Each year I try to visit a few Caribbean islands and this year the focus was on the Dutch Caribbean. I visited five islands of which St. Eustatius (or Statia) was one. Read my full Dutch Caribbean island hopping guide to see what I did on each of the islands.
When I searched for hotels in St. Eustatius the name Old Gin House came up and I like gin. Although the name has nothing to do with the liquor gin, I booked a sea view suite. I stayed just 3 nights and they were amazing. In this Old Gin House hotel review I show you why you must stay there if visiting St. Eustatius.
Old Gin House hotel review
St. Eustatius is tiny, and everything can easily be reached within minutes but Orange Bay, Lower Town of Oranjestad is where you want to stay. The Old Gin House is located just below the fort. Scubaqua Dive Center is next door if you plan to go diving. All historical sites are also nearby, and the Quill can be reached by a short hike. Very convenient! The airport is just 10 minutes away by car. When I arrived at the hotel the friendly staff made sure of a quick check-in.
The Old Gin House is divided in two by the road. Don’t worry it’s a road with a dead end and there isn’t much traffic. On one side is the old building, pool, and most of the rooms. On the other side towards the ocean is are a few rooms and the restaurant. The Old Gin House old building dates to the 18th century when it was used as a guesthouse. It was then turned into a cotton gin (from where it got its name) and back into a hotel in the 20th century. Today it’s a modern intimate hotel which I highly recommend. I had a great time.
The rooms at the Old Gin House
I love space in a room as I normally must work as well. I booked a sea view junior suite at the Old Gin House which has a separate living and bedroom. All the furniture is in colonial style which is something I like. In the living room are enough places to sit and there are doors that open to a small balcony. The colonial style desk was a great working spot. I really got some work done.
The bedroom is large as well with enough storage space and with access to the balcony. Next to the bedroom is the bathroom which is beautiful styled and has all the amenities you expect from a hotel. I for example never carry any shampoo or bodywash. A hotel should provide this and preferable of good quality as the Old Gin House does.
All rooms are great (I had a sneak peek at others), but I recommend booking a sea view room if possible so that you can enjoy the views over the Caribbean Sea. I had a lovely stay and hope to return one day in the future.
Old Gin House hotel review facilities
The Old Gin House is a small hotel but still has plenty of facilities. Between the lobby and the garden view rooms is a lush garden with pool. Beach chairs and towels are available there. Wi-Fi on small islands sometimes is tricky but the Old Gin House has a stable connection and it’s free to use throughout the hotel.
The staff is knowledgeable and is there to help plan a stay. I do recommend having them (or the Statia Tourism Office) arrange a guide to walk you through the old town. Of course, you can do it easily by yourself, but a guide can explain the history. Did you know that the US as we know it today might not exist if St. Eustatius wasn’t there centuries ago? Even I as a Dutch didn’t know!
Not a facility at the hotel but Scubaqua Dive Center is right next door. You can rent snorkel gear and snorkel in front of the hotel. Make sure to check out the old colonial city wall which is under water now. The dive center can also arrange dive trips which I planned to do but due to hurricane Dorian which just passed the water wasn’t clear. I MUST return one day as St. Eustatius is a divers paradise.
Dining & Drinking at the Old Gin House
At the old Gin House you have two options for drinking: the bar and the restaurant. I’ll cover both in this Old Gin House hotel review. The bar is a must visit as it’s in the old building and still in the old colonial style. You can have a great wine, cocktail, or a draft beer there. Make sure to pair a beer with some Dutch Bitterballen. It was such an experience to have these in the middle of the Caribbean. The restaurant isn’t open daily for lunch but just down the road is a diner. I recommend having the baguette with Kroketten at least once. Another Dutch specialty.
The Ocean Front Restaurant is a perfect place to relax. It has a dining area and a lounge area all in white with blue and orange details (of course). I highly recommend the tuna sashimi and if you want a steak in the Caribbean you’re also in the right place. In the afternoon the lounge area is the perfect spot to watch sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
In the morning breakfast is served partly a la carte. For me, I don’t need much, just coffee, some bread and fried eggs and I’m happy. If you stay 180+ nights a year in hotels you don’t need those huge buffets anymore.
Conclusion
Whether you’re going for a Caribbean island-hopping itinerary or for a diving adventure on Statia, the Old Gin House hotel is the place to stay. Its location is convenient in the historic district, it has plenty of facilities and good food and drinks. I had a great time and hope to return but after 3 nights I continued my Dutch Caribbean island-hopping trip to St. Maarten. One thing I missed was a chance to dive but I’ll return for that some day in the future.
If you would like to know what you can do on St. Eustatius then see one of these options: 2 weeks St. Maarten itinerary & island-hopping guide to St. Eustatius & Saba. I will add more destination information over time.
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Gallery of the Old Gin House
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
