Holland House Beach Hotel

Holland House Beach Hotel is situated between the popular (and busy) boardwalk and the bustling cobblestones of Front Street. During the day, the street buzzes with tourists and locals, but quiets down at night when the cruise ships leave the terminal. This vibe is an apt metaphor for the hotel, and -- in fact -- plenty of those stopping by its bar or restaurant are cruisers, who do make things a bit lively here during the day. The open-floor plan lobby is spacious and laid-back, with soft rock playing throughout the day and evening. The restaurant and bars are busy during peak times, offering an active social scene for guests throughout the day. Live music plays at night on the terrace for travelers, though guests should note that -- like many hotels in St. Martin -- this is based on occupancy. Being within easy walking distance of plenty of shops and restaurants, and adjacent to the white sands of Great Bay Beach, expect to see families and leisure travelers, with plenty of non-guests milling about during the day. 

Holland House Beach Hotel’s location on Front Street in downtown Philipsburg, is one of this hotel’s strengths and one of its weaknesses. It's a perfect base to explore downtown Philipsburg -- plenty of jewelry shops, small bakeries, and stores are all around. However, as one of the main cruise terminals on the island, the area turns into a ghost town at night, and guests should note that Front Street is closed to motorized vehicles during the day during busy season. The white sands of the busy Great Bay Beach and a bustling boardwalk are right behind the hotel, as well as plenty of beachside bars and restaurants. Princess Juliana International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, but travelers should allow 25 minutes to drive to the L'Esperance Airport. The markets and shops of Marigot are also a 25-minute drive from the hotel. For guests looking for quieter beaches, Orient Bay is a 25-minute drive and Simpson Bay is 30 minutes away by car.

Across all categories, rooms are modern and sophisticated. Colors skew toward white, beige, and green hues that are complemented by contemporary white and dark wood furniture, as well as handsome walnut-tone hardwood floors. Rooms are spacious and offer pops of color with accent walls and abstract artwork. There are padded mattress toppers on the and king- or full-size beds (plus ample pillows) that really up the comfort factor as well. Some rooms have extra sitting space with a few white couches and tables, and all include mini-fridges, Nespresso coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The highlight of all the rooms are the private furnished balconies. Some of these overlook the historic cobblestone streets of Philipsburg, while others offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Bathrooms range in size, and many are quite spacious. All include plenty of towels, standing glass showers, and rainfall showerheads plus a good amount of counter space, hairdryers, and toiletries.

Holland House Beach Hotel has a good amount of outstanding features despite its relatively small stature. The beach is just behind the hotel, and while it can be busy and overrun during the day, the hotel has a small section of beige cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas available for guests. Beachside service is also available. That's important, as the hotel lacks a pool (don't expect a spa, either). Otherwise, there are a number of places for guests to unwind throughout the hotel, including a terrace with views of the beach. Dining and drinking options are fairly numerous here. Mojos and Mojitos Beach Bar is open during the day and into the evening for drinks like frozen mojitos right on the beach. Back inside the hotel, Ocean Lounge Restaurant and Bar overlooks the Caribbean Sea and has stunning sunset views. Decor is rustic-chic and the restaurant serves fresh seafood combined with an eclectic fusion of European and Caribbean flavors. A breakfast buffet is included with some of the room rates, and features a mix of hot and cold items, plus extra a la carte dishes as well. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it can be busy during peak times. The spacious lobby bar serves coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes throughout the day. Situated in the middle of the open-floor plan lobby, the lobby bar also serves the same menu as the restaurant in a more casual and open setting.Street parking is available for free around the hotel (though it's hard to find), and a parking lot is available for an additional fee. The hotel has a small conference room with audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.