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

I'll be on the island with my young kids next week. We've never been to this beach. I read mixed reviews on TA and a couple people here seem to like this beach and one restaurant in particular. I think I've avoided it because of mixed reviews and seems like sometimes a hassle to get to. We're a calm water no crowds kinda-family. Friars, Baie Rouge, Shoal Bay (at the end near Elodia's), Tintamarre. We love these beaches. Is this one worth a visit? Haven't done Pinel yet.

dmarie--Anse Marcel is a very calm water beach. However, it's not a cheap day. The restaurant is fairly expensive, plus they charge for chairs and umbrellas. Not sure whether they even have a kids menu.

We really enjoy spending a day at Anse Marcel. The water is calm and the vibe is cool and laid back. The food is fairly high end French and don’t know if that is good for your family. On the other hand, Pinel has calm water but can be busy. The food there at Yellow Beach is very good and kid friendly.

You get what you pay for...... great beach for kids.

Depends what your expecting as far as justifying the price. We've always enjoyed our day there but not for everybody. It's an experience.

Anse Marcel is my favorite place on the island, hands down. As others have said, it's not for everyone, but it sure is it for me. Very calm water, generally you can just walk straight out. Food is fabulous (left side of the beach as you are facing the water). Some think the drive there is an adventure; it's just another hill or two as far as I am concerned. I go there several times each trip because I love it so.

Thank you all for your input. Have picky eaters, so we usually have hotdogs for them in our bags just in case. Hubs and I order food/drinks. After reading comments, it's giving me Rainbow Cafe vibes. Nice beach, but I would not go back with my kids or at all, really. The walk there, parking, and the prices including the umbrellas/chairs--it just wasn't worth it. We go for the beach, but it was no better than Friars or more like Mullet. I don't know, we can always give it a shot and leave if we're not feeling it.

Talked to a person in the Gym this morning. He paid 80e for 2 chairs and umbrella yesterday. He ate there too. Too high for my blood.

Trust me, Anse Marcel couldn't be farther in "vibe" from Rainbow Cafe! It's a very upscale beach restaurant, no loud music, chairs set at a reasonable distance from your neighbors, and exceptional food. I wouldn't consider it if I had picky eaters with me.

No hot dogs at Anse Marcel.

Yes no hotdogs or bring your own hotdogs. Pinel is very good for what you need, pretty simple food choices at Yellow Sub with children’s menu.