Hotel l'Esplanade

Absolutely exquisite boutique hotel with gorgeous landscaping and very attentive staff. Walking distance to awesome restaurants. Beautiful pool bar area. Walked onto our balcony and watched bananaquits flitting in the century plant outside and hummingbirds sipping nectar while the doves called softly. Great yoga classes and delicious breakfast options. And, the scent of flowers drifts through the property. Wonderful architecture and charm. Will absolutely be back!

From the moment we arrived we were relaxed. The staff was so friendly and the rooms spacious, comfortable, welcoming and relaxing. Everyone we met had been returning for several years which speaks volumes. We highly recommend and will return!!

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.

Our second stay at L'Esplanade and our third stay at a property owned by Kristin and Mark. Kristin and Mark are wonderful hosts that run a top notch, upscale, yet at the same time relaxed operation. The entire staff at L'Esplanade aims to please. From the spacious and beautifully appointed accommodations, to proximity to the amazing restaurants at Grand Case following an afternoon or lounging by the pool and having the opportunity to meet fellow guests, L'Esplanade has it all for those that are looking to get away and relax for a few days or a few weeks. Looking forward to our next opportunity to be guests at L'Esplanade. Rob & Russell

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.