The Towers at Mullet Bay

You’d never know that the Towers at Mullet Bay underwent a major renovation in 2014 based on its rooms and facilities. From the sunny lobby to the outdoor pool bar, the hotel has a somewhat hodgepodge feel. Colorful fabrics like turquoise and fuchsia are oddly paired together, and dated-looking wooden furniture ages the overall appearance of most spaces.

There’s nothing particularly offensive about the hotel, but there aren’t really any stand-out features either -- wood-paneled walls and white-tile floors provide a forgettable backdrop. A number of guests are time-share owners who have visited here for decades, and as a result, many guests are familiar with each other and with the staff. The hotel mainly draws older couples, and the atmosphere is pretty tame.

Numerous other properties on the island offer more amenities for comparable rates. The Villas at Simpson Bay Resort & Marina is another solid mid-range option, with multiple on-site restaurants and pools. 

The hotel’s setting is unremarkable, with a few other hotels and the American University of the Caribbean as its neighbors. However, it’s not a bad choice for travelers seeking a quiet location within walking distance of dining and entertainment options. Mullet Bay Beach can be reached in about seven minutes on foot. This peaceful, white-sand beach is among the island’s best, offering calm waters, a handful of beach bars, as well as water-sports equipment rentals.

The Starz City Casino is a 10-minute walk away -- it features a number of decent restaurants in addition to gaming. Maho Village, the Dutch side’s main nightlife hub, is a 15-minute walk away. Maho’s touristy main drag is packed with shops, restaurants, and bars. Princess Juliana International Airport is a six-minute drive away. The Dutch capital of Philipsburg can be reached in less than 30 minutes by car.

Guest rooms at The Towers are bright and tidy. There are slight variations in decor from room to room, but the furnishings are mildly mismatched in most. Light-wood furniture and off-white kitchen cabinets give the rooms an older feel. Lime green couches clash with leafy-patterned bed runners in some rooms, and the lackluster artwork on the walls appears to be an afterthought. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Kitchens are equipped with cookware, cutlery, and an excellent variety of appliances, including ovens and blenders. Rooms also feature patios or terraces furnished with plastic patio tables and lounge chairs. Most terraces have pretty views of the bay or the hotel’s lush grounds, although the parking lot is visible from some.

Large bathrooms have old-fashioned fixtures and round sinks. Some include glass-doored showers, while others have shower/tub combos. Small wicker baskets on the counters hold bath products by Gilchrist & Soames. Some suites have multiple bedrooms and separate sitting areas. 

The Towers at Mullet Bay has the typical features of a mid-range Caribbean property, but there's nothing outside of the ordinary. The hotel’s average-size outdoor pool offers pleasant views of Simpson Bay Lagoon. The large surrounding deck is dotted with lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. Drinks are served at a small poolside bar area, where dark wicker tables and high-tops chairs are laid out around a circular central bar, all under a hut-like roof. A limited menu is available for breakfast and lunch -- most guests make use of the kitchens in their rooms.

The hotel sits adjacent to 18-hole Mullet Bay Golf Course, but the course generally receives negative reviews from golfers. A modest exercise room is found a short walk from the pool area. The room is dull but practical. It holds cardio machines, free weights, and an exercise ball; there's a TV in one corner. Free parking is offered in an on-site lot, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Staff can assist with laundry, car rentals, and babysitting services for an extra fee.