. The room was always very clean. The only negative comment that I could give was that the beach boy wasn't the most accomodating or attentative. Other than that - no complaints!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

Cadre magnifique sur la plus belle plage de l'île. Equipe accueillante et très disponible. Coté plage, n'hésitez pas à aller au Coco beach. Plats et cocktails excellents. You can speak french, english and spanish. It was amazing. Marvellous place to be relaxed and fun.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Wij bezochten de laatste jaren al diverse malen Sint Maarten en ook het resort. Het heeft een prima ligging dicht bij het strand en de staat van onderhoud van het park/de tuinen met zwembaden is ronduit geweldig! We boekten een kamer/suite de luxe. De villas zijn - zo bleek - evenwel nodig aan renovatie toe, die zo vernamen wij wel in aantocht is. De […] service van de receptie is erbarmelijk en een receptionist is buitengewoon clientonvriendelijk. De safe in de villa bleek niet te werken en werd ondanks herhaald verzoek niet gerepareerd; de druk van het water en daarmee het warme water was heel laag! Voorts zijn er geen goede voorziengen op het terras qua (lig)stoelen. Ook het verfwerk en de algemene staat vertoont na 15 jaar bestaan duidelijk tekenen van slijtage. Het restaurant COCO BEACH met SOPHIE en beachboys op het strand is daarentegen fabuleus, buitengewoon vriendelijk en merite le détour!! Veel clienten uit diverse landen keren al vele jaren daarom terug naar deze plek. Met een nieuwe impuls in het niveau en het comfort is de prijs van de accommodatie waar te maken. Op basis van de actuele situatie is zelfs een suite de luxe - ondanks de grootte - slechts de status van een superior kamer waardig. Ik ben bang dat de actuele situatie met diverse eigenaren niet goed is voor behoud van de kwaliteit. Ik heb bij vetrek 21.2.2011 aangegeven dat ik de directie een brief zal sturen met mijn kritiek. Na meer dan 5 maal een verblijf in het resort zijn we toch wel kenner!! Read more

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