I ended up in Emeraude because I couldn't get a room at Eden Rock for January, having gotten on their waiting list since mid-August. Best thing that ever happened to me! At half the price and a 2 min walk down the beach from Eden Rock, I had my own large room, with a veranda and open-air fully equipped kitchen facing the sea. The beach was literally 30 steps away from my room. It was my first time in St. Barths and all I had heard is the island is rather posh, so I was expecting some rather stiff service. What I found instead was an extremely chilled and low key atmosphere, total privacy and very friendly staff. The owner is around a lot and very nice and helpful. One evening we had our friends who were staying over at Eden Rock for home made dinner - the owner made sure we got all the equipment on the patio - table, chairs, plates, cutlery etc. No issue whatsoever. The morning after it was all cleaned up, as if nothing ever happened.

The only downside - it is expensive, no doubt.

Also - no restaurant, no room service, no minibar. But then again - who cares, Niki beach is 3 mins down the beach, Eden Rock has a good restaurant and tomy's beach has a good resto on the beach (good for lunch).

One peculiarity - the local airport is next door, so you watch the planes come and go all day long. At first I though this will be annoying, I left the island thinking this is special - the St. Barths airport and the tiny planes that land there are a sight in their own right. It is that special, half the local fair of t-shirts, sweatshirts and what-not have the airstrip as their logo. And if you are a light sleeper, no problem - planes stop flying at dusk (too dangerous), so you are assured a good night's sleep (unless you are on a different time zone/schedule, that requires you to sleep until noon or so).

I'd love to go back!

Spacious rooms with a modern decor, great bathrooms, a kitchen and a private balcony facing the ocean. Located just 5min away from the airport and in a central position regarding all other beaches. Breakfast by the beach in this hotel's oceanfront bar "eau de mer" is an absolute must do! Friends of ours staying at different hotels all around the island came over every day to hang out at the emeraude because it is the best! Oh and i almost forgot to mention that they have an iPod Dock in each room. How awesome is that?

Emeraude Plage is our "go-to" hotel in St. Barth. We have stayed there 20 times+ over 20 years. The plusses: you are right on St. Jean beach, a great beach to walk and to enjoy water sports - there's a rental service a few yards away; it's a cozy, one level hotel with renovated rooms of different sizes and costs, some are literally right on the beach; fresh white decor rooms include a covered patio with comfy chaises and outdoor kitchens(!); very friendly and helpful staff; you can enjoy breakfast on the beach 25 yards from the water and cocktails at night at their intimate beach bar; it's a walk on the beach to several excellent restaurants and boutique shopping of St. Jean (it's right between Eden Rock and Tom Beach Hotels), close proximity to the incredible shopping, restaurants and nightlife of Gustavia, St. Barth's main town, avoiding long rides at night on the narrow, windy roads. The negatives: It could be too low key and understated if you are looking for a large, glitzy resort, and St. Jean Beach could be too active - it's close to the airport and Gustavia - if you are looking for a more solitary experience. We find the activity to be fun and the location to be perfect. Great restaurants include Maya's and a local place called Entre Deux in Gustavia. Don't miss a Saturday night at Le Ti to enjoy the show and show off your dance moves, and sushi and jazz at Le Baz is a must. Last tip: enjoy the best massage ever from a wonderful french woman named Veronique, veroniquemassages.com, who will come to your hotel and whose English is excellent. Enjoy!

Cannot say enough great things about this hotel and staff!
- best beach on the island
- elegant modern decor
- best staff possible! Treated us like royalty!
- outdoor kitchens very nice
- walking distance to at Jean everything
- we visited every hotel while there and will be coming back to emeraude plage!!!

Highly reccomend!!