Take the Horny Toad Guest House for example. Its location is right on the beach; it is close to the airport and with only eight guest rooms, you are sure to get to know your neighbors. Owners Betty and Earle Vaughan stayed as guests at the house in 1979 and liked it so much they decided to return. In 1981 they purchased the operation.

Mrs. Vaughan explained why she and her husband decided to move. "St. Maarten is a special place," she said. "The beaches are wonderful, everyone is friendly and the people really care and try. People realize what tourism is all about here." Although Hurricane Lenny knocked down the 100-foot sea wall in November, the Vaughans still opened just a few weeks later and had the sea wall repaired two months after the storm.

"We are unique because we have caring management for our hotel and this makes a difference," she explained. She and Earle live right on the property so they can deal with whatever needs immediate attention. Betty said they are blessed with many repeat guests each year and that children of their first guests are now coming back. Weddings have even taken place there.

Oli Tinitali of The Pasanggrahan Royal Guest House encouraged guests to come to the island. She said, "This is a very good place to visit, from its food to its sun to its culture, and Pasanggrahan is the place to stay. Come down here for the nice weather!" Oli's husband, Tini Tinitali, is the general manager of the Pasanggrahan. Opened in 1905, the guest house is the oldest hotel on the island.

The Tinitali operation was originally the residence of a Dutch queen. Names of other famous guests are James Michener, and the bar is named after writer Sidney Greenstreet who frequented here as well. Aside from its prestigious past, the hotel prides itself in its fish, which is very good. It has fish specials daily.

"We have nothing but fresh fish here," Tini Tinitali said. "We only serve the highest quality lobsters from Saba every Wednesday and Friday. Our most popular dishes are our mahi mahi and yellow-fin tuna and on occasion we serve marlin as well." Saba, an island south of St. Maarten and visible on clear days, is known for its tasty lobsters.

Guests of the Pasanggrahan are very loyal. Richard of New York has returned every year since 1983. His favorite bedroom is the queen's suite. He and his wife Anna enjoyed a 10-day stay this February. Another couple, from New Haven, CT, stays for four weeks every winter season. They have enjoyed the hospitality of the staff and accommodations for more than15 years.

When coming to the island and looking for a place to stay don't look past the smaller hotels and guest houses. For the seasoned traveler that is looking for something a bit different, these family operations will not disappoint.