La Playa Orient Bay

This is the kind of wonderful hotel that truly embodies the expression "hidden gem." We had the most relaxing and enjoyable week at La Playa (two adults and an 11-year-old boy). From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Elena, who greeted us with refreshments and a smile you only find in the best establishments. We also want to extend our gratitude to the rest of the reception team—Catherine, Benedicte, and others whose names we unfortunately forgot. Everyone was incredibly kind, helpful, and always ready to book a restaurant, provide island information, and suggest activities. On the beach, the plagistes were all friendly and attentive, ensuring our time by the water was nothing short of perfect. Our room exceeded expectations—spacious, spotless, and more than comfortable for three people. One of the highlights of staying at La Playa is its location: numerous fantastic restaurants are within walking distance. We highly recommend Sao (Asian cuisine), Ti-Palm, and many more! There's also a small grocery store nearby with plenty of options for food and drinks. It was our first time in St-Martin, and everyone at La Playa made it an unforgettable experience. Without a doubt, we will be back—and when we do, La Playa will be our hotel of choice!

PROS: Beautiful and clean rooms, well-maintained. The hotel is stylish, the location is great. It’s quiet, looks modern and there’s parking onsite. CONS: 1) beach was unusable during our stay - piles of seaweed not being cleaned frequently. Nearby beaches were cleaned regularly but ours was not. We had to go to a different beach and pay extra. When I asked the receptionist why they’re not cleaning the seaweed so the hotel guests can use the beach, she coldly said that it is a responsibility of the restaurant 🤷🏻‍♀️and there’s nothing they can do. 2) Breakfast feels too basic for a 4-star hotel. The cheese selection is especially limited - offering just one option isn’t sufficient, especially on French side. A few local varieties would greatly enhance the experience.

*La Playa Orient Beach Hotel* Great Location, But Room for Improvement We stayed at La Playa Orient Beach and while the location is excellent and close to many restaurants and spectacular views, there were a few issues during our visit. Unfortunately, we found a large ROACH in the bedroom, which was unsettling, especially after reading that other guests had similar experiences in past reviews. The staff was generally friendly but seemed a bit slow to respond when we needed assistance. It felt like they were just going through the motions rather than being genuinely attentive. As for the beach, it’s beautiful but not calm. During our stay, the waves were strong and there was a huge amount of seaweed. While that’s likely seasonal and not the hotel’s fault, it’s worth noting if you’re expecting a peaceful swim. Overall, the setting is great, but there are definitely a few things the hotel could improve to make the experience feel more polished.