I wish I could pick up the Horny Toad and transplant it to all the other Caribbean islands I'd like to visit. I visited Dec. 9-17, 2004. The Horny Toad may not be luxurious, but it's VERY clean and VERY comfortable. And everyone there, especially the owner, Betty Vaughn, is very helpful. She has a lot of information based on her more than 22 years on the island to make your stay pleasant. And how can you go wrong with a guesthouse that has its own loyal hound - Boozer, a black lab. For those who want to save money, you can't do better than the Horny Toad. Given its location, a side street about a quarter mile away or so from the main drag of Simpson Bay, I think renting a car is a necessity if you stay here. Good restaurants would also be a long walk away. You can save a lot of money by using the kitchen (it's a full kitchen with oven, microwave, four burners and a full-size refrigerator) to cook some or all of your meals. There are a few large supermarkets on the island that have great takeout dishes. The large supermarket outside of Marigot is particularly good.

Forget about those large condo/timeshare resorts. The Horny Toad Guesthouse is the place to stay if you really want to relax. We stayed on the second floor with a wonderful oceanfront view of Simpson Bay. A portable air conditioner was offered to us, but with the ceiling fan and the Carribean breeze , there was absolutely no need to use artificial air! The staff is very friendly and helpful.The maids do a terrific job of cleaning your unit. With only 8 total units, this is always a very peaceful place to relax. It was very difficult to end our vacation!

Eight guestrooms with kitchens; beautiful view of Simpson Bay, beach just steps outside the guesthouse; very clean rooms, friendly staff. Ms. Vaughan makes your stay relaxing, and provides tips to maximize whatever it is you want to do on the island. The 6 o'clock communal "cocktail hour"on the patio is a nice time to make new friends and share experiences. We met couples there who have been staying at the Horny Toad for 18 years running. Betty is very hospitable and makes you feel like family. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is a wonderful destination and when we return the Horny Toad will be the place we'll stay.

My husband and I just returned from our fifth stay at the Horny Toad and already have our reservations for next year. We always enjoy "Turkey Day" on the beach -- the owner Betty cooks the turkey, stuffing and a fabulous cranberry/orange relish and the other guests fix the other accompaniments. The Horny Toad is a quiet, private guest house on beautiful Simpson Bay. There is a fabulous view of Saba and Statia and it is fun to watch the cruise ships arrive early in the morning and then leave with their lights all lit up when they leave. Betty makes you feel at home -- like family -- and the "girls" do a fantastic job of cleaning the room. This is not a fancy resort, but it suits us.....quiet, beautiful, private and friendly......we are looking forward to next year and many more years to follow........