Réunion Island, a true gem of the Indian Ocean, offers a breathtaking diversity of landscapes: from white sandy beaches to majestic cirques, an active volcano, and lush forests. To explore all these wonders in the best conditions, choosing the right accommodation is essential.
Exsel Hotels stands out as the ideal partner to discover this vibrant island with complete peace of mind, thanks to its collection of strategically located establishments across the territory.
With eight hotels ranging from 2 to 4 stars, stretching from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre via the west coast, Exsel Hotels provides perfect bases to explore each region of the island. Each property has its own unique identity, reflecting Réunion’s authenticity and warmth while offering high-quality services tailored to all types of travelers.
Whether you’re visiting for a business trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, Exsel accommodations guarantee comfort, proximity to key attractions, and immersion in local culture. This unique collection of hotels allows you to fully experience Réunion, offering much more than just a place to sleep: a true gateway to the island’s treasures.
Strategic Locations for Optimal Exploration
One of Exsel Hotels’ main strengths lies in the strategic geographic distribution of its properties, enabling travelers to discover Réunion from all angles without wasting time on unnecessary travel. Each hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring a specific region of the island.
The Vibrant North: The Island’s Gateway
The north of Réunion, dominated by the capital Saint-Denis, is typically the entry point for travelers. Exsel Hotels offers two complementary establishments in this area:
The Exsel Créolia Hotel: Excellence for Business Travelers
Located near Roland Garros Airport, the Exsel Créolia Hotel is the go-to choice for business travelers. Its 109 comfortable rooms and five fully equipped meeting rooms make it the ideal place to combine work and island exploration.
After a day of meetings, guests can unwind at La Varangue bar, savor Creole cuisine at Le Kaloupilé restaurant, or enjoy the stunning 500 m² infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Saint-Denis.
The Austral Hotel: In the Heart of the Capital
For those prioritizing centrality, the Austral Hotel offers an ideal location in the heart of Saint-Denis. Just 300 meters from the sea and easily accessible from the airport, this 50-room property provides easy access to the capital’s tourist attractions, restaurants, shops, and administrative offices.
Two rooms are specially designed for people with reduced mobility, showcasing Exsel Hotels’ commitment to accessibility for all.
The Sunny West: Beaches and Water Activities
Réunion’s west coast, renowned for its exceptional sunshine and paradisiacal beaches, hosts several Exsel properties, perfect for enjoying coastal activities:
The Exsel Alamanda Hotel: In the Heart of Saint-Gilles’ Vibrancy
Located in the heart of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the island’s renowned seaside resort, the Exsel Alamanda Hotel offers an ideal setting to enjoy the sun and water activities. Just steps from the famous Hermitage Beach, this welcoming property allows guests to fully embrace Réunion’s laid-back lifestyle.
Its heated pool during the austral winter adds an extra perk for off-season stays, ensuring relaxation and comfort year-round.
The Exsel Ermitage Hotel: Refinement Near the Lagoon
The Exsel Ermitage Hotel stands out for its prime location near the Hermitage lagoon and a lively shopping area. Its 37 rooms combine refinement and 3-star comfort, offering a perfect base for alternating swims in the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters, water activities, and shopping.
The opportunity to enjoy pedal boating, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon’s safe waters, just minutes from the hotel, makes the Ermitage a top choice for water sports enthusiasts.
The Exsel Floralys Hotel: Creole Authenticity in a Lush Setting
A true Creole paradise, the Exsel Floralys Hotel offers a unique accommodation experience with its 48 rooms spread across single-story bungalows nestled in a lush tropical park. This unique setup allows for total immersion in the island’s natural environment while ensuring comfort and privacy.
All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, and flat-screen satellite TVs, blending authenticity with modern amenities.
The Exsel Roseaux des Sables Residence: Independence Without Sacrificing Service
Adjacent to the Exsel Floralys Hotel, the Exsel Roseaux des Sables Residence is ideal for those seeking more independence without forgoing hotel services. Located in a serene setting, this residence offers various accommodation types for up to six people: apartments, studios, chalets, or bungalows.
Residents can enjoy all the amenities of the Floralys Hotel, plus a dedicated pool for the residence, combining the benefits of independent living with hotel-style services.
The Authentic South: Nature and Traditions
The less touristy and wilder southern region of Réunion offers a fascinating playground for travelers seeking authenticity. Exsel Hotels provides two distinctive properties here:
The Exsel Victoria Hotel: Overlooking the Ocean at the Gateway to the Wild South
In Grand-Bois, the Exsel Victoria Hotel offers a unique experience with its 31 rooms delicately perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. This exceptional location provides a magical immersion in a preserved environment, just 10 minutes from downtown Saint-Pierre.
At the gateway to the Wild South, this property is the ideal base for exploring this authentic region of Réunion, known for its impressive volcanic landscapes and preserved traditions.
The Le Terre Sainte Hotel: Between Tradition and Modernity
Located in Saint-Pierre, in the heart of the fishermen’s and street artists’ district, the Le Terre Sainte Hotel perfectly embodies the blend of tradition and modernity that defines Réunion. This lifestyle hotel pays tribute to its neighborhood with convivial living spaces where generations and cultures mingle through events and artist exhibitions.
Its spacious communal areas provide spaces for exchange and discovery, enriching the guest experience and making every night at Le Terre Sainte a true human journey.
Services Tailored to Every Expectation
Beyond their strategic locations, Exsel Hotels stand out for the quality and variety of their services, designed to meet the specific needs of every type of guest.
Top-Tier Professional Facilities
For business travelers and companies, Exsel Hotels offers facilities perfectly suited to professional needs. The Exsel Créolia Hotel, in particular, features five modular meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 people, equipped with the latest technology to ensure successful meetings and conferences.
The chain has developed comprehensive seminar packages that include accommodation, catering, and workspaces, simplifying the organization of professional events on the island. Dedicated teams assist companies in customizing their events, whether it’s a management seminar, a convention, or a training session.
For works councils looking to organize employee events combining work and discovery, Exsel Hotels offers tailored solutions to foster team cohesion in an exceptional setting.
Leisure Facilities for the Whole Family
The west coast properties (Alamanda, Ermitage, Floralys, and Roseaux des Sables) are particularly suited for family vacations. Their secure pools, proximity to beaches and water activities, and spacious accommodations make these hotels perfect choices for successful family holidays.
The hotel residence formula at Roseaux des Sables, with accommodations for up to six people, offers valuable flexibility for families seeking a balance of independence and hotel services.
Authentic Dining Celebrating Creole Cuisine
Discovering Réunion inevitably involves its vibrant, multicultural cuisine, reflecting the island’s history and cultural influences. Exsel Hotels’ restaurants highlight Creole cuisine, allowing guests to savor local specialties without leaving their accommodation.
The Le Kaloupilé restaurant at the Exsel Créolia Hotel offers a menu celebrating local products and traditional Réunion recipes in an elegant setting with views of the pool and ocean. Guests can enjoy iconic dishes like rougail saucisse, chicken curry, or samosas, prepared with authenticity and expertise.
Personalized Support for Exploring the Island
To make exploring Réunion easier, Exsel Hotels’ teams eagerly share their tips and recommendations on must-visit sites, unmissable activities, and the best local spots. These valuable insights from passionate locals allow travelers to venture off the beaten path and discover Réunion from an authentic perspective.
The Bonkdo platform also offers a wide range of carefully curated activities and excursions: hikes in the cirques, helicopter tours over the Piton de la Fournaise, scuba diving, and immersion in Creole culture. These experiences perfectly complement the hotel stay, enabling full immersion in the island’s treasures.
Immersing Yourself in Réunion’s Natural and Cultural Treasures
Staying at an Exsel hotel means privileged access to Réunion’s natural and cultural wonders. The strategic location of each property allows for efficient exploration of the island’s must-see sites.
The Cirques and Mountains: The Island’s Wild Soul
From the northern and western hotels, the majestic cirques of Salazie, Mafate, and Cilaos are easily accessible for day trips or more ambitious hikes. These natural amphitheaters, carved by erosion in the Piton des Neiges massif, offer some of the world’s most stunning mountain landscapes.
The Salazie cirque, the most accessible and lush, is characterized by its numerous waterfalls, including the Voile de la Mariée. The Cilaos cirque, known for its thermal baths and wine, unveils spectacular panoramas. Meanwhile, the Mafate cirque, accessible only on foot or by helicopter, offers an unmatched sense of isolation and connection with nature.
The Piton de la Fournaise Volcano: A Geological Marvel
From the southern hotels, exploring the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is a perfectly feasible day trip. The forest road leads to Pas de Bellecombe, the starting point for hikes to the crater.
This 2,632-meter giant offers a fascinating lunar landscape and, with a bit of luck, the chance to safely witness an eruption. Guides recommended by Exsel Hotels can accompany you on this unforgettable volcanic adventure.
The Beaches and Lagoons: A Coastal Paradise
The west coast properties allow guests to fully enjoy the island’s most beautiful beaches, protected by coral reefs forming crystal-clear lagoons. Hermitage Beach, near the Alamanda and Ermitage hotels, stretches for several kilometers and offers an idyllic setting for swimming and relaxation.
Further south, the beaches of Boucan Canot, Roches Noires, or Saline-les-Bains each have their own unique character and are easily accessible from Exsel properties. These paradisiacal spots offer numerous water activities: snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving…
A Rich Cultural Heritage: A Unique Blend
Réunion’s culture, born from the blend of populations from Europe, Africa, India, China, and Madagascar, is experienced daily during your stay at Exsel Hotels. The architecture, cuisine, music, religious traditions, and festivals reflect this exceptional cultural richness.
The vibrant markets of Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul, or Saint-Pierre, Tamil temples (notably the Salazamay temple in Saint-André), traditional Creole houses, or the Jardin de l’État in Saint-Denis offer countless opportunities to immerse yourself in this thriving culture, which Exsel’s teams are eager to help you discover.
A Commitment to Responsible and Authentic Tourism
In a territory as pristine and fragile as Réunion, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional biodiversity, Exsel Hotels places sustainable development at the heart of its strategy.
Eco-Friendly Practices
The chain has adopted practices to reduce the environmental footprint of its properties: optimized water and energy management, selective waste sorting, reduced use of single-use plastics, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to preserving Réunion’s exceptional natural environment for future generations.
Promoting Local Products and Expertise
Exsel Hotels’ restaurants prioritize local products as much as possible, supporting Réunion’s economy while reducing the carbon footprint of food transport. This short-supply-chain approach allows guests to enjoy fresh, seasonal products while discovering the island’s authentic flavors.
The chain works closely with local producers: market gardeners, fishermen, farmers, and producers of vanilla or rum. These partnerships promote Réunion’s expertise and contribute to the island’s sustainable economic development.
A Strong Connection to Réunion’s Economic and Social Fabric
As a major player in Réunion’s hospitality industry, Exsel Hotels plays a significant role in local economic development. The chain primarily employs local staff, contributing to job creation on the island and the transmission of the region’s hospitality values.
This human dimension is reflected in the warm welcome extended to guests, far from the anonymity of large international chains. Each staff member becomes an ambassador for Réunion, passionately sharing the island’s riches.
Planning Your Stay: Practical Tips and Recommended Itineraries
To make the most of your exploration of Réunion, here are some practical tips and suggested itineraries based on Exsel’s various properties.
The Best Time to Visit
Réunion enjoys a pleasant tropical climate year-round, with two main seasons: the austral summer (November to April), hot and humid, and the austral winter (May to October), cooler and drier.
The period from May to November is generally considered ideal for visiting the island, offering stable weather and pleasant temperatures. It’s the perfect season for hiking and mountain activities. The austral summer, warmer and wetter, is better suited for beach activities, though cyclones are possible between January and March.
Itinerary for a Complete Island Tour
For a comprehensive discovery of Réunion in 10-15 days, here’s a suggested itinerary using Exsel’s properties as exploration bases:
- Start in the North: Stay at the Exsel Créolia Hotel or the Austral Hotel for 2-3 days to explore Saint-Denis, its Paris Street lined with beautiful Creole houses, the Jardin de l’État, and the vibrant Chaudron market.
- Explore the East and Its Waterfalls: From the north, take a day trip to the east coast to admire the Voile de la Mariée waterfall and explore the Salazie cirque.
- Enjoy the Sunny West: Move to the Exsel Alamanda Hotel or Exsel Ermitage Hotel for 4-5 days of beachside relaxation, interspersed with excursions to the Mafate cirque and the Maïdo.
- Immerse Yourself in Authenticity: Continue with a stay at the Exsel Floralys Hotel or the Exsel Roseaux des Sables Residence to explore Saint-Gilles and its surroundings.
- Finish in the Wild South: Conclude your island tour with 3-4 days at the Exsel Victoria Hotel or Le Terre Sainte Hotel, ideal bases for discovering the Piton de la Fournaise, the Plaine des Sables, and the lunar landscapes of the south.
How to Book Your Stay
Booking an Exsel accommodation is simple and secure through the chain’s official website’s online booking system. The efficient booking engine allows you to check real-time availability for each property and compare rates, making it easy to choose based on your needs and budget.
Exsel Hotels regularly offers promotional deals: early booking discounts, long-stay packages, and bundles combining accommodation and activities. These special offers provide great value while maintaining the chain’s renowned quality of service.
Ready to explore Réunion with peace of mind?Book now your stay at one of Exsel’s eight properties and start planning your Réunion adventure.
Experience Réunion with Exsel Hotels
Choosing Exsel Hotels for your Réunion exploration means opting for an authentic and serene experience, driven by passionate professionals dedicated to sharing their island’s riches.
Exsel Hotels’ strength lies in its ability to offer human-scale properties, each with a unique personality, while maintaining a consistent standard of quality. This diversity meets the varied expectations of travelers, whether they seek an optimal professional setting, a beachside base for family vacations, or a peaceful haven for reconnecting with nature.
The strategic distribution of Exsel’s eight hotels across Réunion ensures optimal coverage, allowing efficient exploration of the island in all its diversity: from white sandy beaches to volcanic peaks, mountainous cirques to tropical forests, vibrant cities to authentic villages.
Beyond accommodation, Exsel Hotels stands out for its commitment to responsible tourism, respectful of Réunion’s exceptional environment and unique culture. Each stay becomes a rich and memorable experience, far from mass tourism.
For your next adventure in Réunion, trust Exsel Hotels’ expertise and discover the vibrant island at its best, with complete peace of mind. Book now and prepare for unforgettable moments in the heart of this Indian Ocean gem.
