Hotel still tired looking...

Returned to Great Bay 6 years later, disappointed that Hotel was just as tired looking. Couples only resort now, expected better ambience. Unfortunate as the location of this property is outstanding. Right on the beach with an amazing infinity pool, so much potential.

Great vacation

I spend a wonderful vacation with my mom for one week at this resort. Everything was great. I shall return here again. Make sure you get the Oceanview room. Walking distance to do some shopping in the city.

Great Bay Sept 2015

Great location walk to town or to the bus stop for trips to other parts of the island. Food and drinks were fine always something to eat. Staff could not have been nicer or more helpful.Had been to hotel may years ago and it is very improved. Room was. t fine we faced parking lot but were not in room that much. Transfers back and to airport quick and on time. enjoyed or trip.

Location, location, location!!!!

awesome staff, great accomodations, and easy access via bus to rest of the island and sister property shared. great special parties, especially the CHOCOLATE PARTY, WHICH INCLUDED CHOCOLATE MARTINIS AND FOUNTAIN~

Simply an excellent resort

Its my second time at Sonesta Great Bay, staff is courteous and friendly, food and service is great. Beach is excellent, its simply an excellent resort. Location is only a 5 minute walk on the beach to Philipsburg.

We had an amazing vacation!

We loved Sonesta Great Bay! It was a beautiful hotel. The room was clean, spacious, beautiful oceanview. The food was great. I am vegetarian ( I do eat fish), I had lots of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food was fresh. Not a lot of fruit options at times, especially watermelon. Watermelon was fresh first day, not very fresh second day. No ice cream options for all the ice cream lovers. The beach was clean, chairs were always available. 5-10 min walk to the downtown shopping strip. Sho [... read more]pping is great for jewelry. Lots of bars on the strip. Water is gorgeous, just like the picture. Entertainment in the resort was weak. Didn't see much of them. At night, there was 1 little show in 7 days, however always music playing and open dance floor outside. Staff were friendly at times. Morning and lunch staff were much friendlier then the evening staff. The chefs were great, always smiling, helpful. The hosts were very friendly. The front desk was amazing. So helpful. We would recommend this resort to people that want to relax, enjoy peaceful time together. The view speaks for itself. Breathtaking.

Beautiful Views

This is a smaller resort but the views are beautiful and the people are so friendly. We had an ocean view room which was really nice, mini fridge stocked daily with pop, beer and water, coffee machine with coffee stocked daily. Room was clean and the view was awesome. Food at resort was okay, quite repetitious in main buffet. Seafood/Steak restaurant was really good and the ONLY air conditioned restaurant. Burgers, pizza was good and the Italian restaurant was good. The drinks at all the bars we [... read more]re good too. No complaints but it was off season and I think if you went during busy season you would probably have some complaints. Towels, chairs etc. but we had a great time and probably would return. Hats off to Anthony in the main buffet!!!

RETURN VISIT

The hotel offers spectacular ocean views, clean facilities, helpful staff, a good variety of dining choices and close proximity to downtown Phillipsburg for amazing shopping. Great value for our travel dollar.

Had a wonderful time!

The Hotel had the amenities that i needed. Hotel definitely needs an update but overall it is well kept and our our room was always serviced clean. Ocean view is a must as you wake up to a picturesque view. Food was good and most of the staff are friendly and always had a smile. My husband and I very much enjoyed our stay at this resort.

Great Resort

Resort was great, close to the ocean and up to it's billing. Dining choices were limited, but the food was good, but would have liked a little more seafood. Staff in general were helpful with requests, although some seemed limited in their knowledge of the resort.

Enjoyable resort

The hotel was really good, and the employees are very friendly, the food was good, and the entertainment as well. Overall, I spent an amazing time.... The locals on the island are very friendly which makes it more enjoyable. Lots of expat on the island as well, the cost of living is quite high, but it is worth the experience...

Average resort

The resort was average, we found our room had some cleanliness issues mainly mold in the bathroom. We had island view, but really it was a view of a retaining wall.. others that had island view could see a parking lot across the street. It is right in the city so it was on a busy road. Food was okay, but we have been to other resorts that served better food so we may be tougher critics than others. If you are younger and looking for a more lively vacation keep looking, this resort had bars that  [... read more]shut down at 11 most nights, only one would stay open past that time. The people that were with us made the trip, not the resort.

Relaxing retreat in beautiful Great Bay

The Sonesta Great Bay resort was a beautiful venue. I couldn't believe how gorgeous the view was. The proximity to Philipsburg village is very convenient and plays host to a string of beach bars and both local and high-end shopping. We attended with a group of approximately 56 people for a wedding celebration and we were happy with the beach and pool area and the variety of activities the resort facilitated throughout the day. The buffet selection was exceptional for an all-inclusive resort whil [... read more]e the a la carte seafood restaurant was less than stellar. Staff were generally friendly and accommodating except for the woman in the casino.

Not so amazing resort...

The only thing this resort really had going for it was that the food wasn't bad. The bar tenders do not know how to mix drinks at all, not sure if it was the few I dealt with but most of the time the drinks were undrinkable. The staff didn't clean the rooms everyday, there were a couple of days the cleaning staff didn't do our room. We had reserved a room with a king sized bed, they only had 2 doubles for the whole week so my girlfriend and I were stuck with it. Lastly, this may not be really i [... read more]n the resorts power, but it's the worst beach on the entire island. Literally every other beach on the island is better, it's coarsley broken shells mostly with sharp shards that can cut you, and the ocean isn't the best to swim in at that spot. The view isn't all that great either, mostly barges and cruise ships when they come in. Overall, I would definitely go to the island again, but I would not stay here.

Pretty Nice Stay at Sonesta Great Bay & Casino

Room was nice and comfortable, maid service can take til late afternoon some days. Service in restaurant buffet slower than in other Caribbean destinations but if you are not in a hurry it won't matter. Coffee would normally arrive after our dessert was done, nice to have coffee with dessert. Most of the hotel staff was pleasant but came across a couple that were not very pleasant but overall the experience was a good one. Good location in Philipsburg, only a 10-15 minute walk to town.

Second time back

We had such a good time last year we decided to go back again this year. Excellent spot especially with the ocean view this time. Food always good and staff always very friendly we would go back again. Music could be a little different to get the people dancing. Beach a little difficult to get out of - but the water is beautiful.

Enjoyable week away

Not the best beach around but relaxing. Food was satisfying. Seems meant for an older crowd as it seemed to have shut down around 11 pm. The island was beautiful with plenty to do excursion wise......

Great Vacation - I will be back!

Excellent food quantity, quality & selection. Buffet had different theme every night. No reservations required in a la carte. Great upgraded oceanview room with large shower, granite countertop, cozy king sized bed with comfy pillows & duvet. Nice little balcony with excellent ocean view & wooden chairs & table. Fridge well stocked with pop, water, & beer; bottles of gin, rum & vodka along with coffee pot also there to be used as desired. Very friendly, thoughtful & considerate staff, always ask [... read more]ing if they can do anything for you .Remembering a few of the employees names who gave great service: Edrick, Jonathon, Innocent, Geral, Shahib, Cleopatra, Veronica, Penko & many others whose names unfortunately I can't remember! A cold towel & champagne on arrival & Spa gift when checking in. A bottle of champagne & chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to room first night on occasion of our wedding anniversary. Maids were very attentive, bringing fresh towels whenever needed, turning down bed & cleaning room every day, right down to washing the floor. Everything was kept very clean, rooms, restaurants, beach, beach tables were washed every day as well, etc. etc. Hand sanitizer was offered in buffet restaurant & tables & chairs were wiped down after people left. Pools & hot tub were kept clean every day as well & hot tub was actually HOT. Great location within walking distance of Phillipsburg & duty free shopping. Lots of beach lounge chairs & umbrellas. You did have to get up early to reserve them though if you wanted a specific spot. Evening entertainment was OK if you weren't too tired to stay up. Daytime entertainment at the pool was enjoyed by many! The ONLY complaint I have is that there isn't anywhere to hang your bathing suit to dry & no hook in bathroom to hang your bathrobe or clothes on while you shower.

It is the best Hotel and Staff

it is one of the best hotels I've stayed at a little rustic then I'm used to but the Island is wonderful and the staff at the Hotel are beyond wonderful they are is great to the tourist everyone is like family I travel alone so that is important to me Just GREAT

Amazing Resort

Was here approx. 15 years ago. Disappointed with it then but it has improved greatly and loved it. Wonderfull to watch cruise ships come and go. Location to the beach and Philipsburg was a definite plus!