Note: The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino has suffered extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma and is closed until further notice. Renovations and repairs are ongoing and the resort anticipates a 2019 reopening.

If you want to be close to a downtown area where you can walk to numerous restaurants, casinos and shops, but still want to enjoy the perks of an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, Sonesta Maho Hotel is the best choice for your family.

Located on the Dutch side, this all-inclusive resort is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Maho, home to many local establishments that families will enjoy exploring.

However, the resort itself is its own piece of Caribbean paradise, with a large swimming pool (complete with a waterfall and splash pad) and beach area, kids’ club, spacious guestrooms, nightly entertainment and tasty restaurants — all included in rates.

All of the guestrooms and suites (many of which were renovated in 2015 and 2016 with a modern decor) feature a private balcony or terrace with a small table and chairs, mini-fridge, coffeemaker and free Wi-Fi. A microwave and cribs or rollaway beds are available upon request, and connecting rooms are available, as well. None of the guestrooms or suites include a bathtub.

Premier and Superior
The premier guestrooms feature an ocean, pool or garden view, and guests will find a king or two double beds in these rooms.

Deluxe Suite
The large one-bedroom suites feature a separate living room with a sleeper sofa, a small dining table and chairs, and pool or ocean views.

Pool
Kids will love splashing in the pool, which features a waterfall, swim-up bar and kids' splash pad area. The separate and new 4,000 square foot Aqua Park kid's pool was renovated in July 2016. The pool features three animal-themed slides and is perfect for children ages 3 to 12 as the water is only 20 inches deep.

Beach
Both the upper and lower beach area are ideal areas for families to get their toes in the sand and play in the ocean. Snorkeling equipment is also available to guests. Mullet Bay Beach is also nearby and about a 10-minute walk from Sonesta.

Kids' Club
The kids' club, called Maho Bungalow, is open every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with later hours on certain days. At the supervised Maho Bungalow, kids age 3 to 12 will love climbing around in the ball pit and slide, doing arts and crafts, playing games at the pool and beach and watching movies. Each day features a different theme and there's always something fun happening at the Bungalow. The 1,000 square foot indoor space also received an update August 2016 which included the addition of a playground that connects the kids to the Aqua Park.

Games and Recreation
Kids will find a Ping-Pong table in the lobby area and indoor video games on an unfortunate rainy day. Kids will also love the playground with swings, tennis courts, beach volleyball and pool tables.

Families will find five onsite restaurants and five bars at Sonesta Maho, all of which are included in the all-inclusive rate.

Ocean Terrace
The all-day buffet restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and guests can dine indoors or out. The Nautical-theme restaurant features several different stations and has items like made-to-order omelets, pizza, soups and salads.

Palms Grill
Located near the beach, this casual outdoor Caribbean grill restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The kids' playground is also near Palms Grill.

The Point
Open for dinner, this Italian cuisine restaurant features a more elegant dining experience with amazing ocean views, and children are still welcome. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors; reservations are required.

Pizzeria Napoli
This made-to-order, wood-fired pizzeria is situated within the Ocean Terrace Restaurant. Take-away pizza is also available.

Ascot Pub & Sports Bar
Located in Maho Village, a few steps away from Sonesta Maho, the pub restaurant features fish and chips in a casual setting. Guests can watch the game on television here, too.

All About the Extras
All-Inclusive
The all-inclusive rate includes all meals and snacks; unlimited alcoholic beverages; an in-room mini-fridge stocked daily with soda, water and beer; Wi-Fi; daytime activities at the pool and beach; kids' club access; and nightly entertainment.

Shops
There are several small shops and boutiques located in the lobby. Families will find artwork, clothing, sundries and souvenirs.

Fitness Center
Located next to the spa, the fitness center is open to guests 24/7. Yoga classes, pool aerobics and Zumba classes are also featured at the resort.

Parking
Underground parking is available to guests for a daily fee.

Tour Desk
Families can book tours and excursions directly at the tour desk located in the lobby.

The Art of Smart Timing
The high season on St. Maarten runs from January through April and hurricane season runs from June through November.

Getting There
The Princess Juliana International Airport is a five-minute drive to Sonesta Maho and a taxi could easily transport your family to and from the airport.

Getting Around
Because of Sonesta's downtown location in Maho Village, walking around the downtown area is easy for visitors. If you want to venture to the French side of the island, you may consider a rental car or taxi. But if you plan to stay near the hotel, families can easily explore Maho by foot.

For Mom and Dad
Casino
Parents may want to take a gamble and stop at the small in-house casino located at the lobby bar. A few other casinos can be found nearby, as well.

Spa
The Serenity Spa offers several treatment options for adults like massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hydro baths and body scrubs.