Mary's Boon Beach Resort & Spa

We got held up at the airport for an extra day and had to find a hotel quickly, during a soccer game in the area. The people at Mary’s Boon were so kind and accommodating, and the restaurant food was great. The beach, chairs, towels, and view were all great too. They were hit hard by Irma and had to rebuild much of the hotel. The rooms could use improvement, but for the price it's hard to beat. I had the best cappuccino, and it was convenient to get a taxi straight back to the airport.

The lovely beach is still a popular place to hang out and was a big plus for us. We've known this iconic island spot since our Caribbean travels started in 1988, and picked it for a one-night stay. We also liked that it welcomed dogs. Our downstairs unit for three had poor ventilation and a strong Fabuloso cleaning-product smell. Two of us stayed in a lower unit at the back, with the same odor and little airflow. The heavy, dated furnishings and footsteps from upstairs late at night didn't help. Public areas felt cluttered and needed a thorough cleaning. Staff were cool at first, then warmed up. There are caged birds and turtles in the garden, an unusual feature that won't suit everyone. The dining staff were friendly but sometimes overwhelmed. Drinks were good, while the food was mediocre at best and expensive. Our fish sandwich had no flavor. The property has an iconic feel and a lovely beach, but the clutter, odors, dated furniture, and high prices stood out.

We've been to Sint Maarten eight times, and stayed at Mary's Boon on five of those visits. The staff are attentive, friendly, and helpful. It's a small beach boutique resort rather than a huge, fancy place. It's usually quiet, so this isn't the spot if you want a party every night. The main noise comes from the airport, when big jets roar past a few times during the day. The resort is right on the beach: from a first-floor beachfront room, it's just a few steps down to the sand.

The staff made everything easy, helping with luggage, kids, and the puppy, and they even offered to watch them while I went to pay. Security can help you get a taxi, and they have rental car connections. The pet fee was very low, and they left a bag of dog treats. The food was good, too. This was the best airport hotel I've stayed at. I arrived really late with a toddler and a puppy, and security was waiting with the keys and helped me out. We were upgraded to a beachfront room by the pool, with a great wraparound deck. The next day, they let the puppy hang out by the pool and in the bar area for breakfast. There are dogs that keep goats away, cats, and birds. They brought out fish food so my toddler could feed the fish, which he talked about all day. Pool toys are provided, so no need to bring your own. I absolutely love the old black dog. There was so much to keep us entertained.