Five Caribbean City Hotels to Visit Right Now

While we love the beach and the natural beauty of the Caribbean, there is a whole other world of the Caribbean to discover in the region’s urban areas. Yes, the Caribbean’s cities are vibrant, energetic, culturally rich places ripe for exploring. Whether you’re looking for art galleries, food stalls, luxury shopping or a bit of culture, the Caribbean’s cities are full of great places to visit and discover.  Here are five city hotels in the Caribbean to check out right now. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon has the full scoop.

Martinique’s newest hotel is a rich addition to the fascinating city of Fort-de-France.

Fort-de-France, Martinique Le Simon opened in January with 95 Euro-chic rooms and an enviable location that’s just 15 minutes from the airport, three minutes’ walk from the ferry dock, and overlooks Baie De Flamands. A pair of restaurants helmed by a Michelin-starred chef promise French Creole food that’s magnifique.

Don’t miss Winston’s bar.

J.W. Marriott, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic One of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean, urban or beachside, this sleek, crisp, modern hotel in the heart of a luxury shopping mall is a great jumping off point for discovering one of the most fascinating cities in the Caribbean – including the city’s Colonial Zone.

It’s chic and elegant, a throwback to the old-school luxury that’s so hard to find these days.

Condado Vanderbilt, San Juan, Puerto Rico  A century of history meets modern sophistication at the Condado Vanderbilt, refreshed to the tune of $200 million and now offering 24-hour butler service, a whopping 30,000 square-feet of meeting space (so you never have to leave to take care of business), an impressive spa where you can unwind just in case you do. The ocean-view brunch is delectable, too.

Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Port of Spain, Trinidad Enjoy city-slicking slumber at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, where all 428 contemporary rooms feature glass showers and there’s a fabulous sushi restaurant in the lobby. After a day of wheeling and dealing, the rooftop pool offers welcome respite.

Courtyard Marriott, Kingston, Jamaica A 129-room LEED-certified newcomer, Courtyard Kingston offers all the amenities (including 1,900 feet of meeting space) that corporate travelers need, and a New Kingston location that’s convenient to shops, restaurants and businesses. It’s a great way to explore one of the region’s more underappreciated capitals.