Port-au-Prince

Kinam Hotel

June 5, 2020 by Anton Lau

nighttime view of large hotel in port-au-prince — Kinam Hotel, Pétion-Ville
Photo: Kinam Hotel

Kinam Hotel

Experience the best of both worlds: old-school Haitian gingerbread charm, and modern comfort and luxury in the heart of Pétion-Ville, at the Kinam Hotel.

First Impressions

Located in the center of Pétion-Ville, at the feet of Port-au-Prince’s hills and overlooking its bay, the very luxurious and pleasant Kinam Hotel allows a peaceful stay. Located in an upscale neighborhood in the bustling city, the Kinam Hotel draws up its elegant silhouette to welcome you and allow you to experience a stay that you will never forget because the setting is idyllic, the service charming, and the atmosphere relaxing.

Rooms

The Kinam Hotel holds 118 rooms, 33 vintage ones in the original gingerbread building, and 85 more in the most recent construction. Featuring sleek, modern design elements, tropical decor accents turn the rooms into relaxation oases. The rooms are all soundproofed to allow you a restful sleep and all have a very charming small living room and a balcony to bask in peace while admiring the sunset that is always offered by the good climate of Haiti.

What’s for breakfast?

Not in a rush? Sit at the Terrace Restaurant overlooking the pool for a hotel breakfast that will both seem familiar and surprise you. Need to rush out to a guided visit, or just getting ready for a day of exploring? Stop by the Wide Awake Café and grab a healthy, delicious breakfast option to-go. International and local dishes are available in both places to help you break your fast in the most delicious ways.

How about lunch and dinner?

The Terrace Restaurant also offers a lunch and dinner menu, but the Kinam Hotel doesn’t stop there! Come down to the Rond Point Restaurant for a dreamy experience of Haitian cuisine. Featuring daily soup, as well as the Haitian staple that is soup joumou, grilled and stewed meats, and succulent seafood, the menu there is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Is there a bar?

The Tipsy Lounge is the place to go for afternoon, evening, or late night drinks. The gently dimmed light, savvy music, and polished decor of the space is the perfect setting for scrumptious tapas and signature drinks, available until 11 PM on weekdays, and midnight on weekends.

Activities and amenities

Take a lift to the hotel’s 5th floor to access its modern 24/7 fitness center; while you’re at the hotel, take advantage of its shopping boutiques and barber shop. After taking a dip in the hotel’s pool, offer yourself a most relaxing moment of self-care at the Botanik Spa – located inside the Karibe Hotel – for a deeply relieving massage.

Within a short walk you can find…

Several art galleries can be found near the hotel: the Nader gallery and Galerie Monnin are both 5 to 7 minutes away on foot, and if you are able to drive, the Jane Barbancourt castle is about 3 miles away. The Kinam Hotel is located opposite the very famous Place Saint-Pierre and the Saint-Pierre church; afternoon walks are recommended to visit the place. Its positioning allows you to continue the walk to Place Boyer, located about a quarter mile from the hotel.

Need to know (before you go)

The hotel offers a private shuttle to and from the Toussaint Louverture International Airport to customers, as long as a reservation is made at least 24 hours prior. Towels are available at the pool upon request, and the Wide Awake Café provides vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit Kinam Hotel on Hotels.com

Looking for some cool things to do?

Krik-krak! – The Haitian Tradition of Storytelling

May 29, 2020 by admin

group of haitians sitting on chairs and porch in courtyard — Krik-krak storytelling in Cayes Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

Krik-krak! (and tim-tim!)

An oral tradition as old as the birth of Haiti, folk storytelling — or tire kont — is one of the pillars at the center of the country’s culture, and must be practiced to survive from generation to generation

“In my family, we are four, but when one of my brothers and sisters is not there, we can’t do anything…” Do you know the answer?

What you’ve just read is an example of a captivating Haitian cultural tradition known as kont, or “tales”. The scene in which you’ll hear these usually begins at nightfall, when children leave the warmth of their family homes to reunite outside and do what Haitians call tire kont – “telling tales”. These tales aren’t really stories, but rather short charades, each more amusing than the one before, based on the details and small objects of everyday life, and told in very colorful language. The practice of tire kont is often referred to as krik-krak! or tim-tim! because of the call-and-response formula of the charades.

haitian boys sitting in port-au-prince — Boys gathered for Krik-krak storytelling in Bois Moquette
Photo: Franck Fontain

How krik-krak works

The taleteller, the one who usually knows the answer to the charade, signals the start of a charade by calling “Krik!” To this, everyone replies: “Krak!”

When the taleteller says krik, they’re saying, “Prepare yourself, I have something for you to guess.” After people respond with “Krak!”, the taleteller continues: “Tim tim?” and the assembly replies, “Bwa chèch.”

“I may be small, but I have honored the greatest men.”

At this point, it’s up to the fastest person to answer. Suggestions shoot up from every corner: candle? Pen? Notebook? And if no one knows the answer, everyone admits defeat by saying, “Mwen bwè pwa.” Then, and only then, the taleteller reveals the answer to the riddle. Krik-krak is a communal practice that says a lot about Haitian people’s way of life. The tale, just like music and literature, contributes to keeping the Creole language alive and dynamic.

The practice of krik-krak / tim-tim is inherited from Haitians’ ancestors in Africa. In So Spoke the Uncle, Jean Price-Mars explains that similar practices appear in other countries where most of the population is descended from Africa, like Guadeloupe, and that the same krik-krak formula is still in use in some places in Africa.

Alongside riddles, there are also stories told to children and adults that follow the same formula, and which participate in the transmission of Haitian’s collective communal values and morality. Some tales, such as “Tezin” and “Ti Soufri”, are widespread across Haiti. Just like the fables and fairytales, these stories carry moral lessons and reflect social mores.

Haitian storytelling: growing or vanishing?

Orality occupies an extremely important place in Haiti, to the point where even Vodou, the most popular religion, is preserved overwhelmingly through oral traditions, including a strictly oral form of literature called odyans. The Haitian tale puts in perspective ways of life of the lower class and of people living in the countryside, where themes such as ownership, death, inheritance and family resurface often – familiar themes in European fairytales, which likewise often centre on the rural working-class. Although the social rite of telling stories around campfires is older than history itself, and the Haitian call-and-response guessing game is anchored in ancient African modes of storytelling, krik-krak! stands out as a unique treasure of Haitian culture, and one that both reflects and co-creates Haitian society.

However, since kont are handed down generation through generation orally, some rarely-told tales are at risk of disappearing…

haitian boys sitting together laughing — Boys gathered for krik-krak storytelling in Bois Moquette – Photo: Franck Fontain

There’s a Krik-krak! festival in March, and you’re invited!

Since 2009, an annual storytelling festival called Kont Anba Tonèl – the Intercultural Festival of Tales – has been hosted in Port-au-Prince as well as Jérémie and other provincial cities. Held every March, starting on World Story Day (March 20), the festival is largely an effort to showcase Haitian modes of storytelling, keeping the practice of krik-krak! alive. And it seems to be working – more and more comedians are turning to a career of professional taleteller, and some radio stations recover audio files of tales, archiving them to hold them in safekeeping for the future generations we hope will continue the practice.

If you visit Haiti during the last two weeks of the month of March, you’ll be able to attend the Kont Anba Tonèl festival and immerse yourself in an ancestral practice. Expect to hear a wealth of tales, attend talks by professional tale-collectors, and participate in workshops teaching many modes of storytelling, including krik-krak!. On that note…

“Krik? Gets dressed to the nines to stay at home?”
“Krak! The bed, of course…”

Written by Melissa Beralus and translated by Kelly Paulemon.

Published May 2020

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Gingerbread Houses

May 21, 2020 by admin

old colonial houses in coastal city — The Boucard House in Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

Gingerbread Houses

“an important architectural and cultural heritage, not just for Haiti but also for the international community.”

Gingerbread Houses are ornate turn-of-the-century buildings unique to Haiti. Like their edible namesake, Gingerbread Houses are famous for steep roofs and ornate details highlighted in vibrant, contrasting colours. They are architecturally fascinating for a number of reasons – not least because they’ve proven to be surprisingly resistant to earthquakes.

An iconic feature of urban communities around Haiti, these ageing architectural masterpieces have survived a century of turmoil and natural disaster, and are a compelling conservation opportunity. And they’ve just been formally recognised as one of the most important at-risk heritage sites in the world.

old colonial haitian house in tropical garden — Old gingerbread house on Rue 16 F, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Mozart Louis

Where can you see Gingerbread Houses?

These stately relics are scattered throughout Port-au-Prince, but are concentrated in the neighborhoods of Pacot, Turgeau, Bois Verna, and Bas Peu de Choses. You’ll also find Gingerbread Houses in other cities around Haiti, including Jérémie, Jacmel, and Cap-Haïtien.

Who were they built for? What are they used for now?

Originally, Gingerbread Houses were built as the residences of powerful Haitian families, and many surviving examples have housed Haitian presidents. During the 1900s, some of these Gingerbread residences were acquired or built by Catholic institutions, which is why many of the Catholic schools and buildings you can see today are examples of the Gingerbread style.

During Haiti’s boom time as a fashionable travel destination in the 1950s and 60s (when the moniker “Gingerbread” was first introduced by American tourists), Gingerbread Houses were symbols of prestige, used as the seasonal residences of stars like Truman Capote, Noël Coward, Graham Greene and Katherine Dunham, who stayed at the Hotel Oloffson or bought Gingerbread Houses of their own.

Today, most of the investment in Gingerbread Houses comes from the arts. Organizations like Kolektif 509, FOKAL, Fondation Viviane Gauthier and Le Centre d’Art are restoring iconic Gingerbread Houses and opening them up to the public as spaces to preserve, practice and promote Haitian art forms.

colonial house decorative fretworkand latticework details — Gingerbread house in Turgeau
Photo: Franck Fontain

Architectural style

In 1895, three young Haitians travelled to Paris to study architecture, and adapted Parisian architecture to the Caribbean climate and living conditions. Together, these young architects refined the architectural style now known as “Gingerbread”, designing civic buildings and residences that combined French-inspired, Victorian Gothic grandeur with flamboyant colors and vivid decorative patterns – including vèvè symbols from Haitian Vodou.

Designed for Haiti’s tropical hot and humid weather, Gingerbread Houses feature tall ceilings, doors and windows as well as wrap-around verandahs, all decorated in a vibrant, distinctive style with elaborate details unique to Haiti. Most Gingerbread Houses were constructed using natural, flexible timber frames that have the innate ability to weather some of the Caribbean’s toughest storms (and as it turns out, even earthquakes).

Inside, they’re a mastery of climate-control, with high ceilings and tall turret roofs designed to draw hot air upwards and out of living rooms. Louvred shutter windows allow cool breezes in and keep moisture out. In the leafy suburbs of Pacot, Pétion-Ville and Turgeau, these majestic windows open out onto picturesque views of the city. Luxurious, extended front porches plunge onto stately grounds with manicured tropical gardens.

old colonial houses on city street in jacmel — Gingerbread houses on Rue Du Commerce, Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

Conservation

By the 21st century, many of these once-elegant, century-old structures had fallen into disrepair. Although the communities of people living in and caring for Gingerbread Houses had made substantive efforts to preserve them, political and economic conditions meant that only some of these iconic buildings could be adequately preserved.

As a whole, the historic Gingerbread House district of Port-au-Prince wasn’t getting the support it needed as an at-risk cultural heritage site. In 2009, the Haitian Leadership and Education Program (HELP) successfully brought Gingerbread Houses to the attention of the World Monuments Fund (WMF), in the hopes of generating support for the restoration of these irreplaceable treasures. In late 2009, Haiti’s Gingerbread Houses were chosen as one of the WMF’s 2010 World Monuments Watch list.

2010 earthquake

Less than three months later, the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010 struck. The Haitian government made Gingerbread Houses a conservation priority. Now internationally recognised for their architectural and social significance, local and global cultural heritage organizations mobilized quickly to assess the damage. By early February, teams were touring Gingerbread House sites to inspect and evaluate. Though many suffered serious damage, their traditional construction proved surprisingly earthquake-resistant, and very few of them collapsed.

In fact, less than five percent of Gingerbread Houses collapsed completely, compared with forty percent of modern, conventionally-constructed buildings. Architects are now trying to analyse what makes the fragile-looking, intricate Gingerbread Houses so seismically resistant, in the hopes of designing future homes in Haiti to be more resilient.

2020 World Monuments Watch

In November 2019, the Gingerbread district of Port-au-Prince was chosen as one of 25 globally-important sites on the WMF 2020 World Monuments Watch, a list of exceptional sites that “marry great historical significance with contemporary social impact.”

The Gingerbread district was selected from more than 250 applications, after a series of in-depth reviews by an independent panel of international experts in heritage preservation.

“The chosen locations are determined not only by their architectural value, but also by their impact on communities around the world,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, CEO of WMF. “These remarkable sites demand sustainable, community-driven solutions that bring people together and combine conservation and social change”

Being on the 2020 Watch list means that local stakeholders working to preserve Port-au-Prince’s Gingerbread district will now receive crucial funding from the WMF and its international financial partners. Hopefully, the hard work of local conservation teams will now have an even bigger impact.

A compelling conservation opportunity

Port-au-Prince’s historic Gingerbread Houses embody Haiti’s cultural heritage in a nutshell: rich and incredibly valuable as a cultural and economic resource for contemporary Haitians and future generations to thrive – but also endangered, under-documented and underfunded.

Make a difference by visiting Port-au-Prince’s Historic District today. If you’re lucky, you might get to meet the communities of artists and conservationists working to revitalize these extraordinary treasures.

old colonial houses lined on street with ocean in background — Old gingerbread houses on Rue Stenio Vincent in Jérémie
Photo: Anton Lau

Go on a self-guided tour of Gingerbread houses

Open to the public in Port-au-Prince

Villa Kalewès – 99 Rue Gregoire, Petion-Ville. Easily recognizable by the rich gingerbread color of its fairy-tale wooden walls and icing-like white lace edging. One of the most important Gingerbread structures in Petionville, Villa Kalewès remains both in-use and, lucky for us, open to the public. Villa Kalewès isn’t open every day, so make sure to visit during an advertised event or call head to check.

Maison Dufort – 9 2eme Rue du Travail, Turgeau, Port-au-Prince. Open to the public 9am – 4pm. Maison Dufort was extensively restored by nonprofit FOKAL (Foundation Connaissance et Liberté) between 2012 and 2018. To find out more, ring 2813-1694 or email studiofokal@fokal.org. Voyages Lumière run guided tours in French and English.

Gingerbread restaurant – 22 Rue 3, Port-au-Prince. Open 11am to 10pm Monday thru Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Hotel Oloffson – Ave Christophe, 60, Port-au-Prince. A working hotel, Hotel Oloffson also has a restaurant where non-guests are welcome for lunch (US $12-15) and dinner (US $15-25), as well as a famously good live Vodou rock show every Thursday night. Originally built as the residence of an influence family, Hotel Oloffson has been a presidential residence, a US military hospital (during the 20-year US occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1935) and a hotel since 1936. Glorified in Graham Greene’s 1966 novel The Comedians.

Le Centre d’Art / Larsen Family House – 22 rue Casseus, Pacot, Port-au-Prince. In late 2019, this house was purchased from the Larsen family and will become the new home of Le Centre d’Art. The old premises of Le Centre d’Art, at 58 rue Roy, were damaged beyond repair during the 2010 earthquake.

Maison Gauthier – In the heart of the historic Gingerbread district, Maison Gauthier “represents both the life of the celebrated doyenne of Haitian folkloric dance, Viviane Gauthier, and one of the finest examples of gingerbread architecture in Haiti.” In 2015 the Fondation Viviane Gauthier was established to restore the villa and maintain it as a place to teach and promote Haitian folkloric dance.

Open to the public outside Port-au-Prince

In Jacmel it’s possible to see inside a Gingerbread House at Hotel Florita, Hotel Manoir Adriana, Sant d’A Jakmel and Alliance Francaise.

In Cap-Haitien it’s possible to go inside Hotel Roi Christophe and Alliance Francaise.

Not open to the public

The Peabody House – hidden from view by dense tropical gardens, the Peabody House is near the corner of Rue Pacot and Rue Malval in Pacot, Port-au-Prince.

The Cordasco House (also known as Villa Marimar / Le Petit Trianon) – a 19th century gothic Gingerbread mansion in Pacot, Port-au-Prince.

Villa Castel Fleuri – Avenue H. Christophe, Port-au-Prince. Briefly home to the President of Haiti, Villa Castel Fleuri suffered extensive damage during the 2010 earthquake.

Le Manoir – Avenue John Brown, Port-au-Prince. Has remarkable roofs and turrets constructed with decorative pressed metal roof shingles.

The Patrice Pamphile House – 4 Rue Casseus, Turgeau, Port-au-Prince. Extensively damaged by the 2010 earthquake.

Maison Chenet, also restored by nonprofit FOKAL between 2012 and 2018.

The Bazin House on Rue du Travail Deuxième, Port-au-Prince.

The house of Jean-Richard Montas – 79 Avenue H. Christophe, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House built by Tancrede Auguste – 32 Lamartiniere, Port-au-Prince.

Wood-frame house – 24 Avenue Lamartiniere, Port-au-Prince.

A charming example of a smaller and simpler Gingerbread House – 26 Rue 7

A large and elaborate Gingerbread House, still surrounded by its original
spacious property, at 9 Rue Bellvue, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House – 51 Avenue Christophe, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House at 59 Lavaud 3, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House at 14 Rue Marcelin, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House at 32 Lamartiniere, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House at the Episcopal University, 14 Rue Légitime, Port-au-Prince.

Gingerbread House at 22 Rue Pacot, Port-au-Prince.

College de Jeunes Filles, at 10 Lavaud, Port-au-Prince.

old colonial house on city street with traffic — Gingerbread house in Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

Written by Kira Paulemon.

Published May 2020

Explore Haiti’s History & Heritage

Hôtel Montana

May 15, 2020 by Anton Lau

hotel pool area with lush garden — Pool area at Hôtel Montana, Bourdon
Photo: Hôtel Montana

Hôtel Montana

Live lavishly when you stay at Hotel Montana. A perfect getaway for the adventurous couple or the group of friends, everything you need awaits at one of the most modern yet traditional Haitian hotels.

First Impressions

A luxurious escape is what you’ll find at Hotel Montana. Located in the area of Bourdon, this hotel offers one of the most beautiful views of the city while being relatively close to all the interesting and lively spots in the capital. A modern yet comfortable feel has been a signature style for Hotel Montana since 1947. The owners take pride in their newly built memorial garden, honoring the victims of the 2010 earthquake and their 150-year old mahogany tree by the pool. Take it upon yourself to relax by the quiet pool area or enjoy picture-perfect moments by the bar while you enjoy a sweet tropical drink.

Rooms

Totaling 63 rooms, Hotel Montana is equipped with 47 regular rooms and 16 suites. All of the accommodations have A/C, free WiFi, and are all decorated with authentic Haitian art and accessories. If you are planning to “live lavish,” regardless of how long your stay will be, Hotel Montana’s suites all have their own kitchenette or kitchen and have a private balcony or terrace. The touches of color in this modern, renovated space make Hotel Montana perfect for those looking for a destination that is easy on the eyes. The hotel also aims to be eco-friendly through their initiatives and partnerships pushing for the use of recycled materials whether in their soaps, towels, linens, or plastic containers.

What’s for breakfast?

Acajou is the hotel’s restaurant and it offers a complimentary breakfast buffet. There, you will find a variety of options both local and international, ranging from eggs and pancake stations to warm traditional Haitian breakfast options, Acajou is sure to satisfy your cravings whether you’re sleeping in or waking up after a night out.

How about lunch and dinner?

Acajou offers an à-la-carte menu, through which the restaurant’s chefs excel at providing a transformative culinary experience all while highlighting the traditional flavors of Haiti. One of its staple dishes is the Lambi Creole (Creole conch) which offers both newcomers and locals a one-of-a-kind taste in every bite. Acajou’s location is complete with its view of downtown Port-au-Prince which lights up in the evening. Whether you’re looking for a light salad for lunch or to eat up before going on your next adventure, Acajou has it all.

And if you’re not up to eat out on a given night, Acajou offers a few events as well:

Thursday Carribean Nights (6:30pm – 10:30pm): Local bands and Caribbean specialities
Friday Salsa Nights (11:00pm – 1:00 am)
Sunday Creole Dinner Buffet (6:30pm to 10:30pm): Haitian traditional dishes

Is there a bar?

A scenery like Hotel Montana’s wouldn’t be complete without a set of beautiful tropical cocktails or the famous Prestige beer– all available at the bar or to be ordered as you sit by the pool.

Activities and amenities

Hotel Montana offers a well-rounded set of amenities which include complimentary free WiFi but also a fitness center, laundry services if needed, an exotic and quiet pool area, a tennis court available for hour long bookings, and regular on-site yoga classes with resident instructor, Danielle Deslume (check out her Instagram profile, here!).

Within a short walk you can find…

Hotel Montana is located just outside of Pétion-Ville, a hub for trendy restaurants and shops, but it’s also a 20-minute drive to downtown Port-au-Prince, where one can venture for more historical sights and even stop by the MUPANAH or the Champs-de-Mars, where the national carnival annually takes place.

Need to know (before you go)

The hotel offers onsite laundry services, for those visiting Haiti for an extended period. There is no minimum stay requirement – you can stay for as little as one night – and should you be in need, you can get your currency exchanged at the front desk.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit Hôtel Montana on Hotels.com

Looking for some cool things to do?

Photo Journal: Pétion-Ville

May 7, 2020 by Anton Lau

man walking in hotel area with parasols and lounge chairs — Passerby at Hotel NH Haiti El Rancho, Pétion-Ville
Photo: Alain David Lescouflair

Photo Journal: Pétion-Ville

As one of the busiest cities and commercial areas of the Ouest department, Pétion-Ville is very well known for its hustle and bustle — and yet still makes room to find peace in its everyday rhythm.

Pétion-Ville benefits from being between the residential area of Pelerin and the larger commercial areas of downtown Port-au-Prince and Delmas. It is a place in between, but with a life of its own.

red vintage car in port-au-prince — Street life in Pétion-Ville
Photo: Alain David Lescouflair

In the mornings, after rush hour, the area is a delight to observe. Free from the traffic of frantic parents and children trying to get to work and school, Pétion-Ville sheds a layer and public squares like Place Saint-Pierre or Place Boyer come alive.

white church building in petion-ville — Saint-Pierre Church
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

Across the street from the church of the same name, Place Saint-Pierre is where many people sit for lunch, a conversation, or just a leisurely stroll in the late morning and early afternoon.

man sitting next to a parked bmx bike in public square — A bike rider takes a break in the shade at Place Saint-Pierre
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

When school is in session, the students from Lycée Pétion-Ville will sometimes venture outside of the playground and play in the park. Some ride bikes, some play tag, and others enjoy their lunch before they head back to class.

haitian boys in school uniforms on bmx bikes — Students riding bikes at Place Saint-Pierre
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

Pétion-Ville is a city of colors, sometimes peeking from between trees, and some other times in bold display as a background to street vendors of food, electronics, and every day household items.

sandals on display on a tiled wall — Sandals displayed for sale in front of bright mosaics
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

Should you be in the area, you should definitely try some fresko, or shaved ice while you venture through the city. A very affordable treat, it’s particularly delicious with roasted peanuts on top!

vendor pouring syrup on shaved ice — A fresko vendor pouring passionfruit syrup on shaved ice
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

When you first go through Pétion-Ville, the idea of it being a peaceful city may seem a bit odd — but once you take your time to experience it, maybe on foot, you start to understand that cities don’t just happen to be peaceful, they are made that way.

three haitians sitting on grass lawn talking — A small group sits in the shade to chat at Place Saint-Pierre
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

Pétion-Ville radiates a different energy at night. A favorite food and drink pit-stop for party-goers, both before and after an event, it seems to shed its daytime shine to reveal a soft but lively nighttime glow.

night time traffic by gas station — Bird’s eye view from the top of the Royal Oasis Hotel
Photo: Alain Lescouflair

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

La Réserve Hôtel

April 24, 2020 by admin

hotel with trees and palms — La Réserve Hôtel in Pétion-Ville
Photo: La Réserve

Make La Réserve your home as you prepare to explore the city of Port-au-Prince. Indulge in this cozy spot made for those who want to hang out but also don’t mind exploring the country.

First impressions

Small but quaint, La Reserve is a great spot for the adventurous traveller; one who likes to equally split their time between the city and the bar. It’s located in a secluded corner of Pétion-Ville at one of the entrances of the quiet neighborhood of Berthé. Whether you choose to go enjoy the chilly mountains of Kenscoff or explore Port-au-Prince, La Réserve offers the perfect space to take a break from it all. Once checked-in, visitors will notice that while La Reserve is a small hotel, it offers the benefit of quiet, private, but also personable services.

Rooms

La Réserve is all-things Haitian. From its architecture to its decor, the owners of the hotel made sure that it embodied the essence of Haitian culture. All its rooms are equipped with a TV, A/C and internet access and are each decorated with Haitian art accent pieces reflecting the calm, tropical theme of this hotel.

What’s for breakfast?

Besides its beautiful garden, La Réserve’s main point of attraction is its exquisite food. Every guest can indulge in the breakfast buffet which includes your typical breakfast staples like omelets or french toast, but the hotel’s restaurant also serves as a great introduction to typical haitian breakfasts, so if you’re ever in the mood to explore, make sure to check-out the daily breakfast bar.

How about lunch and dinner?

If it wasn’t already clear, La Réserve is known nationally as one of the best places to get Haitian food. The restaurant regularly hosts brunch on Sundays but offers daily choices for Haitian staples, whether you decide to go with a customer-acclaimed plate of griot or an incredible Goat with Rum stew, La Réserve is the place to be.

Is there a bar?

The hotel strives to modernize its cuisine and excels particularly in the drinks department. La Réserve has a set of trademark drinks available but also offers a series of cocktails made with freshly pressed juice. Make sure to enjoy a drink in the sports lounge or by the pool table where soccer games are often streamed on the big screen, making La Réserve the hub for sports events as well.

Activities and amenities

La Réserve is often home to a series of cultural and musical events. It’s known for hosting events during the PAPJazz Festival and is the venue of choice for local artists’ events. After a day of exploring, you have the option to offer yourself one of many types of massages available to guests; you can also use their on-site gym or get a mani-pedi in before heading out.

Within a short walk you can find…

La Réserve’s location is one of the most convenient as it’s located in a secluded area dense with greenery but it’s also literally steps away from Petion-Ville and Montagne Noire, a road carved into a mountain giving access to the beautiful areas of Kenscoff, Thomassin, and Laboule. Travellers often find themselves discovering this part of the country, whether it’s through a hike for the scenic and green view or for the hidden waterfall of Fermathe. La Réserve is also really close to Place Saint Pierre and Place Boyer where you can either hang out, try out some fritay (Haitian street food), or simply go to a cafe or restaurant.

Need to know (before you go)

La Réserve is also one of the main spots for sports broadcasting in the city so if you are travelling during a particularly intense soccer season, expect the place to be a little crowded. Unfortunately pets are not allowed at the hotel.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit the La Réserve Hôtel on Hotels.com

Ã—Select Language

Port-au-Prince

Kinam Hotel

First Impressions

Rooms

What’s for breakfast?

How about lunch and dinner?

Is there a bar?

Activities and amenities

Within a short walk you can find…

Need to know (before you go)

Getting there

Hotel Oloffson

A Visual Guide to Vodou Symbols

Looking for some cool things to do?

Paradise for your inbox

Krik-krak! (and tim-tim!)

An oral tradition as old as the birth of Haiti, folk storytelling — or tire kont — is one of the pillars at the center of the country’s culture, and must be practiced to survive from generation to generation

How krik-krak works

Haitian storytelling: growing or vanishing?

There’s a Krik-krak! festival in March, and you’re invited!

Citadelle Henri

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

Gingerbread Houses

“an important architectural and cultural heritage, not just for Haiti but also for the international community.”

Where can you see Gingerbread Houses?

Who were they built for? What are they used for now?

Architectural style

Conservation

2010 earthquake

2020 World Monuments Watch

A compelling conservation opportunity

Go on a self-guided tour of Gingerbread houses

Open to the public in Port-au-Prince

Open to the public outside Port-au-Prince

Not open to the public

A Visual Guide to Vodou Symbols

Explore Haiti’s History & Heritage

Paradise for your inbox

Hôtel Montana

First Impressions

Rooms

What’s for breakfast?

How about lunch and dinner?

Is there a bar?

Activities and amenities

Within a short walk you can find…

Need to know (before you go)

Getting there

Hôtel Montana

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Haiti

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Photo Journal: Pétion-Ville

As one of the busiest cities and commercial areas of the Ouest department, Pétion-Ville is very well known for its hustle and bustle — and yet still makes room to find peace in its everyday rhythm.

Citadelle Henri

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

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First impressions

Rooms

What’s for breakfast?

How about lunch and dinner?

Is there a bar?

Activities and amenities

Within a short walk you can find…

Need to know (before you go)

Getting there

La Réserve Hôtel

A Visual Guide to Vodou Symbols

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Plan Your Trip

Destinations

Information

Company

Plan Your Trip

Destinations

Information

Company

Select Language

A Visual Guide to
Vodou Symbols

A Visual Guide to
Vodou Symbols

A Visual Guide to
Vodou Symbols