The Best Hotels to Book in Martinique

Checking into this white two-story hotel in Martinique surrounded by a lush park with century-old trees feels like arriving at a rich relative’s mansion. Kickstart the day with a lavish Creole breakfast bonanza (try the fresh coconut water and spicy hot chocolate) amid breezy decor that is like a tropical twist on art deco. Generous views of the bay of Fort-de-France open up from the garden where you can splash in an infinity pool flanked by a teak deck dotted with lounge chairs.

If you like staying in the thick of things, snag a room at this modern, urban-style Martinique hotel near the cruise-ship terminal in downtown Fort-de-France. It’s a handy base for connecting with island history at the massive 17th-century Fort Saint-Louis, cooling off at the adjacent beach and picking up local rum and Creole goodies at the covered market – all a stroll away. The hotel’s lounge bar is perfect for keeping an eye on the bay’s boat traffic. Light sleepers need not worry; rooms are all soundproof.

Upscale without diminishing its charm, this red-tile-roofed hotel in Martinique blends nicely into a residential area above Les Trois-Îlets, a busy tourist hub across the bay from Fort-de-France. Incidentally, Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife Josephine was born in the area; her childhood home has been turned into an attractive museum. Count the stars while luxuriating in the private jacuzzi of your roomy suite or family-sized villa. The pool-facing restaurant serves multi-course menus starring locally fished and foraged ingredients matched with a well-curated natural-wine selection.

Surrounded by flowery gardens, this aptly named Martinique hotel is tucked into a hillside above L’Anse à l’Âne, a postcard-pretty beach just west of Les Trois-Îlets. Each of its 36 units brims with Creole charm, color and character and comes with a full kitchen. Greet the day with sun salutations on your sea-facing terrace, then head down to the strand to splash in calm waters, doze below coconut palms and pick up lunch and rum punch from a beachside lolo (food stand).

After a swish makeover, the 96 rooms of this Pointe du Bout charmer sparkle in mood-enhancing shades and feature modern natural-wood furniture and balconies. The hotel’s trump card, though, is the lagoon-like pool with a palm island, swim-up bar and a line-up of thatched umbrellas. Illuminated at night, it forms a romantic backdrop for dining on fine French-Caribbean fare and for occasional concerts and dance performances. Find more restaurants and bars, along with the ferry to Fort-de-France, at the adjacent Village Creole open-air mall.

A laid-back Creole village vibe characterizes this budget-friendly hotel in Martinique with its 193 rooms and candy-colored two-story bungalows embraced by redolent gardens. The rooms have decor reflecting local traditions and come in a range of sizes suitable for both privacy-seeking couples and space-craving families. Everyone eventually meets up by the big pool or caps off the day with a rum punch, lobster or goat curry at the restaurant-bar complex overlooking Anse Mitan, the lovely stretch of white beach fronting the hotel and connected to Fort-de-France by sea shuttle.

With just 16 rooms and suites in five stylish villas sprinkled around a park, this peaceful hilltop hotel overlooking the eastern shore is the ultimate hideaway. For premium unplugging, opt for a suite, which not only guarantees extra elbow room but such covetable perks as a private pool and an outdoor kitchenette. Meet other guests in the gourmet restaurant-bar, by the pool or in the lounge filled with sofas, art, books and magazines. There’s no entertainment, but stays include a bottle of rum, so you can make your own fun.

Generations of vacationers have feasted their eyes on Diamond Rock – a volcanic offshore islet and divers’ paradise – while staying at this southern Martinique hotel open since 1945. After a top-to-bottom renovation, its studios and waterfront bungalows once again hold court over the quiet stretch of Martinique’s longest beach. The garden restaurant feeds tummies with delectable Creole bistro fare, but there’s also a supermarket nearby in case you wish to use your kitchenette. While in the area, visit the Memorial Cap 110, a haunting monument built to pay tribute to the victims of slavery.