Paradise: Unveiling the Top 10 Hotels in Guadeloupe
You’re heading to Guadeloupe, the butterfly-shaped archipelago in the Caribbean that’s practically dripping with charm, adventure, and ridiculously good rum. But before you start practicing your French pleasantries (a simple “Bonjour!” will do wonders), there’s a crucial decision to be made: where to rest your sun-kissed head.
Fear not, weary traveler! We’ve dived deep into the digital abyss of TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Booking.com, wading through countless reviews to spare you the analysis paralysis. We’ve sifted through the good, the great, and the “the view was nice but the rooster next door had an identity crisis at 4 AM.” The result? A definitive list of the top 10 hotels in the Guadeloupe that promise more than just a place to sleep—they offer an experience. Prepare to have your accommodation standards raised so high, your next hotel stay back home might feel like a trip to a well-meaning but slightly damp garden shed.
Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of Guadeloupean hospitality!
1. La Toubana Hôtel & Spa
Location: Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre Perfect for: Luxury lovers, honeymooners, and anyone who believes infinity pools are a basic human right.
Perched on a cliff with jaw-dropping views over the Caribbean Sea, La Toubana isn’t just a hotel; it’s a statement. Think private bungalows cascading down a hillside, a world-class spa that will knead the stress right out of your soul, and an ocean-front restaurant where the only thing better than the food is the sunset. It’s the kind of place you see in movies and assume is reserved for secret agents and lottery winners. Turns out, you can be one of them.
Booking.com Review: “Absolutely breathtaking. The view from our bungalow was something I will never forget. Waking up to the ocean, the incredible service, and the peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect romantic getaway. The staff treated us like royalty. We are already planning our return trip!”
2. Le Relais du Moulin
Location: Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre Perfect for: Boutique hotel aficionados and those seeking a serene, adult-centric escape.
“A hidden gem! The property is stunning, with beautiful gardens and a fantastic pool area. It was so peaceful and relaxing.”
Set in a lush tropical garden surrounding a historic sugar mill, Le Relais du Moulin is an oasis of calm. This adults-only hotel combines modern design with natural beauty. You can spend your days lounging by the gorgeous pool, sipping cocktails at the bar (which is, fittingly, inside the old mill), or exploring the nearby beaches. It’s a sophisticated, tranquil retreat that feels a million miles away from the everyday grind. It’s easily one of the top 10 hotels in the Guadeloupe for sheer tranquility.
TripAdvisor Review: “A hidden gem! The property is stunning, with beautiful gardens and a fantastic pool area. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The staff were incredibly attentive and the food was divine. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and reconnect. We loved the boutique feel and the attention to detail.”
3. Langley Fort Royal Hotel
Location: Deshaies, Basse-Terre Perfect for: Families, water sports enthusiasts, and fans of the BBC series Death in Paradise.
If you’ve ever wanted to solve a (fictional) crime on a beautiful Caribbean beach, this is your chance! Located right on the beach used in the famous TV show, Death in Paradise, Langley Fort Royal offers something for everyone. With options for both hotel rooms and bungalows, a massive pool, and a plethora of water sports like kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding included, you’ll never be bored. The vibe is active and family-friendly, with stunning views of the lush mountains of Basse-Terre.
Expedia Review: “We had an amazing family vacation here. The location is unbeatable, right on the beach. Our kids loved the pool and the free water sports, and we loved the cocktails at the beach bar. The staff were friendly and the whole atmosphere was just fun and relaxed. A perfect base for exploring Basse-Terre.”
4. La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa
Location: Le Gosier, Grande-Terre Perfect for: Travelers who want a bit of everything – beach, pool, nightlife, and easy access to shops.
La Créole Beach is one of the mainstays of Guadeloupean hospitality for a reason. Situated in the lively area of Le Gosier, this resort boasts a beautiful stretch of beach, several swimming pools (including one with a swim-up bar!), and lush, palm-filled gardens. It’s large enough to offer multiple restaurants and bars on-site, yet it maintains a welcoming, tropical feel. It strikes the perfect balance between a relaxing beach holiday and a vibrant, activity-filled getaway.
Booking.com Review: “The location is perfect! We could walk to nearby restaurants and shops, but the hotel itself felt like a secluded paradise. The beach was beautiful and clean, the pool was fantastic, and the staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. We especially enjoyed the buffet breakfast with its huge variety.”
5. Tendacayou Ecolodge & Spa
Location: Deshaies, Basse-Terre Perfect for: Nature lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse.
“Words cannot describe how magical this place is. We stayed in a treehouse and it was a dream come true.
Forget everything you know about hotels. Tendacayou is an experience. Nestled deep in the tropical rainforest, this ecolodge offers unique accommodations, from treetop cabins to huts with private rock pools. It’s a place where you fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and wake up surrounded by hummingbirds. The on-site spa is legendary, with outdoor baths and treatment rooms integrated into the natural landscape. It’s rustic, magical, and utterly unforgettable.
TripAdvisor Review: “Words cannot describe how magical this place is. We stayed in a treehouse and it was a dream come true. The connection to nature is incredible. The spa is out of this world, built right into the forest. This isn’t just a hotel, it’s a destination. An absolute must for anyone visiting Guadeloupe.”
6. Bwa Chik Hotel & Golf
Location: Saint-François, Grande-Terre Perfect for: Golfers (obviously), and travelers looking for a chic, modern base to explore Grande-Terre.
Overlooking a marina and an 18-hole international golf course, Bwa Chik is a stylish and contemporary hotel. The design is minimalist and elegant, with a focus on natural materials. While the golfers are out on the green, others can relax by the beautiful pool or take a short walk to the nearby beach and the vibrant restaurants of Saint-François. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate modern comforts and a prime location.
Expedia Review: “A really stylish hotel in a great location. We loved being able to walk to the marina for dinner. The room was clean, modern, and had a great view. The pool area is very chic and relaxing. It was the perfect, hassle-free base for our trip.”
7. Le Jardin Malanga
Location: Trois-Rivières, Basse-Terre Perfect for: History buffs and those seeking an authentic, colonial-style experience.
Set on a former banana plantation, Le Jardin Malanga is a charming hotel housed in a beautifully restored 1927 colonial house. Surrounded by lush gardens with panoramic views of Les Saintes archipelago, this place is steeped in history and tranquility. With only a handful of rooms and cottages, it offers an intimate and personalized experience. It’s perfect for exploring the volcanic landscapes of Basse-Terre and the nearby Soufrière volcano.
Booking.com Review: “What a charming and peaceful place. The old colonial house is beautiful and our cottage was private and comfortable. The highlight was sitting on the veranda with a coffee in the morning, looking out over the incredible view towards Les Saintes. The staff were wonderful and the food was delicious.”
8. Habitation du Comté
Location: Sainte-Rose, Basse-Terre Perfect for: Rum enthusiasts and travelers looking for a unique, plantation-style stay.
This is not your average hotel. Habitation du Comté is located on the grounds of the Reimonenq Distillery, one of Guadeloupe’s premier rum producers. The accommodation is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a mix of suites and bungalows. Guests can enjoy tours and tastings at the distillery, learn about the history of rum-making, and relax by the pool. It’s a truly unique stay that combines hospitality with one of the island’s most important cultural products.
TripAdvisor Review: “A fantastic and unique experience! The location on the distillery grounds is so cool. Our room was spacious and clean, the pool was lovely, and the complimentary rum tasting was a great touch. It’s a quiet and beautiful property, and a great spot for exploring the north of Basse-Terre.”
9. Hotel Amaudo
Location: Saint-François, Grande-Terre Perfect for: Couples seeking a quiet, intimate hotel with spectacular sea views.
“The view, the view, the view! It is simply stunning from every room.”
Hotel Amaudo is a small, charming hotel where every single room faces the sea and has a view of the neighboring island of Marie-Galante. It’s an intimate and friendly place, focused on providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The infinity pool seems to blend right into the ocean, providing the perfect spot to watch the world go by. It’s a simple, elegant, and incredibly romantic option, making it one of the top 10 hotels in the Guadeloupe for a couple’s retreat.
Expedia Review: “The view, the view, the view! It is simply stunning from every room. The hotel is small, quiet, and immaculately clean. The owners are lovely and make you feel right at home. We spent hours just sitting on our balcony and by the gorgeous infinity pool. We couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing stay.”
10. Canella Beach Hotel
Location: Le Gosier, Grande-Terre Perfect for: Travelers who love apartment-style living with the benefits of a full-service hotel.
Situated on a lovely cove, Canella Beach offers spacious studios and suites, all equipped with a kitchenette. This gives you the flexibility to prepare some of your own meals, which is great for families or longer stays. But you still get all the hotel perks: a beautiful beach, a great pool, a restaurant, and daily housekeeping. It’s the best of both worlds, combining independence with resort-style comfort.
Booking.com Review: “Loved the apartment-style room with the kitchenette! It gave us so much flexibility. The hotel is in a great spot, right on a calm beach perfect for swimming. The staff was very helpful and the Creole architecture is beautiful. It was a comfortable and convenient place to stay.”
Do I need to speak French to visit hotels in Guadeloupe?
While French is the official language, staff at major hotels and tourist areas generally speak some English. However, learning a few basic French phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “Au revoir” (Goodbye) is always appreciated!
Is it better to stay on Grande-Terre or Basse-Terre?
t depends on what you’re looking for! Grande-Terre is flatter and known for its white sand beaches, lively towns, and resorts. Basse-Terre is mountainous and lush, home to the Guadeloupe National Park, waterfalls, hiking trails, and volcanic black sand beaches. For a mix, consider splitting your stay between the two islands!
Do I need to rent a car to get around Guadeloupe?
It is highly recommended. While some hotels are in walkable areas, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore all the hidden gems, remote beaches, and beautiful landscapes the archipelago has to offer. The top 10 hotels in the Guadeloupe are spread out, so a car is essential to visit more than one.
