Hôtel des Palmistes

A lovely colonial-style hotel with comfortable rooms.

The weak internet connection was the biggest disappointment. Wi-Fi barely worked, the TV never got a strong enough signal to function, and even the card machine struggled. I also found the hospitality and service poor overall. Staff were friendly and took care of our needs with a smile, but the restaurant and bar service needs a lot of work, especially speed, attention to customers, and dealing with foreign visitors. We stayed in Room 1. It was spacious enough for two adults and simple luggage, with a lovely view of Place des Palmistes, the swaying Coconut trees, and the colonial buildings. The air conditioning worked perfectly, the bed was comfortable, the bathroom had a stand-in shower, and the toiletries were by L’occitane. There's no gym or pool, just a relaxed Guyanese feel. The hotel itself is a charming heritage building, with character throughout the rooms and common areas. The restaurant and terrace seating are lovely, and it feels like the best value in town if you're after a historic atmosphere without spending too much. It's right in the heart of the old town. In the evening, Bar Palmistes is the place to see and be seen, especially on the balcony, where the atmosphere is fantastic.

The "Crevette cocktail" is the menu specialty and well worth trying. Service could be better, though. On a hot day, the back yard is a lovely spot. In the evening, the front patio has a nice view over Palmiste Square, with the streetlights on and people buzzing around.

I don't think the room is worth what they're charging, at least while the work on the new third-floor rooms is still going on. There's no elevator, and the stairways are long. Construction starts making noise at 8am, with sawdust all over the hallways. The Wi-Fi doesn't reach the rooms.