NH Haiti El Rancho

When El Rancho Hotel originally opened in the 1960s, it became a Port-au-Prince’s hotspot, with its modish architecture, whitewashed walls, and lush grounds. Over the years it fell into disrepair, until the NH chain restored the property to its former grande-dame status. However, don't expect any vintage charm here, as everything is thoroughly modern and fresh inside the hotel. Arriving guests pass through a long, open-air entryway that resembles a futuristic flute lined with fountains and a black and white chevron-patterned tile floors. As pleasing as the interiors are, the hotel’s grounds are even more impressive. These include carefully manicured lawns, blossoming flowers (including sweet-smelling jasmine), and tall palm trees. There’s even a huge mango tree overloaded with ripe fruit in season. The hotel takes advantage of its amazing grounds and the restaurant and bar have a ton of outdoor seating. On some nights, an outdoor projector screens TV shows, sports, or concerts, creating a low-key social vibe that most guests appreciate. El Rancho’s guests are an international crowd of NGO employees and United Nations soldiers who sometimes stay for months at a time.  

El Rancho’s located in the upscale Petionville neighborhood, a hilly Port-au-Prince suburb that overlooks the sprawling city. Walking to the nearby shops and stores isn’t advised, so a car, taxi, or driver is highly suggested. Within a five-minute drive of El Rancho are a grocery store, rental car office, ice-cream shop, and the unofficially titled Gallery Strip, a road lined with galleries selling the work of Haitian artists. A few bars and many restaurants with French, Lebanese, Japanese, and Haitian cuisine are a 10-minute drive from El Rancho. Downtown Port-au-Prince is a 30-minute drive and is home to the National Pantheon Museum of Art, which holds the anchor from Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria. The nearest beaches are along Haiti’s Les Cotes des Arcadin which is a 45-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a 30-minute drive (depending on traffic) to Port-au-Prince International airport, although the hotel’s helicopter service pares the trip to an expensive five-minute ride.  

El Rancho’s air-conditioned rooms have clean lines and modern interiors that make them a pleasant option for those seeking an upscale stay. Colors include neutral tans and whites, with colorful accents or patterned walls thrown in the mix as well. All rooms have recessed flat-screen TVs with cable channels, low-profile couches, white desks with boxy, low-backed chairs, and built-in wardrobes with sliding mirrored doors. Balconies also come standard with all rooms. The hotel’s best offerings are the suites, which are modern and hip, and include features like minimalist metal furniture, plush gray couches, multiple flat-screen TVs, and colorful Haitian paintings on the walls. They also have three balconies, including a huge one that overlooks the pool and furnished with big plants and plenty of seating. Bathrooms in all units are fully tiled and have stand-up showers with glass doors, though suites feature shower/tub combos. Other standard bathroom features include hairdryers, beauty mirrors, and generous toiletries. Other room amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, pool towels, irons and ironing boards, and coffeemakers (with free coffee and tea). There’s also a reasonably priced minibar and two bottles of water are free with all stays. 

Fusion Restaurant, El Rancho’s restaurant, serves three meals a day of Haitian and international cuisine from its beautiful perch overlooking the pool. They have themed buffet dinners on select weeknights. There’s also live music on several nights per week and during the weekly Sunday brunch. Buffet breakfasts are included with all stays, and the free Bloody Mary cocktail bar is easily a highlight. The lobby bar overlooks the pool and has happy hour specials on Wednesday nights and hookahs. On many nights, the hotel sets up an outdoor project to screen sports, concerts, and TV shows. The hotel’s beautiful pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees, and poolside service is available. The mirror-walled gym is open around the clock and has a treadmill, stationary bike, dumbbells, and a bench press with free weights. El Rancho is probably the only hotel with its own helicopter. They offer airport transfers, helicopter tours, trips to island attractions that all departing from the hotel’s heliport. Given its exclusive nature, it's perhaps no surprise that this hotel is popular for high-end weddings and events.Other hotel amenities include eight meeting rooms, an on-site (independently run) casino, ATM, free parking, and laundry service. The front desk can arrange spa services, car rentals, taxis and private drivers, and dinner reservations. Free coffee is available in the morning in the lobby and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.