TRAVEL UPDATE: Visit Haiti from Home
hotel pool with lounge chairs and ocean view
Mont Joli Hotel, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Mont Joli Hotel

Where to Wake up in Cap-Haïtien

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Vastly underrated beachfronts, a wealth of adventure right around the corner, and a rich urban history make Cap-Haïtien one of Haiti’s most popular destinations.

Travellers planning a trip to Haiti’s “second city” have three choices when it comes to finding a place to stay: Travel to “Le Cap” independently, and find a hostel once you get here. This works for adventurous backpackers who aren’t sure when they’ll arrive, but it’s not the most practical option for first-time visitors. Your second option is to ask a friend in the city if they can host you. If you don’t know anyone, you can look for AirBnBs, but AirBnBs are only just starting to take off in Haiti, and rooms that are listed for Le Cap tend to fill up fast.

Your third option (and safest bet) is to book a room at a hotel in the city. Hotels can be somewhat expensive in Cap-Haïtien compared to elsewhere in Haiti, but this list of hotels is here to help you smoothly plan and enjoy your stay in Cap-Haïtien.

hotel pool surrounded by tropical trees
Auberge Villa Cana, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Mozart Louis

01. Auberge Villa Cana

Don’t be fooled by the name “Cana,” which means “duck” in Kreyòl. This superb villa just five miles from the city offers comfortable double rooms and a magnificent pool where you can lay back and relax under the Caribbean sun. Nested amidst thick lush trees and thoughtfully landscaped gardens, it’s a delicious oasis in the middle of Cap-Haïtien.

Auberge Villa Cana serves breakfast and has its own a la carte restaurant. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll be glad to know the hotel has its own playground, as well as two bars where you can kick back with a refreshing drink.

hotel area with pool, palm trees and guesthouse
Ekolojik Resort, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Ekolojik Resort

02. Ekolojik Resort

Eco-conscious travellers take note! An ecoluxe destination in Cap-Haïtien, Ekolojik offers a stay that’s as close to nature as you can get – from the soft breeze whistling through the surrounding trees and in between the palm fronds, to the obvious attention to sustainability in the resort’s logistics, this environmentally-friendly hotel is designed to give you peace of mind in every way possible. Transport to and from the airport or major bus stations is available, as well as amenities like a pool, gym and even a spa!

evening view of hotel restaurant
Hôtel Roi Christophe in Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Hôtel Roi Christophe

03. Hotel du Roi Christophe

If you like sight-seeing on foot, the Roi Christophe is an excellent choice. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the homely comforts of the Haitian north in a tropical haven peppered with palm trees and hibiscus flowers. Two minutes away from the tourist market and many small restaurants in Cap-Haïtien, the Roi Christophe offers closeness and comfort. Traveling with someone who has special mobility needs? The Roi Christophe offers accessible rooms too!

hotel pool with lounge chairs
Résidence Royale Hotel, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Résidence Royale Hotel

04. Résidence Royale Hotel

The Résidence Royale offers a beautiful Creole experience in a sleek, sober but beautiful presentation. The air conditioned rooms surround a shared lounge, bar and restaurant. The old hotel residence is a striking example of well-preserved colonial architecture, and the addition of typically Haitian pieces of art throughout the space makes this our top pick for travelling art and architecture connoisseurs.

hotel veranda overlooking a small bay with mountains
Kay Lolo Plage, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Hotels.com

05. Kay Lolo Plage

Only accessible by boat, Kay Lolo Plage is a boutique B&B secluded in a private cove and surrounded by tropical forest. The separate bungalows and villa are in great condition and offer travellers a private beach with gorgeous views, enchanting birdsong and very exclusive vibes. There’s no wifi or running water here, but you’ll find kayaks, paddleboards and a breakfast cooked just for you.


Written by Melissa Beralus and translated by Kelly Paulemon.

Published December 2019


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old colonial houses on city street in jacmel