We booked this hotel through RCI. The online reviews were a bit scary but we were determined to have a good time so it turned out okay.
The Front Desk staff were not as polite and accommodationg as expected for the 'friendly' island. I work in a hotel in Barbados so my expectations for the level of service were quite high. I was diappointed in this area.
At check-in the Receptioinst argued with the security guy right in front of us and then a member of the housekeeping staff ranted at one of the receptionists without a single care as to who heard! However, the security guys are really helpful.
We actually enjoyed seeing the planes land and take off and the pool was very well maintained and clean at all times.
Even though room service was provided only once for the week - you need to pay extra for daily service - the room was stocked with plenty of towels and cleaning items so we just did it ourselves. Poor reception on some TV channels and long response times for in-room problems were among the few hitches that were easy to ignore.
There is a mini-mart just downstairs that serves wonderful meals daily at a fraction of what it costs to eat in the general Maho area and in the hotel restaurant. This was definitely or favourite eating spot!
The Maho area is absolutely beautiful at night, the shops are open until late and there is a great little pizza place behind the casino that is quite nice.
We took the public bus from right outside of the hotel to go into town on several occasions - this was extremely convenient and the town is very beautiful. It will take a few days to see everything ther. The shopping was good for clothes, shoes etc. You can barter for lower prices.
Sigh up for the island tour provided at the hotel next door - la Plage - it is a wonderful way to see the island and get a good commentary on it's history from the bus driver.
Very expensive to eat and shop on the French side!
I would definitely stay at this resort again sometime.

Just returned from the Royal Islander Club La Terrasse Resort. What a disappointment! This resort nickle & dimes the vacationer from check in to check out! $30.00 for parking $10.00 per person for towels, $50.00 for a key to the room safe. $2.00 per minute to make local telephone calls etc. After checking in there was a problem with the air conditioning unit... not working. Instead of moving me to another unit the maintenance staff attempted to repair it. Needless to say, the next night no air again. There was a leak in the kitchen sink & to top it off the toilet did not flush. I had to use the toilet in the lobby in the middle of the night! It took two days to get a new unit, and the Asst. Manager didn't upgrade my unit for all the inconveniences. The front desk staff acted as if they could care less. If this is the "Friendly Island, " I would hate to vacation on the island that is dubbed "unfriendly." If you have an expectations of staying at a resort that is comfortable, with a friendly, caring staff, then avoid La Terrasse like the plague!
The nicest people I encountered were the security guard & the housekeeping staff. Everyone else needs to return to "Hotel Hospitaltiy School!"

Just returned from a stay at The Royal Islander La Terrasse Resort. The accommodations here were just average. The unit was rather small, especially the bedroom. The furnishings were spartan, although in good condition. The bathroom was very basic offering only a 3' shower. The unit was very clean. The only amenity which was offered was an outdoor pool. Again, nothing special. It was located right next to the airport runway, and after viewing the initial few arriving flights, the appeal wore off. It tended to be noisy and the smell of jet fuel was not pleasant.
The staff at the desk and in the hotel were not helpful or friendly at all. No greetings, no orientation to the resort or to the island. You were definitely left on your own to figure out what to do, where to go, where to eat, etc. The in room booklet was informative, though. Some policies were annoying: required deposits on towels and in room safes, $30 fee for parking.
We were grateful that the island of St Maarten itself was so spectacular so that the hotel became less important. The restaurants were extraordinary (but expensive), the beaches and water unbelievably beautiful, the weather perfect. Plenty to do like shopping, parasailing, snorkeling, catamarran day trips, casinos, and more. You could do as much or as little as you wanted. We found just the right mix of relaxation and activity. This island experience was simply wonderful.

We have just returned from Sint Maarten, we stayed at the Royal Islander LaTerresa. LaTerresa is in the Maho area for Sint Marrten on Dutch side. If you like the noice of the planes then I suggest you stay here. The hotel is almost on the runway. At the pool you can see the jets land and smell the jet fuel. There is no beach you have to walk across the street to LaPlazza which is OK. The rooms are clean but the window in the bedroom faces the hallway so you never know what time of day it is. The staff is not very friendly nor will they help you with anything. This was dissapointing since Sint Maarten call themselves "The Friendly Island". Most people we encounted were rude and disinterested in the tourists. If you are looking for a bargin in Phillsburgh buyer beware. Timeshare people are all over the place promising you everything. WE found St. Maarten to be dirty, the rental cars are all marked so be careful not to leave anyting of value in your car. The people in the casino hardly broke a smile. The food was OK nothing to get excited about. Took a day trip to Pinel Island , which is a must do, the beach is beautiful and the little resturants are great. We also took a day trip to St. Barts which was the best day we had, St. Barts is clean, the beaches are beautiful and the people are friendly. Be prepared to wait in the airport for departure, planes usually leave late, and make sure your departure tax is included in your ticket or you have to pay that before you can get into the terminal. All in All we would not be returning to St. Maarten too soon.