Belair Beach Hotel

It's a nice resort if you like a quiet one but a word of caution, don't buy a timeshare at Belair or really anywhere in St Martin. Rent or Exchange in. BTW as far as my review is concerned, it's accurate but they didn't ask all of the questions that they should have.

First thing to understand are that Timeshare Owners own nothing, your status is that of a long term lessee (a tenant), look at the contract. The owner of the resort (usually a numbered company) owns the land, buildings and is recognized by the government. Timeshare "Owners" have No legal rights to speak of, no voting rights on resort issues, no right to audit books. The real owners also take pains to not let other tenants network and organize, supply a members section on their web site etc.

We have an 80 year lease for 1week at Belair Beach, we are sent a newsletter once a year, it's most important function is to present a list of expenses (unsupported by any detail) which they claim justifies their ridiculous maintenance fees. We bought in 1995 with a yearly fee of $305.00, today it has risen to $932.00 (add the $50 tax to it and your near a cool $1,000), an average yearly increase of 8.5% compounded. It's actually higher if I included the occasional special assessment. They charge those fees because they can get them (you have no recourse) and also they inhibit your ability to sell (they claim they have resale programs but they are typically shams) Consequently, as maintenance has climbed, purchase value of the week has dropped (it's an inverse relationship). The week we bought for $14,000 in 1995, I can get for $1,200 - $2,000 from a number of sources, people who own a mid-summer week are at $500 - $1,000. So your left with a decision, pay this years maintenance or walk and start taking advantage of deals around the world. Every time I'm called an owner at the resort, I get annoyed.

Just came back from our vacation, we had a great time, this is our 8th year there, we started with one week now we own 4 weeks. Not very fancy but very clean, great staff, including maid service every day. There is not another resort that we would prefer, our reservations for 2010-11 already and we looking forward to going there once again.

We have been owners since 1996 and consider Belair Beach to be a slice of paradise. We have visited other timeshares on the island, and although Belair is smaller, the rooms are not! The staff is wonderful - especially restaurant and activities staff. Very secure location - concrete building is like a fortress! The beach is fabulous there, and it's not far from many other beautiful beaches on the island. Take Happy Harold's tour when you visit St. Maarten and you will feel like a native in no time. Restaurants on the island have great food and you can find some very reasonable prices. The Catholic and Pentecostal churches on the island are quite hospitable. Banana pancakes and barbeque are specialties in the restaurant. Yum. Sit there and look at the ocean while you eat . . . come back from the beach and hop in the pool . . . a wonderful place. You can hike up to the old fort on the hill and see for miles and miles over St. Maarten and the ocean. A great place for a private and romantic picnic! On the beach at Belair, get a chair, a towel, a cool drink, and let a local expert braid your hair with beads . . . mmmm! Lots of spas on the island provide pampering massages. Belair Beach is the perfect disappearing act from stressful reality.

We have been owners here for over 8 years and continue to be captivated by St. Maarten and it's people. It is a beautiful island with many of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort is very nice with a wonderful on site restaurant with very reasonable and delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Don't miss the barbecue night on Wednesday! The resort has a direct view of the island of Saba which is breathtaking. Belair Beach is next to the Divi at Little Bay which has it's own nice restaurant, and both properties share a beautiful beachfront. Brinks Car Rental is right at the resort and they offer some of the best rates on the island with free airport pickup and delivery. Ask for Zeki and he will take care of you. As for field trips, take the sailboat to Anguilla, hike the Lotterie Farm, shop for booze (at Antillian Liquor--a wholesaler)and jewels in Phillipsburg, take off your clothes at Orient Beach, visit the French Side and Marigot and follow the road around the island for some amazing views. Enjoy!

We spent a week at Belair Beach in early August 2004. The resort is small, but on a beautiful beach. Our unit was quite nice, they had just put new furniture in the day before we arrived. I found the kitchen to be very well equiped, and loved the fact that we walked only a few steps to the beach. The grounds were very well maintained. I found the staff pleasant and helpful, although they often functioned on "island time"