Hotel Carl Gustaf

Aaaah! This hotel is fine! Nestled on the hillside overlooking the picturesque capital city of Gustavia, the Carl Gustaf hotel is a four-star luxury hotel comprised exclusively of suites with private swimming pools, the only resort of its kind in the Caribbean.

Our visit only validated the beautiful accommodations, the sincere, delightful French hospitality and the hotel's true French sophistication. The suites are distinct in decor of Creole and Mediterranean inspiration, spacious and comfortable with a private balcony and swimming pool. Our suite was atop the hotel lobby and restaurant, boasting the best view of the bay in the city. It is absolutely breathtaking.

Gustavia is one of the most beautiful harbours in the Caribbean! Our suite had hardwood floors in the bedroom, tiled floors throughout the remaining areas and a jacuzzi rather than a pool. It was the smallest and most unique of the suites yet just as elegant.

All suites feature two telephones, two stereos, two televisions, a fax machine, air-conditioning and several ceiling fans. The two bedroom suites are large and spacious with room for everyone. Most suites have tiled floors with decked terraces that extend out to the pool and overlook the bay. Deluxe marble tiled baths provide all the amenities you could desire and all suites also feature a fully equipped kitchen.

For culinary flavor, you can lounge by the guest restaurant pool enjoying an array of tropical drinks before sitting down to a delicious romantic dinner featuring French cuisine.

The restaurant overlooks the bay and guest pool but I must say I never once saw anyone in the guest pool. It's mostly for cosmetic purposes as there is no decking around it and it bumps right up to the tables in the restaurant. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and I would suggest making reservations during the high season.

For your outside interests, the Carl Gustaf is at your beck and call. If your desire is to discover the beaches and coves of St. Barthelemy or seek out other islands, the Carl Gustaf 46 and 48-foot luxury cabin cruisers are at your service. A variety of additional watersports can be arranged, from visiting the nearby beaches to fishing in the Saba shallows.

You are also invited to enjoy the fitness center with weight room and sauna, wind surfing or take a stroll down to Grand Galet beach, a shell beach located less than a 100 yards away. It is not one of the most happening beaches on the island, in fact, we were the only one's there. Nice!

This hotel is not for everyone but if you can afford it, it certainly lives up to its promises. However, if you are looking for a beach resort, I suggest you keep looking.