Le Rayon Vert

Popular with French-speaking couples and families, Le Rayon Vert is all about the views. The hotel’s sparkling infinity pool and guest room terraces take advantage of its hillside location, showcasing the wonderful views over the island and toward the sea. Simple paths bordered by well-landscaped plant-life meander through the hotel’s gently sloping grounds, occasionally offering more glimpses of the sea. The pool is the main gathering place, with older French couples and young families relaxing on lounge chairs throughout the day. The restaurant is the hotel’s other primary common area, connecting with the lobby, which features a small reception counter and a few cages filled with chattering tropical birds. It’s a peaceful, unfussy base for guests with a car, but travelers relying on walking and taxis may want to consider a hotel closer to the island’s attractions and restaurants.

Le Rayon Vert is set along one of the island’s main highways, the N2. Fortunately, it’s located far enough back from the road that traffic noise is rarely a problem. Connected to Grande-Terre by bridge, Basse-Terre is the less-visited of Guadeloupe’s two islands. This may be a pro or a con depending on your perspective -- it’s an interesting destination for those who prefer to explore a less well-trodden path, but it’s important to keep in mind that most of Guadeloupe’s most popular tourist attractions are located over an hour’s drive away.The nearest town, Deshaies, which features a handful of small restaurants and shops, is a five-minute drive away. Taxi rides for even the short distance into town can be quite pricey, and therefore a rental car is almost essential for guests. The Deshaies Botanical Garden is a five-minute drive away, while Grande Anse Beach can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. Point-a-Pitre International Airport is a 50-minute drive along a winding, mountainous road.  

Guest rooms at Le Rayon Vert are simple and modern, with tiled flooring and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Small stylish touches, like the long headboards made from multicolored panels of wood, give these rooms more flair than the standard mid-level resort. These add personality to the basic beds, dressed in white sheets and deep brown bed runners. Large, light wood cabinets hold personal safes and hangers. All rooms feature mini-fridges, with Comfort Rooms also including soft armchairs. Terraces offer appealing views over the island, with the sea partially visible in the distance. Wood-accented bathrooms with white-tiled walls have separate toilet vestibules as well as either above-counter or modish pedestal sinks. Floor-level showers are set back in wall niches. Pump dispensers of shower gel are provided. Family Suites feature two bedrooms and can accommodate up to six guests. 

Le Rayon Vert’s features, in particular its pool, raise it up above the usual mid-level options in the area. The restaurant is large and airy, with its colorful, driftwood-style tables mirroring the headboards found in guest rooms. A free continental breakfast is served here in the mornings and features items like fruit, cold cuts, and cheeses, along with a few hot dishes. Lunch and dinner are also served here in the high season, but it often closes for lunch during the low season. Drinks are served at an attractive bar ringed by wooden high-tops. The restaurant overlooks the outdoor pool, which has a dramatic infinity edge that highlights the hotel’s elevated location, offering views over the island and down toward the sea. The pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with elegant curved lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. Note that the pool is open to the public on certain days, and guests complain that it can get crowded and noisy. Other amenities here include a lovely common area with yet more views of the pool and coastline, along with a cabinet of used books and a few stacks of magazines. Free Wi-Fi is available around the restaurant and pool area, and free parking is offered on-site.