St. Maarten Remains Ranking As An Affordable Destination
St. Maarten Is Not Expensive
Recent numbers of American hotel data company STR show St. Maarten is not expensive as a Caribbean tourism destination. Comparison with any overview of St. Maarten hotel prices shows that almost all island hotel and resort fares lay well under half of the regional average daily rate of $407 as concluded by STR. St. Maarten hotel rates start as low as $85; the highest fares for all-inclusive and full amenity resorts end only slightly above the Caribbean average of STR.
This analysis continues a long standing tradition of the island being considered amongst the best Caribbean offerings of value for money. Over time, St Maarten was listed as top five of the regions’ most affordable destinations by amongst others CNN and Sherman’s Travel.
Diverse Offer: From High End and All-Inclusive to Shoestring Level
In general, a stay on St. Maarten does not need to be expensive depending on preferences. The price of a St. Maarten holiday depends om what hotel amenities you prefer and what area you stay in (note St. Maarten is considered one of the safest Caribbean destinations overall). Whereas the island boasts some of the best known full amenity and all-inclusive resorts of the Caribbean, a wide array of quality no-frills boutique hotels is also available. For some wanting to spend their holidays solely on a beautiful Caribbean beach and relaxing with cocktails by the pool, an all-inclusive deal might be the cheapest way to enjoy holidays. If your dream vacation is adventurous and you are not planning to use the benefits of a resort a smaller guesthouse might be the better option. In all cases, you will never be far off one of the many island beaches. Beaches are free on St. Maarten as well as on St. Martin.
Tips for Budget Travelers
There is more variables in play to create a cheap Caribbean vacation on St. Maarten for the budget traveler. Instead of speedier but more costly taxis, one could decide to rely on the semi-public mini-van buses that connect most tourism spots. Supermarkets are readily available throughout the island, as are affordable restaurants. Other budget friendly tips of getting around are renting a bike or to do hiking tours around the island. When considering island hopping, take the boat to Saba; an organized daytrip tour to Anguilla is cheaper instead of costly excursions over the French – British waters dividing it when organized by yourself. If considering going to Statia make use of Winair’s reduced day trip rates.
Twice the Caribbean Deal
It is often jokingly said St. Maarten is two destinations for the price of one, as it is divided between Dutch Side St. Maarten and French Side St. Martin and both sides are easily accessible from the other. There is however some truth to this saying. Both sides bring wholly different cultures and events and transgressing the border is only a bus ride away. Contrary to other Caribbean islands, St. Maarten / St. Martin offers double the chance you run into carnival (February on the French northern side, April on the Dutch or southern side). For more information on how the dual nation factor influences your holiday experience, see articles on Twice the Caribbean and what side of the island is better given your preferences. The binational character of the island does not change the hotel rate you pay, but definitely provides added value to whatever stay you choose.
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