HOTEL CAP MACABOU

Like many of Martinique’s budget and mid-range hotels, this property features a bi-level, motel-style layout with exterior hallways. The distinct, mission-style architecture and design are adorned with brick-accented archways, ornate roof trim, and exposed wood columns and supports. On an island where drab and outdated hotels are the norm, the well-kept rustic style here is a nice change of pace, though still looks thoroughly simple. Add to that the thoroughly quiet atmosphere, and the hotel makes for a fine, basic retreat on Martinique's sedate southern coast. Day and night, the large pool area serves as the hotel's social hub, providing ample space for guests to relax with a drink from the adjacent Bar La Kalinda. Visitors are far more likely to find couples seeking a peaceful, romantic getaway than traveling families.

The hotel is situated at the end of a dead-end road in an unassuming residential neighborhood. There are no attractions or services within walking distance. The tiny touristy town of Le Vauclin is less than 15 minutes away by car and offers no-frills restaurants, small, local shops, and beautiful beaches. Although the hotel sits directly on the water, the hotel’s beachfront space is rough with no real services or facilities. Grand Macabou Beach is the closest swimmable beach, and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car as well.

Aime Cesaire International Airport (FDF), outside of Fort-de-France is located 45 minutes northwest by car. The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, and the island’s taxi service can be expensive. However, there are several rental car counters in the airport terminal. This can prove to be the cheapest, most convenient mode of transportation. 

Like the common areas, each of the 48 rooms has a distinct, mission-style design. The terra-cotta tile flooring, rough hardwood furniture, and brightly striped curtains and bed linens all create a pleasantly rustic and homey style that's a step above some of the more dated budget properties that we saw on our recent visit to the island.

Each of the three entry-level room categories offers a similar one-room layout with a single bed and a second, smaller daybed. The main point of differentiation is the view. Panoramic Rooms provide lovely water views; Garden Rooms boast garden views; and Wee Garden Rooms overlook the immaculately landscaped alley. The three flagship Cupid Rooms are the hotel’s version of a “honeymoon suite,” and feature a single canopy bed, a two-person bathtub, and a private outdoor grill.

The list of features is similar in every category. Outdoor balcony kitchenettes -- including a microwave/grill combination, mini-fridge, and wet bar -- are standard. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. During our visit, the internet was spotty and unreliable to the point of being unusable. Additionally, many rooms offer limited electrical outlets -- in some cases, there is only one in the sleeping area and a second in the bathroom.

As is typical on the island, bathrooms feature a split design. The toilet is situated behind a lockable door in a small, closet-like room while the sink and shower are in a second room. The toilet “room” has a shuttered window with no screen, which allows easy access for mosquitos and other insects. The decor consists of the same mission style as the rest of the property. Stand-up shower stalls and generic bath products are standard.

The property offers a solid list of common amenities. Unfortunately, though, while the hotel is situated directly on the water, the beach is rough and not swimmable. As of 2016, the beachfront was under development. A few kayaks are available for guest use. However, the area is quite rough with no other services or facilities. 

The hotel's pool area serves as its aquatic hub, and includes a large, open sundeck. A sizable, resort-like pool anchors the space and feels quite large relative to the hotel’s capacity. Wooden lounge chairs ring the space, each with a built-in sunshade. The sundeck’s second, upper level provides additional seating with more than enough room to accommodate every guest room. There is no poolside drink service.

Nearby, the Restaurant-Bar La Kalinda is a large, two-story space serving continental and a la carte breakfasts, with a menu of mostly Western-style dishes (eggs, yogurt, french toast, coffee, and tea). While not included in the hotel’s standard stay packages, breakfast can be purchased for a fixed price at check-in, though it isn't cheap. Dinner is served at the whim of the staff -- either a la carte or via a three-course prix fixe menu that includes wine. Both feature traditional Creole cuisine with entrees like blood sausage, local seafood, conch fritters, and the like. Additional features include a foosball table and event rooms. The hotel also provides free parking in an off-street lot. Although the security gate is typically left open, the surrounding residential area is quiet and safe.