The best hotels in Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis isn't a typical beach destination, and picking a hotel here is trickier than most travel sites will admit. with 8,000+ options spread across wildly different neighborhoods, the wrong choice puts you far from everything that matters. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Saint-Denis
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Austral Hotel
Centre-ville, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Le Juliette Dodu
Barachois, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Le Saint-Denis
Centre-ville, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Mercure Creolia
Roland Garros, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Le Recif Hotel
Sainte-Clotilde, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Mascareignes
La Montagne, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Lux Saint-Gilles Annexe Saint-Denis
Bellepierre, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Villa Angora
Saint-Francois, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Bourbon Les Bains
Barachois, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
Le Suffren Hotel and Marina
Port, Saint-Denis
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austral Hotel | Centre-ville, Saint-Denis | $45–75/night | 6.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Hotel Le Juliette Dodu | Barachois, Saint-Denis | $80–110/night | 7.5/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Hotel Le Saint-Denis | Centre-ville, Saint-Denis | $105–150/night | 7.9/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Hotel Mercure Creolia | Roland Garros, Saint-Denis | $120–175/night | 8.1/10 | Business Pick |
| 5 | Le Recif Hotel | Sainte-Clotilde, Saint-Denis | $130–180/night | 8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 6 | Hotel Mascareignes | La Montagne, Saint-Denis | $145–200/night | 8.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Lux Saint-Gilles Annexe Saint-Denis | Bellepierre, Saint-Denis | $160–210/night | 8.6/10 | Top Rated |
| 8 | Villa Angora | Saint-Francois, Saint-Denis | $185–240/night | 8.4/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | Hotel Bourbon Les Bains | Barachois, Saint-Denis | $260–360/night | 8.9/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Le Suffren Hotel and Marina | Port, Saint-Denis | $310–450/night | 9.1/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Austral Hotel
Austral Hotel sits right in the heart of Saint-Denis, close to the rue de Paris and the main market. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning that handles the tropical heat adequately. The building has old colonial character that budget travelers tend to appreciate. Breakfast is simple but included in most rates. A solid no-frills base for exploring the city center on foot.
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Hotel Le Juliette Dodu
Le Juliette Dodu is located near the Barachois seafront promenade, one of the most pleasant spots in central Saint-Denis. Rooms are modest in size but well-maintained with decent natural light. The staff are helpful with arranging transport to other parts of the island. It fills up quickly on weekends so book ahead. Good value for the location given how walkable this part of town is.
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Hotel Le Saint-Denis
Hotel Le Saint-Denis occupies a central position close to the prefecture building and the main shopping streets. Rooms are comfortable with modern furnishings and reliable air conditioning. The on-site restaurant serves Creole dishes worth trying at least once during your stay. Wi-Fi is stable throughout the property, which business travelers will appreciate. It is one of the more consistent mid-range options in the city.
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Hotel Mercure Creolia
The Mercure Creolia is positioned near Roland Garros airport, making it a practical choice for early departures or late arrivals. The pool area is a genuine highlight, surrounded by tropical gardens that give the property a resort feel despite its business-hotel character. Rooms are spacious by local standards and well-equipped for work. The Creole-influenced restaurant is one of the better hotel dining options in this area. Transfer to the airport takes under five minutes.
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Le Recif Hotel
Le Recif sits in the Sainte-Clotilde district, a quieter residential area east of the city center. The hotel has a genuine local feel with a small pool and a terrace that catches the evening breeze. Rooms are bright, cleanly decorated, and a step above what you might expect for this price range. The owners are hands-on and give useful advice about the island. It works best for guests with a rental car rather than those depending on public transport.
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Hotel Mascareignes
Hotel Mascareignes is located in La Montagne, the elevated neighborhood above Saint-Denis with views down toward the ocean. The cooler altitude makes air conditioning less necessary here compared to the coast. Rooms have a calm, intimate feel and the surrounding greenery keeps things quiet. The drive into central Saint-Denis takes about fifteen minutes but the setting makes it worthwhile. A good choice for couples who want scenery without sacrificing city access.
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Lux Saint-Gilles Annexe Saint-Denis
This property in the Bellepierre district offers some of the most reliably comfortable rooms in the Saint-Denis area. Service is attentive and the facilities are kept in noticeably good condition. The neighborhood is calm and residential, a short taxi ride from the city center. The pool and breakfast terrace are the social hubs of the hotel each morning. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and the helpfulness of the front desk team.
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Villa Angora
Villa Angora is a small boutique property in the Saint-Francois neighborhood, a historic area with old Creole architecture and shaded streets. The rooms are individually decorated with local artwork and quality linens. The garden courtyard is a genuine retreat from the city noise. Breakfasts here feature local fruits and homemade pastries that guests frequently mention in reviews. The intimate scale means only a few rooms, so availability is limited and advance booking is essential.
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Hotel Bourbon Les Bains
Hotel Bourbon Les Bains is the most polished luxury option in central Saint-Denis, positioned along the Barachois seafront. The interiors blend colonial heritage with contemporary comfort in a way that feels considered rather than forced. Rooms facing the ocean are worth the premium for the morning light alone. The spa facilities are among the best on the northern part of the island. Service is formal but warm, and the restaurant sets a high standard for Creole cuisine.
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Le Suffren Hotel and Marina
Le Suffren is the flagship luxury address in Saint-Denis, overlooking the port area near the waterfront. The rooms are genuinely large with high-end finishes and panoramic ocean or city views depending on the floor. The rooftop pool and bar draw a local crowd on weekends, which adds life to the space. Dining here is excellent and the wine list is one of the most serious on the island. If you want the best Saint-Denis has to offer at the top end, this is the clear choice.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Saint-Denis
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Saint-Denis? Start here.
Base yourself in Barachois or Centre-ville. Those two neighborhoods give you the seafront promenade, the Rue de Paris colonial architecture, and the Marché Couvert on Rue Maréchal Leclerc all within a 15-minute walk. Everything else can be a day trip.
Saint-Denis is the capital of Réunion, not a beach town. The coastline here is rocky and not for swimming. The famous beaches are on the west coast near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, about 50 km away. Don't choose a hotel 'near the sea' here expecting white sand. know what you're getting.
Budget travel in Saint-Denis: where to spend and where to save.
The Austral Hotel in Centre-ville at $45-75/night is the honest budget pick. It's not glamorous, but it's clean, central, and within 10 minutes walk of the Jardin de l'État and the main bus lines on Boulevard Lancastel. Skip anything advertised as 'budget' in the Chaudron or Sainte-Marie suburbs unless you're very comfortable navigating local buses.
Eat at the Marché Forain du Chaudron on weekends. street food runs $3-6 and the variety is genuinely brilliant. Citalis buses cost under $2 per trip and connect you to most of the island. Don't waste money on a rental car just for Saint-Denis itself.
The best hotels for couples in Saint-Denis.
Hotel Mascareignes in La Montagne is the real romance pick. It's up in the cooler hills above the city, with views over the coast and a much more intimate feel than anything in Centre-ville. The drive down to Barachois takes about 20 minutes, so it's not isolated.
Villa Angora in Saint-François is the other option for couples who want space and privacy over convenience. It's residential and quiet, with $185-240/night rates that feel fair for what you get. Book a room with a garden terrace. it makes a real difference.
Business travel in Saint-Denis: what actually matters.
If you're flying in for meetings at the Prefecture on Place Labourdonnais or the regional council buildings near the city center, stay in Barachois or Centre-ville. Hotel Le Saint-Denis in Centre-ville and Hotel Le Juliette Dodu in Barachois both offer reliable Wi-Fi and are a 5-10 minute taxi ride from most government offices.
If you're based near Roland Garros Airport for the whole trip, Hotel Mercure Creolia is the only serious option in that zone. It's 3 km from the terminal and has proper meeting rooms. Taxi to the city center costs about $20 and takes 15-20 minutes with no traffic.
How to avoid the most common Saint-Denis hotel mistakes.
We've seen this mistake hundreds of times: travelers book a hotel with 'ocean view' and end up staring at the industrial port or a concrete wall. If the view matters to you, book at Le Suffren Hotel and Marina in the Port area or Hotel Le Juliette Dodu in Barachois specifically. Read the reviews for room photos, not just lobby shots.
The other big mistake is booking far uphill without realizing it. Neighborhoods like La Montagne and Le Brûlé are 300-600 meters above sea level. Beautiful, but you're relying on a car or the Citalis bus line 12 for everything. Not a problem if you're prepared, but it shocks a lot of first-timers.
Saint-Denis in cyclone season: what you need to know.
Cyclone season runs November through April. January and February carry the highest risk. Most years it's just heavy rain and some wind, but every few years a serious system rolls through. Hotels don't typically close, but outdoor plans get wrecked. We'd book refundable rates between December and March, full stop.
If a cyclone alert (Alerte Orange or Alerte Rouge) is issued, everything shuts down. shops, restaurants, transport. Your hotel becomes your world for 24-48 hours. Mid-range and above hotels in Barachois and Centre-ville are well-built and fine. Avoid budget guesthouses in older buildings near the riverbanks.
Saint-Denis's best neighborhoods
Centre-ville and Barachois are where you want to be based. Centre-ville puts you in walking distance of the Rue de Paris colonial houses, the covered market on Rue Maréchal Leclerc, and the best Créole restaurants. If you want the seafront promenade, Barachois is your neighborhood.
Barachois & Seafront 2 vetted hotels The city's best address for seafront access and real Créole character.
The city's best address for seafront access and real Créole character.
Barachois is the most desirable spot in Saint-Denis. The seafront promenade is right there, the colonial architecture along Rue de Paris is a 10-minute walk, and you're surrounded by proper restaurants and cafés rather than tourist traps. It's where locals actually eat and drink on weekends.
Hotel Le Juliette Dodu at $80-110/night is the honest value pick here. Hotel Bourbon Les Bains at $260-360/night is the luxury option and it earns its price. The gap between them is big but both deliver for their category. Nothing in between in this specific neighborhood, so choose your budget and commit.
Avoid the streets immediately behind the bus station on Rue Labourdonnais after dark. It's not dangerous exactly, but it's not pleasant. Stick to the promenade side and you'll have no issues.
Centre-ville 2 vetted hotels The city's commercial heart. walkable, practical, and the best base for most travelers.
The city's commercial heart. walkable, practical, and the best base for most travelers.
Centre-ville is where the Marché Couvert on Rue Maréchal Leclerc, the Cathédrale Saint-Denis, and the main Citalis bus lines all converge. You can reach Barachois in 15 minutes on foot and the Jardin de l'État in 10. It's the most sensible base for a first visit.
Hotel Le Saint-Denis at $105-150/night is the most popular choice here for good reason. Central, reliable, and well-connected. The Austral Hotel at $45-75/night is for travelers who just need a clean bed and a good location without the extras. Both sit near Boulevard Lancastel, which is your main artery for buses.
The area around the covered market gets crowded and noisy on Saturday mornings. wonderful if you want the energy, annoying if you wanted a sleep-in. Light sleepers should ask for a room facing away from Rue Maréchal Leclerc.
Roland Garros & Sainte-Clotilde 2 vetted hotels Airport-adjacent and underrated. good for transit stays and travelers with wheels.
Airport-adjacent and underrated. good for transit stays and travelers with wheels.
Roland Garros is 10 km east of Centre-ville along the RN2 coastal road. It's not a walking neighborhood for sightseeing, but it's genuinely convenient if you have a rental car or an early flight. The Hotel Mercure Creolia at $120-175/night is the anchor here and handles business travelers well.
Sainte-Clotilde sits between the airport zone and the city center. Le Recif Hotel at $130-180/night is a solid mid-range option with a more local, residential feel than the polished business hotels. It's about 20 minutes by bus (Citalis line 30) from the Barachois promenade.
Don't expect walkable dining or nightlife here. You're relying on your own transport or taxis for most meals. Budget $15-20 per taxi trip into central Saint-Denis from this zone.
La Montagne, Bellepierre & Saint-François 3 vetted hotels Elevated, quieter, and more expensive. for travelers who want views over convenience.
Elevated, quieter, and more expensive. for travelers who want views over convenience.
La Montagne rises 400-600 meters above the coast and the air genuinely feels different up here. Cooler, quieter, with sweeping views toward the Indian Ocean. Hotel Mascareignes at $145-200/night sits in this zone and is the best romantic option in all of Saint-Denis. The drive down to the city center takes 20-25 minutes.
Bellepierre is slightly lower on the hillside and more accessible. The Lux Saint-Gilles Annexe there at $160-210/night is the top-rated hotel in our list and worth every cent. It's about 15 minutes by car to Barachois. Villa Angora in Saint-François at $185-240/night is a more residential, boutique experience for couples who want privacy.
Citalis bus line 12 connects La Montagne to the city center, but runs infrequently in the evenings. If you're not renting a car, check the last bus times before you head out for dinner. Taxis back uphill cost $12-18 from Centre-ville.
Port & Marina 1 vetted hotel Saint-Denis's most upscale address. waterfront, calm, and worth the price.
Saint-Denis's most upscale address. waterfront, calm, and worth the price.
The Port area is west of Barachois, right on the water. It's quieter than Centre-ville but more convenient than the hilltop neighborhoods. Le Suffren Hotel and Marina at $310-450/night is in a class of its own in Saint-Denis. The marina views are real, the rooms are genuinely good, and the restaurant is one of the better ones in the city.
You're about 10 minutes walk east to the Barachois promenade and 15 minutes to the Rue de Paris. The port itself is interesting for an evening stroll. This is where business delegations and government visitors tend to stay when they want somewhere impressive.
It's the most expensive option on our list but not inflated for what it delivers. If you're splitting the cost with a partner or expensing a work trip, it makes complete sense.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Saint-Denis.
Romantic
La Montagne is the obvious call. cool evenings, views over the coast, and real seclusion without being far from the city. Hotel Mascareignes and Villa Angora are both up here.
Culture & History
Barachois and the Rue de Paris corridor pack in the Musée Léon Dierx, the colonial townhouses, and the Cathédrale Saint-Denis all within a 20-minute walk. Stay here and you can walk to all of it.
Family
Centre-ville is the most practical base for families, with the Jardin de l'État for kids, easy Citalis bus access, and mid-range hotels at $80-150/night that won't destroy the holiday budget.
Budget
Centre-ville near Boulevard Lancastel is your zone. beds from $45/night at the Austral Hotel, the market on Rue Maréchal Leclerc for cheap Créole lunches, and every Citalis bus line at your doorstep.
Beach
Saint-Denis itself has no swimming beaches. the coastline is rocky. Sainte-Clotilde and the Roland Garros area put you closest to the west-coast beach drive toward Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, about 45 km away.
Foodie
Barachois and the streets around Rue Sainte-Marie are where the real Créole restaurant scene lives. rougail, carri poulet, and fresh tuna for $10-20 a head at spots that don't appear on tourist maps.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Saint-Denis
When to visit Saint-Denis and what to pay.
Dry Season (May-October)
This is the best time to visit Saint-Denis. Temperatures are comfortable, humidity drops, and cyclone risk is essentially zero. July and August see a bump from French metropolitan tourists, pushing prices up 20-25% in Barachois and Centre-ville. Book by April for those two months or expect to pay $130-220/night for what would normally cost $90-160.
Summer / Peak Season (November-January)
Hot, humid, and cyclone season starts in November. Christmas and New Year push hotel prices in Barachois and the Port area to their annual highs, with Le Suffren reaching $400-450/night. The Fête du Dipavali celebrations in November are genuinely worth seeing if you're already there.
Cyclone Peak (February-March)
Prices drop significantly because the cyclone risk is highest in February and March. Budget hotels in Centre-ville drop to $45-65/night and mid-range options in Barachois hit $75-100/night. If you go, book fully refundable rates and monitor Météo-France Réunion alerts closely.
Shoulder Season (April & October)
April and October are genuinely underrated. Crowds are thin, prices are 15-20% below peak rates, and the weather is warm without the oppressive humidity of full summer. April catches the tail end of the Sakifo Musik Festival preparations, with good energy in Centre-ville and Barachois.
Booking Tips for Saint-Denis
Insider tips for booking hotels in Saint-Denis.
Book Centre-ville hotels by mid-June for July-August.
French school holidays run July-August and Saint-Denis sees a real surge from metropolitan France. Hotels in Barachois and Centre-ville sell out 6-8 weeks out. By late June, your choices at $80-130/night are mostly gone. If you're visiting in this window, lock it in by mid-June or shift your budget to $150-200/night for what's left.
Always ask for a room away from Rue Maréchal Leclerc.
The market street in Centre-ville starts buzzing at 6am on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays. Rooms facing the street in budget and mid-range hotels get loud fast. Any hotel near the Marché Couvert. ask specifically for a courtyard or back-facing room when you book. It costs nothing to ask.
Use Citalis buses for airport transfers, not taxis.
Citalis line 30 runs between Roland Garros Airport and Centre-ville for about $2 and takes 25-35 minutes. Taxis cost $15-25 for the same trip. The bus drops you on Boulevard Lancastel in the heart of the city. Unless you have heavy luggage or arrive after 10pm, there's no reason to pay the taxi premium.
Don't book La Montagne hotels without transport sorted.
Hotel Mascareignes and the hillside properties above Saint-Denis are 400+ meters up and not walkable to the city center. Citalis line 12 runs up there but stops at 8pm. If you're planning late dinners in Barachois or nights out, budget $12-18 each way for taxis or rent a car. It's a fixable problem. just don't discover it on arrival.
Avoid booking 'sea view' rooms without checking photos of the specific room.
Several hotels in Saint-Denis market sea or port views that are partial at best or face the industrial port infrastructure. Request room photos directly from the hotel before confirming, especially for properties near the Port area. Le Suffren Hotel and Marina is the one exception. the marina-facing rooms are exactly what they advertise.
February-March bookings: refundable rates only.
Cyclone season peaks in these two months and Météo-France Réunion can issue Alerte Rouge with 24 hours notice, shutting down all transport including Roland Garros Airport for 1-2 days. Non-refundable rates in this window are a real gamble. The price savings. sometimes $30-50/night less than shoulder season. are not worth losing a full booking.
Hotels in Saint-Denis — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Saint-Denis.
What's the best neighborhood to stay in Saint-Denis?
Barachois is the sweet spot. You're on the seafront promenade, 10 minutes walk to the Rue de Paris and the Musée Léon Dierx, and the restaurant and bar scene is right outside. Centre-ville works too if you want the Marché Couvert on Rue Maréchal Leclerc at your doorstep. Hotels in both neighborhoods run $80-175/night for decent quality.
How do I get from Roland Garros Airport to central Saint-Denis?
Roland Garros Airport sits about 10 km east of Centre-ville. The Citalis bus line 30 connects the airport to the city center for around $2, taking 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis cost $15-25 and are metered. Don't bother with rental cars in the city itself. parking is a nightmare near Barachois.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Denis?
May through October is the dry season and the most comfortable time to visit. Temperatures sit around 18-24°C and humidity drops. July and August are busiest for French metropolitan tourists, so prices spike 20-30%. April and September are genuinely the sweet spot: good weather, fewer crowds, and hotels at shoulder rates.
Is Saint-Denis safe for tourists?
Centre-ville and Barachois are fine for walking day and night. The Chaudron neighborhood east of the center has a rougher reputation and we'd avoid it after dark. Keep the usual city sense. don't flash expensive cameras near the bus station on Rue Labourdonnais after 10pm. Most travelers have zero issues.
What's the cheapest area to find hotels in Saint-Denis?
Centre-ville has the most budget options, with beds starting at $45/night at places like the Austral Hotel near Boulevard Lancastel. Saint-François, further north of the center, occasionally has cheaper guesthouses but the transport links are inconvenient. Budget $45-80/night for a clean room without frills in the central zone.
Are there luxury hotels in Saint-Denis?
Yes, and they're genuinely good. Le Suffren Hotel and Marina in the Port area is the top pick at $310-450/night, with views over the marina and rooms that actually justify the price. Hotel Bourbon Les Bains in Barachois is the other serious option at $260-360/night. Both are a 5-10 minute walk from the seafront promenade.
Do hotels in Saint-Denis include breakfast?
Some do, most don't at the standard rate. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Le Saint-Denis in Centre-ville typically charge $12-18 extra per person for breakfast. Skip it and walk 5 minutes to the Marché Couvert on Rue Maréchal Leclerc. rougail saucisses and fresh fruit for under $6.
Is it worth staying near Roland Garros Airport?
Only if you have an early flight. The Hotel Mercure Creolia sits directly near Roland Garros and is the obvious choice at $120-175/night. But it's 10 km from Barachois and the city center, so you'll need a taxi or the Citalis bus line 30 for every excursion. Not ideal for a city-focused trip.
What local transport should I use in Saint-Denis?
Citalis runs the urban bus network and covers most of Saint-Denis for $1.50-2 per trip. Line 30 goes to the airport, while lines 10 and 12 connect the hilltop neighborhoods like La Montagne and Le Brûlé to the city center. Taxis are readily available near Barachois and the bus station, with most city trips costing $8-15.
Are there good hotels for business travelers in Saint-Denis?
Hotel Mercure Creolia near Roland Garros Airport is the go-to for business, with proper meeting facilities and fast Wi-Fi at $120-175/night. It's 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes by taxi to the Prefecture buildings on Place Labourdonnais. Lux Saint-Gilles Annexe in Bellepierre is a strong alternative if you want more upscale surroundings.
What are the best restaurants near the hotels in Saint-Denis?
Le Chandelier on Rue Sainte-Marie is consistently good for Créole cooking, a 7-minute walk from Barachois. For Indian Ocean seafood, Le Paille-en-Queue near the Port area is hard to beat. The covered market on Rue Maréchal Leclerc in Centre-ville is the real move for lunch under $8.
Which hotels in Saint-Denis have pools?
Hotel Bourbon Les Bains and Le Suffren Hotel and Marina both have pools, as does Hotel Mercure Creolia near Roland Garros. The Lux Saint-Gilles Annexe in Bellepierre also has pool access. Mid-range and budget options in Centre-ville generally don't. but the Barachois seafront promenade is 5 minutes away for a waterfront fix.