St Maarten has long been a popular holiday destination and is well prepared for the year-round rush, with over 40 hotels offering a total of nearly 9000 beds. Luxury hotels are equipped with everything a visitor could ever need, from casinos to beauty parlours, and have extensive watersports facilities on the premises; even modest beachside establishments usually have their own swimming pool, restaurant and a few skis to lend. A Government tax of 5 per cent is levied on all hotel bills and many hotels add a 10 to 15 per cent service charge. Some even add a further 10 per cent as an energy surcharge.

Several guest houses cater for the less demanding; apartments and villas may be rented.

St Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association
PO Box 486, Philipsburg, St Maarten
Tel: 542 0108.
Website: www.shta.com