It was an AMAZING two day stay at Auberge de L’Anse Mitan during the last week of December, 2010. As you might have read from the below posts, this is a mid-range hotel with all the basics … but not much in ‘bells and whistles’ that a resort would include. Breakfast is optional and there is a refrigerator in the room. Probably most important, however, is the location: The hotel is steps away from Anse Mitan beach and the pier for the ferry back to Fort-de-France. The marina and outdoor mall is about a 10 minute walk away. There is a small Credit Agricole ATM upstairs in the outdoor mall if you’re low on Euros. The staff was incredibly helpful and speaks English (although a basic understanding of French in Martinique goes a long way). Some of the restaurants also can translate English for you … so ask the host/hostess before you sit down. Again, as other posters have noted, Martinique is fairly spread out. Therefore, renting a car (even if only for 2 days) can get you a lot more enjoyment out of your stay on the island. I was arranging transport back to St. Lucia on the Channel Ferry when it was brought to my attention there is a new bus service from Les Trois-Ilets to Le Marin. I did not end up using the bus, however, since the Channel Ferry happened to be full that day (used L’Express Des Isles instead). I’m still giving cleanliness a “4” even though it’s worth noting the building is getting older and cleaning the place must be difficult … it’s a given that tourists like me bring in plenty of sand from the beach. Finally, maybe most importantly, the locals and French transplants are incredibly sociable and helpful. Would like to return soon! – Joe (California, USA).

I visited the property in May 2009 and had a very good impression. Considering the prices you get an excellent value for money. The Auberge is the first hotel that opened in Martinique. It was completely renovated in 2005 but still kept its cosy, old fashioned style. The bar and the restaurant have the charisma and charm of the 1920th and the rooms are furnished with period furniture, small, without balcony but sympathetic and clean. Behind the original building there is a new block with studios, which are more modern and spacious and have their private balconies. As the owner hardly speaks any language except French it is recommended to book through a tour operator.

The reviews here are a) very out of date and b) refer to the separate studios not the main Auberge itself. The Rough Guide says that's the best budget accommodation in the area and I agree strongly. It's got a beautiful and quiet location by the edge of the bay directly opposite Fort de France, a few minutes walk from the ferry but away from the noise and hustle of Pointe du Bout itself. The hotel management are very agreeable and helpful and the rooms are spacious and comfortable (especially the second floor rooms facing the sea) and cleaned daily. This is not a luxury hotel, if you want those kinds of amenities then go elsewhere. I wouldn't want to. My only concern is that illness in the family that owns the Auberge may mean it is not available in the future.

I would not advise anyone to stay here under any circumstances. The auberge was highly rated as a good place to stay on a budget, clean, simple rooms but this rating is very out of date. We booked a studio for earlier this month, fortunately the auberge did not take a deposit.
We left the property after an hour. The studio was up an extremely steep hill, it looked as if it has not been refurbished since the 1970's, the kitchen had cigarette ash everywhere, the cupboards had food remains on them, the fridge was completely rusted on the outside and when you opened the fridge a terrible smell came out of it. The kitchen floor was filthy. The furniture was rusty, the leg came off the bed, the floor was dirty etc etc. We went to give the key back to the owner who did not give us any trouble over leaving. Alot of money is needed to restore this place - until then do not stay here.