Fodor's Expert Review Pasanggrahan Royal Inn

One of the few remaining authentic West Indian properties on St. Maarten is steeped in history; in fact, the island's oldest hotel once served as the governor's mansion. Walls of the entranceway are lined with pictures of Dutch royalty. Specialty rooms (such as the Queen's Room, referring to now retired Queen Beatrix) have hand-carved furniture, four-poster beds with mosquito netting, and private balconies, although they are more about atmosphere than creature comforts. Standard rooms have more of an island feel, with plantation-style furniture. The hotel's restaurant, set in the tropical garden, serves reasonably priced meals and has enjoyed wide popularity for years; the view looking out over Great Bay isn't bad, either. In case you're wondering, pasanggrahan means "guesthouse" in Indonesian.