The JW Marriott in St. Maarten, located on Dunes Beach, promises luxury and relaxation but unfortunately fell short of delivering a satisfying guest experience during our stay. While there were a few highlights, the negatives outweighed the positives, leaving us disappointed and questioning its value for the steep cost of $700 a night (used through Bonvoy points).
The Location and Beach
One of the hotel’s primary attractions is its location on Dunes Beach. On the surface, the beach looks stunning with its pristine sand and picture-perfect backdrop; however, the water conditions were extremely rough on the island’s west side. The waves were so powerful that they were almost surreal, making swimming nearly impossible. Meanwhile, the waters appeared calm and inviting elsewhere on the island, particularly in Philipsburg. This stark contrast made it all the more frustrating.
Service Issues and Disappointments
Our experience with the hotel’s service was riddled with problems. It all began with the early check-in request that was completely disregarded. While this alone could have been overlooked, it set the tone for what became a string of service failures:
- Restaurant Reservation: We requested a reservation at the in-house restaurant, but it was never made, and no proper explanation was given.
- Breakfast Service: Breakfast was particularly disorganized. Despite asking for water, none was brought to the table. My simple bowl of oatmeal arrived without a spoon, and I had to track down a utensil myself. My husband ordered medium-over eggs but was served hard-boiled instead. Adding to the frustration, the waitress was nowhere to be found, making resolving these issues in real time impossible.
- Hotel Store Café: We purchased a sandwich from the hotel store, which was shockingly inedible and had to be thrown away, costing us $30 for essentially nothing.
- Beachside Dining: When we opted for casual dining at the beach and ordered a hot dog, we were told they had run out of mustard—a small detail that sums up the lackluster attention to guest needs.
- Late Checkout Requests: After all these mishaps, when we requested a late checkout to make up for some of the inconvenience, the staff gave us a hard time, adding further frustration.
For a five-star property carrying the JW Marriott name, these service missteps were glaring and significantly diminished the quality of our stay.
The Ambience and Property
The hotel itself felt uninspiring and sterile. Despite its price tag, the property had little warmth or character. It lacked the vibrant, inviting ambiance you’d expect from a Caribbean resort. It felt more like a generic corporate space than a tropical retreat.
The Positives
There were some redeeming aspects to the JW Marriott. Our room was undoubtedly lovely. It featured a spacious bathroom with both a large bath and shower. The bedroom included a comfortable couch, and we also enjoyed having a private porch that overlooked the back side of the property, where iguanas often lounged. It was a small but unique touch that added a bit of interest to our stay.
The pool was another highlight. It was expansive, providing plenty of space to relax, although it wasn’t heated—something that could have enhanced the experience.
What Else Did I Think?
What Else Did I Think?All in all, our stay at the JW Marriott in St. Maarten was underwhelming. While the room and pool were enjoyable, the rough beach conditions, sterile hotel vibe, and abysmal service left much to be desired. We expected far better accommodations and hospitality for the price point, even using Bonvoy points. The location’s distance from the island’s more vibrant areas added another layer of inconvenience.
If you’re considering staying in St. Maarten, I recommend looking elsewhere. You’ll likely find better service and amenities closer to the calmer shores of Philipsburg or other island areas that embody the relaxation and charm of the Caribbean.
