I don't tell hotels that I am there to review their property when I reserve the room and check in. I was so excited to be in my favorite city in Haiti: Jacmel.

The prices on their website are confusing and that led to a big misunderstanding when we arrived. We ended up paying more than we thought based on Internet prices so before you book, just clarify that with them. Because of the hiccup, we moved rooms twice in 3 nights, which was fine because they were trying to be accommodating. The rooms are basic and decorated with Haitian decor...nothing special. {the manager ended up showing us nicer bungalow style rooms when we were checking out, so that's a better option if you want something more modern.} Overall, our stay was good and I was happy they tried to accommodate us after we had the issues in the beginning.

Tip: to save on power, the hotel shuts off the electricity for a few hours in the morning and then in the afternoon. It's pretty inconvenient. I under

stand doing that at home, but it was tacky for the hotel to do it.

The food is okay, but way cheaper outside of the hotel.

Here's a link to their website:

http://hotelcyvadier.com/home/

Last year during Gout et Saveurs Lakay, I had the chance to photograph Chef Lemaire at La Reserve Hotel in Petionville. What a great hotel and hangout! Here's a view of the lounge area that the restaurant looks over and a chicken dish I enjoyed!

Aesthetically, this hotel is beautiful. There is authentic Haitian furniture, art and staircases all over. The views are spectacular. There are turquoise water ocean views, garden views within the hotel, and it’s a quiet place to relax at.

The rooms are up to date with the basics in them, and one of the nicer private hotels I’ve stayed in. There’s a basic tv, bed(s) and furniture. The bathrooms are definitely newer and nicer than some hotels we’ve stayed in, but certainly not first class. The service is just ok and breakfast is included in the price (around $150/night). 

The food at the hotel is bad. We did not have one good meal (even the ones we paid for). A lobster dinner was about $35 US, where I got the same meal at a local beach for $7 US and it was better. The hamburger and lambi was awful and very over priced.

Best part: The view from the rooms and the pool, as well as the access to a small local beach. Our room looked over the pool and ocean.

Tips: The walk down to the beach is steep and with lots of steps. This will not be accessible to someone with health issues. It’s a hike and it’s a long way down (and worse back up). However, it is worth it because at the bottom there’s a local beach with fishermen and amazing views! 
Some of the pictures on their website are NOT from there. It doesn't look anything like some of those pictures. View my slideshow below for current pics.

The Best Western Premier is in the middle of Petionville. It's Haiti's first American brand hotel in a long time. With a spa and beautiful balcony views, it will cost you about $249/night just for the room. We did not stay here, just went to see it and take pictures. We weren't able to get into the rooms because the manager wasn't there, but we were greeted very nicely and given a tour of the property. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! It has an upscale feel, with Haitian art and pictures from around the country! This makes it stand out to me more than the Oasis. This hotel feels like you're in Haiti. I love it!!!!

Tip: This is in a busy downtown area so if you're looking for a quiet getaway, I don't recommend this hotel. Stay here if you want to be in the middle of the action, interact with local or in Haiti on business. We were told the biggest clientele is business people. There's a $50 US/person shuttle available to and from the airport.

The Royal Oasis Hotel is in the middle of Petionville. It's Haiti's first 5 star hotel. With a rooftop pool and fancy shops, it will cost you about $276/night and that is just for the room. We did not stay here, just went to see it and have some drinks with friends at the upstairs lobby bar. It's an upscale feel, not a traditional Haitian feel. 

Tip: This is in a busy downtown area so if you're looking for a quiet getaway, I don't recommend this hotel. Stay here if you want to be in the middle of the action, interact with local or in Haiti on business. 

Traveling brings out the best in people. We become more aware of different cultures, people, foods, music, etc. On a hot summer day under the Haiti sun at Wahoo Bay Beach resort in Port-au-Prince, we befriended a group of young guys. We ate, danced, sang and others joined in. The power of music brought people in from all parts of the beach and pool. It was beautiful! We had such a wonderful day and I captured just a little bit of all the fun we had below. Enjoy! 

Wahoo Bay Beach Club and Resort day visit review:
We visited Wahoo Bay Beach for the day to enjoy the pool and beautiful ocean. It is $15 US/person (price in 2012, call for current price) to get in which is totally worth it! The food is very good and the servers come right to the beach to bring our food and drinks. You can find a variety of tourists and locals at the hotel where there's a nice volleyball court and amazing pool!

The beach: The beach was packed! The shore doesn't reach too far out and the water is close, but the way it's set up makes it comfortable to relax outside of the water. 

Best part: The vibe at the hotel is great! Even if you're not staying overnight, the staff makes you feel at home.

Tip: The hotel has a signature drink called the Wahoo. Don't drink more than one...I heard one is plenty! :)

Wahoo Bay Beach Club and Resort overnight visit review (Jan. 2013):
We visited Wahoo Bay again, but this time to sleep at the hotel. The service was wonderful. The owner and her daughter are very friendly and out and about to speak to the guests. The guests were diverse and there was a general welcoming feeling to this stay. The food is amazing! The rooms are modern and beautiful. The beds are comfortable and the views are incredible!

Read more reviews on Haiti hotels here.

Abaka Bay is a family friendly hotel that is beautiful decorated and tropical! Although we only visited for the day and didn't sleep here, the staff let us into the rooms to see what they were like!

The beach: The beach at Abaka Bay is PERFECT! The rooms are directly on the beach and there's a perfect view from almost every room. You can almost touch the water from the colorful villas. 

Best part: The view is definitely the best feature about this hotel. Oceanfront rooms that are nicely decorated and equipped with conveniences that you might desire when traveling. 

Tip: Transportation to Ley Cayes - Take a large bus to Ley Cayes that you can catch in downtown Port-au-Prince for $10 US per person. We took one back to PAP, but on the way there, we took a pa padap (a small white local bus taxi also $10 US per person) to Ley Cayes...NOT SAFE! The bus goes very fast and passes a lot of cars, which is more dangerous than the larger bus.  The large bus goes much slower and takes longer, but safety is first :) Both are air conditioned, but not blazingly cold. 
This hotel is more active and family friendly. This is important to consider when deciding to stay at Abaka Bay vs. Port Morgan, a more relaxed, quiet and romantic resort.

Call your hotel to ask when the boat transportation leaves the Ley Cayes port so you have enough time to drive to Ley Cayes and then catch the boat to the hotel.

After winning the tourism slogan contest, I knew I wanted to go to Ile a Vache for my winning prize, a hotel package for 3 nights. I was recommended by Haiti's Minister of Tourism's staff to stay at Port Morgan. Port Morgan is a beautiful hotel located on the island of only 15,000 people. As soon as we arrived to the hotel's dock, we were greeted by the friendly staff and shown our room. The staff really is great and make you feel at home, catering to every need you may have...and with a smile! 

The beach: The beach at Port Morgan is not a typical beach front because it's cliffy and rocky. There are still lounge chairs to relax on and it is absolutely beautiful. Don't be surprised when you see horses and goats at this beach! If you want a more sandy ocean front, I recommend walking to Abaka Bay (see my review for this hotel here), another hotel on Ile a Vache or get a local to show you the deserted beach nearby! It is AMAZING!!!!!!!

Best part: The hospitality and the food make this place an absolute must! The French owner is always out working and mingling with the guests to make sure they are having a great time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all over the top! The food is amazing, home cooked and abundant!

Tip: Transportation to Ley Cayes - Take a large bus to Ley Cayes that you can catch in downtown Port-au-Prince for $10 US per person. We took one back to PAP, but on the way there, we took a pa padap (a small white local bus taxi also $10 US per person) to Ley Cayes...NOT SAFE! The bus goes very fast and passes a lot of cars, which is more dangerous than the larger bus.  The large bus goes much slower and takes longer, but safety is first :) Both are air conditioned, but not blazingly cold. 
Also, Port Morgan is a very relaxing, quiet, romantic place. If you're looking for a more active, family friendly hotel, you should consider Abaka Bay.

Call your hotel to ask when the boat transportation leaves the Ley Cayes port so you have enough time to drive to Ley Cayes and then catch the boat to the hotel.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the Minister of Tourism's office for giving me and my family a chance to visit this beautiful place! Messi anpil!!!!!