Chalets Cote Mer

Chalets Cote Mer is set on a hillside, with stone stairs and walkways winding through lovely tropical gardens and around thatched-roof buildings. The common areas and facilities are shared with the neighboring Colibri Guest House, with visitors from both properties -- mostly couples and small family groups -- mingling at the pool and restaurant. The main building has a bright lobby, with cushioned wicker furniture facing a bank of windows that look out over the bay. Like most of the other buildings, it has a polished wooden ceiling and is decorated with local island artwork, but it isn't a place where guest stay very long, except when checking in and out. 

The hotel sits on a hillside overlooking Sainte Anne bay, above a rocky shoreline on the eastern end of Praslin. The small Praslin Marina is an eight-minute walk away, and there's a supermarket about halfway there. There isn't much else within walking distance, so it's best to have a car for getting around to more active parts of the island, or attractions like Praslin National Park, which is an eight-minute drive from the hotel. The beautiful Anse Volbert is home to the popular Cote D'Or Beach, restaurants, and the Praslin Museum, surrounded by a cluster of hotels, all about a 13-minute drive away. To get to Praslin Island, travelers can take a ferry from Mahé (to the nearby marina), or fly into Praslin Island Airport, which is about  22 minutes by car. 

The hotel's air-conditioned guest rooms and apartments have tiled floors, wood ceilings, and simple island decor. White walls are dotted with colorful artwork depicting marine life, and most rooms have heavy wood furniture. But while they're comfortable and not unappealing, the overall look is dated.

Standard rooms have queen-size four-poster beds and sliding doors that open to furnished balconies with sea views. They also have vanity desks, large wardrobes, and seating areas with a pair of chairs. Superior Rooms are twice the size, and add twin beds to the living areas. All units have mini-fridges, electric kettles, and 24-inch flat-screen TVs, but Wi-Fi costs extra. 

There are also six family-friendly apartments with dining tables and kitchenettes that are equipped with larger mini-fridges, cooktops, and small appliances, like toasters. Big lofted bedrooms have king-size beds, with bunk-beds in an adjoining space, and separate living rooms. 

All the bathrooms have walk-in showers, though some are completely open, and lack panels or curtains, which may be uncomfortable for those who aren't traveling as couples. There are also hairdryers and toiletries, and Superior Rooms have bidets.   

Housekeeping is performed daily, though towels and bed linens are changed less frequently.  

This property has enough amenities for a comfortable stay, with a few drawbacks. There's no beach, but the oceanfront and nearby marina has activities like snorkeling, fishing, and boating excursions, which can be arranged at reception. The outdoor infinity pool faces the ocean, with a sundeck that has a few loungers, and shaded areas under thatched rooftops, but it's small, and may be crowded with guests from the adjoining property. 

There's an on-site restaurant that serves international cuisine and authentic Creole dishes in an open-air dining room under an attractive high, wood-beamed ceiling. Dinners consist of three-course menus, though options may be limited for some guests. A free hot breakfast with bacon and eggs is included, and there's free on-site parking, but there's a fee for Wi-Fi, and no fitness room.