My wife and I booked the Karibea from the listings and were not disappointed. It was exactly what we expected. Early July -2004

The hike up is a bit daunting but we are in good shape and in our 60s and 50s. (I would not recommend this for the elderly or especially if you are not fit.) We arrived by taxi of course- from the ferry in Fort de France and the staff were welcoming and pleasant. The front desk can speak a little English and I speak French. There are clean public washrooms off the foyer.

The breakfasts-buffet style in the morning were very plentiful and varied. We enjoyed the spaciousness and cleanliness of the dining area. The pool just below was in use and never crowded. Its a splendid location for short stays . Restaurant and hotel staff were pleasant.

The hotel rooms were plain but comfortable, clean and fairly well maintained, and airconditioned. The shutter style windows over the doors were without screens .We had no bug problem,though.
The toilet /washroom /shower was fine although the unscreened bathroom window was stuck in an open position which we found was not an uncommon situation in several hotels on our three week holiday.

Taking one's luggage up to the second floor is only accomplished by walking and climbing on moderately steep and moderaterly wide tiled staircases. It was a challenge as it is a very warm humid climate.
The elderly shouldn't attempt this hotel as it doesn't have an elevator nor bus boys to help. We had two heavy soft suitcases each as we were travelling and sailing as well and it was a struggle with that.

The view from our room and the nice balcony to sit out on especially lovely in the evening, was an added plus.

The hotel price was moderate and reasonable although in American $ or Euros which for the Canadian tourist is still at a currency disadvantage.

Good parking for cars but a steep entrance off the lower road .

We would recommend it for couples, families and the older but 'fit' hotel clientel who don't mind steep and long 10 -15 minutes walks down or UP the hill back to the hotel. We saw numerous families at the hotel- and in the pool .

Location : Easy walk down to:
The village-Trois Ilets , below --is full of restaurants and stores, other very expensive hotels and docks and small ports; the good beach half the way there is worth the walk and easy to access.

Easy arrival by small ferry boat from Fort De France. (Don't take the TAXI - it was 60 $ USF )

The Navette-powerful fast launch trip from Ft. de France to a pier just below the Karibea hotel -5-10 minutes walk. The Navette cost was about 6 EURO one way or 7.50 aller-retour ( both ways ) each.
There are two ports for the ferry /navette- one close to the beach and the Karibea and the other in the small town of Trois Islets in the main small harbour- Both run frequently -every half an hour.
J.P.