Hotel L’Esplanade

Hotel L’Esplanade has been family-owned and operated since its opening in 1992, and the property has an intimate feel. Reception is open each day until 9 p.m. and there is always someone on hand to answer to guest needs or to provide advice about the area during business hours. The hotel is quiet, relaxing, and peaceful, and even at high season, the pool and other public areas are never crowded. The hotel has more of a feel of a private apartment or townhouse rental than that of a resort, thanks in part to the full kitchens and large living areas in every unit.

This hillside property is scenic and attractive with Mediterranean architecture, including large round stone balconies, plenty of look-out points, colorful mosaic tiles, and Moroccan lanterns. The buildings are painted a tropical white and have colorful accents. Because of the property's hilly nature (there are plenty of stairs), it is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

The reception area is located in the middle of the property and guests frequently pass through on their way to the pool. The open-air lobby offers gorgeous views of the ocean and the surrounding area. There is a small seating area along with pamphlets and information about attractions and restaurants. There is a coffee and espresso machine that is always available, as well as a cool drink station with lime water and fruit punch. There is a computer available for guests to use.

The hotel is located around the corner and up a hill from the beachside culinary hub of Boulevard Grand Case, the main artery of the town. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the main stretch, which can be accessed by walking down the long driveway on the property or through a small wooded footpath; the heart of the action is just a few minutes farther down the boulevard. The hotel provides a free shuttle into town. It's also about a 10-minute walk to Grand Case Beach Club. 

Grand Case is filled with some of the best restaurants on the island including bistros, cafes, bars, and lolos (local barbecue joints). The neighborhood is lively, popular, and safe during the day and early evening.

Since the hotel is a bit removed from town, the property is quiet and peaceful. There is on-site security and a gate at the entrance of the drive that is manned at night.

• Five-minute walk to Grand Case's restaurants and shops
• Eight-minute drive to Loterie Farm, a nature retreat with tours and zip lining
• 10-minute drive to Marigot, the capital of the French side
• 10-minute drive to Fort Louis
• 10-minute drive to Orient Bay
• 18-minute drive to Princess Juliana International Airport
• 19-minute drive to Simpson Bay
• 20-minute drive to Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side
• 21-minute drive Maho Beach

The rooms are beautifully decorated and have a neutral color palette; the plush white bedding is contrasted against the abundant dark wood furniture and trim, and accent pillows and fabrics provide a punch of color. The spacious living areas have cable TV (though TVs are tube-style, not flat-screen) and dining tables for four.

Room categories include Deluxe Studios, Deluxe Lofts, Oversized Lofts, One-Bedroom Suites, and a three-bedroom Villa. The rooms are all located on two levels on each side of the lobby. Each unit has a full kitchen with a large fridge, microwave, stove, and oven, and comes stocked with plates, glasses, cooking and eating utensils, and pots and pans. The kitchens are designed in a modern style with stainless steel appliances, marble counters, contemporary cabinetry, and glossy backsplashes. The master baths are luxurious and modern with marble double sinks, open gray slate showers, and rainfall showerheads. All rooms have high-end amenities including spa robes, personal safes, laundry baskets, irons and ironing boards, and upscale organic toiletries. 

The crowd pleaser here are the balconies -- all units have a private terrace that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding area and the ocean in the distance. The balconies are furnished with some loungers and a table (space permitting), and some units have a hammock.

The clean and refreshingly cool pool is the main attraction on the property. The area is beautifully landscaped and private, with palm trees, gardens, and lush foliage, as well as plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. However, the pool doesn’t have the same spectacular views that define the rest of the property. There is a pool bar at one end with a friendly bartender that is open daily and is a popular spot for guests to hang out.

There is no on-site eatery but the hotel can provide breakfast to your room from a local bakery for a charge. Options include croissants, quiches, French pastries, juices, and coffee, and guests order off a checklist by 8 p.m. the night before. 

There is a small boutique downstairs from the lobby that sells local art and postcards, as well as toiletry essentials like sunscreen.

The hotel’s spa, Ti Spa, is a two-minute walk down a stone path leading toward town. Housed in a cute cottage, the spa offers massages, body scrubs and wraps, reflexology, waxing, and nail care.

The hotel is not located on the beach, though it is within walking distance of both Petite Plage and Grand Case Bay. Those who want a hotel directly on the beach can look into the property’s sister hotel, Le Petite Hotel, or the larger Grand Case Beach Club, which has more amenities such as a fitness center and café (L'Esplanade guests can also rent chairs and umbrellas from here.) Loaner chairs and umbrellas are also available from the front desk, which is only staffed until around 9 p.m. It's a 10-minute drive to the famous Orient Beach.