Marquis Boutique Hotel

Small and intimate, the Marquis Boutique Hotel & Spa has gorgeous views throughout thanks to its location on a large hill overlooking the beautiful cove of Anse Marcel. Even the pool and dining area, which face the side and back of the property, respectively, look out on a lovely hillside landscape. The resort consists of two-story buildings painted a neutral yellow, red, and purple, and purple predominates in other common areas throughout the property. The large reception room is quirky and busy, with some tables and chairs, merchandise for sale, multiple book shelves, and tourism brochures. 

The hotel is located in the mountainous northern part of the island, near Anse Marcel. While the area is scenic and the drive to the resort has beautiful views, guests should be aware that the roads leading to the hotel are steep and winding. Grand Case -- the nearest town with shops, restaurants, and a grocery store -- is about a 10-minute drive away. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the beach in Anse Marcel, though guests are better off getting a rental car and there's plenty of free parking. Loterie Farm -- a nature retreat with tours and zip-lining -- is around 15 minutes away, as is Marigot, the capital of the French part of the island. It's a 25-minute drive to Simpson Bay and to Baie Rouge, known for for excellent snorkeling. Princess Juliana International Airport takes just over 20 minutes to reach by car. 

The 17 rooms and suites at Marquis are all named after Caribbean islands -- Barbuda, St. Barth, Les Saintes, etc. While the rooms are large with comfortable touches, they are not particularly lush or luxurious -- instead, the decor is more relaxed and homey. Rooms have rust-colored patterned tile floors, white walls, funky lamps, delicate curtains, and modern paintings by local artist Francis Eck. 

Each room has a seating area, a king bed or two queen beds, a desk, and a long dresser that houses a minibar. They also have large marble bathrooms with sinks and tubs, and separate water closets. All units have balconies that look out on Anse Marcel and offer beautiful views of the cove and the surrounding area. The Suite de Luxe has a fully equipped kitchen, two balconies, and a furnished living room with a stereo but no TV. The bedroom has a seating area, a king bed, and a luxurious bathtub, set in the open by the window.

Marquis has a small pool with lounge chairs, a pool bar, and gorgeous views of the surrounding hillside, though it doesn't get much use. Next to the pool is a small dining area where breakfast -- included in most room rates -- is also served. The meal includes pastries, breads, and fruits, while hot items can be ordered for an extra fee. Room service is available for all meals and offerings include salads, seafood, pasta, and pizza. 

The spa at the resort is a single room with two massage tables where massages, skin treatments, and mani/pedis are on offer. Although there's no business center, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property.