Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Mercure St. Martin and Marina

This modern option with an arty vibe by a quiet beach bay is centrally located. In France, the Mercure brand is known for value and straightforward accommodations, not luxury or elegance, but here the renovated rooms all have the modern conveniences necessary for a pleasant vacation, including an attractive spa, a good restaurant, and a big pool (as well as a separate kids' pool). There are plenty of choices in terms of room size and location, but the upper-floor rooms and their views are preferable if stairs aren't a problem. The website may offer promotions. The on-site water-sports concession is one of the island's best for water-skiing, hoverboarding, or wave running.