Verified Facts
When deciding where to stay in Reunion, consider the island's unique blend of French and African influences, and choose from a range of areas that cater to different types of travelers, from the bustling streets of Saint-Denis to the picturesque coastal towns of Saint-Gilles and Saint-Pierre.
Best Areas to Stay
For each of the top areas, Reunion offers a diverse range of experiences:
Saint-Denis (Saint-Denis)
Best For: Luxury / Business
Vibe: As the capital city, Saint-Denis offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of historic and modern buildings, and a range of cultural attractions, including the Reunion Museum of Art and History, and the Saint-Denis Market, which showcases local produce and handicrafts. The city's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island.
Price Range: $150-300/night
Pros: Convenient access to amenities, cultural attractions, and business centers, including the Reunion Chamber of Commerce and the Saint-Denis Convention Center. The city is also home to a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving a mix of French, African, and Creole cuisine.
Cons: Can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak season, which runs from June to September.
Saint-Gilles (Saint-Paul)
Best For: Family / Luxury
Vibe: This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants along the beachfront. The town is also home to the Saint-Gilles Marina, which offers boat tours and fishing trips.
Price Range: $200-400/night
Pros: Stunning beaches, plenty of activities for families, and a range of upscale accommodations, including the Saint-Gilles Hotel and the La Creole Beach Hotel. The town is also close to the Reunion National Park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.
Cons: Can be expensive, and some areas can be quite touristy, with a focus on mass-market tourism.
Saint-Pierre (Saint-Pierre)
Best For: Backpacker / Family
Vibe: This charming town is located on the south coast and offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and snorkeling. The town is also home to the Saint-Pierre Market, which sells local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Price Range: $80-200/night
Pros: Affordable accommodations, beautiful beaches, and a range of outdoor activities, including the Saint-Pierre Beach and the Rivière de l'Est. The town is also close to the Reunion Volcano, which offers stunning views and hiking trails.
Cons: Limited nightlife, and some areas can be quite rural, with limited access to amenities.
Cilaos (Cilaos)
Best For: Adventure / Nature
Vibe: This picturesque town is located in the mountains and is known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and waterfalls, including the Cilaos Waterfall and the Piton des Neiges. The town is also home to the Cilaos Hot Springs, which offer a relaxing soak in natural hot water.
Price Range: $100-250/night
Pros: Breathtaking scenery, plenty of outdoor activities, and a range of accommodations, including the Cilaos Hotel and the Le Relais des Cimes. The town is also close to the Reunion National Park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.
Cons: Can be quite remote, and some areas can be difficult to access, especially during the rainy season.
La Saline (Saint-Paul)
Best For: Family / Budget
Vibe: This coastal town is located on the west coast and offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with a range of outdoor activities, including surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. The town is also home to the La Saline Beach, which is a popular spot for families and surfers.
Price Range: $60-150/night
Pros: Affordable accommodations, beautiful beaches, and a range of outdoor activities, including the La Saline Surf School and the La Saline Fishing Charters. The town is also close to the Reunion National Park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.
Cons: Limited nightlife, and some areas can be quite rural, with limited access to amenities.
Le Tampon (Le Tampon)
Best For: Business / Luxury
Vibe: This town is located in the south and is known for its stunning scenery, golf courses, and upscale accommodations, including the Le Tampon Hotel and the Golf du Bassin Bleu. The town is also home to the Le Tampon Market, which sells local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Price Range: $150-300/night
Pros: Convenient access to amenities, stunning scenery, and a range of upscale accommodations, including the Le Tampon Hotel and the Golf du Bassin Bleu. The town is also close to the Reunion National Park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.
Cons: Can be quite expensive, and some areas can be quite remote, with limited access to amenities.
Saint-Leu (Saint-Leu)
Best For: Family / Budget
Vibe: This coastal town is located on the west coast and offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with a range of outdoor activities, including surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. The town is also home to the Saint-Leu Beach, which is a popular spot for families and surfers.
Price Range: $80-200/night
Pros: Affordable accommodations, beautiful beaches, and a range of outdoor activities, including the Saint-Leu Surf School and the Saint-Leu Fishing Charters. The town is also close to the Reunion National Park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.
Cons: Limited nightlife, and some areas can be quite rural, with limited access to amenities.
Accommodation Types
| Type | Price Range (USD/night) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostels | $20-50 | Budget/Social | Shared rooms and dorms, often with communal kitchens and social areas, including the Reunion Hostel and the Saint-Denis Hostel. |
| Guesthouses | $40-100 | Mid-range/Local | Family-run establishments offering a homey atmosphere and local insights, including the Guesthouse Le Relais and the Guesthouse La Maison Creole. |
| Hotels | $100-250 | Comfort/Business | Range of options from budget to luxury, often with amenities like pools and restaurants, including the Saint-Denis Hotel and the La Creole Beach Hotel. |
| Boutique Hotels | $150-300 | Experience | Unique, often family-run hotels offering a personalized experience, including the Boutique Hotel Le Saint-Pierre and the Boutique Hotel La Maison des Artistes. |
| Resorts | $200-400 | Relaxation | Upscale establishments offering a range of amenities and activities, including the Reunion Resort and the La Saline Resort. |
| Apartments/Airbnb | $60-200 | Long stays/Families | Self-catering apartments and houses, often with kitchen facilities, including the Reunion Apartments and the Saint-Denis Apartments. |
Booking Tips
- Book in advance, especially during peak season (June to September), to ensure availability and the best rates.
- Use online booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com to compare prices and find deals, including discounts and special offers.
- Consider negotiating prices, especially for longer stays or off-season bookings, to get the best value for your money.
- Look for package deals that include flights, accommodation, and activities, to save time and money.
- Be aware of seasonal pricing, with prices tend to be higher during peak season, and lower during the off-season.
- Read reviews and check the cancellation policies before booking, to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
- Consider booking a room with a sea view or a balcony, to make the most of your stay.
Safety & Location Tips
- Reunion is generally a safe island, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, including using a hotel safe and keeping valuables secure.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas.
- Choose accommodations in well-lit and populated areas, to ensure your safety and security.
- Consider staying in areas with easy access to public transportation, to make it easy to get around the island.
- Be mindful of the island's rugged terrain and weather conditions, especially when engaging in outdoor activities, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting rural areas or attending cultural events, to ensure a positive and respectful experience.