Royal Oasis

Royal Oasis opened its doors in 2012 and it’s obvious that safety remains a top priority here -- a comforting fact for the many business guests that pass through its doors. The building’s set back off a busy road, has lots of burly security guards on patrol, and was built to withstand strong earthquakes. Those hard-hitting facts aside, things here are pleasantly modern and fresh. The hotel’s lobby is an airy, modern space with double-high ceilings, hammered metal sculptures (a traditional Haitian craft), and a beautiful blue, white, and black Moroccan-patterned mosaic wall. There’s tons of outdoor space, and the restaurants have balconies or are located on outdoor terraces. During our summer 2016 visit, the hotel was still figuring out how to fully utilize its amazing rooftop with panoramic city views (although yoga classes were already an offering). Without a doubt it’s a business-friendly environment and besuited men and women fill the lobby’s plush gray couches and restaurant tables. Hotel guests are mostly from the United States, Canada, and Europe doing development work or business, and many long-term guests call the Occidental Royal Oasis home. 

This hotel is located in Petionville, a tony Port-au-Prince suburb carved onto the side of a mountain. It’s a bustling neighborhood, but still makes for a convenient location to get around the city. The neighborhood’s known for its high-end galleries on Gallery Strip, most of which are a five-minute drive of the hotel. Nearby restaurants serve Italian, French, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cuisines, all of which are also a five-minute drive away. Downtown Port-au-Prince, which is home to the National Pantheon Museum of Art and its huge collection of Caribbean artifacts (including the Santa Maria’s 13-foot-tall anchor), is a 25-minute drive. The city's famous -- and not to be missed -- Iron market sells everything from batteries to food to voodoo supplies and takes 30 minutes to reach by car. For a day at the beach, Les Cotes des Arcadin’s white sand beaches are an hour-and-a-half drive. Port-au-Prince International Airport is 30 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. 

The rooms at Royal Oasis are big and modern -- even the basic Superior Double rooms -- though the style is familiar from most mid- and upper-middle-range chain hotels across the world. Expect baby blue walls and either king or double beds with matching light-wood veneer headboards, desks, and cabinets. The overall effect does the trick for a couple nights, but guests looking for more inspired interiors might want to look elsewhere. While not floor-to-ceiling, the windows let in a ton of light and most rooms have amazing Port-au-Prince views. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, mini-fridges, safes, irons and ironing boards, and plush robes. Rooms also include two free bottles of water that are refreshed daily.

Bathrooms are tiled with light tan marble plus glass tile accents, and have glass-walled stall showers. The rooms excel when it comes to bathroom amenities – probably the best in town. Expect a bath sponge, bar soap, shampoo, lotion, shave kit, manicure set, shoe shine mitt, comb, shower cap, and a sewing kit. All bathrooms have hairdryers, illuminated beauty mirrors, scales, and -- something we’ve never seen before -- a small seat for children that doubles as a towel holder.

You definitely won’t go hungry while staying at Royal Oasis Hotel. It has four restaurants for all budgets. La Villa is styled after an industrial Mediterranean villa with rebar-wrapped pillars and chandeliers made of metal drums and serves Haitian-European fusion cuisine. Haiku serves Japanese and Asian cuisine, including sushi. Le Petit Gourmand is the hotel’s outdoor restaurant, which serves happy-hour drinks specials and an international menu. Las Terrasses serves a breakfast buffet and has an a la carte lunch and dinner menu in a casual, outdoor setting. There’s also a lobby bar that doles out a tasty free cocktail to guests upon arrival.

The hotel’s gym has great views from its upper-floor perch and is stocked with treadmills, weight machines, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and dumbbells. A big perk is Royal Oasis's rooftop, with its stunning city views. It has yet to be fully finished, but the hotel offers rooftop yoga classes (for a fee). There are also five conference rooms with great views. 

The front desk can arrange rental cars, taxis, massages, and connect guests with local tour companies. They’re also the contact for setting up the free airport transfers -- another big plus. There’s an on-site ATM, a gift shop, and a few boutiques. Laundry service is available. Secure parking is free and there’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.