Best Hotels in Saint-Pierre: 5 picks rated 8+/10

Top of my list, with an exceptional 9.3 out of 10 from 57 reviews. La Kaz Banian (kaz is Creole for house) offers beautifully finished rooms in a Creole house set in a tropical garden, a few minutes' drive from Saint-Pierre's historic centre and seafront. Reviewers unanimously praise the personal welcome and the care that goes into the Creole breakfast served on the terrace. It suits travellers who want a homely feel rather than a hotel, with comfort on a par with four stars. Ideal for a 2-3 night stop on a tour of the island, or for a longer stay exploring the south coast.

The best value for money in the selection (€93 a night, rated 9.1/10 from 113 reviews). La Porte Bleue stands out for its private jacuzzi for guests, its snug, romantic feel (perfect for couples) and its handy location near the town centre and Terre Sainte beach. The hosts are known for their spot-on tips on the best local restaurants and nearby hikes. With only a few rooms, it stays intimate, but you'll need to book well ahead, especially in high season (July-October).

The most upmarket option in the selection at €215 a night, rated 8.6 out of 10 from 57 reviews. Couleurs K'fe has just a handful of rooms with carefully styled decor that blends Reunion Island colonial style with modern comfort. Its table d'hôtes (dinner cooked by the hosts) is one of its biggest strengths, with inventive cooking on reservation and a well-stocked wine cellar. It mainly attracts honeymooners, upmarket business travellers and food lovers keen to explore Creole flavours. Reviewers often praise the personal service and the quality of the bed linen.

The only full-service hotel in the selection (81 reviews, 8.3/10), right on the seafront facing the Terre Sainte lagoon. It has everything you'd expect from a 3-star hotel: an outdoor pool, a restaurant open for lunch and dinner, secure parking, air conditioning and a 24-hour reception. It particularly suits travellers who prefer the independence of a hotel to the sociable feel of a guesthouse, and families with children (child-friendly spaces). A few sea-view rooms are available at a higher price. A good base for trips to Saint-Joseph, Saint-Philippe and the wild south, or before climbing Piton de la Fournaise.

The most affordable of the traditional hotels, at €93 a night with a solid 8.3/10 from 62 reviews. In the residential Terre Sainte neighbourhood, it offers simple but comfortable rooms 5 minutes' walk from the beach and the seafront, which buzzes on Sundays. Ideal for travellers on a moderate budget who don't want to compromise on cleanliness or location. There's no pool or restaurant, but around ten Creole eateries within 300m. A good first or last stop on a tour of the island, before heading north or to the west coast.