Martinique is an island in the Caribbean, and one of the region’s most fascinating destinations.
But it’s very much the French Caribbean. When it comes to choosing a hotel, that means a lot of unfamiliar names (no Marriotts or Hiltons here), although this island in the Lesser Antilles does have a Club Med with its classic blend of all-inclusive dining and unique activities.
Navigating the island’s hotel landscape isn’t always easy, so that’s why we’re here to help. Here are the hotels we love to say bonjour to when we visit Martinique.
With just 16 rooms and a location that eschews the beach in favor of lofty tropical gardens, the Hotel Plein Soleil overlooks the ocean from atop Pointe Thalemont. Spacious rooms and suites include units with private pools and expansive terraces. The hotel’s east coast location is not only comfortably off the typical hotel grid but also convenient to one of Martinique’s top attractions, the Clement rum distillery. In short, it’s the best hotel on the island.
The Coco Bar at this Trois Ilets resort may be the most beautiful spot to drink a Ti Punch in all of Martinique thanks to its location in the middle of a postcard-perfect bay. It’s a view shared by guests in the resort’s rooms and relaxing on the white sand beach. Stays here promise easy access to Trois Ilets’ restaurants and nightlife, including the hotel’s own trio of eateries. It’s the most complete resort on the island.
Most U.S. travelers know the name and fun reputation of Club Med, making it a great choice for a first-time visitor to Martinique. The all-inclusive model takes the stress out of ordering from restaurant menus in French (although English is fairly widely spoken) or paying tabs in Euros. Plus you’ll still get to sample French Creole cooking in the resort’s three restaurants and local rhum agricole at the bars. The palm-fringed beach is paradisiacal, and hotel-style rooms — some with balconies — are simply but brightly appointed in tropical colors. Activities include a spa, water sports, tennis, and daily and nightly entertainment.
Located at La Pointe du Bout in Trois Ilets, La Pagerie has 96 rooms surrounding a freeform swimming pool with a palapa shaded swim-up bar. A slight air of formality — at least by Caribbean standards — surrounds the Le Pitaya restaurant, which serves elevated Creole cuisine by the pool. More relaxed is the poolside massage cabana; guests can connect to authentic Martinique through weekly concerts and a local artisans’ market.
Diamant Les Bains Travelers in the know have been flocking to the stunning beach town of Le Diamant on the southern tip of the island, best known for its signature “Diamond Rock” and a burgeoning culinary scene. The Diamant Les Bains is a reimagining of the island’s original tourist hotel, with stunning views of the volcanic sands of Diamant and a genteel, tropical feel.
Hotel Bambou Brightly-painted cottages welcome Martinique visitors to linger in privacy at this eco-friendly garden resort, which has 192 rooms, a pair each of restaurants and bars, two pools and a broad stretch of sandy on Anse Mitan. When you want to explore, the ferry to Fort de France is right behind the hotel.
Simon Hotel This high-rise hotel is prized for its downtown Fort de France location and the sophisticated design of its public spaces and guests rooms and suites. One of the benefits of being the tallest building in town: spectacular views from the rooms and the terrace of the BoliBar, which overlooks the Baie des Flamands. La Francais beach is a short walk away, in the shadow of Fort Saint Louis; local ferries can speed guests to less urban destinations like Trois Iets, Le Bourg, Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan, Anse à l’Ane, and Case-Pilote. (It’s also home to one of the island’s top rum shops).
La Bateliere One of the island’s best-known hotels, this is a popular option for both business and leisure travelers. The location in the Schoelcher neighborhood is very good, with easy access to both Fort de France and the main coastal road that takes you to hotpots like Le Carbet.
Diamant Les Bains Travelers in the know have been flocking to the stunning beach town of Le Diamant on the southern tip of the island, best known for its signature “Diamond Rock” and a burgeoning culinary scene. The Diamant Les Bains is a reimagining of the island’s original tourist hotel, with stunning views of the volcanic sands of Diamant and a genteel, tropical feel.
Hotel L’Impératrice While it’s set in the heart of Fort-de-France, this boutique charmer is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Historic and cool, it’s a portal to the mid-century in Martinique, a time of biguine and cultural vibrance. It’s a truly unique place to stay, anchored by a marvelous ground-floor cafe and bar.
Hotel Pelican The island’s newest hotel is a three-star charmer in the same Schoelcher area as the aforementioned Bateliere. It’s bright, breezy and fun, with a signature pool and access to a lovely little stretch of beach.