It’s been over six years since Hurricane Irma slammed into Sint Maarten laying waste to the Westin Dawn Beach resort. While it’s long been rumored that the massive hotel would eventually be reopened under the Marriott brand, there was no information available and no comment from the Marriott corporate team.
Marriott’s website now has a dedicated page for the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa. According to the website, beginning March 7 you can book a stay at the newly branded hotel. Rates vary depending on the day of the week, but they appear to range from $881 to $391.
As you can see, the rendering of the rooms looks quite a bit different — and much more upscale — than the former Westin, which was showing signs of aging back in 2017. How do I know? My family and I stayed at the hotel in May of 2017.
When we visited Sint Maarten following the birth of our two sons, we’d frequently stay at the Westin with its family-friendly pool and easy access to the beach. It’s conveniently located on the border between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin, just a short drive from Orient Beach.
The Marriott Dawn Beach reopens to a bit more competition among rival resorts on the island. The Morgan Resort and Spa was completely renovated and rebranded after Irma to a high-end luxury resort. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort was likewise completely renovated and upgraded. And Secrets Resort has opened in Anse Marcel.
Read more about the opening here at the Caribbean Journal.
