Residence Oceane is a 25-room, off-the-beaten track, self-catering, budget-oriented hotel built into a steep hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With no restaurant or bar on-site and the nearest restaurants requiring a 20-minute drive, the hotel caters to self-sufficient guests, mostly families, who prefer to stock their small refrigerators and cook simple meals at the kitchenettes on their outdoor terraces. The rooms (some renovated) are simple and bright with beach-inspired decor and terraces that look out at the Atlantic and the flowering gardens. While not located directly on the beach, guests can walk or drive to Anse L’Étang, a beach that's popular with surfers. Those who must have a restaurant might consider the two-star Hotel Caravelle or the more upscale Le Domaine Saint Aubin.
Residence Oceane is a 25-room, off-the-beaten track, self-catering, budget-oriented hotel built into a steep hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With no restaurant or bar on-site and the nearest restaurants requiring a 20-minute drive, the hotel caters to self-sufficient guests, mostly families, who prefer to stock their small refrigerators and cook simple meals at the kitchenettes on their outdoor terraces. The rooms (some renovated) are simple and bright with beach-inspired decor and terraces that look out at the Atlantic and the flowering gardens. While not located directly on the beach, guests can walk or drive to Anse L’Étang, a beach that's popular with surfers. Those who must have a restaurant might consider the two-star Hotel Caravelle or the more upscale Le Domaine Saint Aubin.
Situated on Martinique’s quiet Caravelle Peninsula, Karibea Residence La Goelette offers lovely ocean views from its hilltop perch. The two-pearl property promises a solid list of amenities on paper, including two pools, a restaurant, a grocery store, and a poolside bar. However, as of early 2016, most were indefinitely closed, supposedly for renovations. The aging decor, lack of Wi-Fi outside the lobby, and general sense of abandonment will no doubt discourage some travelers. Rooms are dated and a bit worn, but reasonably clean, with small flat-screen TVs and water-view balconies with kitchenettes. Residence Marine Hotel Diamant offers similarly priced and appointed rooms with a slightly nicer resort-like feel on Martinique’s south shore at similar rates.
Situated on Martinique’s quiet Caravelle Peninsula, Karibea Residence La Goelette offers lovely ocean views from its hilltop perch. The two-pearl property promises a solid list of amenities on paper, including two pools, a restaurant, a grocery store, and a poolside bar. However, as of early 2016, most were indefinitely closed, supposedly for renovations. The aging decor, lack of Wi-Fi outside the lobby, and general sense of abandonment will no doubt discourage some travelers. Rooms are dated and a bit worn, but reasonably clean, with small flat-screen TVs and water-view balconies with kitchenettes. Residence Marine Hotel Diamant offers similarly priced and appointed rooms with a slightly nicer resort-like feel on Martinique’s south shore at similar rates.
Hotel Plein Soleil is an art-filled, 16-room, upper-middle-range boutique hotel set in an off-the-beaten-track location among lush, flowering grounds with views of the Bay of Thalémont. A young chef trained under star-chef Alain Ducasse heads the stylish restaurant while an attentive staff caters to guests, mostly families and couples, who prefer to hide away in rooms and suites set in five colorful Caribbean-Creole style villas, some with private pools and terraces with kitchenettes. The main house offers a relaxed residential feel with plush seating and stark white walls that showcase the owner's carefully curated, eclectic collection of artwork. Those seeking more amenities such as a spa and a beachfront location may prefer the nearby Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa.
Hotel Plein Soleil is an art-filled, 16-room, upper-middle-range boutique hotel set in an off-the-beaten-track location among lush, flowering grounds with views of the Bay of Thalémont. A young chef trained under star-chef Alain Ducasse heads the stylish restaurant while an attentive staff caters to guests, mostly families and couples, who prefer to hide away in rooms and suites set in five colorful Caribbean-Creole style villas, some with private pools and terraces with kitchenettes. The main house offers a relaxed residential feel with plush seating and stark white walls that showcase the owner's carefully curated, eclectic collection of artwork. Those seeking more amenities such as a spa and a beachfront location may prefer the nearby Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa.
Situated on Martinique’s famous south shore, the Residence Marine Hotel Diamant offers lovely views of Diamond Rock and the surrounding bay. On paper, the list of features seems excellent, particularly for a two-and-a-half-pearl property. However, everything about the property -- from the decor to the food to the amenities -- is mediocre. The 149 rooms feature flat-screen TVs, outdoor kitchenettes, and private, water-view balconies but decor is simple and dated. Lack of direct beach access, unpredictable restaurant hours, and poor Wi-Fi service are notable cons, but most guests come here for a budget holiday and are willing to put up with at least a few inconveniences. While a bit pricier, Hotel Corail Residence offers similar amenities plus a beach and more modern decor.
Situated on Martinique’s famous south shore, the Residence Marine Hotel Diamant offers lovely views of Diamond Rock and the surrounding bay. On paper, the list of features seems excellent, particularly for a two-and-a-half-pearl property. However, everything about the property -- from the decor to the food to the amenities -- is mediocre. The 149 rooms feature flat-screen TVs, outdoor kitchenettes, and private, water-view balconies but decor is simple and dated. Lack of direct beach access, unpredictable restaurant hours, and poor Wi-Fi service are notable cons, but most guests come here for a budget holiday and are willing to put up with at least a few inconveniences. While a bit pricier, Hotel Corail Residence offers similar amenities plus a beach and more modern decor.
Situated 30 minutes from downtown Fort-de-France, the two-and-a-half Hotel Le Panoramic offers boutique accommodations on a quiet hilltop overlooking the village of Anse-a-l'Ane. As the birthplace of Josephine Bonaparte (former empress of France), the surrounding area is steeped in history and the hotel provides a basic -- though lovely -- jumping-off point for exploring. Each of its 36 rooms is modern and bright with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and private, water-view balconies. While there is no direct beachfront access, a free shuttle provides regular trips to the nearby village, water taxi terminal, and public beach. Check rates at Residence Hoteliere Les Cayalines for a cheaper -- though similarly appointed -- beachfront alternative.
Situated 30 minutes from downtown Fort-de-France, the two-and-a-half Hotel Le Panoramic offers boutique accommodations on a quiet hilltop overlooking the village of Anse-a-l'Ane. As the birthplace of Josephine Bonaparte (former empress of France), the surrounding area is steeped in history and the hotel provides a basic -- though lovely -- jumping-off point for exploring. Each of its 36 rooms is modern and bright with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and private, water-view balconies. While there is no direct beachfront access, a free shuttle provides regular trips to the nearby village, water taxi terminal, and public beach. Check rates at Residence Hoteliere Les Cayalines for a cheaper -- though similarly appointed -- beachfront alternative.
Hotel La Pagerie is a 95-room, upper middle-range boutique hotel built around a lagoon-style pool and flowering gardens. Its location in the heart of the colorful Village Creole puts guests within walking distance of shops and cafes, as well as the Marina of Pointe du Bout, where a ferry connects to Fort de France, Martinique's capital city, in 20 minutes. The hotel’s open-air lobby with a small cocktail bar and billiards table serves as the property’s gathering place for daytime lounging and mingling, and pre- and post-dinner cocktails. Scheduled evening events include local art exhibits, rum tastings, and floral-arranging demonstrations. Rooms, some of which have kitchenettes, have been updated, but they lack the coveted ocean views. Travelers seeking a hotel closer to the sand might want to consider La Bakoua, a larger hotel with rooms near the beach.
Hotel La Pagerie is a 95-room, upper middle-range boutique hotel built around a lagoon-style pool and flowering gardens. Its location in the heart of the colorful Village Creole puts guests within walking distance of shops and cafes, as well as the Marina of Pointe du Bout, where a ferry connects to Fort de France, Martinique's capital city, in 20 minutes. The hotel’s open-air lobby with a small cocktail bar and billiards table serves as the property’s gathering place for daytime lounging and mingling, and pre- and post-dinner cocktails. Scheduled evening events include local art exhibits, rum tastings, and floral-arranging demonstrations. Rooms, some of which have kitchenettes, have been updated, but they lack the coveted ocean views. Travelers seeking a hotel closer to the sand might want to consider La Bakoua, a larger hotel with rooms near the beach.
Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence Les Tamarins is a three-pearl hotel located between the towns of Sainte-Anne and Saint-Francois on Grande-Terre. The hotel’s 20 studios and two-bedroom apartments are clean but drab, and all have balconies or terraces with well-equipped kitchenettes. The hotel shares its facilities with neighboring Sainte-Anne Village Club, collectively forming an expansive property with multiple pools and beach access areas, several casual restaurants, and a full-service spa, among other amenities. Families are well-catered to with a kiddy pool and different kids’ clubs for various age groups. Travelers who prefer to stay closer to town might also consider Le Manganao Hotel & Residences near Saint-Francois.
Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence Les Tamarins is a three-pearl hotel located between the towns of Sainte-Anne and Saint-Francois on Grande-Terre. The hotel’s 20 studios and two-bedroom apartments are clean but drab, and all have balconies or terraces with well-equipped kitchenettes. The hotel shares its facilities with neighboring Sainte-Anne Village Club, collectively forming an expansive property with multiple pools and beach access areas, several casual restaurants, and a full-service spa, among other amenities. Families are well-catered to with a kiddy pool and different kids’ clubs for various age groups. Travelers who prefer to stay closer to town might also consider Le Manganao Hotel & Residences near Saint-Francois.
Situated on Martinique’s quiet southern Atlantic coast, the two-and-a-half-pearl HOTEL CAP MACABOU offers lovely water views and a nice list of amenities in a pleasantly rustic package. Its most notable feature is a large, central sundeck with a beautiful pool, Creole restaurant, and a poolside bar surrounded by Caribbean greenery. Decor in the 48 rooms is simple and includes lots of hardwood details; all offer flat-screen TVs plus private, outdoor balconies with modern kitchenettes. The poor Wi-Fi reception and lack of attractions in the immediate area are a bit disappointing, as is the lack of a swimmable beach. Travelers looking to save a little more money but be right on the beach, should check rates at Le Village de la Pointe, which offers basic seaside accommodations for less.
Situated on Martinique’s quiet southern Atlantic coast, the two-and-a-half-pearl HOTEL CAP MACABOU offers lovely water views and a nice list of amenities in a pleasantly rustic package. Its most notable feature is a large, central sundeck with a beautiful pool, Creole restaurant, and a poolside bar surrounded by Caribbean greenery. Decor in the 48 rooms is simple and includes lots of hardwood details; all offer flat-screen TVs plus private, outdoor balconies with modern kitchenettes. The poor Wi-Fi reception and lack of attractions in the immediate area are a bit disappointing, as is the lack of a swimmable beach. Travelers looking to save a little more money but be right on the beach, should check rates at Le Village de la Pointe, which offers basic seaside accommodations for less.
On an island beset with small, mid-range properties, Club Med Buccaneer's Creek stands out for its size alone. The large, three-pearl all-inclusive offers a wide-range of amenities including one of Martinique’s longest hotel beaches, a beautiful, oceanfront infinity pool, and two open-air restaurants with excellent food. Rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies with (optional) ocean views, but the style is dated, decor is spartan, and we spotted wear like stained furniture. Additionally, some of the bars and restaurants could use an update as well. With 292 rooms, the property can feel crowded at times -- for a more intimate alternative, Hotel La Pagerie is almost half the price, although it lacks a beach.
On an island beset with small, mid-range properties, Club Med Buccaneer's Creek stands out for its size alone. The large, three-pearl all-inclusive offers a wide-range of amenities including one of Martinique’s longest hotel beaches, a beautiful, oceanfront infinity pool, and two open-air restaurants with excellent food. Rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies with (optional) ocean views, but the style is dated, decor is spartan, and we spotted wear like stained furniture. Additionally, some of the bars and restaurants could use an update as well. With 292 rooms, the property can feel crowded at times -- for a more intimate alternative, Hotel La Pagerie is almost half the price, although it lacks a beach.
Like a Europop version of a Disney hotel, this 514-room, 35-acre, mid-range property with sun-baked plazas and grassy rolling hills is a sprawling complex of pools, beaches, faux-plantation guest-room buildings, and three restaurant options. Kids take precedence, and there's an active kids' club with supervised activities as well as a separate club for teens. Quiet it is not, though the sunlit, citrus-accented rooms come with outdoor kitchenettes give families the option to self-cater (meal plans are also available). It's also worth considering kid-friendly Le Manganao Hotel & Residences, which has a full all-inclusive option but lacks the teens' club here.
Like a Europop version of a Disney hotel, this 514-room, 35-acre, mid-range property with sun-baked plazas and grassy rolling hills is a sprawling complex of pools, beaches, faux-plantation guest-room buildings, and three restaurant options. Kids take precedence, and there's an active kids' club with supervised activities as well as a separate club for teens. Quiet it is not, though the sunlit, citrus-accented rooms come with outdoor kitchenettes give families the option to self-cater (meal plans are also available). It's also worth considering kid-friendly Le Manganao Hotel & Residences, which has a full all-inclusive option but lacks the teens' club here.