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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Types

Types of Accommodation

  • Guesthouses and B&Bs

    These are common and often family-run. Properties include a personal touch and local insights, with breakfast and a friendly atmosphere. Popular choices for authentic stays.

  • Small Hotels

    Mid-range options with basic amenities like a swimming pool and often an on-site restaurant. For travelers desiring more services than a guesthouse but still prefer intimacy. The Orange Bay Hotel is popular.

  • Apartments and Vacation Rentals

    Popular for kitchens and more space. Ideal for longer stays, families, or budget-conscious travelers who wish to self-cater. Find these via local agencies or online platforms.

  • Boutique Hotels

    A few properties offer a curated, upscale experience. These often feature unique historical character or refined design, providing comfort with enhanced services. The Old Gin House exemplifies this.

Other Accommodation Information

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Often blend into the island's colorful architecture and reflect Statia's Dutch Caribbean heritage. Some guesthouses operate from renovated historic buildings, a direct link to the island's past.

  • Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

    Not formally designated homestays, but many guesthouses offer a very personal, family-like atmosphere. Opportunities to interact with hosts and learn about local life are present. No large-scale initiatives exist for lodging.

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    Facilities for tourists are not available. Camping is not a common tourist activity on Sint Eustatius. Outdoor accommodation is generally limited to private properties. Plan for traditional lodging options.

  • Choosing Accommodation

    The choice often comes down to preferred service level and privacy, rather than a vast array of brands. Each option presents a chance to experience the island's quiet charm.

Neighborhood Guide

The island is small, but each area has a distinct character.

Oranjestad Upper Town

Benefits
  • Central location
  • Access to services (shops, restaurants, pharmacies)
  • Residential feel, glimpse into local life
  • Close to airport and main roads
Considerations
  • Can be hilly
  • Less direct beach access
  • Very safe
  • Generally quiet ambiance

Oranjestad Lower Town

Benefits
  • Historical significance
  • Proximity to diving and snorkeling sites
  • Scenic bay views
  • Flat and walkable for ruins and marine environment
Considerations
  • Limited accommodation directly in Lower Town
  • Quieter in evenings once dive shops close
  • Very safe
  • Peaceful ambiance, sound of waves

Outside Oranjestad

Benefits
  • Seclusion and tranquility
  • Panoramic views of the island or sea
  • Quiet retreat from town bustle
  • Very safe
Considerations
  • Car needed for access to town and amenities
  • Fewer immediate dining or shopping options
  • Extremely tranquil ambiance, natural sounds
  • The entire island is very safe

Choosing Your Location

Consider Your Priorities:

For easy access to shops, restaurants, and services, Upper Town serves as a good base. For divers, snorkelers, and history explorers by the water, Lower Town offers direct access to the marine park and historical port ruins.

Noise Levels:

Noise levels across the island are generally very low. Oranjestad, both Upper and Lower Town, is quiet, especially in the evenings. Rural areas are even more tranquil. Expect roosters crowing or local music playing on weekends.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation in Sint Eustatius, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Mid-December to April): Book flights and accommodation 3-6 months prior. Popular properties fill quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, November-Mid-December): Booking 1-3 months prior is suggested. This helps secure preferred options and often has good rates.
  • Low Season (July to October): More flexibility exists. Booking a few weeks prior is often possible. Booking at least a month prior is advisable for specific preferences.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices for accommodation increase by 20-50% or more during high season. Travel during shoulder or low season for more budget-friendly options.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo are common platforms for Sint Eustatius accommodation.
  • Direct Booking: Many local guesthouses and hotels have websites. Booking directly sometimes has better rates or packages. This also directly supports local businesses.
  • Negotiation Customs: Walk-in rate negotiations are not common or expected. Published rates are generally firm. Booking in advance is a better approach.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Always check policies before finalizing your reservation. These vary by property. High season bookings often have stricter policies.

Helpful Tip

Reading Reviews:
  • Read recent reviews from other travelers on various platforms.
  • A balanced view of a property is helpful.
  • Look for comments on cleanliness.
  • Service and location comments are valuable.
Overall Trip Cost Savings:
  • Traveling during the shoulder or low season.
  • Find more budget-friendly options.
  • This approach leads to significant savings.
  • Plan ahead for best results.

Consideration

Local Tour Operators:

Some dive shops or tour operators may have affiliated accommodations or recommendations. They might offer package deals including lodging and activities, which can be cost-effective.

Arrival Expectations:

Do not expect to haggle for a lower price upon arrival. It is always better to book in advance.

Prevent Unexpected Charges:

Understand the terms of deposit and cancellation policies to prevent unexpected charges.

Accommodation Recommendations

Sint Eustatius presents charming accommodations to suit different budgets and travel preferences. Not a destination for large resorts, its smaller hotels and guesthouses add a personal touch.

Budget / Value Options

The Old Gin House select rooms

Price Range: $80 - $150 per night

  • Historic charm
  • Some more basic rooms available at lower prices
  • Character-filled stay
  • Offers a restaurant and pool
Statia Lodge basic rooms/apartments

Price Range: $100 - $150 per night

  • Offers self-catering options
  • Good value for longer stays
  • Quiet setting
  • Comfortable and practical

Mid-Range Options

Orange Bay Hotel

Price Range: $150 - $250 per night

  • Ocean views
  • Comfortable amenities
  • Popular among divers due to location
  • Pleasant atmosphere
Golden Rock Resort

Price Range: $200 - $350 per night

  • Newer, modern facilities
  • Features a larger pool area
  • Good views
  • Contemporary design

Luxury / Boutique & Family-Friendly

  • The Old Gin House (premium rooms)

    Price Range: $180 - $300 per night. Beautifully restored 18th-century cotton gin, unique historical ambiance, restaurant, and pool.

  • Private Villas (various options)

    Price Range: $250 - $500+ per night. Many private rentals offer luxury amenities, seclusion, and unique views.

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Vacation rentals and apartments with kitchens are ideal for more space and preparing meals. Properties with pools, like Golden Rock Resort or Orange Bay Hotel, are also popular with families.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Guesthouses foster a friendly atmosphere, with opportunities to meet other travelers or interact with hosts. They present a safe and comfortable environment for individuals.

Long-Stay & Cultural Significance

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Apartments and vacation rentals are the top choice. These properties offer kitchens and laundry, making extended stays comfortable and cost-effective. Inquire about weekly or monthly rates.

  • Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

    The Old Gin House stands out. It is a beautifully restored 18th-century cotton gin. Its architecture and decor reflect the island's rich heritage.

  • Choosing Your Stay

    Consider your budget, desired amenities, proximity to specific activities (e.g., dive shops, hiking trails), and whether you prefer a more social or private setting. Each recommendation offers a good base for exploring Sint Eustatius.

  • Overall Experience

    Sint Eustatius is not for large resorts. It is a place where smaller hotels and guesthouses deliver a personal touch.

Planning Your Stay

Accommodation Availability

While options are charming, they are not limitless. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is prudent to avoid disappointment.

  • Limited inventory, especially for prime spots.
  • Early booking is a sound choice.
  • Good for peace of mind.
  • Popular properties fill up quickly.
Matching Expectations

Statia is not a mass-tourism destination. Accommodations here reflect an authentic, laid-back Caribbean vibe. If chain hotels or extensive amenities are top priorities, a different island might be a better match.

  • Authentic Caribbean vibe.
  • Not for chain hotel seekers.
  • Focus on intimacy and local feel.
  • Laid-back atmosphere awaits.

Additional Considerations

Location Benefits

Consider if you prefer to walk to amenities in Oranjestad or if you prioritize seclusion, which might mean a car rental is a good idea.

Host Interaction

Many guesthouses offer a chance to interact with local hosts, a source of island tips and local culture.

Room Features

If a kitchenette or specific view is important, confirm these details directly with the property before booking.