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

My wife, myself and two daughters went there yesterday for the first time. The servers said it was totally reserved. I told him that it was our first time and took us 45 min to get here. After a half an hour we finally got four chairs and umbrella. We had a few drinks, three lobster rolls, a plain salad and fries. The total cost was $450 CAD with (15%) tip. They don’t do USD at par with the Euro. It’s a beautiful beach but we won’t be back.

While I have never been to Anse Marcel, it is on the French side and service charge should be included in the menu price. Tipping 15% on top of the menu-included service charge was more than necessary, unless you felt the service warranted that amount. Typically, a few $$ or 5% is customary.

Sorry you had a bad experience. AMBC is not cheap, for sure. I believe they do charge for chairs, even if you eat there, so that cost would be figured in there. We only go there and eat, so I'm not sure on that. It is high season and Valentine's Day this week, so they probably were extremely busy. You can make reservations online. JD is right though, no 15% tipping on the French side, so if you venture back on the French side, remember that. You might try Orange Fever on Orient, as I think you might like it.

Yes. There is a charge for chairs regardless of eating or drinking there. Also no coolers allowed but they will make exceptions. At least they did for us bringing in a small soft sided with water etc.

Four people "a few drinks"....3 $40 lobster rolls with 4 chairs and umbrellas..... add 15% service charge and 450 sounds about right. Did you not see the pricing when you arrived??
Nice clean baths free parking and a beautiful beach and facility. If it's not for you fine....... but is does work for many.

For Anse Marcel Beach Club approx 320USD or 302Euro for 4 including chairs, drinks, food and tip is sadly pretty reasonable. Little more than most of the higher end beach clubs on Orient. This time of year it’s best to always reserve at these types of establishments. . Now you are aware, it’s a great day there - just plan ahead. The island can’t control the Canadian dollar and the exchange rate

Look at it as the St Barts in St Martin on a budget. 😉

Service charge of 15%? Do they add this as it is on the French side and should be included on any menu pricing.

I think the poster added it. All the times we've been there we have never had tip or sc added on.

Is there anywhere around Anne Marcel where who can bring your own chairs, umbrella and cooler?

If so, where and where would you park?

Asking for someone cheap.