While the Caribbean has a host of very interesting cities to visit, too often Caribbean islands fail to devote resources (particularly hotel stock) to make them appealing to visitors – with exceptions like San Juan, Santo Domingo and Willemstad.

But now one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating cities, Fort de France, Martinique, has a hip new boutique hotel worthy of its rich arts and culture scene: the Hotel Simon.

The boutique four-star property is located smack in the middle of downtown Fort de France, set right on the bay.

The 94-room hotel has two restaurants (one of which is slated to open in March), five conference spaces and the kind of high-design, modern look that could be a game-changer for the French Caribbean.

The hotel has 55 city-view rooms, 36 bay-view rooms and a pair of suites, along with the Bistrot des Flamands restaurant and the soon-to-debut La Table gourmet restaurant.

And while it’s certainly a business-friendly hotel, this is a cutting-edge property that is a welcome option for travelers to Martinique’s experience-rich destination — offering Fort de France as a jumping off point to visit both the north and south of the island and its 11 rhum distilleries.

The best part? Rates right now are starting at just about $189 USD per night.

— CJ