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.

"For the Fantasy" was why the very attractive young French Lady, Majaliene, who served breakfast at the Tropical, described her coming to St Barts. The Tropical certainly contributed to my "fantasy stay" last week. The hotel is a great value for the spacious room, beautiful gardens, and airy and immaculately kept sitting/lounge areas and bar.

Hotel is perfectly situated on the island - close to St Jean Beach and it's great shops and bistros and only 10 minutes drive to Gustavia and Saline Beach (my favorite). Most of my fellow vacationers were French folks and their young ones. The more expensive hotels seem to have the Americaines which suited me fine.

Breakfasts are great (with a view of the beach if you grab the poolside tables) especially when served by Majaliene!

Recommend the Nikki Beach Club for beachside Caribe's and an awesome scallop salad and the Wall House Restaurant in Gustavia for dinner.

Will return to the Tropical in a heartbeat.. One recommendation, be prepared for Euro/$ sticker shock while on the island.

Having never been to St. Barth's, we didn't know what to expect. But we were pleasantly surprised with Tropical Hotel! We are a couple in our late twenties on a budget, so we wanted someplace with a good location and relatively good value - St. Jean was the perfect location. It was a fun, young town, and it had some good shops and food. Not too sleepy! The Tropical Hotel was clean, bright, and quiet. And the breakfast was always delicious and relaxing! DEFINITELY rent a car - St. Jean beach is beautiful, but the ther island beaches are amazing too, and probably quieter. We're thinking about going back next spring as well!

I have always wanted to visit St. Barts, but I was frightened of both the prices and the possibility of an atmosphere reeking with pretentious arrogance. However, this island surprised me on both accounts.

We decided to go with the Tropical Hotel's off season special of $170 a night with the use of a car. We were met at the quaint airport by a smiling Sarah, an employee of the Tropical Hotel, who proved to be indispensable throughout the week. The hotel was a few minute drive from the airport up a very steep hill. The front desk welcome was wonderful and our very poor French skills were tolerated and enjoyed.

Our room was on the smaller side, but nicely decorated with plenty of closet space and storage. A refrigerator and safe were provided, and although there was no use for it, a television was in the room. The air-conditioner worked well and everything was spotlessly clean. The bed, surrounded by decorative mosquito netting was comfortable enough. The bathroom shower invigorated us with hot water and their was ample room for all our toiletries. We asked for a room with a terrace over looking the water, and although the parking lot interrupted the view, it was lovely if you aimed your eye sight correctly. The bathroom towels were plentiful and beach towels are available daily after a refundable deposit is handed over. The room was not luxurious, but for this price, on this island, it was fantastic.

The pool was small but certainly served its purpose for this small hotel. It was very refreshing taking a dip every afternoon after our day at the beach. The inclusive continental breakfast was exactly what you expect, and the croissants tasted fresh and oh so Francois.

Although you are not located exactly on a beach, The Tropical Hotel has an ideal location. You are a few minute walk from the action of St. Jean Beach and a short drive from the restaurants, night spots and shopping of Gustavia.

The Tropical Hotel was an ideal place for a reasonable vacation on this charming, but very expensive island. As in many places around the globe, the high costs are indicative of the desirability of being there. Why are New York, San Francisco, London, Paris St. Tropez, St. Barts, Majorca etc. expensive? They all have a great deal to offer and people are willing to spend to enjoy it. Yet, as in all these places, if you do your research and are vigilant, you can enjoy a vacation without mortgaging your child's education. The Tropical Hotel is a perfect spot to enjoy this incredible island at a reasonable price in off season. During high season, the rates go up one hundred dollars.