After much research (mostly on tripadvisor) we selected L'espanade mostly for the great reviews and oversized rooms. We have two teens and would have to book two rooms just about anywhere else. Since we are hotel snobs...this can get pricey!!!! The oversized loft with the private second floor, left the kids with a comfy pull out and roll-away with their own 1/2 bath on the first.
Not very impressed with the island and it's beaches as a whole, but the hotel and it's staff was just as lovely as you can find anywhere for twice the price. You do pass on some ammenities (no gym, tennis, restaurant) but truth is you adjust very quick. went to much raved about "orient beach" ...think CLUB MED with interruptions every 2-3 minutes to buy a plastic puca shell necklace...PASS for the smaller beaches! Only real disappoinment was the distance between the L'esplanade and it's larger sister hotel the "Petit Hotel". It was a substantial walk all the way down the tretcherous for strolling, restaurant row road. Not "just down the path away" by any means.
Alan at the bar (open only until 6:00pm so not good for happy hour, pre dinner drinks) is THE MAN. I asked him if he knew he was famous thanks to tripadvisor...he said he hadn't read the reviews, but most everyone comments on them!
Don't get freaked out by the skimpy (really narrow) patch of sand on restaurant row that makes up the part of "Grand case beach"
closest to the hotel, take a right at the paths end to the "petit Plage" for an uber nice quiet beach expereince with a great restauarant and ammenities (Sunset Grill). Hotel pool is lovely and quiet. No problem securing chairs n such.
Food is best BY FAR of any Caribbean island. We didn't make any reservations and never were denied a plum seat any any restauarant. The two LOLO (beach front bar-b-que) places on restaurant row had great local fare for a steal, were very quick (with one euro= 1 $...can't beat em). We also had an excellent meal at the Auberge something (traditonal french). Don't miss Thursday and Sunday "band night" at the Calmos cafe.
Liquor was also a bargain in Grand Case, nice name beers $3/4
wine for the same price. Lotta bang for your buck.
EXCEPT shopping. Everything is in Euros and can be found much cheaper state side.
Disappointed with the casino scene. Called the biggest one on the island who assured us they had craps tables, just to get us there (suckered into playing black jack) as no craps tables were open on a busy friday night.
A great holiday we all enjoyed immensely. Book with confidence, there's not a better hotel on the island!





Location (e.g., convenience, views)



