Located on the Dutch side (St. Maarten) and literally tucked into a mountainside, Princess Heights lives up to its name.

That said, families should be prepared for stairs at this hotel, which is located very near the French border. Several sets of outside stairs need to be maneuvered to get up and down from guestrooms to the pool or beach. One of the buildings features an elevator, but mostly, families will be climbing the stairs. If you park on the level closest to your unit, guests will not have more than two flights of stairs to climb — so find a good parking spot! Because of the height high in the hillside, the views from the suites are spectacular, so the climb is well worth it in the end.

The condo-style suites are ideal for larger families seeking a little more space. Full gourmet kitchens and two-bedroom suites give families all the comforts of home.

Families may want to consider combining a studio suite with a one-bedroom suite to create a two-bedroom suite that can host six people. Cribs and rollaway beds are also available upon request, along with a DVD player.

Studio
The studio suites feature a kitchenette with mini-fridge, stovetop, microwave, cookware and utensils. A large balcony with a table and chairs, king beds and a bathtub are also available in the studio suite. The maximum occupancy in these suites is two people, but a crib or rollaway bed are available.

Suites
The one- and two-bedroom suites are ideally set up for families. Both have fully equipped kitchens with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, and cookware, plus a dishwasher and a washer and dryer. Several stools line the open kitchen counter space, too, a perfect spot for kids (and parents) to dine.

The spacious living room includes a sleeper sofa and the balcony features a dining table and chairs, which make for excellent views while dining al fresco. The bathroom includes a tub. The one-bedroom suite can accommodate four people and the two-bedroom (which is a combo of the studio and one-bedroom suites) can accommodate six.

Families will love spending time at the outdoor pool and beach. Ask the hotel what pool toys they may have available, too. There is no lifeguard at the pool or beach.

Pool
The outdoor pool can be about a 10-minute walk down (and up) several sets of stairs from the guestrooms. There is a small waterslide that flows into the large pool, and lounge chairs surround the pool deck.

Beach
The beach is also about a 10-minute walk for guests, as the hotel is located in the mountainside. There is no direct beach access from the hotel so guests will need to walk off the hotel property and down a short roadway to reach the beach.

There are no onsite restaurants located at Princess Heights. But every suite features a kitchen so families can enjoy cooking in their room. An outside BBQ grill area is also an option for guests to use and there are several restaurants located nearby.

All About the Extras
Fitness Center
A small fitness center, with cardio machines, is available to guests 24 hours a day.

Kid Equipment
A small car seat can be rented from the hotel for a $5 daily fee.

Parking
Parking is free and available on different levels near the different units. Make sure to park near your unit and you will not have more than two flights of stairs to climb.

Babysitting
The front desk can secure a babysitter for parents with 24 hours notice.

Laundry
Guest laundry facilities are available in each building however a washer and dryer are featured in the one-bedroom suites.

Arrival Grocery
Families will find complimentary drinks in the refrigerator upon arrival.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to guests.

The Art of Smart Timing
St. Maarten's high season runs from January through April. The island has not seen a significant hurricane in several years, but hurricane season runs from June through November.

Getting There
The Princess Juliana International Airport is a little more than a 30-minute drive to Princess Heights.

Getting Around
Be prepared to walk a lot when maneuvering around the hotel, pool or beach or to any of the nearby restaurants. That's why renting a car would be ideal when staying at Princess Heights unless you don't foresee yourself leaving the hotel much; in that case, a taxi would suit you fine.