Princess Juliana International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Princess Juliana International Airport is on the Dutch side of the island, a stone's throw from Simpson Bay and the famous Maho beach, where planes pass just metres above sunbathers while landing: for those who want to stay close to the sea and the nightlife, Simpson Bay and Maho are convenient from early afternoon onward, with a transfer of 5-10 minutes. Philipsburg, the capital with the Great Bay waterfront and Front Street, is an equally valid option for those who prefer shopping and restaurants on foot, accepting 15-20 more minutes by car. From here to the French side and Grand Case it still takes 30-40 minutes, so anyone wanting to sleep near that side should look at SFG airport, not this one.

Simpson Bay and Maho

Airport area · 5-10 minutes by car from the terminal; several hotels are within walking distance of the runway, including Maho Beach, from which you can watch planes land.

Best for: Those who want to stay minutes from the terminal, with beaches, casinos and evening venues within walking distance or very close by.

Pros

No need to travel far on the day of arrival or departure, handy for evening or very early morning flights
Beaches, casinos and restaurants of Maho and Simpson Bay within walking distance of most hotels in the area

Cons

Take-off noise is clearly audible near the runway, especially at Maho Beach
Reaching Philipsburg's historic waterfront still takes a 15-20 minute transfer

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Vacation Club Flamingo Beach Sint Maarten: Suites with full kitchen one minute's walk from Flamingo Beach and three minutes from the Hollywood Casino; rebuilt after Hurricane Irma in 2017, about 5 minutes from the terminal.
Commodore Suites, SureStay Collection by Best Western: 26 rooms on Welfare Road, a short walk from Kim Sha Beach and about 8 minutes from the terminal; outdoor pool, two hot tubs and sea view from the rooftop.

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Philipsburg and Front Street

City centre · About 10 km and 15-20 minutes by car from the terminal, passing through Simpson Bay.

Best for: Those who want the historic waterfront, Front Street shopping and Great Bay Beach on foot from the room.

Pros

Front Street, the duty-free shops and the cruise ship pier within walking distance
Great Bay Beach right in front of the boardwalk hotels, with no need to travel

Cons

Further from the airport than Simpson Bay, worth bearing in mind for very early morning flights
On cruise ship days Front Street becomes very crowded during the day

Recommended hotels in this area

Holland House Beach Hotel: 54 rooms overlooking Front Street on one side and Great Bay Beach on the other, a minute's walk from the boardwalk; no pool, but a private balcony in every room.
Horizon View Beach Hotel: Beachfront hotel at number 49 Front Street, a minute's walk from the boardwalk and Great Bay Beach; every unit has a kitchenette and balcony, some with sea view.

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