Les Baroudeurs Hostel

Anne Laure really makes the hostel feel like staying with friends. She's friendly, knows the island inside out, and is happy to share recommendations. She puts real effort into making sure everyone has a good time and the atmosphere stays welcoming. It's a good choice if, like me, you aren't fluent in French. There's also a useful map in the dining room with the main sights and some hidden spots, handy if you're exploring for the first time. The hostel itself is small and cozy, with nice furnishings, a courtyard, affordable laundry, and curtains in the not-too-large rooms for a bit of privacy. It's just outside St. Pierre, but walkable to town. A car helps, as it does across the island, and there's plenty of parking.

I had a private room with its own bathroom and air conditioning. It was cozy and very comfortable for an affordable price. Getting around was hard without my own transport, which I didn't have. The downhill walk to the center took 30 minutes, but the uphill return was tough and took about 45. I took a taxi once, and it cost a crazy €35 for a 7-minute ride.

The peaceful atmosphere made this feel like home during the nearly month I spent there. Everyone was respectful of each other's routines, whether getting up before sunrise for a trek or sleeping during the day before a night hike like Piton des Neiges. You can make friends or enjoy your own company, so it's ideal for solo travel. I recommend it 10000%. Anne-Laure is wonderful, full of recommendations, and you can feel how much she loves both the place and the Island. Have I mentioned I recommend it 10000%?

I've stayed in plenty of hostels, and this is hands down the best one I've been to. Anne-Laure went above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable. I called her Anna the whole time because I use the English version of people's names to remember them, and she was fine with that. She greeted each guest with a drink, chatted with them, and introduced them to others in the common area. Breakfast was included and a proper spread, with Anna serving different juices, coffee, and tea. She cleaned the hostel from top to bottom every day and helped whenever I needed something. I was the first English girl to stay there, and spent three weeks among French guests, apart from three people from other countries. My French is terrible, but everyone made me feel welcome, and it was a real cultural experience. The mood was a great mix of relaxed and sociable, without being a wild party hostel. I'm an introvert in my 30s and usually went to bed around 10pm; I couldn't hear the people who stayed up drinking from my dorm. And the hostel cat Shaggy is super cute! I'd absolutely recommend staying here.