The Inn at Villa Bambou

Villa Bambou looks and feels like a tropical French chateau and has storied history. The hotel was originally built in the late 1920s by the Director of the Haitian American Railroad Company, an American who wintered there with his wife. In 1970, the Commander of the Haitian Coast Guard watched his unsuccessful coup attempt from the mansion’s balcony. Later in the 1970s, the home was bought by the businessman who brought Coca Cola to the country. Its current owners purchased the property in the 1990s and it was their personal home until it was nearly destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. They rebuilt it from the foundation up (to withstand future earthquakes) and turned it into the Villa Bambou. Today, the hotel is set behind tall steel doors and protected by armed security (like most hotels in Haiti). Lush gardens full of orchids, bamboo patches, and fountains surround the hotel and a nature trail passes through the grounds (watch out for the mosquitos though). 

The hotel’s entryway is dark, almost meditatively moody, and leads to a double-high living room done up like a medieval lodge, with exposed beams, a grandfather clock, and a huge wrought-iron chandelier made by local craftsman. From the pool's stunning terrace to meals that are served on a balcony covered with blossoming rose vines, there's a good deal of romantic charm here that makes it popular with couples. That being said, the hotel attracts a jet-setting crowd of politicians (current and former), celebrities, and businessmen, although during our visit a family was staying in the next room.

Villa Bambou is located on a steep hillside in Pacot, a residential Port-au-Prince neighborhood. While this lends the property a secluded and tranquil vibe, it also means one will need wheels to get anywhere. There’s a grocery store and a bank within a three-minute drive from the hotel. The National Pantheon Museum of Art, a huge collection of Caribbean artifacts, and the Iron Market, a not-to-be-missed bonanza selling everything from souvenirs to voodoo supplies, are both within a 10-minute drive of the hotel. Expect a 25-minute drive to Petionville, an upscale Port-au-Prince suburb that's full of restaurants, shops, and galleries exhibiting the works of some of Haiti’s best artists. Haiti is famous for its hammered metal artwork and many of the artisans workshops are in the Croix Des Bouquets neighborhood, which will take an hour to reach by car. The beautiful beaches of Les Cotes des Arcadin are a 75-minute drive. Port-au-Prince International Airport is a 27-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic, and the also best spot to rent a car. Keep in mind to always check on the security situation in the country before planning a trip, especially in light of any recent natural disasters or political events. 

Rooms at Villa Bambou are done in a blend of tropical and Old World details that make them one of Port-au-Prince's most charming options. Expect exposed beams, big Persian rugs, and sleigh beds with feather-topped mattresses and super-soft cotton sheets. Hardwood furniture comes in dark tones and is complemented by plush armchairs, marble-topped nightstands, and carved flourishes. Walls are done in colorful shades of blue and orange, and are hung with hammered metal fleur-de-lis sculptures plus local Haitian art. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with 315 DirecTV channels, plus air-conditioning, free WI-Fi, irons and ironing boards, and safes. They’re also quite dark when the wood-slat blinds are drawn. Many rooms have balconies, and the L’Ovier Room's balcony is furnished with rattan chairs, a small table; it has panoramic Port-au-Prince views.

Bathrooms are modern and include Mediterranean accents like earthy Saltillo tiles, arched windows and doorways, and glass-brick stand-up showers with rainfall showerheads. Restoration Hardware towels, beauty mirrors, and hairdryers are included, and all come with shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, lotion, makeup towels, and cotton swabs. Shoe shine towels and polish, plus sewing kits, are all nice extras.

Without a doubt, Villa Bambou’s best feature is its big pool with amazing city views. It's surrounded by a rough-hewn brick tile deck that gives it a tropically rustic vibe. There are also tables, chairs, and umbrellas, but we wish there were more lounge chairs. The connecting cold water whirlpool spills into the pool. adding to the pleasant atmosphere. The hotel's gym is small and seems overlooked, but includes a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike, and weight machine. A nature trail that passes through the grounds for those wanting to spend even more time outdoors.

The hotel's restaurant also capitalizes on the views, and serves an excellent multi-course breakfast plus gourmet dinners. Both are included in room rates, and lunch is available for an additional fee (as are alcoholic beverages). All food receives almost unanimously positive marks from previous guests. The hotel can assist in arranging laundry service, tours, taxis, and airport transfers (for a fee). There’s also free secure parking, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Security is provided around the clock.