Also, if you are looking for a Beach Club that is quieter than most, but still on Orient Bay, try th

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My mother, sister and I (ages 70-early 40s) will be in St. Martin in early-mid April. We are debating staying hotels birmingham at the L'Esplanade in Grand Case or the Alamanda in Orient Beach. We were leaning toward the L'Esplanade, but a friend suggested that Grand Case might be extremely quiet in April. We don't need much by way of night life, but don't want to be the only ones in the restaurant or on the beach! Can anyone help with this? In general, is Orient Beach very busy and/or crowded? Thanks!
It will undoubtedly be quieter, but the accomodations are nicer, and it is in a great location. It is very close to Grand Case Boulevard, which will certainly still be in full swing in April. The restaurants there are considered the best - or some of the best - in the Caribbean, and it is an attractive little place which still has a definite hotels birmingham flavor of 'old Caribbean'. It will definitely NOT be semi-closed in April as your friend seems to suggest.
The location of the Alamanda is perfect if all you want to do is fall out of bed straight hotels birmingham on to the beach at Orient hotels birmingham Bay. It is also right alongside Orient Village with it's attractive little square - which has a very 'French feel' - and a range of restaurants ( none up to Grand Case standard, but still OK ) and a limited number of small shops.
It all depends what you want, but as your mother is in her 70s (like me !) and you and your sister are possibly past the kite surfing, jet skiing stage in life, maybe L'Esplanade would be the better bet for you.
If you are into duty free shopping the real place to go is Front Street in Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island, though Marigot - the French capital - has some excellent boutiques etc. Don't forget, both sides of the island are entirely duty free !
Either way, I am sure that you will enjoy the island. The two sides are entirely differnt in most ways, and though I am regularly accused by Barbara - another frequent contributor to the forum - of being predjudiced, I happen to prefer the French side where I live, but then I am not big on nightlife which is far better on the Dutch side, or casinos which are non-existant on the French side !
Also, if you are looking for a Beach Club that is quieter than most, but still on Orient Bay, try the new 'Palm Beach'. It only opened on December 20th last year. It is well located and very nicely appointed - plus the food is definitely a cut above all the others, both in quality and presentation.
There is plenty more to see and do, on both sides of the island - if you rent a car. Do venture into Marigot and take a look at pretty Marina Royale, hotels birmingham and if duty free shopping is on your list of potential activities, Front Street in Philipsburg (the Dutch side capital) is definitely the place to go - but try to visit when there are only a few cruise ships in port for the day, otherwise it can get very crowded.
You made good decision. hotels birmingham L'Espanade is elegant in simple way and great people. Great views. Car in St.Martin (both sides) essential - routes and road surfaces not US stds but you will be safe. All the French side towns are worth seeing - and there will be plenty of people around - April is good visit time. It is hot - always - and sunny - always. Plan accordingly. Beaches in Grand Case are great. I have seen 20 islands and this hotel hotel is in top five of whole region. You will be treated well and enjoy the surroundings - it is a hidden gem which has huge following and loyalty - which is the best signal for hotel quality. The subject is my business and my passion - so I am tough critic. Make sure to report back to readers when you come home - if you come home!
wiley1827, I am most surprised at your comments regarding the beach at Grand Case, and I am sorry, but I absolutely hotels birmingham cannot agree with you. I should perhaps also add that I actually live very close by, and therefore know the area extremely well.
The 'private' beach at Grand Case Beach club IS nice, but very narrow, though the small PUBLIC beach to the right of the Beach Club lookng out to sea is wider and nicer, with a pleasant view to Creole rock where you can snorkel hotels birmingham if you wish, plus the water is clean. Most people think that the beach is private, but it is NOT, and there is a somewhat hidden public access.
Thirdly, the view facing inland is also very unattractive as it consists mostly of the sea walls of the restaurants and other properties which line the Grand Case Boulevard whose entrances and interiors look nice when wandering down the street, but whose exteriors appear seriously ugly and uncared for from the beach side !
L'Esplanade is a terrific place to stay, and a very wise choice which I am sure, you rbn, and your relatives will thoroughly enjoy - but do rent a car. In my view it is essential to do so if you are to get the best out of your visit to the island, and car rental is not very expensive here anyway.