Top 10 Hotels in Philipsburg near Cruise Port

Immerse yourself in the French and Dutch culture in Sint-Maarten, a very friendly and colorful island, home to gorgeous endless palm-fringed beaches.

Unwind completely and when looking for fun, the warm weather is ideal for enjoying water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, diving and snorkeling.

If you love to play golf, you have plenty of options. Be sure to venture out for some sightseeing, or alternatively enjoy the fun and exciting Caribbean nightlife, Casinos and shopping in Philipsburg or Marigot.

Whether you want to stay for a few days before or after your cruise in a beach hotel, or near the harbor in Philipsburg itself. This island has everything to offer for cruise passengers looking for the perfect Caribbean vacation.

On the Dutch side, many resorts and condo accommodations are located right on the beach offering splendid views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Simpson Bay is one of the most popular places to stay, as well as Maho village which is located near to the international airport and famous Maho beach.

St-Martin, the French side of the island, is home to some of the best luxury hotels and welcoming resorts offering the highest quality experience.

Both Orient Beach and Grand Case are well known spots with glorious white sand beaches and restaurants providing exquisite cuisine.

So, let’s check out the 10 best hotels in St-Maarten near Philipsburg cruise ship port.

What are the Best Hotels near Sint-Maarten Cruise Port?

1. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive ★★★★★ (Adults Only)

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is an adults-only, 5 star luxury all-inclusive resort which features direct access to spectacular Maho Beach. Guests looking for an ultimate vacation experience, the Roof Top and Sunset suites with butler service are the resort’s best accommodations.

Some other suites feature a swim-out pool, while the signature Azul restaurant boasts the most breathtaking views. Families with kids are welcome at Sonesta’s sister hotel, the Maho Beach Resort & Casino, located on the same property.

Distance to Cruise Port: 8.7 miles (24 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 2 minutes

2. Holland House Beach Hotel ★★★ (Closest)

Holland House Beach Hotel is one of the nearest hotels from the St Maarten cruise port, located right on Great Bay Beach promenade in downtown Philipsburg.

This boutique-style property offers stylish rooms with either city of views across the Caribbean sea to the cruise terminal. Amenities include a restaurant with outdoor seating and beach lounges with umbrellas. There’s plenty of shopping just nearby.

Distance to Cruise Port: 0.9 mile (4 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 23 minutes

3. Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St Maarten ★★★★ (Ocean View Rooms)

Recently refurbished, Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St Maarten is located in the popular Simpson Bay area, within walking distance to many restaurants. After a day at the white sandy beach or exploring the island of St-Maarten relax at your spacious suite or guest room which have a living room and kitchenette. They also feature a balcony with magnificent ocean views.

On-site amenities include scuba diving and jet ski rentals. The complimentary children’s club is ideal for families with young children.

Distance to Cruise Port: 5.6 miles (16 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 6 minutes

4. Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa ★★★★★ (Family Friendly)

Simpson Bay Resort & Marina is a deluxe accommodation in Simpson Bay on the Dutch side of Saint-Martin island, ideally positioned between the airport and downtown Philipsburg, which is only 15 minutes drive away.

Its a larger property with no less than six pools, four on-site restaurants and 336 modern guest rooms, all featuring a fully equipped kitchen. With a children’s pool, kids playground and babysitting, this hotel is also very suitable for families. The sheltered private beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Distance to Cruise Port: 5.8 miles (18 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 8 minutes

5. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort ★★★★ (Popular)

Nestled on a private peninsula within walking distance of Phillipsburg Shopping District, charming Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is one of the most popular pre- or post cruise hotels.

Situated in Dutch Sint-Maarten only 10 minutes away from the cruise port, this family friendly property offers good value accommodation. With its beachfront rooms or larger suites, the resort is the perfect place to relax and to enjoy a Caribbean vacation.

Distance to Cruise Port: 2.5 miles (10 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 18 minutes

6. Sea Palace by Capital Vacations ★★★ (Affordable)

Overlooking Great Bay in the center of Philipsburg, Sea Palace Resort is one of the most affordable properties welcoming cruise travelers who want to stay close to the port in Saint-Martin.

The multistory hotel building has a perfect setting, right on the beachfront steps from restaurants, attractions and shops. Be sure to book one of the spacious units with outdoor balcony and spectacular Caribbean ocean views.

Distance to Cruise Port: 1.3 mile (6 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 22 minutes

7. La Playa Orient Bay ★★★★ (Top Rated)

Directly on the beach on the French side in Saint-Martin, La Playa Orient Bay is one of the best rated beachside hotels on the island. Its surrounded by natural beauty where you’ll find an outdoor pool and beachfront restaurant overlooking Orient Bay.

Make yourself at home in one of the bright renovated guest rooms which are spacious and include balconies or patios. The resort is just over twenty minutes by car from the cruise port in Philipsburg and Marigot.

Distance to Cruise Port: 7.2 miles (21 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 26-35 minutes

8. Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa ★★★★ (Popular)

The 420-room Sonesta Maho Beach is a family friendly all-inclusive resort with all the amenities you can expect. Located not far from Princess Juliana International Airport, the property boasts spectacular views of the low-flying planes landing at the airport by Maho Beach.

Main features include the oversized signature Oasis pool area with swim-up bar, large casino and different restaurants. Kids will love the separate kids pool with mini aqua park.

Distance to Cruise Port: 8.5 miles (26 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 2 minutes

9. La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin ★★★★★ (Luxury)

This 5 star hotel is one of the most luxurious properties in Sint-Maarten. Located on the French Side of the island in St-Martin, La Samanna boasts luxury accommodations overlooking Baie Longue.

Relax in a bright beach-front room or suite with private balcony for a few days before heading to the cruise port in Philipsburg, which is 30 minutes away. The high-end La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel is the ultimate Caribbean beach getaway for the most demanding travelers.

Distance to Cruise Port: 10.8 miles (34 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 10 minutes

10. Grand Case Beach Club ★★★★ (French Side)

Grand Case Beach Club is superb located on the white sands of Grand Case Beach and Petit Plage, on the French Side of St. Martin. The spacious rooms are recently updated in tropical Caribbean style and feature a small kitchenette.

Enjoy spectacular views from the rooftop infinity pool, take a nice stroll along the beach, and in the evening indulge yourself in French cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or nearby in the quaint town of Grand Case. Traveling to the Port of Philipsburg takes around twenty-five minutes by shuttle or taxi.

Distance to Cruise Port: 9.1 miles (26 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 26 minutes

The Cruise Port of Philipsburg

Sint-Maarten is one of the main cruise ports of call on Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Mainly all ships dock in the southern part in Philipsburg, the pretty capital city of the Dutch side which is part of the Netherlands Antilles. A few smaller ships anchor in the bay of Marigot on the northern side of the island belonging to France.

The cruise dock in St. Maarten is called the A.C. Wathey Pier. It has several piers that can accomodate mega cruise ships. Travel time from Philipsburg hotels is only 10 minutes, while properties located near the airport and on the French side can be reached in less than 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Sint Maarten’s capital Philipsburg and Simpson Bay are the main tourist areas on the island. Here you’ll find the main shopping centres, Duty-Free shops plus casinos and nightlife.

The Island of St-Maarten

Sint Maarten, a tropical paradise island located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea belonging to the Lesser Antilles. Kingdom of the Netherlands and an independent country with Philipsburg as its capital.

Due to the tropical monsoon climate, vacationers come to St. Maarten all year round to enjoy breathtaking expanses of white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, traditional cuisine and friendly locals. Mass tourism is a great asset to the economy.

Every year many cruise ships visit here, so it can sometimes be quite busy depending on the number of ships that dock in Philipsburg. St. Maarten is well known for its spectacular airstrip near the pearly white beach of Maho Beach.

Planes make very low landings over the busy tourist beach and then land at Princess Juliana International Airport. An important airport with good flight connections located on the Dutch side of the island.

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(Latest update December 23rd, 2023)
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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