Belair Beach Philipsburg

Nestled in Little Bay, the Belair Beach hotel is a nice relaxing place to stay. The rooms are ample and well kept. Our Housekeeper checked everyday to make sure everything was just right for us. The activities director took the time to explain all the activities and then suggested which ones were most liked that covered our interests. The small beach was ample for everyone there with beach chairs and umbrella available at no cost. We snorkeled at several places but the Little Bay Area was just as good and we just had to go out our door. As we found out later Little Bay is on several snorkeling tours lists. We sat on our ocean side balcony and watched the cruise ships passing. Everyone there was friendly and helpful.

Traffic between Simson BAY (airport area) and Phillipsburg was high volume. Don't expect to go very fast between 3pm and 7pm. We found that some of the roads were in bad shape, but traveled. Beautiful countryside and rainbows highlighted our vacation.

We found out that credit cards were good for restaurants, and major shopping purchases. There were minimum amount on purchases and in a couple of places surcharges. Most of our activities (snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing) required cash though.

hotel was very nice with a great view. you get a close view of all the cruise ships coming in every morning. snorkeling is about as good out front of the hotel as anywhere. the kitchen had everything you need if you desire to cook. also if you plan on going on any trips, ie deep sea fishing bring cash as most business's dont take credit cards on the island

The resort is very quiet with no nightlife except for the bar at the Divi next door. The rooms are ok. Our unit needed some attention. The lamps were falling off the wall, the balcony door lock didn't work, the thermostat didn't work either you froze or bolied, the second bedroom is tiny, the living room furniture needs updating. I typically wouldn't be so particular except for the fact that we owned 2 weeks of timeshare at this property which we have since sold. The staff is mostly helpful except for the day that it took nearly 24 hours for the hot water to get fixed in the entire hotel. The bar/restaurant is like a ghost town. If you want absolute peace and quiet with zero nightlife then this is the place for you. It is a good location geographically due to its proximity to Phillipsburg (20 minute walk during the day) and only about 20 minutes to Simpson Bay, Marigot, and the airport by car.

This was our first long-term (2 weeks) vacation in the caribbean aside from the brief stops during our cruising vacations. We are used to the hospitality that you receive from the native folk of Mexico where we have done the majority of our travel. So I guess where not quite used to the indifferent attitude of the caribbean natives.

St. Maarten is a destination not to be missed. The beaches alone are worth the trip. We went to a new beach almost every day for 2 weeks and still didn't cover them all!

I would suggest going in the "in season" due to the lack of night life and the closure of the majority of the French-side restaurants and businesses during the off-season. Oh and not to mention the constant hurricane threat!

My family and I went to the Belair for our annual family trip. I can't tell you enough how nice it was to get to St. Maarten and stay with some of the friendliest people around. Bruno, Jody, Dwayne, Rufus and the rest of the staff did nothing but make us feel welcome. After ten days at the Belair I felt like family and can't wait to go back next year.

Once you get past the small reception area, the rooms are very nice, if not a bit dated. Each room has a balcony overlooking the beach, so if it's sitting on the beach and enjoying the calm water then relax. The pool is very small, but the beach is why we went. Great location between Phillipsburg and Simpson Bay. Car rental is essential for getting around. Traffic is unbelieveable even in the off season. Not a place with huge amenities, but a quiet location that actually allows you to relax.

My husband and I went to the BelAir for our honeymoon in 1986 and we just loved it, the view from the room is amazing, the balcony is nice and large. there was so much to do we went scuba diving, rented a boat, rented a jeep and toured the island. We are planning a return trip with our 12 and 14 year old children this year. I cant wait!

I absulotly loved the Belair beach Hotel! Everybody there was amazingly nice and I became very good friends with the staff. They made my St Maarten trip very relaxing. After leaving I couldn't stop thinking about the island and I found myself missing all the friendly people there. If I was to go back to St. Maarten I wouldn't even think about going anywhere but there. I MISS BRUNO!

Rooms very nice and roomy. Bordwalk Cafe ? Beach and pool small!

I have been going to St Maarten for over 8 years now and I can't get enough of it. We stay at the Belair (and now own 10 weeks). When we arrive, It's like coming home. Big kisses from everyone.

The hotel itself is friendly, clean and right smack on the ocean. When you wake up in the morning and open the curtains you have the most awesome sight of the sun on the ocean. In the evening you can watch the cruise ships leave. Their lights look like stars floating away.

Dining at the newly renovated restaurant, The boardwalk cafe is charming. The food is great, and it is very child friendly. As a matter of fact, when my daughter was only 3 years old, the owner used to walk her around the beach club so that I could finish my dinner! Now that she is a wopping 6 year old, they let her "play" waitress at lunch.

As far as the island is concerned, it is beautiful, culturally stimulating with both french and dutch sides. the shopping is unbelievable, the gambling at night gets your heart pumping and the beaches are breathtaking.

As for children, you have to be a little creative but there is rockclimbing, a zoo, a rainforest and water sports...some of the hotels have arts and crafts organized for children..or take them to "baby beach" at le gallion, the water is about 2 -3ft deep for hundreds of yards. Take a boat ride to Pinel Island, also good for children.

If I had only a tent, I would vacation in St Maarten, but I am so glad my accommodations are at the Belair.

We just returned from our family trip to St. Maarten. Our first time in the island through an RCI exchange. We had a wonderful experience. Belair Beach is a four storey building with all 2 bedroom and 2 full bathroom suites. Every room has an extraordinary ocean view, fully equipped kitchen and comfortable dining/sitting area. Five of us felt very comfortable. The building is modest (not luxury) but very clean and everything is in good working order. There are not very many activities for the young on site: Seadoo rentals is just about the only thing. But if you are looking for a good and clean place to relax, sunbathe with great views, this is the place. All staff was very friendly and service oriented. You will need to rent a car to move around the island, which you can get right at the hotel for reasonable prices. Phillipsburg is less than 10 minutes from Belair, where you can shop til you drop. This is where all cruise ships stop so it can be a little crowded when they are in town. Simpson Bay and Maho Bay, on the Dutch side, are only 15 minutes away. Here you can find good restaurants but you'll have to be selective. Marigot and Grand Case, on the French side, are also 15 to 25 minutes away from Belair and here you will find great restaurants pretty much anywhere in these towns. It is useful to drive all around the island to get to know where everything is. It only takes a couple of hours to drive around and will give you a good idea where everything is. The Dutch side has all the casinos (12) and the French side has the best restaurants. Very easy to get around. We always felt very safe in the island and people are very friendly everywhere you go. Use common sense, just like everywhere else. We took a whole day snorkle trip and had a great time. There are several other trips and things to do, but we chose to stay in the beach during the day and go out for a good dinner at night. If you are looking for night entertainment, this is not the place to be. The most you will find is a good rerstau

went, no exceptions. It seems pricey, but when you consider the quantity and quality of food and service, it is a good value. We had a wonderful time and would defenitely like to go back soon. Enjoy!!!