Formerly known as L’Hoste Hotel, the refurbished La Playa Orient Bay on the French side of the island boasts a beautiful white-sand beachfront with plenty of space and a good selection of water sports; after nearly two years of repairs to recover from Hurricane Irma, the boutique hotel reopened in July 2019 and is an excellent value for singles, couples, and families alike (with a +3 TripValue, it’s one of the island’s better deals). The pool area is relatively uninspiring, activities other than water sports are mostly lacking, and there’s no swim-up bar or full-service spa/fitness facilities (massages are available, however); but the property offers new, very impressive rooms for the price, seasonal DJs, a beachfront restaurant and bar (it’s the only restaurant on-site, but it’s quite good), and a free continental breakfast. The overall service is positively reviewed by guests, acclaimed as proactive and personalized. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves, balconies or patios, and chic Caribbean décor including modern wood flooring and bright but not overwhelming color. On-site activities include parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides; scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing are also available in the immediate vicinity. The shops and restaurants of Orient Village are a short walk away, as are a number of trendy bars and restaurants directly on the beach.