Azure Hotel & Art Studio

Azure Hotel is a small property located at the end of a
residential street, directly on the beach. The owners live in the first residence when entering the complex and the other units are set up around a central courtyard or accessed through the beach. The courtyard is adorned with lots of potted plants, gardens,
and tropical foliage -- there's even a tortoise habitat with four
tortoises, who you can feed in the mornings (they love the flowering bush
near the door). One side of the complex faces the ocean, and there is a
communal deck with wood dining tables, umbrellas, and a gas grill. The owners
have a koi pond on the deck of their unit that you can see from the dining
area. The buildings are painted bright blue and green for a tropical feel that is cheerful rather than garish. The property is gated at
night, although the location is relatively safe.The owners are artists and the property has a laid-back,
artsy feel. Art by the owners decorates each of the guest rooms and the owners
have a studio in their house, which guests can browse by appointment. Guests mostly keep to themselves and the hotel is private and secluded. Azure is a good option for folks who want a beachfront location but don't want the all the pomp and fanfare of a chain resort. Prices are competitive -- Simpson Bay Suites has similar, or sometimes pricier, rates and lacks the Azure's beachfront location. Those who stay here are typically more than willing to trade resort features, such as a pool, for a more intimate and authentic experience. 

The Azure Hotel is located in trendy and popular SimpsonBay, just south of the airport. The hotel is located down a residential street. The neighborhood is quiet
and peaceful, although there is some plane traffic noise from the airport
nearby. There are a few eateries and a convenience store within walking distance. The popular strip with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars is a 20-minute walk over the bridge, or a five-minute drive. - Five-minute drive to Princess Juliana International Airport

• Five-minute drive to Simpson Bay restaurants
• 10-minute drive to Marigot
• 10-minute drive to Fort Louis
• 13-minute drive to Loterie Farm, a nature retreat with toursand zip-lining
• 15-minute drive to Grand Case with restaurants and shops
• 15-minute drive to Philipsburg
• 17-minute drive to Baie Rouge for excellent snorkeling
• 21-minute drive to the Butterfly Farm
• 21-minute drive to Orient Bay

Since this is an older property, each room is different in both layout and some of the decor. Our room, the Garden Suite, was painted light green and blue
tropical colors and had tile floors, white wood furniture, pretty floral
curtains, and clean white bedding. The suite had a complete kitchen with a
two-burner stove, mini-fridge, as well as pots, pans, cups, plates, and
silverware. The bed was very comfortable.Many of the suites have vaulted ceilings, king-size beds, and a small dining table. All rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes. The hotel has a large two-bedroom Deluxe Garden Suite (sleeping two adults and two children) as well as a few smaller rooms with queen or double beds for a lower price (the Beach Suite, Tikki Suite, and Bay Suite).The buildings are older and the rooms are certainly not modern (they're showing some wear), but the style is quaint and Caribbean. They are clean, well-maintained, and don’t have the usual
mechanical issues associated with older buildings. If there is an issue, it is
quickly addressed by the owners. L'Hoste Hotel on the French side of St. Martin has a lot of character, is located on the beach, and has more updated rooms, but is a bit more expensive. 

The beach is the highlight at Azure -- the hotel is located a few
short steps from the ocean and you can hear the waves as you fall asleep in most rooms. With the hotel's small size and private atmosphere, you often feel like
you have your own beach house. Located on Simpson Bay, the beach at Azure has
white sand, turquoise blue water, and calm waves. The hotel
provides lounge chairs and umbrellas.On arrival, the owners sit with each guest and provide advice about local eateries and attractions. They are very accessible throughout the stay (there are landlines in each room with the owner's cell phone programmed in). There is free Wi-Fi in the rooms and guests get free
international calls to most countries. There is free parking available on the
street around the hotel, and the owners can help you park. There is no pool on the property.With the exception of the beach and garden there aren't many
features, which is typical of a property of this size. Mary's Boon Beach Resort, another three-pearl property nearby, is larger and has a few more amenities such as a pool and small spa.