Has anyone stayed at the St. Maarten Sea Palace? Was it safe and what is there to do? The other place we are looking at is the Pelican Resort Club.

Tell us your thoughts? We have never been there. Thinking of going in October


Thanks, Mary

Mary, A good friend of mine owns a couple weeks there and although it is an older resort, they have done lots of work to update it. The location is ideal and the beach is right out the back door and leaves you with a beautiful view from your balcony. I think you'll be happy there.

The Pelican is older and nice also. I stayed there last year. It is alot more spread out and isn't in the "downtown" area. There is a nice bar, pool and nice beach and nice beach bar nearby. It is quite spread out so you still may drive to the beach there from your room but it is also a good choice.

Friends stayed at Sea Palace a couple times and described it as a "sweet old place", with very small rooms, they told us. Also, I think parking could be a problem there.

Pelican Resort is in Simpson Bay which is convenient to lots of restaurants, a convenience store on premises, along with a casino and marina where you can book day trips. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Both are nice.

If those are your only two choices, depending on what building you are staying in at Pelican, that is the one I would choose. According to some, the "B" building is the one you would want to stay in. The other section seems to have issues.

If you are not limited to those 2 places, then what exactly are you looking for in a place to stay? Quiet? nightlife? beach access? restaurant availability? and are you renting a car...these are factors that would determine your ultimate perfect choice.

Another plus about the Sea Palace is that the Boardwalk area is really cool now and there's lots of restaurants, shops, bars etc all along the boardwalk and it would be right outside your door.