Sapphire Beach Club Resort

It’s clear from the high ceilings, classy white and gold accents, and impressive size of the lobby that the Sapphire Club was once a beautiful, upscale hotel. Unfortunately, over the years the hotel has deteriorated to such an extent that even the grand lobby can no longer maintain the glamorous facade. The boutiques that surround the lobby on all sides are closed and don’t seem to be opening anytime soon. The same seems to be the case with the poolside bar and restaurant, where the tables have gathered dust for lack of attention and leaves tumble about the area. The outdoor pool is nice and has a wide terrace. Guests here are mostly couples, though families visit as well.

Sapphire Club is in Cupecoy Bay on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, within walking distance of a handful of restaurants and shops -- like the Blue Mall, which is only two minutes away. It’s a four-minute walk to Rendez Vous Lounge and Le Bateau restaurants, and Le Samanna is only six minutes away on foot. The Atlantis Casino is a five-minute walk away, and the sandy beach at Cupecoy is about seven minutes away. The international airport is a quick eight-minute drive from the hotel. 

The first thing that’s noticeable when you walk into these rooms is the overwhelmingly musty smell. We heard stories of guests that had spotted mice, though service staff were attentive and the rooms appeared clean when we visited visit. This isn't to say that they aren't worn and outdated, though -- expect exposed cords and sagging cushions. Otherwise the rooms are spacious, if a bit outdated in their decor, with white tile floors, white walls, a light blue accent wall, and cheap imitation wicker furniture. Each comes with a flat-screen TV in the living area and a tube-style TV in the sleeping area, as well as air-conditioning and a full kitchen with a limited selection of utensils and dishware. Private balconies look out over the pool and feature small hot tubs. Bathrooms are the highlight here—they’re spacious, with large deep-soaking tubs that can be converted into showers, bright lighting, and plenty of counter space. Guests have complained about numerous maintenance issues, including broken air-conditioners.

The on-site pool is the crucial saving grace at Sapphire Club. It’s huge and has a comfortable seating area with lots of umbrellas and lounge chairs. Next door is the perpetually closed restaurant and bar, with tables and chairs literally covered in dust. Breakfast was not offered when we visited. Behind the parking garage is the on-site beach, if you can call it that -- it has unfortunately shrunk to a miniscule strip of sand in recent years as a result of powerful hurricanes.

Wi-Fi is not free here, and use of the business center also comes at an additional cost. It might not be worth paying the fee regardless, as the available computers are either entirely broken or unbearably slow. The situation in the small fitness center is equally dire: most machines are rusty, or broken and otherwise unusable. Guests can rent cars and tours through the agent on hand in the lobby.