Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel Seychelles

The Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel Seychelles is a large beachfront resort filled with constant activity, especially in the evenings when impromptu parties spring up around the pool and other common areas. Guests from neighboring hotels often come by to join the fun, which can be a problem for light sleepers. Noisy and busy, the Coral Strand lacks character and style, and decor is dated -- the lobby, for example, is lined with strips of AstroTurf. The Coral Strand slogan is: “We don’t sell rooms; we sell experiences,” and the emphasis here is more on activity than zoning out on lounge chairs, although there are hammocks strung around the property. The pool is small for a hotel of this size, but the beach is spectacular, and a popular swimming spot for locals. The common areas are spacious and feature peaked roofs, which give them a bit of an island feel. Furnishings are simple and functional throughout, although the Indian restaurant, Mahek, with handsome South Asian wood carvings and decor, is an exception. While this is a decent choice for families and the party-minded, the resort doesn't offer much of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. 

This resort is located on Mahe Island, along a gorgeous white-sand beach at Beau Vallon Bay. The property is right in the middle of the island’s entertainment district, along a strip of hotels, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. In the evenings, a local market with food stalls operates just down the beach, where guests can sample local curries or have an inexpensive burger or snack. The capital, Victoria, is 10 minutes away by car, and the airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms at the Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel Seychelles are clean and basic, with views of the mountains or the Indian Ocean. Mountain view rooms are quieter, and best for light sleepers. Ocean views are gorgeous, but late-night noise from the beach and pool can become extreme, especially on weekends. The hotel offers rooms, suites, and two-bedroom apartments, and some have private yards or furnished balconies, although the balconies are not private. The decor is plain and a bit dated, with dorm-style wood furniture and tile floors. There are few decorative touches, like generic tropical or beachy wall art, and the walls are painted a subdued yellow or white. Some rooms have pretty canopy beds. We did notice a bit of wear on furniture, and the vibe is modestly dated. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with glass shower stalls but no tubs. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, laptop safes, coffeemakers, toiletries, and bottled water. Adjoining rooms are available upon request.

The Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel Seychelles features a moderate-size outdoor pool surrounded by sunbeds and beach umbrellas, and a small children’s pool. Guests are also free to use the pool at Coral Strand's sister property next door. There's a spa offering Eastern- and Western-style treatments. The entertainment staff offers a variety of activities, including coconut demonstrations, hikes, arts and crafts, and a trio of giant tortoises that are a hit with kids. Kayaking, volleyball, parasailing, fishing, and sailing are offered on the beach, and there's a kids' club. In the evenings, there's karaoke and a bar with live music, along with barbecue grills around the grounds for guests who want to cook out. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and there are several restaurants, including a large buffet with a weekly schedule of theme nights. Coralasia serves Asian fusion cuisine, including sushi and sashimi. Pescado serves fresh local fish, homemade digestifs, and signature cocktails garnished with fresh herbs. The Indian restaurant, Mahek, has plenty of atmosphere and serves excellent food. There's a souvenir shop on-site, which is good for last-minute gifts and forgotten sunscreen. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.