Simpson Bay Resort and Marina Reviews & Ratings

We have had very mixed impressions of Pelican over the 10 years we have owned it. First and foremost, you must know where in the resort you are staying before buying or trading or renting a unit. We have owned unit F-3 which is beach front. The unit seems wonderful - BUT - the unit continually has problems with its vacuum based toilet. It seems to break down at least twice or three times a week. Its not the toilet in the unit but the pumping system that has problems. Since this group of units is below the street level, it has also had problems with the bath tub and has backed up some grizzly water in it from time to time..

The new Marina building, which is a fractional ownership, seems to get all the attention. You will feel the anger when you talk to some of the original owners.

The new Marina building blocks many of the original units views of the Bay. So you now face either the back of the new building or its air conditioners.

KNOW where you are staying on the resort. Last July we were there for two weeks and saw some people stuck in studios that were below ground grade level and facing the back parking lot. Even worse we met a couple who faced the back of the new Marina Residneces air conditioning units, many loud units cycling on and off all day and night. As a special bonus these units also face the main entrance road leading into the resort, which has a large retaining wall and cyclone fence facing this poor couple's unit. The top of the cyclone fence has razor wire, no doubt so that you would not take a short cut to the road????? I would never have stayed in those units, if felt and looked like a prison.

On the other hand, if you can stay in the upper buildings, upper floors, which have wonderful views, it can be quite nice.

The maintenance fees have gotten so high for what you get, that we simply gave our unit back to Pelican. I would go back on a trade since I know the location of units on the resort.

Check in and Check out can be very slow and annoying. I had one run in with a very nasty towel lady, apparently someone had traded in towels and mistakenly or on purpose used our room number. The towel lady insisted that I had already traded in dirty towels and was lieing to get another set of clean ones. I really do not need this type of attitude when I am paying nearly $1000 a week maintenance.

So, if you get a good unit, up high with a view, I would happily go back. BUT, this is not a resort to go to without knowing what you are getting! Caveat Emptor!!

This resort is great. It is perfectly located on a beautiful island with fantastic views. It has so many amenities on site that you really have no reason to leave, but there is so much to do and see on the island, that you would really be missing out if you didn't. Like all resorts in the Caribbean, the resort is subject to the wear and tear that high humidity, salt air and hurricanes inflict, but the resort is constantly cleaned, maintained and upgraded to a perfectly acceptable standard.

Basically, if you are looking for the Four Seasons in Manhattan, this is not your resort. But if you are looking for a well-situated, convenient, well kept and lovely resort with lots of restaurants, entertainment and shopping on-site or a stone's throw away, you will love this place.

We just came back from two weeks at this resort and were pleased. We stayed in the same buildings as the person below. The Marina Residence for one week as well as one week at the B building for one week. The Marina Residence building is truly phenomenal. No complaints! There is no garbage area at the B building just a bin at the side/end of the parking lot. Parking itself was ample. We did have an ocean and pool view room both times not an efficiency unit as below but in three years of going to this resort we have never had tattered sheets or smelly rooms. We have used an efficiency unit as well as our ocean view and no complaints. The staff is friendly, the pools clean and fairly quiet even with the # of people staying there. There are never security issues or difficulties when needing assistance for anything. We will be going back next year!

Stayed at this resort April 2009.We traded thru interval and ended up in a small unit at the very top of the resort overlooking the garbage area.The unit itself was old, smelled extremely bad ,floors were dirty and the linens on the bed were worn and tattered.After complaining to the manager (as we were going to leave the resort) we were able to transfer to the marine residences for a cost of an extra $450.00 for a week and agreeing to go to a timeshare presentation.These marine units were truly five star accommodations.We felt like this was a scam to try and get us to buy a timeshare.We would not return to this resort as you cannot trade into the marine residences you can only trade into the old sections of the resort.Which are not up to standard.On a good note the beaches in Saint Martin made up for the bad experience at the resort.

While some of the units are in need of upgrading (funiture, drapes, etc.) our vacation at Pelican Resort was wonderful. The beach is lovely, lots to do (I loved the water aerobics), excellent food and prices for every budget. Expect a shower now and then to keep the island green, weather was great.

Disappointing events for this stay; first 2 days before our arrival we received a call from the agent that some visitors had been turned away and moved to another resort; explanation (a mix up in reservations due to the recent sale of the ownership) Also told that we could not have the 2 bedroom we paid for six months earlier; only a one bedroom. When we arrived, the desk could not find us in their reservations. After a 4 hour wait, they put us up temporarily in another unit. Next day, found our reservation and placed us in an efficiency. Not 2 bedroom, not 1 bedroom, not acceptable. It was a common occurrance to see other guests waiting for hours at the desk to receive what they expected; most never did. Internet was down for four days. Long lines to use it when it came up. Lovely resort, some staff showed great valor in the face of danger from irate guests.

I am a new owner and just returned from Week 1&2 vacation. Is the resort and 'older' resort yes, HOWEVER the upkeep is very well for it's age (over 20 years) and they are working at it all the time! -the staff can not do enough for you. Alan and Dacey at the B pool and Marina pool, Dominic from maintenance, and the housekeeping staff are all terriffic.

You do not have to leave this resort if you do not want too, everything is here-the prices at the Peli Deli are only 60 cents to 1 or 2 dollars higher (pending the item) of those back in the states!! They have it ALL here. Gift shop, bars, resteraunts, Water Sports (Aqua Mania is the concession) are great, you can rent snorkle gear for the day/week. You pick up ALL your boats from the Marina (Saba, Anguila, St. Barth's) the resort offers trips for MINIMAL cost, sunset sail cruises with an open bar for 10.00 (I took 2!)

They also offer beach and shopping trips for a minimal cost as well!!! A new French Bakery has just open as well. I invited a friend down and she is now interested in purchasing here-you have all these amenities This is a great "home base" and you are centrally located to the airport, entertianment and resteraunts off the resort property.

I have been an owner for 5 yrs and it keeps getting better and better every time we go! It is the most relaxing vacation spot ! You can visibly see all the improvements each year! The resort is back to pre-hurricane status and slowly becoming the 5 star resort they once were! Even the activities at the resort have gotten better - they are so much fun! You can do as much as you want to or as little and have a great vacation. You can walk to many things too, so the location is ideal!

We just returned after a pleasant week at The Pelican Resort Club. It is true that it is an older timeshare (25 years old) however, it is maintained well . . . beautiful gardens, clean, friendly staff, convenient location.

We would return again.

I have been an owner at Pelican for 20 years. If you are looking for a well-located resort, that offers everything, this is it! There is a grocery store, casino, and two restaurants on the premises. There is an olympic pool for laps and a swim up bar. There are also four other pools scattered and a private beach. We love the island . Rent a car, it is only 38 miles around with some of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. Even a nude beach. Half French and Half Dutch, you couldn't ask for more. Shopping is great on both sides and you can go to any number of islands just for the day. St. Bart's, Anguilla, and Saba. The service at the resort is great and the rooms are huge....fully equpped...my one bedroom sleeps four with a king size bed and a queen sleeper sofa. They will also roll in a bed if you need more. Kitchen is fully equipped, dishes pots pans silverware etc, dishwasher, two t.v.s that are cable. Love this island and love Pelican!!

The resort is everything you would ever want for a tropical fantasy vacation, we took the sunset cruise from the marina at the resort and met new friends from all over that we are still in touch with, it was an incredible evening, with reggae music on board, and to make it even better we stopped in at the Red Piano at the resort, after the cruise, and stayed until closing, the piano player was awesome, a mix of Jack Johnson and Harry Connick, Jr!! The pools are awesome and the tropical cocktails are the best! We will go back!

constuction, old, outdated, and poor customer service ! A big drop from a five star !

Pelican Resort is a beautiful and well maintained resort. The condo was updated and well equipped with everything you need. The view from our balcony was outstanding. The beach was well kept and beautiful.

There are hilly roads but they have a free shuddle to your room after check in to help you with your luggage.

We rented a car but you really don't need to. They have bus service everywhere. Driving is quite challenging there with very busy roads. We did drive the whole Island, but enjoyed the Dutch side better. Don't miss a trip into Philipsburgh. Great shopping.

One tip... bring a cooler of meats, if you plan to cook. The meats in the grocery stores are very limited, frozen and expensive.

Overall I would definitly go back to Pelican Resort. We were there at the end of Nov 2005 and it was a perfect time to go.

Wonderful exchange experience at this hotel. It was large, the swim up bars were fun and the staff very accomodating. The owners we met loved their resort and many were buying additional units. That says it all.

Really enjoyed the Pelican in Sept. 2005. Our condo (penthouse in Marina) was great and the a/c problem in mst. bdr. taken care of right away. Loved the beach, the swimming, pool and the people. Much preferred the Dutch side to the French side. Shopping was incredible on the Dutch side. We are looking for a timeshare there to purchase on the water. Thanks for a great week.

Decent resort. They advertise 5 pools, but most are small. Only 2 good pools. Resort is spread out. Bathroom toilets operate like an airplane toilet...waterless. Small casino. Sint Maarten is all about the beaches. Unbelievable beaches. Check out Dawn Beach on the Dutch side and Pinel Island on the French. Baie Rouge is another great beach on the French side but lost some points when they broke the locks on my rental car and stole a couple of hundred dollars out of my glove compartment. I know...stupid mistake. Don't leave anyhing in the car.

Howard304 After 18 years as an owner, this year was the best, all years have been good,ut 2005 was exceptional. The renovations in my unit, a Flamb0yant right on the beach are great. I see many improvements this year and have just purchased another week. Pelican is centrally located and an ideal place to be. The staff is better than ever.

We love the Pelican. Every time we go, we come back with another unit (we are up to 5 weeks now). Last trip I brought my girlfriend and her husband and they were very impressed with the resort - especially the staff. The Pelican is convenient to all amenities but we often just used the excellent on-site facilities - the Red Piano bar, the casino, the internet cafe, and the Peli Deli. The kitchen is well stocked and the units are roomy. My husband says we should sell our house and move into the Pelican :-)

Having owned at the Pelican now for 5 years. I have seen MAJOR changes. Most units have been upgraded, new appliances, furniture, tile and paint, entire grounds are beautiful. Beach is one of the best in St. Maarten. We usually go to Orient Beach, but this last trip in March, stayed on our beach, it is lovely, many improvements. Staff at the Pelican is truly friendly and any complaints are taken care of immediately. We had a problem with a tempermental lock on the slider door, maintenance replaced the lock within 10 minutes. We actually have bought another week in a 2 bedroom unit. We love St. Maarten and the Pelican Resort is one of the best on the island.Views are incredible from rooms, service at resort is 5 star. Food in restaurants are top notch. I have read another review here and it stated you are charge a FEE to check out. The "fee" is NOT from the Pelican Resort, it is a tax that is charged from the ISLAND, in any of the resorts you stay at for a week or more. It is $50.00, that goes directly to the Gov. of St. Maarten. Pelican also has 5 tennis courts, 5 swimming pools, 2 with swim up bars, a spa, casino,grocery store, gift shops, internet service, activities center, and many fine restaurants. We will continue to go to St. Maarten for many years to come.

I love this resort. The rooms are a great size and the view is spectacular. This is my fifth trip and I will return again next year. This island is so beautiful and the people are quite friendly. The staff at Pelican are tops and the place gets better every year. Why would someone add a review from 2003????? We are in 2005!!!

We stayed at the Pelican in Sept 2003. Perhaps it has improved since, but we had a bad experience. Check-in took 1 1/2 hours of standing in line, the bed was very hard, the toilet broke on 3 different days, the room was musty, bathroom was not very clean, the telephone in the room would not accept a credit card, on-site restaurants were mediocre, and we were charged additional, substantial "taxes and fees" upon checking out, which also took over an hour. We would not return to the Pelican. We did like the French side of the island - the beaches and restaurants were great. Also, the Lambada catamaran cruise was terrific!!

this resort has it all, cleanliness,great pools, rest., casino, nice beach, marina, fabulous views. My only complaint as a 5 year owner is the additional assesments and fees we've been charged over the past few years in addition to our annual maintenence fees. Buyers Beware. Having said that, we love the resort itself as well as the island with its two cultures, dutch/french, each side with its own unique charm. You will not find a better dining experience than the fine french restaurants at Grand Case

This resort went through a bad time a few years back, took control of their management and has made a truly remarkable comeback. The owners here love this resort, many come annually without trading to other locations. The staff is great. The beaches are beautiful and even the efficiency units are large. No complaints from me, I would definitely trade into this resort again and again.

Hi ! Here I am back in beautiful Barbados after spending a very happy and relaxing 2 weeks in my time share at the Pelecian resort club.

This place is lacking nothing (Pelican Resort) as well as the island , it is so relaxing that I am getting too lazy (smile). I notice that management are doing every thing possible to get and keep the place in top shape.

Thanks to Patricia Lepoivre for selling me my time shares and congrats to her for being the top sale person for the year (she is a very good sales person).

We are all looking forward to next year at the Pelican once again.

Hallam (Harry)

We just returned from the Pelican Resort Club in June, that we traded from our primary timeshare. This is an older resort, but it has been remodeled in some parts. (Our room, however had an older TV with no remote and only about 12 stations). The resort is centally located and offers a number of activities and tours at reasonable prices. The on site deli- store was convenient for food and snack purchases. I used the on site internet cafe for emailing and to make phone calls. They charge $4 to be on line for 15 minutes and 50 cents a minute to make a phone call to the U.S.

When we first arrived we were given a room that had an odor. They accomodated us the next day with a different room that actually was an upgrade. The staff and concierge people are very helpful and follow up to make sure you are taken care of.

If you go, I suggest you also take a boat trip to St Bart's. (It leaves right from the Pelican dock and you can get a free ticket for viewing a timeshare presentation of Pelican). We enjoyed that island, as well. (Don't miss lunch at Nikki Beach).

We also had dinner on St Maarten's at Temptations (fine dining) and The Boathouse (casual dining). Both were excellent.