Hôtel Frégate Bleue

Built on the site of a 100-year-old property, the hotel’s decor is no-frills, eclectic, and funky. As the property changed hands in 2015, many rooms and common areas are in a state of transition. The resulting aesthetic lacks a bit of cohesion. Older common areas are well past their prime, with chipped paint, dated fixtures, and a general lack of attention to detail. However, more modern spaces have been given a significant overhaul that includes updated furniture, fresh paint, and more consistent decor that blends a clean, European-inspired aesthetic with subtle tropical touches. Aside from the small outdoor pool and restaurant, the hotel's lawn has lovely views of the ocean. This isn't a party hotel by any stretch of the imagination, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and quiet. Guests are just as likely to find families as adult singles and couples.

The hotel is situated on a hillside side street in a quiet, residential neighborhood. As it’s surrounded by homes and tiny inns, there's nothing really of interest within walking distance and a rental car will be helpful for exploring the island. The property sits just 150 feet (50 meters) from the Atlantic Ocean, with lovely water views, but no beach access. A Carrefour Market is less than 10 minutes away by car for stocking the in-room kitchenettes. The accompanying town of Le Francois has a post office, several gas stations, and a handful of local restaurants. The closest beach is in Vauclin, a 15-minute drive south, but the island's most popular beach -- Anse des Salines -- is about 40 minutes away by car. Aime Cesaire International Airport (FDF) is less than 30 minutes away by car via a modern, well-maintained highway. As is typical throughout Martinique, the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle.

Like the hotel’s common areas, room decor is a hodgepodge of styles. Older rooms -- like the Simple Room that we saw -- feature dated furnishings, banged-up cabinets, and a general lack of upkeep. Details range from contemporary lamps to vintage wall art. Other rooms are a bit more modern. Some feature a minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic -- clean, IKEA-inspired accents plus white walls and furnishings -- though even these still look a little unkempt. Tile floors aren't in the best shape we've seen, there's scuffs along baseboards, and some of the furniture feels better suited to outdoor patios. There are several room categories available, with different features in each. Entry-level Loft and Simple Rooms offer between 236 and 355 square feet (22 to 33 square meters). At a minimum, both include a double bed, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and an electric kettle. Master and Master Plus Rooms have similar 355-square-foot (33-square-meter) floor plans with the same amenities as above. However, the former offers a garden view, while the latter provides a terrace with beautiful ocean views. Master Family Rooms provide all of the same amenities, plus a larger, 538 to 800-square-foot (50 to 75-square-meter) floor plan that includes a water-view terrace and a mezzanine with additional beds. The flagship category is a single Suite with a 645-square-foot (60-square-meter) layout and an oversized, split-level terrace with views of the Atlantic.Additional technology in all rooms includes a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. We found the internet service to be mostly reliable. All rooms also include electric bug-zapping lamps and mosquito swatters as insects are a constant issue throughout the property.Like the rooms, bathrooms in each feature transitional decor and amenities. Many are done in old tile, faded paint, and well-worn fixtures. However, miscellaneous upgrades -- wide tray sinks and brushed nickel faucets -- indicate that things may be changing in the near future. Generic bath amenities and stand-up shower stalls are standard throughout.

As a tiny, three-pearl property, the hotel offers few amenities. The outdoor pool is small, though perfectly sized given the hotel’s capacity. The entire space is surrounded by a lovely tropical garden with a waterfall on one side. The surrounding deck offers more than enough wooden lounge chairs and umbrellas for every guest to relax. By day, the restaurant adjacent the pool serves a continental breakfast (free) of typical baked goods, fresh fruits, coffee, and tea. In the afternoon, the nearby bar opens with a full beer, wine, and liquor menu. A well-reviewed, a la carte dinner service is also provided on most nights. However, the schedule can be unpredictable and depends on the season and occupancy. The menu changes nightly, but typically features a particular theme (Caribbean BBQ, seafood, etc.). The hotel advertises a garden area. While it affords beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the space is more like a lawn with a few patio chairs. Free self-parking is also available in a large, off-street lot.