We have been coming here for over 15 years. The 2.5M renovation 1.5 years ago was badly needed and much appreciated. The location,intimacy,restaurants,rooms and beach can't be matched anywhere. The only suggestions to raise it to a 5 star resort are simple and achievable . Requests for dinner reservations at the front desk will not be made until the afternoon of the day requested,no matter how long in advance they are requested. This requires multiple trips to the desk to check if they were made. I've had this problem for the last 2 years. Communication needs to increase between hotel and guests regarding use of electronics and availability of services in the room. Leo was great in showing me how to use the new cable system-using one controller for volume and on/off, and the other for stations. However, my neighbor never received the same instruction. I had to go over to show him.Wifi is available free at reception,but I didn't find out it was available in the room for a fee, until I was here for a week and asked. The A/C system is great,but not used much in the US. Guests need instruction on how to use the controller. All these instructions could be printed and available in the room upon check in.

My husband I have been going to St Martin for 12yrs twice a year! We have been staying at Esmeralda for the last ten years! We have seen a lot of changes over the years.. Up until this last year it was steadily declining or run down! The new well needed renovations and price, location is what will bring us back this next spring! The staff is very friendly but can be take awhile to get something done but that's coming from a very type A American!
You can not beat the location to the beach!!! Coco is one of the best beach restaurants on the beach! It's location as well is excellent! It's just a short walk to the beach from the resort. The semi private pools are so nice to just chill by after a day at the beach. The best value in Baie Orientale we have found for as long as we have been going and the great location you can't beat!

We just returned from St. Martin. Loved the island and the food, but our room at this hotel had an adjoining room (I believe most or all of them do), common in hotels, but in this one, there seems to be less than zero sound proofing between the adjoining doors. When we crashed after or 15 hour airline ride, my wife says "what's that noise". It was our next door neighbor snoring. It was so loud I had to use ear plugs to sleep. The next day when our neighbors were talking quietly, we could still hear every word they said. Imagine trying to do something fun in private. When we complained, the desk said there was nothing they could do.
I wouldn't stay here again if they paid me.
The one star is for a nice shower.

Just returned from 13 nights at the Esmeralda Resort. Had a wonderful time at this beautiful resort!
Leo at the Reception area is just fantastic and most helpful. He has such a way with all the guests, taking time to greet everyone and help them with their questions. Chris has been there many years and makes our stay wonderful. He is also very helpful and is a pleasure. Jeanine at the front desk is always smiling! This is such a relaxing and beautiful location. Everyone is so friendly. The rooms are immaculate and the property is beautifully landscaped and manicured.
Can't wait to go back!!!