Lazare Picault Hotel

The beach right outside is lovely, especially if you walk toward the big rocks. Breakfast is simple but really nice, and everyone working there was friendly and accommodating. The hotel feels a bit dated, which is understandable, and it's a great little place.

Baie Lazare is wonderfully quiet, with beautiful scenery and some art galleries that are well worth seeing. We had a bright, clean, spacious room with a lovely bay view, and the breakfast had plenty of good things, including fresh fruit, cake, eggs, samosas and pancakes. The staff were attentive and very friendly. Anse Gaulette, right outside, was less appealing because of strong currents, stingrays and sharp coral and stones, but several other beautiful beaches are easy to reach by bus. There's a stop directly in front of the hotel, with buses about every 30 minutes. We enjoyed the peaceful, nature filled setting and would happily return. It's a good fit if you like quiet and walking; anyone wanting more people and tourist facilities may prefer another part of Mahé.

The setting is amazing and the view is stunning, though it is somewhat remote. We spent time on the balcony every morning watching stingrays in the water below. There were roadworks during our visit, which wasn't great for us, but the sidewalks they are adding should be good for everyone. The work might continue for another two or three weeks, after which it should be perfect.

The host is very friendly and gives great suggestions for places to visit. The hotel sits on a hill, so expect stairs. The rooms are new, comfortable and nice. The long beach is good for swimming, though there are weedy patches; spots by the rocks are much better for snorkeling.