We wanted to extend our stay more than once at St MMaarten and discovered Capt Oliver's near Dawn Beach across the inlet. We loved it. A small resort within a 5 min walk to several good restaurants. A free shuttle boat to Dawn Beach got us as close to the beach as using our car.and was quicker, too. Infinity pool was a novelty for us the first time. Comfortable poolside bar and harborside restaurant were a plus. Our room was large spotless and had great views. Reasonable rates for the island. The resort is on the Dutch side right at the border. Any time we want an extra night or two Capt O's is our frst option.

I stayed at Captain Oliver's for a few days in late December 2012.

This resort is in a very good area of the island, positioned directly on the border of French Saint Martin, and the Dutch side on Oyster Pond. I booked this hotel based on comments from this travel forum and agree securing a car is quite beneficial.

This resort has a marina, two different restaurants, a pool and an open air reception area. Interestingly, there is a caged red and blue parrot which will say "hello" and "goo-bye" to you if you stop to see it outside the restaurant.

My room was very spacious and clean. The room featured a safe, a deck overlooking the marina and the sea, as well as quiet efficient air conditioning and a small walk in kitchenette.

The bathroom was clean and had been remodeled recently to include an over sized shower head, nice lighting, new bath fixtures and a hair dryer.

The pros for this hotel:
* great location on opposite side of island from the SXM airport
* Spacious, clean comfortable room
* Front desk staff has a great "can-do" attitude and was most helpful
* Nice pool area (infinity-type pool) with padded deck chairs
* Room had safe, air conditioning, kitchenette, and a nice deck overlooking the bay
* Very good room rates are available

The challenges at this hotel:
* Parking is a bit limited, especially at night
* The resort is showing its age and needs some TLC from its ownership and staff
* Cable tv channels are quite limited
* Breakfast staff at the restaurant is not friendly and difficult to deal with, WHEN you are able to get their attention
* Wifi only available in the reception lobby, not in the rooms

Pros: Staff is very friendly. People at the reception have a " can do" attitude. Best asset that they have. Good location.
Cons: very old, needs remodelation. Shower was occidated and stunk. Cable tv was never working. Tv was so old that was always making noises. Tons of mosquitoes!
Hotel has potential.

I stayed in Captain Olivers 5 years ago, and it was a quaint, little place, however
I was EXTREMELY dissapointed on this visit. The villas are no longer surrounded by flowers but are surrounded by broken down buildings and the awful smell of garbage- Which when I inquired about it.. I was told by the desk clerk, and I quote " Welcome to the Caribbean, you know it smells like garbage, don't you".
Our bathroom was literally falling apart. We had to rig up the shower so that it would stay up and it the tiles were all falling off and surrounded by mold. When we asked for another room, and why the place was so run down, we were informed by the clerk..that, and I quote " The captain died 2 years ago and we have no management in this place, for the past two year". By the way, we didn't get a new room, because non of the other rooms had air conditioning that was working.
Thankfully we didn't let this ruin our trip, but I would advise you to stay elsewhere!