What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a Caribbean holiday? Sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife? Or exotic food and even more beaches? Whatever your ideal holiday scenario, the island of Martinique has you sorted on all fronts. And like on any other island vacation, you deserve to stay in one of the best hotels in Martinique.
Where to Stay in Martinique
The best part about Martinique is its unique blend of French, West Indian, and African culture. You’ll notice it in the people, food, and even its markets. Plus, there’s so much to do here that there’s a little something for everyone in Martinique. If you’ve heard about the famous Mount Pélee and are into historic sites, you should visit the ruins of Saint Pierre that was destroyed by the volcano in 1902. In fact, the slopes of Mount Pélee are a local favorite among hikers. The entire central portion of the island is packed with amazing trekking spots. That’s if you’re into that sort of holiday.
The best beaches on Martinique are towards the South of the island. So go for a hotel in one of the southern towns if you’re here mainly to soak up the sun. Among these, Sainte-Anne is one of the most popular choices among tourists. The Northern part of the island is covered in lush rainforests. The capital city of Fort-de-France is where you can enjoy all the architectural attractions of Martinique. And Les Trois-Iléts is where you’ll find the best restaurants, hotels, and shopping areas. Check out our list of 11 best hotels in Martinique spread all around the top things to do in Martinique.
Les Cayalines
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Situated in Sainte-Luce, the quaint Les Cayalines is a cost-friendly option for those traveling on a budget. It’s basically a no-frill property where you get access to all the basic amenities that you can expect from a hotel. The 64 rooms here are pretty standard with a Caribbean-style décor. What stands out is the kitchenette attached to each room that comes with a fridge and a microwave. For those who prefer to cook their own meals on a holiday, this would probably be the best feature of the property. To bring out the MasterChef in you, what could be better than bringing in your own seafood to cook at your hotel while vacationing on an island?
Les Cayalines is also just a few minutes from the nearest beach, which ironically is not a common feature among other more popular hotels here. There’s also a small pool at the hotel that’s good enough for a quick morning dip. And if you’re traveling with kids, the playground within the property will serve you well when you want some alone time. Les Cayalines is no luxury resort. So it’s perfect if you’ll be spending most of your time outside and all you want from a hotel is a bed to sleep in.
Carayou Hotel & Spa
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Another budget-friendly option, Carayou Hotel & Spa should be your top choice if you’re planning a family vacation. It’s located on a man-made beach. And it offers basic rooms decorated in warm, traditional colors. Amenity-wise, it offers plenty from free Wi-Fi, a spa with sauna, a playground for kids, sports facilities for tennis, volleyball, table tennis, and a water sports facility for snorkeling, kayaking, and canoeing. It also has two pools if you fancy a dip. One has a more relaxed ambiance, while the other one is more vibrant and packed with crowds. You can request for multiple connecting rooms if you’re traveling in a large group. A daily breakfast buffet is complimentary regardless of which room you choose.
What’s great about this place is that it’s not just affordable, but also within walking distance of main tourist spots in town. The touristy Village Creole is just a few minutes away from where you can shop and eat to your heart’s content. If you want to hop onto the capital for a day trip, the ferry to Fort-de-France passes nearby.
Hotel La Bataliere
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Ideally located near the capital Fort-de-France, Hotel La Bataliere is the perfect choice for business travelers. It has the most elaborate conference facilities in Martinique. The hotel is situated amidst lovely greenery and has an idyllic setting for meetings. The meeting rooms and event spaces here can accommodate up to 600 guests. The property is quite large and has 193 rooms and suites. All rooms are decorated in a French-Caribbean style and are equipped with free Wi-Fi and TVs.
The best part of the hotel? Even if you’re visiting for business, there are enough amenities here to keep you entertained during your free time. A small man-made beach outside offers a variety of water sports like scuba diving. And there’s a casino literally a few meters away from the hotel. The massage rooms, fitness center, swimming pool, and beach bar should keep you busy when you’re not working. There’s also an art gallery here where you can admire the work of local artists.
The Bahi Villa – Hotel de Charme
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The stunning Bahi Villa – Hotel de Charme is located in the touristic town of Trois-Iléts. It’s a boutique hotel that offers the homely comfort of villa properties to those who dislike commercial hotels. Each private accommodation comes with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, satellite TVs, and a separate seating area. Each room also has a private balcony. The breakfast selection is one of the main highlights of this place and will set you up for a good start to the day.
There are a variety of activities worth trying out nearby. Snorkeling and hiking excursions can be booked from the hotel’s tour desk. You can also book a guided panoramic shore-excursion online. Apart from that, there’s also a swimming pool and a lush garden within the property walls that are great for spending a relaxing day indoors.
Hotel Bambou
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Hotel Bambou is a place that gives you value-for-money without compromising comfort. It’s situated just a 20-minute ferry ride away from the capital, Fort-de-France. The hotel lies on a beach, offering great views of the sea from most of its rooms. It also serves as a great starting point to begin your discovery of the ‘island of flowers’ – a nickname for Martinique, with a reputation as one of the most colorful places on earth.
The amazing beaches and access to a water sports center give you plenty of opportunities to indulge in sports activities. There’s also a year-round pool within the property. All the rooms are pretty standard with all regular amenities like TV and Wi-Fi. But what stands out the most is the view outside each room. Engulfed by nature, you’ll find yourself surrounded by banana trees and bougainvillea plants, or looking out at the sparkling waters of the sea.
Hotel Bakoua Martinique
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Hotel Bakoua Martinique is one of the few hotels in Martinique with direct access to the beach. In fact, the rooms in this hotel are situated literally on the sand. It’s located in Trois-Iléts, with 138 rooms and 6 suites. You can choose a deluxe room that opens up to the beach or a fancy suite with mahogany furniture and a hot tub. Free Wi-Fi, TV, and private bathrooms with showers are available with any room type.
An outdoor swimming pool with two bars, a tennis court, and a water sports center are some of the popular amenities available here. The shops, restaurants, and bars of Village Creole are just 10 minutes away. This is where we and most tourists prefer to spend their afternoons and evenings.
Hotel Bakoua also has two restaurants along with its two bars. One offers a wonderful seafront view and the other faces the Fort-de-France Bay. The hotel also organizes musical events and theme-based events throughout the year. So if you visit Martinique during one of these events, make sure you check it out.
Simon Hotel
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You won’t find a better place to learn what city life is like in Martinique other than the chic Simon Hotel. Located in a high-rise building overlooking the city in Fort-de-France, Simon Hotel is modern yet comfortable. The interiors boast contemporary and elegant designs. It’s popular among those on business trips, but it can also be an ideal choice for leisure travelers as well.
All of Martinique’s major landmarks are easily accessible from this hotel. Every room offers beautiful views that either faces the sea or the stunning city landscape. Stunning views of the city while enjoying your breakfast will be one of the things you look forward to each day here. Apart from that, you also get access to plenty of amenities like a state-of-the-art gym, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and a minibar in your room. If you book a suite, your room will include a separate living area along with sofa beds.
The dining options at Simon Hotel are also one of its highlights. Two in-house restaurants serve different cuisines but are run by the same chef. There’s also a lounge bar where you can enjoy tapas and cocktails on the terrace with panoramic views of the city.
French Coco
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If you’re looking for a property set against the backdrop of love and romance, French Coco is your answer. It’s located in La Trinité, bordering a nature preserve and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The lush green foliage surrounding the hotel is one of its highlights. It’s actually quite popular among couples on a romantic retreat.
There are 17 private suites in the hotel set amongst the gardens. All of them have access to standard in-room amenities. 16 of them even have a private pool. On top of that, each private pool opens up to a small private garden! All in all, French Coco is a wonderful spot to spend a few days in, tucked away from the world. Whether you’re alone or with your partner. If you do plan to step out occasionally, the Castle Dubuc ruins nearby are worth checking out. Visit Tartane, the local fishing village in the mornings, or go hiking in the Caravelle Peninsula.
The concierge service here is very attentive and they take a lot of pride in constantly helping their guests. So, if you want help with booking recreational activities like scuba diving or fishing around Martinique, do get in touch with them.
La Suite Villa
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A 5-star boutique hotel, La Suite Villa is a stunning property located in Trois-Iléts. The hotel overlooks the Fort-de-France Bay and you can enjoy fantastic views of the bay from the rooms. Choose from one of 6 suites if you’re traveling alone or with a partner. But if you’re with friends or family, opt for one of the 9 villas. Every suite and villa has its own private Jacuzzi and a terrace/balcony. The villas are available in 1 to 3 bedrooms options, with their own kitchen and garden patio. Nothing better than lounging on a hammock in your villa garden to make you feel at home. Interestingly, every villa is named after some kind of candy.
Balade Nature Alpha, Village Creole, Anse Mitan beach, and some beautiful fishing villages are all within walking distance from the property. Gilles, the owner of the property, can often be seen hanging around the hotel with a Cuban cigar in his mouth. If you do run into him, don’t forget to stop by and say hello!
Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
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At Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, luxury is spelled with a capital L. By far, there’s no other property on the island that can promise you a more luxurious stay. It’s situated in the town of La Francois and features 50 spacious, elegant suites. The rooms’ decor is simple and classy with neutral tones, natural wood, and white curtains. And some suites have access to private amenities like pools and outdoor shower areas.
The main highlight of the hotel, though, is its location. You get to stay right at the beach. Indulge in a variety of watersport activities here like windsurfing, kayaking, and diving. Enjoy a refreshing dip at the beautiful pool. Or when you’re up for it, hit the gym for a good workout session. And that’s not all. The ‘spa’ in the name of the property is more than what you think. For the ultimate relaxing experience, enjoy all the facilities of the spa, like the Hammam (Turkish bath), mud bath, and the Japanese-inspired relaxation room. Without a doubt, this is one of the best luxury hotels in Martinique.
And the amenities don’t just end there! The resort has its own library where you can borrow books and spend some quality reading time. How many hotels can offer that? You can also rent a movie from the DVD library and use the DVD player in your suite to have a movie night. Another bonus of the resort is its dining options. The two in-house restaurants are actually quite popular and draw a regular crowd even those who are not staying at the resort.
Hotel La Pagerie
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Hotel La Pagerie is situated right in the middle of the touristic Village Creole in Trois-Iléts. It’s easily one of the best hotels in Martinique for several reasons. First of all, the location is perfect for anyone wanting to stay in the middle of all tourist attractions. There’s plenty of eating, drinking, and shopping options within walking distance from the hotel. It’s also just a 20-minute ferry ride away from the capital Fort-de-France. If you feel like hitting the beach, you can just stroll to the nearest one.
There are 96 rooms to choose from. All of them are quite spacious and decorated in bright tropical colors. Every room also comes with a private balcony. The main attraction of Hotel La Pagerie though is its fantastic pool area. There are two poolside bars and lots of loungers and massage huts for the ultimate vacation experience.
A breakfast buffet is served every day at the two in-house restaurants. But other than breakfast, have your meals at the eateries around town as well. From the first step you take walking into this hotel, you’ll see why it’s the best of the best hotels in Martinique.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Martinique:
- Le Belem – Try your hand at authentic gourmet French cuisine in this new establishment. Situated in Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, it was recently ranked as one of the 70 best new restaurants in the world.
- Ilet Oscar – Located on its own private island, Ilet Oscar serves the freshest seafood on the island. The menu keeps changing based on the catch of the day. –
- La Brédas – World-renowned chef Jean Charles Bredes cooks up a brilliant French/Creole fusion cuisine, served in ceramic plates created by the local potter Victor Anicet.
- Domaine Saint Aubin – Indulge in homemade food that’s the perfect blend of traditional French with local Creole influences. All dishes are made with fresh ingredients taken from the property’s on-site garden.
Recommended Activities In Martinique:
- Habitation Clement Tour – A rum distillery, a plantation, a heritage site and museum – all are packed into one building at Habitation Clement. This tour makes for a great day trip for both families and solo travelers.
- Jardin de Balata Tour – The Balata Gardens are home to hundreds of varieties of trees and flowers and the reason why Martinique is often referred to as the ‘Isle of Flowers’. There’s no entry fee and visitors are allowed to take some flowers back home with them.
- Shore Excursion Martinique South Island Tour – Explore the southern part of Martinique with this tour that includes a visit to the famous Diamond Rock. It’s best suited to those who prefer to avoid tourist crowded areas.
- Shore Excursion Martinique North Island Tour – Go for this tour if you want to enjoy all the attractions of northern Martinique, which includes black sand beaches, the ruins of St Pierre, and the lush rainforests.
