TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Anse Marcel Beach Restaurant

Just saw the presentation of the food by clicking on the pics, so this time will definately go there. Don't think I need to book a Cabana just for two, an outside table partly shaded should do us fine I think. Tried to see their menu but not able to on their website but think as others have said, in for a gourmet treat. Do you think Chef would be accommodating to make a soup if not on menu? In SXM next week, should I pre-book, or just turn up around 12pm to check them out?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1236967-d5993169-Reviews-Anse_Marcel_Beach-Anse_Marcel_Saint_Martin_St_Martin_St_Maarten.html#photos;aggregationId=101&albumid=101&filter=7&ff=381587246

Depending on the day you might do OK without a reservation but I would do it anyway. Those cabanas are the way to go. I don't remember there being outside tables other than the ones in the main dinning area away from the cabanas. You can also have your food served at your loungers too but I would definitely try and reserve a cabana for 2.

I have been there three times so far this trip. If you do not reserve beach chairs, you likely will not get chairs in the first row. I always reserve chairs as well as lunch. You can do it from their website a day or two before you want to show up. I don't know about a special request. Following is a link to the reservation page; just scroll down.

LINK

The cabana is really a special experience and worth it if you can get it. Not sure when you're going next, but in high season, they MAY not allow a cabana to only two people, but worth it if you can get it. Otherwise, it's just a table in the midst of a bunch of other tables. And definitely make a reservation. You will not be able to get a front row chair without it.

Bran,

I would definitely make a reservation and at the same time, I would ask about the soup. I have my doubts but you never know, right? Re the reservation, I think we made it the day before but not 100 percent certain. If you’re going on a weekend, definitely make the reservation. Just showing up at lunch time would most likely get you a table but I’m betting a reservation would get you a nicer one.

Not sure you can get a cabana for two - maybe, but in honesty, we had one for four this last trip and last year we had five in our group and still had lots of room so I’m thinking a cabana might be overkill for two. The dining-room area is very nice and if you reserve a nice table I’m sure they will take good care of you.

Thx all.....going next week, will let you know. Think the first two weeks in Dec are normally a quiet time.

Hi. I made the reservation Pat is talking about a week ahead. Requested chaise lounges and a specific lunch time. I did it through their Facebook page and it worked perfectly!!

OK, bran, looking forward to hearing your impressions.

So I've only been here once - pre-Irma, and it was nice. But it didn't strike me as particularly kid friendly. I now will have an almost 3 year old in tow. For folks who have been recently, should we give it a try or nah? And I'm not one of those people who feels that kids have to be welcome everywhere - it's totally fine if the answer is "I wouldn't being my toddler here"

Thanks!

The last time we went, there was a family of maybe 8 people next to us with several kids, although I actually think they were older, maybe 10-12 years old. They ate their meal on the beach, as opposed to going up to the restaurant, along with some bottles of wine. The kids weren't up in anyone's faces at all, and the chairs there are fairly far apart regardless. I did not pay any attention as to what they ate, none of my business. My question would be what kind of kids' meals they have, which I would not pay any attention to that section of the menu regardless. And as to how receptive they would be to your bringing some stuff for the kids to eat or drink, that I don't know. I might shoot them an email and ask the questions about the menu and bringing your own stuff, which normally you should not do there. As far as the BEACH, for young kids, it's one of the best ones on the island right now, since there are currently no services on Le Gallion.

Ok, I've looked at the Beach Club's website and still am not sure if this is a place for lunch and or just to hang out for the day. No doubt the food is good from the awards. Interested in eating and also hanging out for the day. Are the cabanas for lounging or eating? Is there any day charge? Looks like there is a small dining room so can you get a beach chair for the day and then go to the restaurant for lunch? Changing/shower facilities?

Do you have to pay for the cabana reservation, like at La Samana?

We did not pay extra for the cabanas, but I don't think there is a charge for it, just subject to availability. We were only two people, but I did tell them it was for our 40th anniversary.

to fritzks -- There is not a day pass charge, but there really is nothing there other than the restaurant, the cabanas and the beach. There are very nice restrooms there, but don't remember whether there are changing rooms or not. There are some outside showers to shower off sand from the beach. There is a charge for the chairs, regardless of whether you eat lunch or not, although I really don't know what it is. Probably around $30 for 2 chairs and 1 umbrella. Certainly, you can rent chairs for the day and eat lunch in the restaurant, which is what most people do. It's kind of a hike to get there, so I personally wouldn't go unless I was going to eat lunch also.

If I remember right the cost for chairs in May was 25 a set regardless if you eat there or not. Coolers are not allowed but they do make exceptions if you ask.

And I thought it was more like 18 or 20 EU per chair with umbrellas and table included. I honestly don’t remember at this point but whatever the cost, a day there is more than worth the price.

20 euro would be more in us dollars. At the time we were there it was 1.20 to 1.

This is in response to several of you. I've been there three times so far this trip, the most recent being day before yesterday.

Two chairs and one umbrella are 28 euros.

The rest room stalls are quite large and one could easily change clothes in them.

I have seen kids there often. There were two little ones right next to me Tuesday. Appeared to be with parents and grandparents, who took them in the water often. They also ate in the restaurant. As long as you don't let your kids run around in the restaurant (and it's not that small), it would be fine to dine with them.

Yes, you can eat at your lounger. My personal opinion, however, is that the food is special enough that you will want to make it a "restaurant experience," whatever that is. LOL. Or if you are looking for a really special experience, then a cabana. No extra charge for cabanas, just subject to availability.

I think that covers all the questions, but if not, ask away. I have not yet been there for the last time this trip.

Great info, thanks all!

I think I read here that you can run a tab for chairs, drinks and restaurant and pay all at end with credit card. Is that right?

Absolutely. Run a tab. That way it only hurts once..

Yes run a tab and use the credit card for best exchange rate.

So, heard back from Management via email and a very nice email indeed, that they would be delighted to make a soup for the wife provided I just gave some notice one or two days beforehand andt asked the time and day we wanted, amount of people and if we wanted chairs. So, getting my juices going already. Not sure if I should book now or wait whilst there and decide on day and give them adequate notice but although most make a day of this, we(well me) are mainly coming for the food as too long for my wife to do an all day affair. Sure we can just walk up and down the beach, or I could go in the sea if I wanted to as don't need the chairs as sitting down for lunch would probably be a three hour affair(I tend to have more than the standard 3/4 courses, Cochon that I am). As most feel that we should book a Cabana(is this well shaded from direct sun?) will do so as long as we don't take one away from a family as would feel uncomfortable if this was the case. Roll on next week..........

Happy Thanksgiving to you all wherever you may be.

Yes. Cabana provides full shade with a view.

Make the reservation, for a cabana. You won't be sorry.. When we were there, they only were using about half the cabanas.

Those cabanas are great. All made with clear cedar flown in from France. Beautiful workmanship.

We haven't been to this beach for several years. I can't tell from the website if the cabanas are ON the beach or "behind" the beach? If there is no extra charge for a cabana, does that mean you pay the same for a Cabana as two chairs and umbrella?

Thanks

We haven't been to this beach for several years. I can't tell from the website if the cabanas are ON the beach or "behind" the beach? If there is no extra charge for a cabana, does that mean you pay the same for a Cabana as two chairs and umbrella?

Thanks

Cabanas are up behind and overlooking the beach. No charge for cabana whether you rent chairs or not.

The cabanas are for eating. Chairs/umbrella are for lounging on the beach.

Two chairs and an umbrella cost 28 euros regardless if you eat there or not.

Children are welcome and there is a menu for them. There were several children there when I was there.