Would anyone have an opinion whether 1 is better to stay at than the other- bewtween Sonesta Maho or Sonesta Great bay? Besides one having a casino...thanks

Actually they both have casinos. The Maho one is located within a bustling town atmosphere and the other is close to Philipsburg but not recommended for walking to at night. I have never stayed at either but stayed in a timeshare next to the one in Maho. The Great Bay one is more isolated and the Maho one is a good central point to get anywhere. If you like traveling to Orient every day, I would choose Great Bay. If you enjoy the Dutch side and occasionally go to Orient, then I would choose Maho.

Also, if you want peace at night, choose Great Bay and if you want the hustle and bustle of nightlife in a walkable distance, then choose Maho. It's a toss-up on the rooms in Maho. Some people get stuck with rooms facing the street and find the noise disturbing. Sometimes you can ask for a room change but if the hotel is filled, then there may be a problem.

Mostly, the reviews I've heard from Maho are very good...great pool with swim up bar...staff is accommodating...great restaurants within walking distance....beautiful views if you get the right room. Once in a blue moon someone comments that they did not enjoy it due to the sewer smells. In 13 years of staying in Maho, I have never smelled any sewers but then again, I could be wrong.

The reviews I've heard from Great Bay are that it's a nice place to stay and convenient for getting around the Philipsburg/Orient area. Not much else.

[www.vrbo.com]

Life is not a child's game of follow the Leader. Instead, life is more about finding one's own purpose in life....your life's plan, and then making a positive difference on earth.

My pick would be Maho. It has a lot to offer for the evening. From restaurants, to bars, to shopping. All within walking distance. I wouldn't venture walking at night beyond the Great Bay property. That's my opinion.

Pauline

Isn't Great Bay an AI hotel.IMO, better beach at the other locaton.

From what I am led to understand, Great Bay is actually 2 separate entities. Part is a hotel and part is a timeshare.

And I agree Pauline...I would not venture out walking at night at the Great Bay resort.

I think that the whole decision lies with whether they want quiet or whether they want busy in the evening, and if they travel to Orient every day like some people do, then I would choose Great Bay but other than that, it would be Maho.

[www.vrbo.com]

Life is not a child's game of follow the Leader. Instead, life is more about finding one's own purpose in life....your life's plan, and then making a positive difference on earth.

Great Bay is offered both as an EP (no meals included) and AI (all inclusive - meals, drinks, etc) option. If choosing Great Bay, I would suggest the Ocean-view Rooms. The main building runs parallel with the road. So if you're in a 'Mountain Side' room, you overlook the road, parking lot and hillside. For a minimal amount typically you can get the other side of the building which is a fabulous ocean-view.

Although both have casinos, there's a huge difference in size and style. The one at Maho is much larger. More choices in tables, slots, etc. The one at Great Bay is more smaller in size. Still has slots of different amounts, plus tables (roulette, blackjack, and Caribbean stud poker)

Beach wise - ever since the beach was expanded in front of Phillipsburg, I tend to like the Great Bay beach more. (I haven't seen either since Omar passed thru though in October - so not sure if he changed the size of it).

Everyone has a different preference.. so all depends on what type of hotel you're looking for and what amenities you'd like it to have.

Thanks to all that replied.

MAHO IS A BETTER LOCATION & THE SONESTA PROPERTY IS BEAUTIFUL. THERE'S A GREAT CASINO ACROSS THE STREET & RESTAURANTS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. AS OF 11/3 THEY STILL HAD AVAILABILITY FOR EARLY DEC. NOT SURE NOW. THE HOTEL ALSO HAS A GOOD HEALTH CLUB & SPA. ALOT TO DO IN THE AREA

Hey Linda....Keep your voice down!!!lol

I have stayed at the Great Bay......I will not tell you one is better than the other....because it is your hard earned money that you will spend!!

In feb it will be our tenth time at the Great Bay!!
We return because we have met some really neat people there....and like to go back and see them!!

Have a blast!!