The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, presents itself as a dynamic, all-inclusive destination in the heart of the action. While offering a vibrant atmosphere and prime location, recent guest experiences paint a picture of significant highs alongside notable lows, particularly concerning accommodation quality and staff consistency.
Perhaps the resort's most celebrated asset is its unparalleled location directly on Maho Beach. Guests consistently rave about the thrilling, up-close spectacle of planes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport. This unique feature alone provides an unforgettable backdrop to any vacation, making it a dream spot for aviation enthusiasts and those seeking lively beachfront entertainment.
The Sonesta Maho offers a commendable selection of restaurants. The Italian restaurant, in particular, received high praise for its food and service. The Oceanview restaurant was also highlighted for serving "best dishes," including "Johnny cakes that are to die for." Guests appreciate the variety of food options available and the amazing views from dining areas. The resort boasts plenty of pools and other amenities, with the pool area often cited as a highlight, contributing to a lively and energetic atmosphere that is suitable for families.
While staff consistency is a recurring theme, several guests experienced genuinely welcoming and professional service. The check-in process was described as smooth and efficient. Specific individuals, such as Damian at the bar and a kind server at breakfast, were singled out for their positive and attentive demeanor, indicating that pockets of excellent hospitality exist within the resort.
A significant number of recent reviews highlight disappointing room conditions. Guests reported issues ranging from dirty walls, mold in bathrooms, and unstable shower floors to persistent bad odors in rooms and bathrooms, despite cleaning efforts. Non-functional air conditioning that required multiple days to fix also contributed to an uncomfortable stay. Some rooms, particularly those facing the casino, can also experience considerable street noise, impacting rest and relaxation.
A major point of contention for some visitors was the pervasive unfriendliness and rude attitudes encountered across various departments, from the front desk to restaurant staff. Guests described feeling unwelcome, with simple requests met with "eye rolls, sighs, or outright rude responses." The body language and tone of some staff members were deemed "unbelievable for a hospitality setting," leading to highly frustrating experiences, such as having to speak with three different staff members to resolve a room issue.
Beyond the positive dining experiences, there were reports of food taste not meeting expectations and concerns regarding hygiene. One review noted "cold cheese sitting out at the Mexican restaurant buffet," deemed "totally unappetizing and unacceptable." More alarmingly, a guest reported a roach crawling across their table during breakfast at the buffet, which was a breaking point for their experience.
As a resort with a primary classification as a casino, the Sonesta Maho offers gambling facilities on-site, adding to its reputation as a lively and exciting destination. While specific details on the casino floor experience are not extensively covered in the provided reviews, its presence undoubtedly contributes to the resort's energetic ambiance and appeal for those seeking entertainment beyond traditional resort amenities.
The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa certainly offers an enticing package for travelers drawn to its iconic location and lively atmosphere. The unique opportunity to witness close-up plane landings and the appeal of an all-inclusive setting with diverse dining options and ample amenities are definite draws. However, potential visitors should be aware of the recurring issues concerning room quality, maintenance, and, most critically, the inconsistency in staff attitude and service. While moments of genuine hospitality shine through, some guests have encountered frustrating and unsettling experiences that significantly detract from their vacation. For those prioritizing an energetic atmosphere and unique location over consistent high-end comfort and service, Sonesta Maho might still be a suitable choice. However, travelers seeking pristine accommodations and uniformly excellent service may wish to manage their expectations or explore alternative options.
This was one of the worst resort experiences I’ve ever had. When we first arrived, the room was completely unacceptable — dirty walls, mold in the bathroom, and a soft, unstable shower floor that felt unsafe. We had to speak with THREE different staff members just to get moved to a new room.What made things worse was how rude and unfriendly the staff were across the board. From the front desk to the restaurants, the attitude was cold and dismissive. It genuinely felt like we were not welcome. Simple questions or requests were met with eye rolls, sighs, or outright rude responses. The body language and tone were unbelievable for a hospitality setting.At the pizza parlor, one of the workers had a terrible attitude — like we were bothering him just by ordering. The Mexican restaurant had cold cheese sitting out at the buffet — totally unappetizing and unacceptable. And during breakfast at the buffet, a roach crawled across our table while we were eating. That was it for me.The only highlights were the Italian restaurant (great food and a wonderful waitress), Damian at the bar, and one kind server at breakfast. But unfortunately, those few positives weren’t enough to outweigh everything else.Save your money and go somewhere else. I truly hated this place and will never return.
I recently stayed at this hotel and had an absolutely nice experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff was incredibly welcoming and professional. The check-in process was smooth and efficient. Only thing is the taste of the food wasn’t the same. Could’ve been better. Other than that prefect location and amenities.
Bathroom smelled so bad no matter how much they cleaned the room! Room also smelled of mold and ac did not work. It also was not fixed until day 2 of stay. Staff team very nice through entire restore especially dine in. Food was great variety amazing and views. Room only was horrible and uncomfortable didn’t receive serve until day 2 of stay.
This resort is a fantastic choice for a family-friendly getaway in the heart of the action. We stayed here last year while attending a destination wedding and had a wonderful experience. The staff was welcoming and accommodating, and our room was clean—though if you’re facing the casino, be prepared for some street noise. The resort offers a great selection of restaurants, and the pool area was a highlight of our stay. What truly sets this place apart is its prime location on Maho Beach, providing an unforgettable experience of watching planes land up close. If you’re looking for a lively, all-inclusive resort with plenty of energy and excitement, this is the perfect spot!
Awesome resort with the friendliest staff who take care of you very well. The location of the hotel is at the perfect location, allowing you to see every airplane or jet coming into the Simpson Bay Area. The restaurant at Ocean view served the best dishes, the Johnny cakes are to die for. Plenty of pools and other amenities available at the resort for use. This is the best place to stay for a cool vacation. Thank you!