Auberge de la Montagne Pelee Hotel is a mountain stay at Le Morne-Rouge, a village high on the slopes of Mount Pelee in the north of Martinique. The setting is a world away from the beach resorts: cool air, rainforest, mist and views across the hills, with trailheads for the climb up the volcano close by. It suits hikers, nature lovers and travellers who want to explore the north coast, including the ruins of Saint-Pierre, the botanical gardens at Balata and the old rum distilleries. The inn offers simple, comfortable rooms and a restaurant, and the atmosphere is quiet and local. It is not a beach hotel, but it is an excellent base for a different side of the island, and it works well as a second stay after a few days by the sea.
Location and getting around
The inn is at Le Morne-Rouge, on the slopes of Mount Pelee, roughly an hour by road from Martin Aimé Césaire International Airport, depending on traffic. The roads are winding and the weather can change quickly, so a hire car is the best way to get around. Saint-Pierre and the black-sand beaches of the north coast are a short drive downhill, and the trailheads for Mount Pelee are close by.
The rooms
Expect simple, comfortable rooms in a mountain setting, some with views over the forest or the valley. Check what each category offers when you book, such as heating, balconies and bathroom facilities. The air is cooler and damper than on the coast, so a light layer is useful in the evenings.
Who it suits
Hikers, nature lovers, photographers and travellers who want a quiet, authentic stay in the north. It is also a good choice for visitors who want to climb Mount Pelee at dawn, before the cloud rolls in. Guests who want a beach, a big pool and nightlife will be happier on the Trois-Ilets peninsula or the south coast.
Good to know
The climate in the mountains is cooler and wetter than on the coast, so bring a rain jacket, sturdy shoes and insect repellent. Check conditions before setting out on any trail, since clouds can hide the summit and paths can be slippery. Meals are normally paid separately, so check what your rate includes. French is the main language, though English is understood in most tourist settings.
Eating, drinking and extras
The inn has a restaurant serving Creole and French dishes, and the villages nearby offer more simple places to eat. The north coast has rum distilleries, plantations, waterfalls and the historic sights of Saint-Pierre, the former capital destroyed by the volcano. Tour desks and hosts can arrange guided hikes, rainforest walks and day trips along the coast.
When to go
The dry season from December to April is the best time for hiking, with clearer skies and firmer trails, though the mountains are damp at any time of year. Summer is hotter and wetter, with lower rates, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, so choose flexible bookings and consider travel insurance. Start early on any climb, as the cloud often gathers by late morning.
Why stay here
- ✓Mountain setting on Mount Pelee
- ✓Rainforest and valley views
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Close to hiking trailheads
- ✓Near Saint-Pierre
- ✓Quiet atmosphere
- ✓Tour and hike help
- ✓Parking arrangements
Good questions
Is the Auberge de la Montagne Pelee on the beach?+
No, it is in the mountains at Le Morne-Rouge. The north coast beaches are a short drive downhill.
Is it good for hiking?+
Yes, the trailheads for Mount Pelee are close by, and the inn is a practical base for the climb.
Do I need a car?+
A hire car is the best way to get around, as the roads wind and public transport is limited.
