Some friends of ours booked last minute or found a late cancellation(not quite sure of the details) and are renting a villa or a condo, I think near La Samanna hotel, again not sure, as didn't go into it, but just emailed me from the UK asking where they would stay for one or two nights as they cant get in to this place as its booked and arriving the day or a few days before as coming from Antigua. Not something I have ever done apart from a few days in GC many years ago and think that area is too far away for them. Know that they usually go for more upmarket accommodation but have never looked at hotels myself just for one night. Since I have been banging on about SXM to them for years, thought I could tap in here for far more knowledgeable travelers than myself regarding suitable hotels.

Appreciate some guidance therefore to offer them. They are due to arrive in early middle of October I believe.

Thx. Bran.

If they want upscale, French side, I would say either Le Petit Hotel or L'Esplanade, although I can't say whether either of them would rent only one day, and they might be full already.

Sonesta Ocean Point!!!!

https://www.sonesta.com/sx/maho-bay/sonesta-ocean-point-resort-st-maarten

If they want accommodations on the beach I would recommend ElZafiro and suggest they check the typical discount sites for specials. We needed two extra nights a few trips back and we found a great deal there which EZ matched for us, and the deal included full breakfasts which were very good, too! It’s not what I’d call ‘up-scale’ in the sense of LaSamana or LePetite but it was very clean, lovely staff and on Simpson Bay Beach for great beach walks. We enjoyed the convenience of the restaurant for drinks and lunches if we were of a mind......

Here's another vote for the travel sites. One can waste a lot of time calling individual places to see if openings exist. Shop the sites & then call/contact your choice directly to book. They might even get a better deal after explaining their situation. Since the island is slow in mid-October, quite a few places will probably have openings. Travelocity shows 5-6 great places for Oct. 15.

If they’’ll be renting near La Samanna then why not try La Samanna, although in October they may run into a seasonal closing there.

That time of year they should have a lot of options, some mentioned above but it all depends upon their budget. They might even decide to add a night or pay to have an extra late check out so they are not pressed to move out early and not be able to check into the villa until later. All depends upon their budget and what they want. Way too many options to list without more detail on what they are looking for. We have done some last minute deals and stayed at places like Porto Cupecoy or Blue Marine for bargain prices which at that time of year they should be able to get. I would add, the rate listed on VRBO is an asking price, off season they will often negotiate.
Cheers, T

thx for all the info, will pass on and also suggest they actually join the forum.

Does the location matter? We've stayed at Holland House several times in the past and it's great there IMO. And, their pricing is not excessive. Many, many times we've met couples who were taking a cruise or charter out of the SXM port and they would come a couple days in advance to enjoy the island and stay at HH. The staff is super friendly, the bar is really good, the restaurant (Ocean Lounge) is a tad expensive but very good, and the view of the port from the beach front rooms is outstanding.

If they want to stay on the French side, then I agree with Carol and would recommend Le Petit hotel on Grand Case beach. It's small, but the couple who run it are great and it's within walking distance of several good restaurants in that area. Hope that helps.

Thx Sammy..appreciate it. Passed this info on as well......However, when we went last year to Holland House for a drink, was totally ignored when it was obvious we needed attention. Location was OK, nothing sensational. Waited 10 minutes then left and we are all different and have off days in the service business, but all I ever ask is for someone to greet you cordially and explain that they will be with you shortly, but sitting there for 10 minutes when there was nobody else at the bar....not for me. Go by instincts now and if it doesn't feel right, we leave. However, can always revisit for a second chance, but once smitten and all that....
However, All this talk of trying to help my friends is making me homesick....................would leap at Holland House now myself:-)))) And wait all night.....

uhmn, bran, it's "once BITTEN"

I dunno Carol...I think bran is quite smitten too! He's looking at last minute airfares to go back despite all the negatives he listed in another thread... lol

Tongue in cheek on the negatives...sure you realized that. Yes, smitten, bitten, (rhymes with Kitten) is correct. Because of the difficulty we had last time due to my wife’s illness, she is much better now, I’m making the excuse that we need to go back and celebrate 45 years of marriage and have a proper untroubled vacation(again) plus it’s my Birthday on Friday.
Totally excessive, totally impractical and totally doable..lol.
Working on it!!!

You go, bran!! Wish we could go back that soon!! Hoping your wife is feeling much better.