Separated into three distinct sections, each built over an 8-year period beginning in the mid-1980s, this mega-resort, with its sprawling convention facilities, is the largest hotel on the island. It has a rather anonymous feeling (it's always full of conventioneers and giant tour groups), but it is completely modern and up-to-date, with lots of facilities. The place was massively renovated following hurricane damage in 1995, with additional touch-ups completed in 1999 and 2000. Set along the busy, and often congested, coastal road adjacent to the crescent-shaped Maho Beach, the hotel's scattered structures are all painted a trademark pink and white.

The rooms are fairly spacious and conservatively but comfortably furnished. Each has wicker furniture, Italian tiles, comfortable upholstered pieces, a walk-in closet, and good soundproofing (which is important, since you hear the thundering noise of planes landing at the nearby airport several times a day when you're on the hotel's beach). A handful of the rooms (about 30) contain microwaves and fridges. Bathrooms are spacious, with bidets and tub-and-shower combinations.

Because of its size, the hotel contains nine separate restaurants, more than any other hotel on the island. The Casino Royale, across the street, is the largest casino on the island. Amnesia, an open-air disco, is an island hot spot.

Amenities: 9 restaurants, 3 bars, 1 dance club; casino; 2 pools; 4 tennis courts; fitness center; business services; water sports; laundry; babysitting