Champagne toast to the new partnership. From left: SureStay Collection by Best Western Brand Manager Jeffrey Nolan, Commodore Suites Director Doug Tannehill, Commodore Suites Commercial Director May Li, Roque Hellebrand, TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, and Commodore Suites Director Ralph Hellebrand. (Robert Luckock photo)
SIMPSON BAY--Commodore Suites officially announced its partnership with SureStay Collection by Best Western at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in Commodore Suites on Tuesday morning. The event marks a new milestone for the 28-suite property that now has the added distinction of being the smallest branded hotel property in St. Maarten.
The partnership with Surestay Collection by Best Western at the start of the high season assures international visitors of the quality a recognised world-wide hotel brand brings while enhancing the island’s hotel sector, tourism landscape, and visibility for Commodore Suites.
Speakers included Dutch St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten; SureStay Collection Brand Manager Jeffrey Nolan; Commodore Suites Director Ralph Hellebrand; Nilda Arduin, widow of the late Edgar Lynch of Arlyn Consultants who developed the Commodore Suites concept; and Commodore Suites General Manager Dinah Farquharson.
St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Director May-Ling Chun, who was the former General Manager of Commodore Suites, was unwell and unable to be present for the occasion.
“Every time a global name chooses to plant a flag on this island, it sends a powerful message: St. Maarten is a destination worth investing in,” said Heyliger-Marten in her congratulatory remarks. “This is more than a hotel offering, it’s a strategic boost to our entire tourism-value chain.
“Having a branded property right here in one of the most dynamic and busiest parts of the island is going to elevate the area. These partnerships not only raise standards, but reinforce our broader vision for a more competitive and diverse product. On behalf of the Government and TEATT, thank you for having faith in us.”
Arduin reflected on the early days when her husband Edgar, Ralph and May Li came together to start the Commodore Suites hotel project.
Nolan said, “What’s good about us is that we bring the consistency for what guests expect. What Commodore Suites has done since 2016 is very impressive and we are going to elevate that to the next level. We don’t participate in the management side of it. We offer things like consulting visits, revenue management, sales and marketing, and quality assurance inspections. I have no doubt this property will stay that way and live up to the standards they have agreed to. This is a perfect match and a win for both of us.”
Hellebrand gave the timeline of how Commodore Suites had evolved. On the first weekend of March 2015 during the Heineken Regatta, Commodore Suites opened with four studio suites, and instantly sold out. In the 2015-2016 high season General Manager May-Ling Chun opened the Commodore Suites hotel with 17 studio apartments on the first floor.
After the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, Commodore Suites remained the only hotel in St. Maarten in full operation. Several insurance companies temporarily occupied the first floor. In November 2018, construction started on the second floor, adding a one-bedroom penthouse convertible to two-bedroom on request.
The middle of 2019 saw the design of the rooftop garden and outdoor amenities. For the 2019-2020 high season, Commodore Suites opened the second level with nine additional suites, creating a 28 all-suites boutique hotel with rooftop garden, two jacuzzis, exercise pool, and outdoor gym.
Commodore Suites closed in April 2020 due to the COVID lockdown.
“We had always been looking for a global partner to join with. We attended shows in New York, but it was at St. Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) that we were successful with Best Western last May,” Hellebrand explained. “Then we started negotiations to ensure we were a good fit for each other. That led to where we are today, joining SureStay’s Collection franchise boutique formula for hotels less than 50 rooms.
“Basically our website will be linked to their website,” he added. “Best Western has 6 million members and they will also be our members who can save reward points when they stay with us. Plus, we get the expertise for housekeeping, IT, and sales, all of which is now accessible to us.”
Farquharson said she was very proud of her directors “for taking the bold step to franchise with Best Western and elevating hospitality standards.”
Dutch St. Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina was travelling and unable to attend, but sent a message of congratulations.
“This partnership represents a tremendous step forward, not only for Commodore suites but for our national vision of strengthening and elevating Sint Maarten’s tourism product,” Mercelina wrote. “Your commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional guest experience aligns perfectly with the direction in which we are moving as a nation. Collaborations such as this enhance our international presence, diversify our accommodation offerings, and reinforce Sint Maarten’s reputation as a destination where excellence is standard.”
Roque Hellebrand was invited to cut the ribbon.
The ceremony was emceed by Liesa Euton. Entertainment was provided by saxophonist Connis Vanterpool and DJ Mr. Perfect.
