Hotel L'Esplanade

We lucked into a week at l’Esplanade when its sister hotel (Le Petit Hotel) could not accommodate us. I was very, very pleased things turned out that way. All of the good things others have written previously stand true for our experience. I am happy to confirm them and to recommend the place unreservedly. Our studio (Unit #2) was well and tastefully furnished, comfortable and complete (even to the point of having a couple of French standard/NA standard power plug adaptors on hand). Up on the hill overlooking the sea with a lovely view and refreshing breeze, the property came near my ideal tropical retreat, without the down sides of the sand, salt water and associated mess. We were well treated by all staff members, who were super helpful and accommodating. The pool is big enough for a reasonably good work out, super clean and well kept. The pool bar drinks, food and service are all first class. The hotel has a modest boutique that carries very good quality souvenirs and other merchandise. I can well understand why so many people come back for longer and longer every year. All things being equal, I would be very inclined to do the same. Just sitting on my private balcony, reading, watching the view or the birds, moving only to visit the pool or a local restaurant once in a while is my idea of paradise. A few advisory comments for those who may be considering coming for the first time. (1) Be aware that there are LOTs of stairs from one place to anywhere else on the property. It is part of the charm and character of the place. But if you are mobility challenged or have sore knees you will find getting around hard. I loved it, but my wife had real difficulty by the end of our week. (2) Walking anywhere other than down the hill to Restaurant Row will not be a pleasure. St-Martin is decidedly not a pedestrian-friendly place. To go anywhere other than right downtown Grand Case, you will want either to take a taxi (which can be expensive) or to rent a car (if you are happy to negotiate the island’s omnipresent heavy traffic and crazy drivers). (3) I thought Grand Case would be more up-scale than it is. Most restaurants are good, but if you want buy anything more than tourist oriented beach shlock, you will have to go to Marigot and/or Philipsburg. The island’s best shopping and highest quality jewellry stores are located there. (4) The hotel grounds are excellent for anyone interested in birds. The island’s best regulars can be seen from your balcony or the pool. Our first morning, while swimming in the pool, I caught sight of a Peregrine Falcon atop a tree. The Crested Hummingbird visited the flowers on our balcony numerous times every day, as did Bananaquits, Grassquits and a very curious Zenaida Dove. Both Green and Purple-throated Caribs made regular visits. Frigate Birds, Egrets and Pelican were overhead all the time. Down the hill to the Etang de l’aeroport, there are White-cheeked pintail, egrets, herons and other

We stayed here for 3 nights. This is a nice boutique hotel with a wonderful view. Our room was big and had a great balcony, we enjoyed our breakfast every morning here. You can order in front what you want for breakfast, we missed ham and cheese, but bought it in supermarket. The poolbar has a great barkeeper, the best rum punch of the island. Within walking distance you find very good restaurants and nice shops. We have eaten in Ocean82 and in Le Cottage, food was very good. We recommand this hotel with friendly staff and stunning views.

This was our first stay on the French side of St Maartin. L’Esplanade was a great location and we enjoyed being so close to the Grand Case restaurants. The staff was top notch and our one bedroom suite was well equipped. Hard to beat the balcony views! Kristin and her team were helpful with reservations and recommendations. Although it was an easy walk into Grand Case we did use the hotel shuttle at night. Very convenient! Would definitely stay again!

For the past 17 years, L'Esplanade has been my slice of paradise. Each visit feels like a homecoming, and it's remarkable how they continue to outdo themselves year after year. The location, on the hill overlooking Grand Case, means you have an amazing panorama greeting you every morning with a view of Anguilla to the right. The resort faces west so you also have the perfect seat for sunset everyday. The staff are the heart and soul of L'Esplanade. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care make every stay memorable. Many of them have been with the hotel since my first visit and it's comforting to be greeted with familiar faces who treat you like family. The rooms are a perfect blend of Caribbean charm and modern amenities and the housekeeping team keeps everything spotless. I'm finishing up a stay in an oversized loft as I write this and, I must say, I could happily live in this room. It's so quiet and peaceful here, particularly at night. The last week has been the best week of sleep I've had in months. The small balcony on the upper level perfectly complements the larger one on the lower level. The grounds are immaculate. It always brings a smile to my face to see the bougainvillea trees that are scattered around the property. The pool is a perfect place to spend the day and the gathering spot adjacent to the pool bar makes for a nice spot to catch up on emails--if you're inclined to do such things while on vacation. The Wifi is very good and worked flawlessly all week. Beyond the aesthetics, what truly sets L'Esplanade apart is the sense of community it fosters. Over the years, I've met other returning guests who share my love for this place, and it feels like we're all a part of a special club. After 17 years of visits, I can confidently say that this boutique resort isn't just a place to stay--it's a sanctuary, a second home, and a reflection of the very best of St. Martin. I highly recommend Hotel L'Esplanade for your next visit to St. Martin and I can't wait to return!

My husband and I enjoyed our stay at L’Esplanade. The suite was spacious and comfortable and the views are spectacular. The property is well-maintained and beautiful. The pool area has a European atmosphere. Would happily stay here again!

We returned after a multi-year absence and found L'Esplanade much the same, thankfully. It is a truly well-thought out hotel with welcoming rooms and wonderful helpful staff., with the owners on site as well. They have added complimentary breakfast, which is delicious and can include freshly squeezed orange juice and quiche or warm croissants for a nominal additional fee. The swimming pool and lunch offerings from the excellent bar staff are such an asset. Yes, it's a bit steep returning from a delicious dinner in Grand Case, but it's worth it.