Your stay — Turquoise Shell Inn
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The Property — Turquoise Shell Inn
The Turquoise Shell Inn is a no-fuss 3-star on Simpson Bay Road, a short walk from the beach and the strip’s bars and restaurants. The lobby feels like a quiet Caribbean guesthouse – whitewashed walls, a few potted plants, and the receptionist who remembers your name. Rooms are clean and functional, with tiled floors and a balcony overlooking the bay or the courtyard pool. It’s best for budget-conscious couples or solo travellers who want a reliable base without resort prices.
Chronicles of Simpson Bay
Simpson Bay grew from a small fishing settlement into St Martin’s main tourism and yachting hub after the airport opened in 1943. The bay’s sheltered waters attracted charter boats and marinas, which spurred the strip of hotels, casinos and restaurants lining the main road. Hurricane Luis in 1995 flattened many early structures, so most buildings date from the late 1990s onward, with concrete roofs and hurricane shutters as standard. Today the area has a transient, party-friendly vibe, mixing European expats, American tourists and day-trippers from the French side. The causeway bridge, built in 1997, lets yachts pass into the lagoon, and its daily opening times still dictate traffic flow along the bay.
Best Time to Visit
Full Simpson Bay guide →Best months
March to May – low humidity, steady trade winds, and just 1–2 rain days per week. Crowds thin after February’s peak, yet hotel occupancy stays above 60%.
Peak / festival surge
December to February is peak season (especially Christmas and Carnival in January). Hotel rates double or triple, with 3-star rooms like Turquoise Shell often hitting $250–$350 a night. The St Martin Carnival (January) draws thousands, filling every room from Grand Case to Philipsburg.
Budget shoulder season
September to November. You’ll find the Inn at $120–$160 a night, but you must watch the hurricane forecast – most storms pass south but the risk spikes in September. Skies mix sun with short downpours; sea temperatures stay warm enough for swimming.
Weather & packing
St Martin sits outside the main hurricane belt but still faces tropical waves between August and October that can bring 30 minutes of heavy rain followed by full sun. Pack a compact umbrella and quick-dry sandals – not just flip-flops.
Live City Briefing — Simpson Bay
- The Simpson Bay causeway bridge has resumed its regular opening schedule (9:00, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00) after a 2024 gearbox repair – expect traffic delays if you cross during those times.
- A new pedestrian crossing with flashing beacons was installed on Welfare Road near the Inno’s supermarket in March 2025, addressing a long-standing safety issue for visitors walking to the strip.
- Several beach-chairs and umbrella vendors along Simpson Bay Beach now accept contactless payments (cards or phone tap), not just cash – useful if you forget to hit the ATM.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Turquoise Shell Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a first-floor room at the rear of the building, away from Simpson Bay Road. The first floor avoids ground-level street noise and still allows easy access without using the lift, which can be slow in a 3-star property.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing Simpson Bay Road — the road carries traffic and pedestrian noise from bars and restaurants until late. Also skip any rooms directly beside or above the lift shaft, as the lift mechanism can be audible.
Best views
Rooms at the rear (inland side) offer a quieter outlook over neighbouring rooftops and hills. Front rooms face Simpson Bay Road and the lagoon — these have a more open view but come with traffic noise. If you value peace over panorama, choose the rear.
Quietest floors
First floor is the best bet for quiet — it's elevated enough to reduce street rumble but not high enough to catch wind noise from the coast. This hotel has two floors, so the first floor is the upper level.
🔊 Noise notes
Simpson Bay Road is a main thoroughfare with frequent scooters, taxis, and delivery vans until late. The hotel is near the airport (SXM), so expect some aircraft noise from 7am to 10pm, though not constant. Weekend nights can bring music from nearby beach bars.
Insider tips
1. Check in early (before 2pm) to secure a rear-facing room; front desk may accommodate if you ask politely at booking. 2. The hotel has free parking in a small lot — arrive by 4pm to get a spot, as it fills quickly.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Turquoise Shell Inn
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 25 Mbps down/5 Mbps up, no login required but captive page asks for room number on first connection
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No physical papers; complimentary access to PressReader via hotel tablet in lobby
Check-in from 15:00; early bag-drop from 10:00 free if room ready; late check-out until 14:00 costs $30, after 14:00 another full night
Free storage in locked lobby area for day-use before/after stay
Step-free entrance via ramp at side door; lift access to all floors; two ground-floor rooms with grab bars in bathroom, no roll-in shower
Free on-site parking for 12 cars, first-come first-served; overflow at Captain's Car Park 200m west, $10 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 5% government tax on room rate, plus $1 per person per night tourist fee
Deposit & card hold: First night's room rate charged at booking; a $100 credit card hold for incidentals taken at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Mary Star of the Sea Church (554 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Abundant Grace Community Church (737 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Puerta Del Sol Plaza — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Windward Islands Bank — 609 m · ~8 min walk
The Druggist — 461 m · ~6 min walk
Anguilla-St. Maarten Ferry Terminal — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Netherlands Antillean Guilder, ANG (US dollars widely accepted)
ATMs in Simpson Bay give ANG or USD at bank rates; avoid exchange bureaus at the airport and tourist offices for poor rates.
Credit cards accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but small street vendors and some taxis prefer cash.
10-15% at restaurants if no service charge added; round up taxi fares; small gratuity for hotel staff for service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Basic coffee from a local bakery or roadside stall — about $3-4 USD.
Local roti or sandwich from a casual takeaway — roughly $8-12 USD.
A simple main like grilled chicken or pasta from a local eatery — $12-18 USD.
Look for roadside stands along Simpson Bay Road serving BBQ, ribs, and fresh fruit — cheap and filling.
Supermarket Le Grand Marché or Carrefour Market in Simpson Bay area.
Affordable clothing at Simpson Bay Souvenir Market or small boutiques along the main road.
Local minibus (group taxi) along main roads about $2-3 USD per ride; from the airport a shared shuttle is cheaper than a private taxi.
Use ATMs for best exchange rates; buy drinks and snacks at supermarkets; skip meals at beachfront restaurants for street food instead.
Emergency Contacts
Simpson BayDial 911 for all emergencies on the Dutch side, or 17 from a local landline. For the French side, dial 112. Simpson Bay is on the Dutch side. The main hospital is St. Maarten Medical Center in Cay Hill, +1-721-543-1111. Keep your hotel's front desk number handy — they can often arrange transport faster than an ambulance.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Simpson Bay, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Turquoise Shell Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Windward Islands Bank — 609 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · The Druggist — 461 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
The Horny Toad Guest House → Simpson Bay Beach / Maho / Philipsburg
💡 Walk to the main road (Airport Road) and wave down any minibus with a yellow licence plate and route sign. For Maho or the beach, look for 'Maho' or 'Simpson Bay' on the windscreen. They run until late but service thins after 8 PM.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) → Simpson Bay (near The Horny Toad)
💡 Catch a minibus heading toward Marigot from the airport stand; tell the driver Simpson Bay. They’re essentially shared taxis, and you can flag them from the roadside. Exact change helps.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) → The Horny Toad Guest House
💡 Negotiate the fare before you get in; official taxi stands have fixed rates posted. The short ride means no need for a pre-booked car.
The Horny Toad Guest House → Simpson Bay Village / Maho / Kim Sha Beach
💡 Ask the guesthouse to call a taxi for you—they’ll get a reliable driver. A ride to Maho Village costs about $12; to Kim Sha Beach is $8. Always confirm the price before the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Turquoise Shell Inn?
Request a first-floor room at the rear of the building, away from Simpson Bay Road. The first floor avoids ground-level street noise and still allows easy access without using the lift, which can be slow in a 3-star property.
Which rooms should I avoid at Turquoise Shell Inn?
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing Simpson Bay Road — the road carries traffic and pedestrian noise from bars and restaurants until late. Also skip any rooms directly beside or above the lift shaft, as the lift mechanism can be audible.
Is Turquoise Shell Inn noisy?
Simpson Bay Road is a main thoroughfare with frequent scooters, taxis, and delivery vans until late. The hotel is near the airport (SXM), so expect some aircraft noise from 7am to 10pm, though not constant. Weekend nights can bring music from nearby beach bars.
Which rooms have the best views at Turquoise Shell Inn?
Rooms at the rear (inland side) offer a quieter outlook over neighbouring rooftops and hills. Front rooms face Simpson Bay Road and the lagoon — these have a more open view but come with traffic noise. If you value peace over panorama, choose the rear.
What are insider tips for staying at Turquoise Shell Inn?
1. Check in early (before 2pm) to secure a rear-facing room; front desk may accommodate if you ask politely at booking. 2. The hotel has free parking in a small lot — arrive by 4pm to get a spot, as it fills quickly.
What time is check-in at Turquoise Shell Inn?
Check-in at Turquoise Shell Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Turquoise Shell Inn have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 25 Mbps down/5 Mbps up, no login required but captive page asks for room number on first connection
Is there a city or tourist tax at Turquoise Shell Inn?
5% government tax on room rate, plus $1 per person per night tourist fee
Where can I eat cheaply near Turquoise Shell Inn?
Local roti or sandwich from a casual takeaway — roughly $8-12 USD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Turquoise Shell Inn?
Local minibus (group taxi) along main roads about $2-3 USD per ride; from the airport a shared shuttle is cheaper than a private taxi.
When is the best time to visit Simpson Bay?
March to May – low humidity, steady trade winds, and just 1–2 rain days per week. Crowds thin after February’s peak, yet hotel occupancy stays above 60%.
Top Attractions in Simpson Bay
💡 Arrive by 8pm to grab a table on the terrace — the indoor slots are loud. The band plays until around midnight.
💡 Go at dusk when the lights come on the moored yachts. Grab a coconut water from the truck near the roundabout.
💡 Weekday afternoons are dead calm — good for paddleboarding without crowds. Sunset views over the lagoon are solid.
💡 Time it for bridge openings (check marine traffic online). Best light is late afternoon when the lagoon glows gold.
💡 Arrive before 10am for a decent spot near the rocks. The beach bar sells cold beer and grilled fish for under $10.