One of the top questions I was asked after my recent trip to the island was “Which side should I visit?” and honestly, it came up a lot. So I wanted to address every aspect of that question in one place, because if you’re currently wondering the same thing, hopefully this helps you decide which side is best for your next trip.

I’ve now travelled pretty extensively around the island on both sides, and if you’ve been following me on social media, you’ll know I’m not the kind of person who stays at a hotel and never leaves the property. I want to experience everything. Which has, let’s be honest, backfired a few times when I’ve tried to do way too much in a short amount of time and ended up with sunstroke, exhaustion, and a few other fun souvenirs. But the takeaway here is this: I don’t just stay in one place. My trips are jam packed. I want to talk to locals, find out where they actually eat and hang out, uncover the hidden gems, and see whether the touristy spots are really worth it. So when I share a guide, it’s not just researched. It’s lived.

Despite what you might read online, the two sides are remarkably different, which is exactly why I always recommend visiting both, even if it’s just for dinner one night. Trust me on this. It genuinely feels like you’re visiting two different countries. Oh wait.

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Hotels

This is where the difference between the two sides is most obvious. On the French side, you’ll find lots of cute, small, boutique style hotels. On the Dutch side, it’s more large high rise chain hotels, think Hilton style properties, along with casinos and glitzy restaurants to match.

When Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017, it caused extensive damage across both sides. From what I’ve heard speaking to locals, the Dutch government was more willing to provide funds to repair and rebuild, whereas the French government was less so. Because of that, there are certain areas on the French side that still look like they were hit by the hurricane yesterday. Grand Case is a perfect example. There are still buildings that haven’t had a single part repaired or replaced, which can put people off when driving into the area.

That said, don’t let this discourage you. While some surrounding buildings remain in disarray, many hotels on the French side did undergo extensive renovations after the hurricane and are beautiful places to stay.

You can read my reviews of a couple of St Martin’s hotels – Love Boutique Hotel and Le Martin Boutique Hotel

If you’re looking to use points and miles, the Dutch side is going to be your friend with options like Hilton Vacation Club and JW Marriott. But if you’re after a more personalised, boutique experience, the French side will absolutely be your jam. Just keep in mind you’ll be trading some big hotel amenities for charm and character.

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Restaurants

I’m going to be completely honest here. Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in the Caribbean was on the French side of St Martin, and I’ve travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean islands. There’s a reason St Martin is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

Many of my favourite meals were in Grand Case, which is a stunning stretch of beach lined with an incredible variety of restaurants and beach clubs. Think refined menus, excellent wine lists, and consistently high quality food.

I didn’t find the same level of culinary experiences on the Dutch side, with one notable exception. Réveil Matin, a small breakfast spot with the most extensive breakfast menu I’ve ever seen in my life. It is absolutely worth a visit.

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Vibe

This part is harder to describe, but the difference in vibe between the two sides is very noticeable. The Dutch side felt more commercialised overall. With English widely spoken, lots of casinos, and high rise hotels, there were moments where it genuinely felt like I could be in the United States.

That said, I actually felt more immediately welcomed on the Dutch side. Not that people on the French side were unfriendly, but there was a noticeable difference in how tourists with limited French language skills were treated. It’s not a bad thing, just different.

The French side leans much more European in culture. Hotels are smaller and more boutique, offering a more personalised experience, but it’s important to remember that customer service expectations are different from what many Americans are used to. It’s not better or worse, just a different rhythm and approach.

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So, which side should you visit?

The honest answer is both. If you have the time, splitting your stay between the French and Dutch sides gives you the best possible experience of the island. You get the polished convenience, bigger resorts, and nightlife of the Dutch side, paired with the charm, incredible food, and slower European pace of the French side.

If you have to choose just one, it really comes down to how you like to travel. If you want resorts, casinos, points hotels, and an easy, familiar feel, the Dutch side will likely suit you better. If you’re more into boutique hotels, long dinners that turn into late nights, beach clubs, and food that makes you question all your life choices up to that point, the French side will probably steal your heart.

But whatever you do, don’t limit yourself to just one side. Even a short drive over the border for dinner, a beach day, or a wander around a new town is worth it. This is one island that truly rewards curiosity, and the magic is in experiencing both sides for yourself.

Fancy exploring more? Read my Ultimate Travel Guide to St Martin/Maarten here!

You can find out more about my stay on my “St Martin/Maarten” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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