La Playa Orient Bay

Situated in downtown Orient Bay, the vibe throughout La Playa is beachy and laid-back. With open floor plans leading to the pool terrace and other outdoor areas, guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere throughout the hotel -- and to see families and couples coming from the beach or going to Orient Village. A concrete pathway leads through the hotel's grounds to the casual, open-air La Playa Restaurant, and out to the white sands of Orient Bay Beach. Situated beachfront, the restaurant has a lively social scene throughout the day and into the evening. The hotel organizes DJs and music by the pool or bar during the day and some evenings during high season, so don't expect peace and quiet. Guests should note that the beach area can get overrun during the day with hotel guests and day pass guests. There are a few common areas, like the spacious lobby, where guests can expect a little more tranquility for hanging out and socializing. 

La Playa Orient Bay is located off the main road in Orient Bay, a two-minute walk to the shops and restaurants in downtown Orient Village and Orient Beach, where guests are provided with sun loungers. The hotel is a seven- to 10-minute walk to the famous clothing-optional section of Orient Beach. Located on the French Side of St. Martin, La Playa is a 10-minute drive to the L’esperance Airport and a 20-minute drive to the French Capital market town, Marigot. Philipsburg, the small cruise town, is a 25-minute drive from the hotel while Princess Juliana International Airport is a 40-minute drive -- both are located on the Dutch Side of the island. 

There’s a bit of disparity between the spacious rooms at La Playa Orient Bay. Some are modern while others are dated and worn. Decor in the older rooms is simple, with beige wicker furniture and bamboo canopy king-size beds. There are a few pops of color with painted accent walls and gray lampshades, but the colors throughout skew towards beige, white, and brown. The more modern rooms are a nice upgrade, with trendy accent furniture: geometric coffee tables, hanging chairs, and blonde headboards. The highlights of the upgraded rooms are the kitchenettes that feature small stovetops, wine racks, and full-size fridges. All rooms have spacious balconies, and come with modern amenities like air-conditioning, free (but spotty) Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms vary across the categories as well, but all are moderately sized. Older bathrooms feature stall showers or shower/tub combos and plenty of vanity space. Newer bathrooms include rainfall showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all room types. Some rooms have distant sea views from furnished balconies. 

La Playa Orient Bay provides a good variety of mostly outdoor features. The hotel is serviced by La Playa Restaurant and Bar, on Orient Bay Beach. The casual open-air restaurant has stunning sea views alongside breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A free continental breakfast of coffee, cereal, yogurt, toast, pastries, and fruit is served every morning, while a la carte items like eggs and pancakes are available for an additional fee. The small bar has a handful of stools where guests can hang out and socialize while at the beach, and sometimes a DJ sets up on the beach in front of the restaurant for a lively social scene in the evening. 

A private beach seating area in front of the restaurant has plenty of loungers set with gray cushions that are for guests, though non-hotel guests can buy a day pass. That, unfortunately, means crowds. A pool terrace is situated adjacent to the lobby and features ample lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a few cabanas. The on-site boutique sells mostly beachwear and women's clothing, along with a few beach necessities like sunscreen and boogie boards. There's also a small spa with a groovy vibe for massages and body scrubs.

Like many hotels in Orient Bay, there is plenty of free gated parking on offer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty in some of the rooms.