What is the best hotel to stay at in St. Maarten (dutch side)?

Question

Also what is the best beach and what are some fun things that you would recommend?

Answer 1

Me and a friend stayed in Simpson Bay when we where on a boating trip it is very nice, and the local beach right next to the hotel is great.

Answer 2

Very hard to answer this question without knowing more about your age, budget, and whether you'll have a car or children. But, the link below has a number of properties. There's also a relatively new Westin at Dawn Beach and at the top end of the price range (perhaps anywhere), La Samanna at Baie Longue (barely on the French side).

I'd recommend a car, at least for a few days. IMO, the French side beaches are nicer. For activity, Orient Beach. For not many people and beauty Baie Rouge or Happy Bay. Many locals flock to Mullet Bay on the weekends. Pinel Island is a nice day trip.  Cupecoy is being/has been ruined by development but has some awesome limestone cliffs.

The waterfront market on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Marigot can be interesting. Sunset Bar is a tourist trap at Maho near the end of the runway. Worth a few minutes to see the planes fly in a few feet overhead and sandblast the folks on the beach as they take off. Day sails are available on the Celine, Golden Eagle, Random Wind, and Tiko-Tiko (this one is nude!).  There are a number of very good restaurants in a variety of price ranges and cuisines. Be sure to experience the ribs and/or chicken cooked at one of the lolos with a cold Carib and some Matouk's sauce. Save a half-day (no more) for the shops in Phillipsburg. I stay away from the casinos but if that's your thing, I think there are 13 of them on the Dutch side.

Good luck and enjoy!