Word of mouth is the tried and
true marketing tool at the Grand Case Beach Club in French St. Martin. Guests who return year after year recommend
the beachfront property to their friends, they appreciate that the bartenders
remember their favorite drink, they’re amazed that Fabian
Bellossat at Creole Rock Water Sports kiosk not only remembers their first name but where they live and what
they like to do on the water and they applaud the front desk staff when they
book a dinner reservation at their favorite bistro on the adjacent Grand Case
restaurant row.
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| credit: M. Reffes |
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| credit: M. Reffes |
A little French and a little English, the hotel boasts a 45
percent repeat visitor rate with an international clientele coming from all over the world
including the USA, Canada, France, Sweden, Holland and the neighboring islands
of Anguilla, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe and Martinique. US arrivals from the New
York tri-state region represent the largest group; however, savvy travelers
from California have also contributed to the record number of room nights
booked at the property since the winter.
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| Finishing that novel on Petite Plage , the sweetest beach in St Martin (credit: M. Reffes ) |
“Due to increased
flights from certain cities , “says Jean
Francois Billot, financial manager, “we are now seeing increasing
numbers of guests arriving from the Midwest states as far away as Montana due
to easy connections through Charlotte and Chicago. ” Proud as a peacock, the self-proclaimed hotel
“bean counter “is thrilled and delighted with occupancy levels even in shoulder and low season.
“bean counter “is thrilled and delighted with occupancy levels even in shoulder and low season.
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| Balcony Dining ( credit: M. Reffes ) |
With occupancy rates at
an impressive 92 percent so far this year, the adorable hotel by the sea is on
a roll heading into high season. “We are also focussing on our social media
presence with an improved Facebook page, “he added, “we recognize this is the
wave of the future and we need to get on board. “
Jean Francois Billot taking five at GCBC (credit: M. Reffes )
Offering a variety of amenities, the Club has seventy-five
units in five buildings with sixty-four rented when the owners are not on the
island. Surrounded by fragrant and colorful flamboyant trees, room renovations
will start in August in thirty of the units with an additional thirty to be
refreshed next year. “We are also building a dock so that boats can take our
guests to the Dutch side, “ says Jean
Francois Billot, financial manager, “this is a much more scenic and easier way
to get back to the airport rather than taking a taxi. “ The dock is slated for completion next
year.
Working at the property for seventeen years, Jean
Francois or “Bill “ as he is known around town recognizes the role travel
agents play in the booking process . “Despite the ease of on-line booking, many
of our guests who are of baby boomer age prefer the personal service of a
travel agent, “ he observes, “ we invite
agents to experience the property at fifty percent off rates year round
including the first night gratis and to make the process easier for agents selling the resort , there is a special section on our website for booking room nights and calculating commissions . “
Magical Views from Room 209 in the Oleander Building
( credit: M. Reffes )
The
Little Extras
Guests are treated to a bottle of red or
white wine on
arrival.
Sunset Café offers a tropical menu of fish fresh
from the sea, succulent salads and plenty of frosty Bright Beer from Belgium.
Continental breakfast is included in the room rate with a menu available for
those who prefer eggs benedict or French toast.
A gratis shot of homemade coconut rum after dinner
For a light dessert that also looks pretty, the
pineapple Carpaccio marinated in ginger is a winner.
Room service is available with choices from the
menu at the Sunset Café.
.Every unit has a Balcony or patio with kitchens or kitchenettes
and barbecue grills can be rented.
Fabian at the Creole Rock Water Sports kiosk will organize
a multitude of excursions including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sails
to the nearby isles of Tintemarre for a dip in the magic mud or a day in
Anguilla or Saba. He’ll also fluff up the cushion on your sun lounger as you
are taking a dip in the sea.
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| Fabian at the Creole Rock Water Sports (credit: M. Reffes ) |
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| Sunset Cafe ( credit: M. Reffes ) |
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| Flamboyants in bloom ( credit: GCBC) |
Take a Bow
·
TripAdvisor awarded GCBC the Certificate of Excellence following favorable
comments by returning guests.
·
The property received Apple Vacations "Golden Apple” in
recognition of "highly favorable" ratings by
travelers.
For the fourth consecutive year, GCBC earned a spot on Expedia's
"Insiders' Select List"
·
Orbitz recognized the resort with its "Best In Stay"
award.
Watching the Weather
In
the unlikely event of a hurricane, a plan is in place for guests whose vacation
is either canceled or cut short due to the wrath of Mother Nature. If an
official evacuation is ordered, guests will not have to pay for any unused
nights and will receive a complimentary future stay for the same number of
nights.
This
means if a guest is booked for seven nights and must evacuate after four, there
will be no penalty for the three unused nights and a voucher will be given for
a seven night future stay. If an official hurricane warning is
issued for the island of St. Martin, the resort will waive the cancellation
penalty and, at the guest's option, either refund the full deposit or change
the reservation to a future date.
Sights & Sounds of the GCBC (credits: M. Reffes /GCBC)
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| 5 year old Yann Billot (Bill's son ) enjoying dinner at nearby Calmos Cafe |
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| 8 year old Maxime Billot also enjoys a night out ! |
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| Another Night in Paradise |
Get
in Touch
(800) 340-3016.
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