We had been to St. Barts just once before, on a day trip and decided that we would like to return this year for a few days. Our vacation started in St. Martin (French side) for 5 days and then flew via Air Carribe to St. Barts. Someone from the hotel was there to greet us. He was cordial but spoke very little english. Upon arrival at the hotel we were greeted by a young french woman who checked us in and advised that the ocean view room which we requested and prepaid for was not available until the next day. We were compinsated for the situation with a complimentary diner in a fine restaurant located near the hotel. The room were very small. They supplied two bath towels, no hand towels or wash cloths for showering. Upon requesting the wash cloths, we were advised that you could only have two per room.
It seems that the hotel caters to predominately French clients. There english was by far the worst on the island. One night my wife asked for a napkin while having a drink at the bar. The yound lady serving the drink gave her peanuts when she asked for the napkin.
The rooms were small and the ocean view was not what we expected. The hotel is located at the top of a 90 degree incline hill and is more like 100 yards from the beach. It is a public beach with no aminities. If you have a heart condition or have difficulty in walking you will have a problem getting to the beach and more likely getting back.
I must say the breakfasts were not bad at the hotel and the girls serving them was cheerful.
I don't think I would return to the island until the value of the dollar gets stronger. On our vist to the both islands the value of the dollar was 60 percent of it value. Meaning you get 60 cents in euro for a dollar.
Our accomodations at the hotel in St. Martin was 10 times better for just about the same price.
- Tropical Hotel St Jean
