“Everything old is new again” – and that endearing bon mot is certainly true of the Normandie Hotel. What the French call an auberge antillaise (Antillean inn), it is one of St. Barth’s oldest hostelries. Purchased by a long-time island visitor, Dennis Carlton and his wife Wendy, – and extensively renovated – it has been reborn as a chic and stylish boutique hotel offering hospitality extraordinaire. The property was named by the original owners to honor their roots in Normandy; the Carlton’s have put their own interpretation on the name by identifying it with the SS Normandie, a famous French ocean liner that sailed in those romantic years of trans-Atlantic travel, between the wars. Colorful posters of the ship draw guests into the spirit of the ambiance the Carlton’s have channeled. The Normandie found an audience across class lines and offered great value, as had the “old” Normandie Hotel – that continues. If location is everything, then this inn has it all. Centrally situated in Lorient, guests enjoy easy access to fine dining, casual eateries and distinctive island shopping – and it is just a 2-minute walk to the beautiful and perennially popular Lorient Beach.

The inn’s 8 rooms (7 queen and 1 single, with a lovely private terrace) are elegantly simple and sleekly modern with a nice mix of tropical and art deco touches. Amenities include flat screen TVs, WiFi and mini fridges to chill your vino and store all the fixings for a beach picnic. The bathrooms boast vessel sinks and rainhead showers. A delightful swimming pool flanked by chaise lounges, is nestled in a lush garden creating an intimate setting for lolling away an afternoon. Continental breakfast is served poolside each morning and come evening, a glass of wine – compliments of the house – is served to guests who love to gather, relax and share in some conversation before heading out for dinner.

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Who Would Just Love it Here

Independent travelers looking for a great value and a touch of romance