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Where to stay in Reunion Island: 8 types of accommodation for every budget

Beach hotel by the lagoon, a gîte (a rural guesthouse) in a mountain cirque, a bubble tent under the stars or a campervan for a road trip: where you sleep shapes your whole Reunion Island holiday. Here are all your options, with real price ranges, the best areas and picks for every type of traveller.

8 types of accommodation€0 to €400 a night5 areas of the island
Updated in September 2026
Before you book

Across 2,512 km², Reunion Island combines a beach lagoon, isolated cirques and a 3,070 m summit. There's no one-size-fits-all way to stay: the smart approach is often to combine 2 or 3 types on the same trip. For the ideal calendar, see the Reunion Island weather guide.

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Sous Les Étoiles 974 aggregates more than 470 verified activities and a catalogue of partner accommodation across the island's 24 towns (Agoda hotels, gîtes, campsites, campervan rental). Rigorous selection, prices in euros, secure booking. An independent site run by someone passionate about Reunion Island.

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If you're used to Mauritius or the Maldives, forget the idea of one resort for the whole stay. Reunion Island offers eight distinct types of accommodation, from free wild camping on the summit of Piton des Neiges to a 4-star spa hotel on the La Saline lagoon, and that range comes straight from its geography: 24 towns, 5 climate zones, a narrow coastal strip and cirques you can only reach on foot or by helicopter.

Where you stay shapes the whole trip. West coast (Saint-Paul to Saint-Leu) for the lagoon and daily swims. South (Saint-Pierre, Saint-Joseph) for the Creole market and access to the volcano. The Hauts (Cilaos, Salazie, Plaine des Cafres) for hiking and the cirques. East (Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Rose) for lush vegetation and Creole authenticity. North (Saint-Denis) for your arrival night near Roland-Garros airport.

Price ranges are wide: €30-80 for a hostel, €45-120 for a rural gîte, €90-250 for a comfort hotel, €105-250 for a unique stay, up to €400 for high-end options (Diana Dea, Saint-Alexis, or Akoya Hôtel, a luxury hotel in Reunion Island right on the La Saline lagoon). Regulated wild camping costs nothing, provided you stick strictly to the marked zones.

The rest of this page covers the 8 types of accommodation with concrete examples, the 5 geographic areas, the 6 traveller profiles and tips for combining several types of accommodation over a 7 to 15-day trip.

Wild coastline of Reunion Island with basalt rocks, foaming waves and a golden sand beach: the typical setting for seafront hotels
Seafront

Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu, Saint-Pierre: lagoon-side hotels

8 types of accommodation

Every option for staying in Reunion Island

For each type: price range, typical profiles, strengths, things to watch for, a concrete example. Click the button to explore the dedicated hub.

3-4 star comfort hotels

Standard comforts with breakfast, parking, air conditioning
€80 to €250/night
Who it's for: Couples, families, business travellers, short stays
Strengths
  • 24-hour service (reception, room service, sometimes a gym)
  • Breakfast included with most deals
  • Air conditioning and secure parking
  • Flexible booking with 24-48 h cancellation
Watch out for
  • Few all-inclusive resorts in Reunion Island (unlike Mauritius)
  • Concentrated in Saint-Gilles, Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre
  • Prices rise 20-30% in July-August

Example: L'Hôtel Le Saint Pierre (€146, Terre Sainte seafront), Le Radisson Saint-Denis (€158, international chain).

Browse the hotel selection

Budget hotels and hostels

Tight budgets, simple rooms or dorms
€30 to €80/night
Who it's for: Solo travellers, backpackers, young travellers, long trips
Strengths
  • Affordable, sometimes cheaper than the same kind of room in mainland France
  • A shared atmosphere that's great for meeting people
  • Often well located (Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, Cilaos)
  • Breakfast and Wi-Fi available as options
Watch out for
  • Rooms sometimes small with average soundproofing
  • Shared bathrooms in hostels
  • Book well ahead in high season

Example: Cilaos youth hostels, Le Barachois City (€76 in Saint-Denis), KazHotel.

See the budget picks

Rural gîtes and guesthouses

Creole houses, a homestay welcome, an authentic feel
€45 to €120/night
Who it's for: Hikers, nature lovers, travellers who value authenticity
Strengths
  • A homely feel rather than a hotel
  • Creole table d'hôte dinners (a home-cooked set meal) if you book ahead
  • Very common in the Hauts, the island's highlands (Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie)
  • Right next to hiking trails
Watch out for
  • Limited capacity, book well ahead
  • Comfort varies, some gîtes stay fairly rustic
  • Payment is often cash or direct bank transfer

Example: Chez Paule et Jo (Dos d'Âne, €54/night), Le Guétali (Salazie, €70/night), ONF (state forestry office) gîtes in Mafate.

Explore the gîtes guide

Camping and caravanning

Pitches out in nature, equipped or basic
€5 to €30/night per pitch
Who it's for: Families with children, road-trippers, tight budgets, a first outdoor trip
Strengths
  • The most affordable option in the accommodation range
  • A natural setting (forest, lagoon-side, highlands)
  • Tent rental available on site
  • Ideal for exploring several areas of the island
Watch out for
  • Few upscale campsites
  • Expect shared facilities
  • Strongly seasonal (closures during cyclones)

Example: Camping Ermitage Lagon (Saint-Gilles, €30), campsites in Cilaos and Saint-Leu.

Explore the camping guide

Wild camping in nature

A self-sufficient night under canvas or under the stars
Free (regulated)
Who it's for: Self-sufficient hikers, photographers, adventure lovers
Strengths
  • No accommodation cost at all
  • Exceptional settings: the summit of Piton des Neiges, Mafate, wild beaches
  • Total freedom to roam
  • Preparation and self-sufficiency required
Watch out for
  • Rules must be followed (banned in the national park outside marked zones)
  • Weather and conditions can be harsh at altitude
  • Proper gear is essential (tent, a 0°C-rated sleeping bag at altitude)

Example: Wild camping at the summit of Piton des Neiges, at Trois Roches (Mafate), at Pointe des Avirons.

See the best wild camping spots

Unique stays

Treehouses, bubble tents, gypsy caravans, domes
€105 to €250/night
Who it's for: Couples, anniversaries, honeymoons, experiences to give as a gift
Strengths
  • An unusual experience, often secluded
  • Carefully designed, photogenic settings
  • Breakfast often included and refined
  • Exceptional settings (cirque, primary forest, panoramic views)
Watch out for
  • Very limited capacity (1-2 units per site)
  • Booking 2-3 months ahead recommended
  • Facilities sometimes outdoors or shared

Example: Gadiamb City (near Saint-Pierre, €163/night), treehouses in Salazie, bubble tents at Bourg-Murat.

Explore the unique stays guide

Campervan rental

Full mobility, with sleeping space and a kitchenette built in
€67 to €120/day
Who it's for: Road-trippers, young couples, flexible trips, photographers
Strengths
  • Maximum freedom to roam
  • Savings on accommodation compared with car + hotel
  • Explore the island without a fixed route
  • Very well suited to the dry season (May to October)
Watch out for
  • Overnight parking is regulated (know which car parks are tolerated)
  • Weather and trade winds in the wet season can be a hassle
  • Book early in high season

Example: A campervan with sleeping space and kitchenette for 7 days from €470. Recommended for a full loop of the island.

See campervan rental options

Holiday rentals (villas, flats, bungalows)

Complete independence, a fully equipped kitchen
€70 to €250/night
Who it's for: Families, groups of friends, long stays (7 days or more)
Strengths
  • Total independence (kitchen, washing machine, living room)
  • Often cheaper than a hotel for the same capacity
  • Wide choice on Airbnb, Abritel (Vrbo in France) and local platforms
  • A garden and private pool are sometimes available
Watch out for
  • No hotel services (daily cleaning, breakfast)
  • A deposit is required on arrival
  • Check the listing matches its verified photos

Example: Villas with pools in Saint-Gilles, bungalows in Cilaos, flats in Saint-Denis (€80-150/night).

Back to the accommodation guide
A rural gîte in Reunion Island: a red Creole house with a veranda, a garden in bloom with white agapanthus, the atmosphere of the Hauts
Authentic highlands

Cilaos, Salazie, Dos d'Âne: rural gîtes

5 geographic areas

Where to base yourself, by what you're after

The island feels different depending on the area you choose. Five distinct territories, each with its own atmosphere and accommodation specialities.

West coast (Saint-Paul to Saint-Leu)

The number one tourist area, a protected lagoon stretching 25 km, sunny weather year-round.

Suitable accommodation
  • Comfort hotels
  • Holiday rentals
  • Ermitage camping
Highlight: Turquoise lagoon, daily swims, lively restaurants, whale-watching trips from June to October.

South (Saint-Pierre, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Philippe)

The southern capital in Saint-Pierre, direct access to Cilaos, the volcano and the wild south.

Suitable accommodation
  • Boutique hotels
  • Rural gîtes
  • Guesthouses
Highlight: Sunday Creole market, the Terre Sainte lagoon, volcano and Cilaos ascents.

The highlands (Cilaos, Salazie, Plaine des Cafres)

The heart of hiking and the cirques, cool climate at altitude.

Suitable accommodation
  • Rural gîtes
  • Guesthouses
  • Wild camping
Highlight: Direct access to the GR R1 and GR R2 trails, the summit of Piton des Neiges and Mafate's remote villages.

East (Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Rose, Salazie)

The island's wet side, lush vegetation, an authentic feel.

Suitable accommodation
  • Rural gîtes
  • Holiday rentals
  • Camping
Highlight: Waterfalls, vanilla plantations, the volcano road via the east, a quieter, more local feel.

North (Saint-Denis, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Suzanne)

The island's capital and gateway via Roland-Garros, an urban and cultural stay.

Suitable accommodation
  • Comfort hotels
  • Hostels
  • Holiday rentals
Highlight: Colonial heritage, the Jardin de l'État, the central market, access to Roche Écrite.
Peaks and ridges of the Mafate cirque seen from a viewpoint: the typical playground for campervan road trips and wild camping
Road trip

Campervan: total freedom to roam

6 trip profiles

Where to stay, by type of traveller

Six typical combinations depending on your trip, each with three well-argued suggestions to get your search started.

Honeymoon or couple

  • A unique stay (bubble tent, treehouse) for 1-2 special nights
  • An upscale guesthouse (La Kaz Banian, Couleurs K'fe in Saint-Pierre)
  • A 4-star hotel on the west coast lagoon for beachside calm

Family with children

  • A 3-4 star hotel with a pool (Hôtel Le Saint Pierre, Le Radisson)
  • A holiday rental with a garden for self-catering
  • Camping Ermitage (Saint-Gilles) for a family budget with the lagoon nearby

Hiker and highlands lover

  • Rural and ONF gîtes in Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie
  • Self-sufficient wild camping on the GR R1 and GR R2 trails
  • A guesthouse in Cilaos or Hell-Bourg for recovery stops

Small budget and backpacker

  • A youth hostel in Cilaos, Saint-Denis (KazHotel) or Saint-Pierre
  • A campervan rental to combine accommodation and transport
  • Municipal campsites, regulated wild camping

Business traveller

  • Le Radisson Saint-Denis (international standards, gym, business Wi-Fi)
  • Hotels near Roland-Garros in Sainte-Marie
  • A short-term rental for a trip of 5 days or more

Self-sufficient adventurer

  • Wild camping at the summit of Piton des Neiges (free, a unique panorama)
  • A campervan rental for a 7-10 day loop of the island
  • A combination of ONF gîtes and wild camping in marked zones
A wild beach framed by sea grapes and basalt cliffs, ideal for beachside wild camping in Reunion Island
Under the stars

Regulated wild camping: the free luxury

Mixing accommodation types

A typical 10-day trip: alternating between 3 or 4 types

The approach that comes up most in feedback: mixing several types of accommodation on the same trip to vary the mood and explore more of the island.

Days 1-3

Hotel on the west coast lagoon

Unwind in Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu. Swimming, snorkelling, lively restaurants in the evening.

Days 4-6

Rural gîte in Cilaos

Dive into the highlands. Hiking, Creole dinners in the evening, village atmosphere.

Days 7-8

Unique stay

A bubble tent, treehouse or gypsy caravan for 1-2 special nights. A standout memory of the trip.

Days 9-10

Hotel in Saint-Denis

A final stop 15 min from Roland-Garros. Colonial heritage, the central market.

For the full breakdown of this combined itinerary, see the 10 days in Reunion Island guide, which covers two complete itineraries (lagoon relaxation and hiking adventure).

A primary forest trail in Reunion Island with tree ferns and soft light: the typical setting for unique stays out in nature
Primary forest

Unique stays out in nature

Detailed picks

Hotel guides by town

Two Agoda hotel selections, all rated at least 7.8/10, with detailed descriptions and direct booking links.

5 hotels rated 8+/10

Best hotels in Saint-Pierre

The southern capital, Creole market, access to the volcano and Cilaos. From €93 to €215/night.

Read the selection →
5 hotels rated 7.8 to 9.4/10

Best hotels in Saint-Denis

The island's capital, an airport stopover, business trips, colonial heritage. From €76 to €167/night.

Read the selection →
Accommodation hubs

Explore a specific type of accommodation

Jump straight to the six main accommodation categories on Sous Les Étoiles 974, each with its own detailed selection.

Budget hotels and hostels

Tight budgets, €30-80/night, a selection of good deals.

Rural gîtes and guesthouses

Authenticity, Creole dining, close to the trails.

Campsites

Families, road-trippers, Ermitage Lagon, Cilaos.

Unique stays

Bubble tents, treehouses, gypsy caravans for unique experiences.

Wild camping

Approved spots, the summit of Piton des Neiges, beaches.

Campervan rental

A flexible road trip, €67-120/day all-inclusive.

Frequently asked questions

Where to stay in Reunion Island, in practice

What accommodation should you choose in Reunion Island?
It depends on your trip and budget. For a beach stay by the lagoon, aim for a hotel in Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu (€90-200/night). For hiking and the cirques, go for rural gîtes in the Hauts (€45-80/night). For a flexible road trip, campervan rental (€67-120/day) combines transport and accommodation. Wild camping stays free for self-sufficient hikers. For couples, unique stays (around €150/night on average) make a lasting impression.
How much does a night's accommodation cost in Reunion Island?
A very wide range. Wild camping: free (regulated). Camping: €5 to €30 per pitch. Hostels and budget hotels: €30 to €80. Rural gîtes: €45 to €120. Comfort hotels: €80 to €250. Holiday rentals: €70 to €250. Unique stays: €105 to €250. Upscale hotels: €250 to €400. Prices rise in July-August (+20-30%) and drop in May-June and November.
Where to stay to visit Cilaos and Piton des Neiges?
Cilaos is the obvious base before climbing Piton des Neiges. Several gîtes and guesthouses in the village (€45-90/night, Creole table d'hôtes on site). For the ascent itself, the Caverne Dufour gîte (Piton des Neiges, ONF) takes up to 30 hikers on a half-board basis, book months ahead through Île de La Réunion Tourisme.
Where to stay to explore Mafate?
Since Mafate can't be reached by car, accommodation comes down to the ONF gîtes in the îlets (small hamlets) (La Nouvelle, Marla, Roche Plate, Aurère, Îlet à Bourse, Grand Place). Price: €35-50/night with half-board, booked directly with local hosts. Wild camping is allowed in marked zones. Plan at least 2-3 days of walking to cross the cirque.
Should you stay in Saint-Pierre or Saint-Gilles?
Saint-Gilles (west coast) for the island's main lagoon, swimming and beach life. Saint-Pierre (south coast) for the Creole market, authenticity and access to the volcano, Cilaos and the wild south. Many travellers split their stay, 3-4 nights in each, to get the best of both. The Saint-Pierre and Saint-Denis hotel guides have detailed picks.
Are there all-inclusive hotels in Reunion Island?
Practically none, unlike Mauritius. The dominant model remains the classic hotel with breakfast included, complemented by nearby local restaurants. To compare how the two islands do accommodation, see the Mauritius or Reunion Island guide.
Can you stay somewhere for free in Reunion Island?
Yes, through wild camping, allowed in several marked zones of the national park (the summit of Piton des Neiges, certain beaches, the ilets of Mafate outside the villages). Rules must be strictly followed: no fires outside designated areas, leave nothing behind, a declaration is sometimes required. For details, see the guide to the best wild camping spots.
When should you book your accommodation in Reunion Island?
Standard hotels: 2-4 weeks ahead is enough outside July-August. Popular rural gîtes (Mafate, Cilaos): 2-3 months ahead is essential. Unique stays: 2-3 months ahead. Campervan rental: 2 months ahead for high season. The Piton des Neiges summit (Caverne Dufour gîte): sometimes 6 months ahead.
Is Airbnb well established in Reunion Island?
Yes, strongly so, especially in Saint-Gilles, Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre and Cilaos. Typical prices: €50-150/night depending on location and capacity. For a stay of 5 days or more, it often works out cheaper than a hotel sleeping the same number of people. Check that the listing has verified reviews and recent photos.
Which platforms should you use to book accommodation?
For hotels and guesthouses: Agoda (the site's main partner), Booking, Hotels.com. For holiday rentals: Airbnb, Abritel (the French arm of Vrbo), Gîtes de France Réunion (the French rural holiday-home network). For wild camping and ONF gîtes: book directly through Île de La Réunion Tourisme. For campervan rental: the local providers listed on the dedicated page.
Can you combine several types of accommodation in one trip?
For a 10-15 day trip, it's the most rewarding approach. A typical combination: 3 nights in a west coast lagoon hotel to unwind, 3 nights in a rural gîte in Cilaos for hiking, 2 nights in a unique stay for a standout moment, 2 nights in a holiday rental in Saint-Pierre to finish. See the 10-day itinerary guide.
Saint-Denis or Saint-Pierre for your arrival night?
Saint-Denis if you want a short arrival hop (hotels 15 min from Roland-Garros) and plan to start with the north or east. Saint-Pierre if you're heading straight for Cilaos, the volcano or the wild south (a 1 hr 15 min drive from the airport). For your departure night, aim for Saint-Denis or Sainte-Marie (near the airport) instead.
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Page updated in September 2026.