It's a big brick behemoth on the street side, but the oceanfront facade overlooking Dawn Beach and the blue Caribbean is pretty swell. The massive infinity pool between hotel and beach adds another watery playground to the mix. Most of the 310 guest rooms (and 15 suites) are oceanfront, giving you an excellent chance of enjoying Dawn Beach views, very much the place to be when the sun sets on St. Maarten. In fact, these are arguably the best rooms on the island's Dutch side. Look for signature Westin touches, such as Heavenly Bed mattresses, the full-service Hibiscus Spa, and a democratic assortment of rooms to cover a variety of budgets. The wood-and-brick lobby has a Vegas-meets-ski-lodge feel; it's attached to a small casino that rings and clangs till 2am. The Westin has restaurants on-site, but it’s just a short walk to the popular Mr. Busby's Beach Bar nearby—otherwise you'll need a rental car to get anywhere else. The Sunday champagne brunch in the resort's Ocean restaurant is worth sticking around for—a bounteous spread of fresh fruits, seafood, salads, omelets made to order, desserts, and free-flowing champagne. Keep in mind that the sea here can be rough for swimming when the winds are up.