Hotel Novotel Saint-Gilles

The hotel is located on the beach of the Hermitage, 3 km south of Saint-Gilles and 22 miles from the airport at Saint-Denis. For the transfer, you should plan 30 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic.

The Novotel Saint-Gilles is unquestionably one of the best-equipped sports facilities on the island. An address to choose without a moment of hesitation if you would like a seaside stay in a very friendly atmosphere. The hotel provides a broad range of activities - enough to please kids and adults alike. It should be noted that a kid's club hosts children aged 6 to 12 years during school holidays (extra charge, request when making your reservation). It is open every day, except Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Built in 1998 and renovated in 2003, again in 2006, the Novotel Saint-Gilles is a semi-circular building of two floors, nestled in a vast tropical park, which offers a nice view of the surrounding hills. Spacious and airy, its reception does not have the style of a charming hotel. It is not a problem, you will not linger too long in this part of the hotel. The access to the swimming pool faces the entrance. By way of a short path through the flowers, you will find two swimming pools of 4,305 ft² and 3,230 ft² respectively. So you can swim lengths in peace. Around each pool, a space has been set aside for sunbathing in comfort. Deckchairs, mattresses and sunshades are provided: Those who prefer the shade can isolate themselves in the park. On 7.5 acres of land, you can choose your own area of greenery!

The hotel has a total of 173 rooms that overlook the gardens (the first half) and the mountain at the rear (the second half). Quite spacious (270 ft²), the rooms extend to a terrace on the ground floor and a balcony on the second floor, each furnished with a table and two chairs made of plastic. They can accommodate up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. As for the decor, the accommodations are neutral: blue printed fabrics, matching the walls and the tiles. You would appreciate a local touch to diversify the standard amenities. As for comfort, the amenities are impeccable: air conditioning, a safe, a mini bar, telephone and satellite television (broadcasting 12 channels, including channels for children, sports and movies). The bathrooms in all rooms have a hair dryer. They are equipped with a bath (on the ground floor and on the first floor) or a shower (on the remaining floors).

Housed in an airy structure with a view of the park, the restaurant serves buffet style, offers a selection of hot dishes in the morning. In the evening, the theme changes every day and is usually accompanied with a show. You will be delighted to taste oriental, Creole or Italian specialties, while admiring dancers or watching slideshows. At noon, the a la carte restaurant near the swimming pool offers a cold buffet with salads, hamburgers, grilled meat and fish and a dish of the day full of the flavours of the island. Very simple, the setting (wooden tables and chairs) stresses service and the panorama of the park. A bar located on the terrace at the entrance completes the facilities.

You can access the beach, the Hermitage, directly from the hotel. The beach stretches for several miles between Saint-Gilles and La Saline and is a pleasant setting for idleness. Bordered by filaos and tamarind trees, the stretch of white sand sinks gently into the lagoon: the bathing area is shallow, and many fish and corals dwell there (explore this submarine world with fins, mask and snorkel). When swimming, pay attention to the coral debris that can hurt your feet. However, it is better not to wear sandals because they cause damage to the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon. As the beach is public, shunshades and deckchairs are not provided. Do not forget to bring your beach towel along with you. The hotel provides snorkeling equipment. On the other side, there are also picnic areas that are extremely popular with local residents of La Réunion, where they spend weekends with their families.