I would highly recommend Princess Heights and would stay there again without hesitation. The internet specials offered on the PH website make this a high quality, high value choice. I always prefer booking direct. The property and pool were well maintained. The only disappointment I had was with myself for not taking time to fully enjoy the amenities. I missed out because I was too busy trying to see and do everything else.
All check in procedures are taken care of in your unit by your host/hostess who escorts you to your accommodations upon arrival. You simply leave your key on the counter when you depart. PH provided a binder full of information in each room. It was very thoughtfully put together and informative. Our hostess Bianca was very kind, knowledgeable and professional.
At first sight, I instantly realized how limited and constricting ordinary hotel rooms are. The units are true to the pictures and appear larger in person and the floors are marbled though out.
The two bedroom suite is a combination of the one bedroom and studio suites providing you with two balconies, two kitchens and two bathrooms each with double vanities. Plus you have the sofa bed in the living room of the one bedroom unit. I chose to rent the 2br 2bth so everyone would have their own individual bed and bathroom. It would be better suited for couples or families but I enjoyed the extra...I would highly recommend Princess Heights and would stay there again without hesitation. The internet specials offered on the PH website make this a high quality, high value choice. I always prefer booking direct. The property and pool were well maintained. The only disappointment I had was with myself for not taking time to fully enjoy the amenities. I missed out because I was too busy trying to see and do everything else.
All check in procedures are taken care of in your unit by your host/hostess who escorts you to your accommodations upon arrival. You simply leave your key on the counter when you depart. PH provided a binder full of information in each room. It was very thoughtfully put together and informative. Our hostess Bianca was very kind, knowledgeable and professional.
At first sight, I instantly realized how limited and constricting ordinary hotel rooms are. The units are true to the pictures and appear larger in person and the floors are marbled though out.
The two bedroom suite is a combination of the one bedroom and studio suites providing you with two balconies, two kitchens and two bathrooms each with double vanities. Plus you have the sofa bed in the living room of the one bedroom unit. I chose to rent the 2br 2bth so everyone would have their own individual bed and bathroom. It would be better suited for couples or families but I enjoyed the extra space. All the units have plush king size beds. The PH bed felt just like one I had slept in during a previous stay at a Westin hotel. Be sure to leave the balcony doors slightly cracked so you won’t get accidentally locked out.
The bathroom was big enough to turn around in. The bottom of the tub is quite slippery. Place your hand towel on the tub floor to stand on while showering as a wet towel will not move. A hair dryer is provided but it has no attachments. It’s located in a cabinet beneath one of the double sinks.
Each bedroom has a large double closet. I was able to walk through it from one side out to the other. The hangers are of good quality and removable unlike the ones at hotels. I really enjoyed having and using the personal safe which is located inside the closet. The safe is modern and has individually raised keys like a calculator. It’s about the size of a DVD player or large dictionary. I found it easy to use and felt comfortable storing my valuables in it.
All kitchenware is provided, including scissors, a wine bottle opener and a 4 cup coffee maker. Coffee lovers bring your favorite coffee, measure, regular filters, and individual packets of creamer and sweetener. Tip: Use only ONE regular white filter when brewing. You may also want to collect and save small packets of other condiments to take with you as well.
There is a 24 hour guarded entrance. The security guard exits the guardhouse to raise and lower the bar each time you come and go.
The rental car offered is free except for a mandatory $8 daily insurance fee and tax. There is a required deposit of an $800 authorization on your credit card. You only get the free car if you book direct but it's completely optional and if you are comfortable with their provider’s terms. There are plenty of car rental providers on the island. Car rentals are not that expensive depending on the season. Rates are competitive and requirements vary.
A small car is fine but you may consider something with a little more ground clearance as the roads are very hilly with many potholes and occasional speed humps. One very useful tip my hostess Bianca gave me was to shift into 2nd gear to assist the vehicle going uphill and down shift into 1st gear going downhill. I drove a small automatic car and was able to shift easily while in motion as needed.
PH guests are permitted access to Dawn Beach through the Westin hotel located just below and across the street. The beach and ocean are highly visible from your balcony. You can park in the Westin parking garage free and access the beach through the hotel lobby.
Mr. Busby’s aka Daniels By The Sea @ night is a great nearby dining option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s just past the hotel office in the Oyster Bay hotel parking lot. Here is the web address if you want to check out the menu.
http://www.dawnbeachsxm.com/busby-menu.shtml
Bring an extra long ethernet cable for internet access; the internet service is free and good but not wireless, an inset repellant candle for the balcony and insect repellant spray for outdoor dining and activities.
You can get just about anything there we have in the US. The prices are listed in guilders but are reduced at the register to American. Items are slightly more expensive but conveniently available. I paid $5 for six pack of coke can products. They have regular and diet.
American currency is widely accepted; both dollars and cents. In fact, it’s all I saw the locals using on the Dutch side. The French side uses Euros but accepts American currency as well. Merchants will not accept $100 bills but they can easily be broken at any casino. $50 bills and smaller are fine. The ATM dispensed my $300 withdrawal in all $50 bills. Bank of America customers can use the Scotia Bank ATM for free. It’s enclosed inside a secure glass booth that requires you to swipe a major credit card to enter but your debit card will work fine in the ATM machine. The Scotia AM is next door to KFC and across the street from Burger King. It is best to use cash for all purchases to avoid foreign transaction fees. There are many other ATMs located throughout the island and inside casinos.
The best souvenir shopping is on Front Street, The Boardwalk and Old Street which is perpendicular between Front and Back St. While shopping at the straw market in downtown Phillipsburg, go to the booths nearest the back towards the pond away from the town center for the best prices. Kenny’s Duty Free Tobacco Shop on Old Street has name brand liquor and high fashion purses for very low prices.
The best parking for shopping downtown Phillipsburg is along the pond. Arrive early, before 10am at least. When I dined out at Pineapple Pete’s I parked for free across the street at the casino with a guard standing watch.
For walking and shopping around, wear comfortable shoes and take sunscreen, sunvisor/hat, sunglasses, umbrella (for shade), a small towel or cloth for perspiration and something to fan with.
Check out Baie Lucas located just 5 minutes north of PH on the French Side. The water is shallow and clear with blended spots emerald and sapphire. You can wade in the water but bring your water shoes as this beach is rocky. There is a friendly local man there who will show you around and give you an up close look at the sea creatures.
A departing note: The airport opens at 5am. Allow plenty of time for waiting 4 lines. Check in counter, two passport control checkpoints and security.
I felt privileged to have experienced such a level of quality. The internet specials helped to put that opportunity within my reach. As soon as I got settled into my home away from home it was time to leave. I had been short changed by my own negligence. It was a taste of the good life I won’t soon forget.More
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