While most people are still associating Haiti with earthquakes and unrest, others like myself are taking mind-blowing trips to Haiti and lounging at beautiful hotels like the new Marriott, Haiti.
When the Marriott, Haiti opened in Port-au-Prince almost a year ago, I was in the middle of planning my holiday trip to Haiti, after writing, sharing pictures and reading about the Marriott, there was no question, Marriott was my first choice.
In weeks leading up to the trip, I had searched the #MarriottHaiti hashtag on Instagram far more times than I’d like to admit, but no amount of digital wanderlusting could prepare me for this beautiful modern hotel with Haitian touches throughout. The staff is very friendly and await you with a smile, the rooms are spacious, the bed comfortable and the entire hotel is spotless.
So if you’re planning on visiting Haiti, here are 5 reasons why you should stay at Marriott, Haiti on your next trip.
1. The Beautiful Suites
In comparison to other hotels I’ve stayed in while vacationing in Haiti, the room was one of the top elements that made my stay comfortable. The king size suite was very cozy and perfectly clean with crisp white sheets. With a beautifully decorated hallways leading to the room, my large suite featured a large bathroom with a stand-up shower, a large closet, flat screen television, a mini-refrigerator, sitting area and since I was on the 10th floor, I had a beautiful view of Port-au-Prince mountains.
The most unique aspect of the sleeping rooms at the hotel is located in the bathroom. Not only are the bath products, Ayiti Natives made by social entrepreneur and Haitian-American Caroline Sada. Ayiti Natives is a line of all-natural and eco-friendly beauty products made up of nature’s most precious oils, herbs and nuts native to Haiti.
2.The Dining Experience
One of the main reasons anyone travel to Haiti is to enjoy Haiti most traditional dishes. Dining options included The beautiful decorated Haitian-inspired dining establishment, La Sirene Restaurant & Bar, which comes to life with its distinctive personality that combines local artistic décor, signature Haitian dishes and specialty cocktails.
For a quick pick me up the hotel’s grab-and- go deli, Cafè Cho, offers the best in pastries and sandwiches along with high-quality Haitian coffee through its partnership with REBO Coffee and lunch time, you can find some of your favorite smoothies ready to go on your way out the hotel to explore the town.
3. The Architecture & Decor
From the entrance to the pool area, everything inside the hotel reminded me I was in my favorite country in the world. Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel architecture was amazing with large, eccentric art pieces created by local artists throughout the hotel’s guest rooms, corridors, great room, conference areas, restaurant, and courtyard. I spent a lot of time in the lounge staring at the walls trying to make sense of each art piece.
I love the seating in the lounge. After breakfast, I would grab a cup of my favorite Rebo cappuccino and browse the web listening to soft rock music on the over head.
I have an appreciation for Marriott, Haiti’s need to create economic independence for the people of Haiti by primarily employing locals and enlisting Haitian businesses and vendors. The hotel’s art curator, Philippe Dodard, is a renowned Haitian artisan whose work inspired Donna Karan’s Spring 2012 collection. Dodard worked together with local artists to create the overall vision of the hotel’s decor. His own pieces appear in the hotel along with works from the following artisans. In addition to displaying Haitian-made art, the Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel Haiti also features weekly art markets where guests can purchase art from local artists on the hotel grounds.
In addition to displaying Haitian-made art, the Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel Haiti also features weekly art markets where guests can purchase art from local artists on the hotel grounds.
4. Friendly Service
Depending on where you are staying in Haiti, customer service is normally one of the most common complaints amongst travelers but that was not the case at Marriott, Haiti. From the door greeters to the pool dining staff, everyone was very friendly, accommodating and always greet you with a smile.
5. Perfectly Located For Exploring Nearby Towns
Marriott, Haiti is situated in the center of Port-au-Prince’s commercial district, home to a variety of shops, restaurants and businesses minutes away from Petionville and some of the best dining restaurants in shops in the area. Port-au-Prince Hotel is approximately 6.5 miles from Port-au-Prince International Airport.
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