Planning a trip to Mauritius is exciting, but choosing the right hotel can feel overwhelming. With over 100 hotels scattered across this beautiful island, from ultra-luxury beachfront resorts to charming boutique properties, making the right choice is crucial for your dream vacation.
I've spent years exploring Mauritius and helping travelers find their perfect accommodation. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family adventure, or a solo escape, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best decision.
Sophie Laurent
Verified ExpertMauritius Travel Specialist • 12+ Years Experience
Sophie has been exploring and writing about Mauritius since 2012. She has personally stayed at over 60 hotels across the island and helped thousands of travelers find their perfect accommodation. Her expertise has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Lonely Planet. Based between Paris and Mauritius, she visits the island 4-5 times yearly to keep her recommendations current.
The Challenge: Why Choosing the Right Hotel Matters
Here's the truth: choosing the wrong hotel can completely derail your Mauritius experience. I've heard countless stories from travelers who made these common mistakes:
- Location disasters: Booking a hotel on the windy east coast during July-September when the weather is rough, or staying in the south when you wanted vibrant nightlife (which is in the north).
- Budget blowouts: Not understanding what's included in your rate and ending up paying double for meals, activities, and transfers you thought were covered.
- Amenity mismatches: Families arriving at adults-only properties, or couples seeking romance ending up at family-focused resorts with kids everywhere.
- Hidden disappointments: Booking based on beautiful photos only to discover the beach is rocky, the pool is tiny, or the rooms are outdated.
The worst part? Many of these mistakes are completely avoidable with the right information. Your hotel choice will determine not just where you sleep, but your entire Mauritius experience – from the beaches you wake up to, the activities available, the food you eat, and even the people you meet.
The Solution: Your 7-Step Hotel Selection Framework
Step 1: Choose Your Perfect Location
Mauritius isn't just one destination – it's four distinct regions, each with its own personality, weather patterns, and attractions. Your location choice will shape your entire experience.
North Coast (Grand Baie, Pereybere)
Best for: Nightlife, shopping, water sports, social atmosphere
Weather: Sheltered from southeast winds, calm seas year-round
Vibe: Lively and cosmopolitan with restaurants, bars, and beach clubs
East Coast (Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce)
Best for: Pristine beaches, tranquility, authentic Mauritius
Weather: Windy June-September, perfect October-May
Vibe: Peaceful and unspoiled with the island's best beaches
West Coast (Flic en Flac, Tamarin)
Best for: Sunsets, dolphin watching, surfing, local culture
Weather: Warm and dry, spectacular sunsets daily
Vibe: Laid-back with a mix of tourists and locals
South Coast (Le Morne, Bel Ombre)
Best for: Luxury, seclusion, dramatic scenery, kitesurfing
Weather: Windier and cooler, ideal for water sports
Vibe: Remote and exclusive with stunning mountain backdrops
Pro tip: If you're visiting during winter (June-September), stick to the north and west coasts. The east and south can be windy and rough during these months. For summer (November-April), any coast is perfect.
Step 2: Set Your Realistic Budget
Mauritius hotels range from €80 to €1,500+ per night. Understanding what you get at each price point helps you make smart decisions without overspending or compromising on essentials.
Budget Hotels (€80-150/night)
Best ValuePerfect for independent travelers and those prioritizing experiences over accommodation. You'll get clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
What's included: Room only or bed & breakfast, basic pool, simple restaurant, beach access
Examples: Tropical Attitude, Friday Attitude, Palms Hotel
Mid-Range Hotels (€150-300/night)
Most PopularThe sweet spot for most travelers. Great facilities, good food, beautiful settings without the luxury price tag.
What's included: Half-board or all-inclusive options, multiple pools, water sports, kids' clubs, evening entertainment
Examples: Preskil Beach Resort, Outrigger Mauritius, Sugar Beach
Luxury Hotels (€300-600/night)
PremiumElevated experiences with exceptional service, gourmet dining, and stunning design. Worth it for special occasions.
What's included: All-inclusive with premium drinks, multiple restaurants, spa access, personalized service, exclusive beach areas
Examples: Long Beach, LUX* Grand Baie, Westin Turtle Bay
Ultra-Luxury Hotels (€600-1,500+/night)
UltimateThe pinnacle of Mauritius hospitality. Impeccable service, world-class dining, and unforgettable experiences.
What's included: Everything imaginable – butler service, private pools, Michelin-level dining, exclusive excursions, spa treatments
Examples: Royal Palm Beachcomber, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Shangri-La Le Touessrok
Money-saving secret: Book half-board (breakfast + dinner) instead of all-inclusive at mid-range hotels. You'll save 20-30% and can explore local restaurants for lunch. All-inclusive makes sense only at luxury properties with multiple quality restaurants.
Step 3: Match the Hotel to Your Travel Style
Not all hotels suit all travelers. Here's how to find your perfect match based on who you're traveling with and what you want from your vacation.
Honeymooners & Couples
Look for: Adults-only sections, romantic restaurants, couple's spa treatments, private beach areas, in-room dining
Avoid: Large family resorts with kids' clubs and water slides
Top picks: Paradise Cove (intimate boutique), Royal Palm (ultimate luxury), 20 Degrés Sud (secluded romance)
Families with Children
Look for: Kids' clubs (ages 3-12), family rooms, shallow pools, children's menus, babysitting services, all-inclusive options
Avoid: Adults-only hotels, properties with only deep pools, hotels far from medical facilities
Top picks: Sugar Beach (excellent kids' club), Paradis Beachcomber (family-friendly luxury), Zilwa Attitude (great value)
Solo Travelers
Look for: Social atmosphere, group activities, good WiFi, safe location, easy access to attractions
Avoid: Isolated resorts, properties with high single supplements
Top picks: Salt of Palmar (social vibe), Tropical Attitude (budget-friendly), LUX* Grand Baie (vibrant scene)
Adventure Seekers
Look for: Water sports centers, dive shops, excursion desks, bike rentals, proximity to hiking trails
Avoid: All-inclusive resorts that discourage leaving the property
Top picks: Preskil Beach Resort (water sports hub), Tamassa (adventure-focused), Le Morne hotels (kitesurfing)
Step 4: Understand What's Really Included
Beyond the basics, these amenities can make or break your stay. Here's what to look for based on your priorities:
Room Only (RO)
Just accommodation. You pay for all meals separately. Best if you plan to explore local restaurants.
Bed & Breakfast (BB)
Accommodation + breakfast buffet. Gives you flexibility for lunch and dinner. Popular with independent travelers.
Half Board (HB)
Accommodation + breakfast + dinner. The sweet spot for most travelers. Lunch is free time to explore or grab something light.
Full Board (FB)
Accommodation + all three meals. Drinks usually not included. Less common in Mauritius.
All-Inclusive (AI)
Everything: meals, snacks, local drinks, water sports, entertainment. Premium AI includes imported alcohol and à la carte restaurants.
Warning: "All-inclusive" varies wildly between hotels. Always check what's actually included. Some exclude premium restaurants, imported drinks, motorized water sports, and spa treatments. Read the fine print!
Step 5: Check These Essential Amenities
Beyond the basics, these amenities can make or break your stay. Here's what to look for based on your priorities:
Must-Have Amenities:
- Beach quality: Sandy vs rocky, calm vs wavy, public vs private
- Pool situation: Number, size, heated options, adults-only areas
- WiFi: Free throughout property or paid? Speed adequate for work?
- Air conditioning: In rooms and restaurants (crucial November-April)
- Restaurant variety: Multiple options if staying 7+ nights
Nice-to-Have Amenities:
- Spa: On-site vs nearby, treatment variety, couple's options
- Water sports: Free non-motorized (kayak, SUP, snorkel gear)
- Fitness center: Modern equipment, classes, personal training
- Kids' facilities: Clubs, pools, playgrounds, teen zones
- Evening entertainment: Live music, shows, themed nights
Step 6: Read Reviews the Smart Way
Reviews are helpful, but you need to read them strategically. Here's how to separate genuine insights from noise:
What to Focus On:
- Recent reviews (last 6 months): Hotels change management, renovate, and update policies
- Travelers like you: Families reviewing family hotels, couples reviewing romantic properties
- Specific details: "Beach was rocky" is more useful than "bad beach"
- Patterns: One complaint about food is an outlier; ten complaints is a red flag
- Photos: Guest photos show reality; hotel photos show aspirations
What to Ignore:
- Complaints about weather (hotels can't control this)
- Reviews from wrong traveler types (solo traveler complaining about kids at family resort)
- Unrealistic expectations ("5-star hotel should have been 7-star")
- Very old reviews (2+ years old unless checking for consistent issues)
Step 7: Book at the Right Time
Timing your booking can save you hundreds of euros. Here's the insider strategy:
Best Booking Windows:
- 3-6 months ahead: Sweet spot for best rates and availability
- Early bird specials: Book 6-12 months ahead for 20-30% off (common for honeymoons)
- Last-minute deals: 2-4 weeks before for unsold inventory (risky but can save 40%)
- Shoulder season: May, June, September, October offer 30% lower rates than peak
Price Comparison Tips:
- Check hotel direct websites (often have best rate guarantees)
- Compare booking platforms (Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda)
- Contact local travel agents (can access wholesale rates)
- Look for package deals (flight + hotel can save 15-20%)
Ready to Find Your Perfect Mauritius Hotel?
Browse our curated selection of hotels across all regions and budgets. Every property is personally vetted and comes with honest, detailed reviews.