Mary's Boon Beach Hotel and Spa

Mary’s Boon Beach Resort and Spa has a relaxed vibe that's almost perfectly encapsulated by its eclectic, cottage-like style. By day, the planes taking off at the nearby Princess Juliana Airport can be heard and seen from many areas of the hotel -- depending on what kind of traveler you are, this will either be fun or annoying. Of course, the main draw of a stay here is Simpson Bay's Beach, which is just behind the hotel. There are also decks and gardens with hammocks, giving travelers plenty of places to find quiet, though it's hardly a noisy hotel overall. In fact, most guests are out on the beach all day. By night, the small, laid-back bar adjacent to the restaurant is open for socializing and features a few flat-screen TVs, gray wicker bar stools, and high-top tables overlooking Simpson Beach. During high season, the restaurant and bar have theme nights and music, but guests should note that these are based on the season and occupancy. Most guests here are couples, and lots of them love the resident dogs and cats, who add an even homier charm.

Overlooking Simpson Bay and right on the beach, the hotel is located on a quiet side street that runs parallel to Princess Juliana Airport. During the day, planes can be heard from the hotel, but flights end in the early evening. It's only a five-minute drive to the terminal, though travelers should allow 30 minutes to reach the smaller Grand Case Airport. There's little of interest right nearby -- other small hotels are the only neighbors, for the most part -- but the restaurants, shops, and bars of Airport Road are a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Philipsburg, the island's popular port town, is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and is located on the French side of St. Martin. For nature lovers and adventurers, the hikes and trails of Pic Paradis -- the highest point on St. Maarten -- are a 30-minute drive away from the hotel. The many beaches of Orient Bay are a 35-minute drive from the hotel. 

There is a bit of disparity between the rooms here. Some are reasonably spacious and bright suites, while others are smaller and lack much natural light. Expect to see an eclectic mix of funky and vintage accents, like big wooden sleigh beds or contemporary white futon couches. However, details like satin bedspreads in certain rooms do make them look a bit less fresh. Colors skew toward blue, yellow, and green throughout all categories. Bold patterns sit alongside classic Audubon-style wall art, creating a look that, while not necessarily up-to-date, has a lot of cottage charm.Configurations range from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TVs come standard, though the Wi-Fi can be spotty and the TVs are sometimes old tube-style units. Kitchenettes are a nice addition across the board. They feature coffeemakers, tea kettles, and a few pans for the hot plates. In the Lower Lobby and Lower Garden categories, the rooms lack outdoor space and have tiny windows. The higher-category rooms have kitchens with full refrigerators and stoves. Many of the upper-category rooms step out onto the beach or feature spacious, wooden balconies with stunning views of the Caribbean.Bathrooms are generally done in bright tile work. Most feature stall showers and have at least some room around the sinks to store items. Toiletries and towels are standard, and most rooms provide hairdryers.

Mary’s Boon Beach Resort and Spa may be small, but its features make it an excellent value option. The hotel is situated on the white sands of Simpson Beach, set with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as a few cabanas. There's also a small pool terrace at the front of the hotel, with a swim-up bar (though we didn't see it staffed during our visit). The pool area is a little ramshackle, but is fine for cooling off. A small spa is situated adjacent to the pool. Services include manicures, pedicures, and beach massages. Satori Tides Restaurant and Bar is one of the highlights here. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the open-air space serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with casual grill fare featuring largely on the menu. A small bar is situated adjacent to the main restaurant, with live entertainment in high season. Guests should note that like many hotels on the island, the restaurant is open based on hotel occupancy. There are ample common areas throughout the hotel, though the gardens with hammocks are our favorite. Two decks with brightly colored chairs and tables are especially nice for those who want to watch the planes at nearby Princess Juliana Airport. There are a few free parking places available, but otherwise expect street parking here. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and can be spotty in the rooms.