I think you get a quick idea of what St Barth's is all about when you notice that even the guy who carries your luggage off your charter plane is wearing an Hermes belt.
"Welcome to paradise!" said our driver. And indeed I hoped it would be.
The Christopher didn't disappoint on arrival and initial walk around. It's very nicely laid out. Our room was pleasant enough - but was it worth 630 Euros?! It was pretty basic for that kind of money. However, every hotel on St Barth's is ridiculously over-priced. High prices are fine if you're getting something exceptional in return. Only you can decide if you think St Barths's is exceptional.
The pool area was very good, you never felt on top of anyone. And it's a good sized pool. And always, from your room, the pool, the restaurants, you have a great view.
Others have mentioned there is no beach. That wasn't an initial problem. However, I didn't realise you wouldn't be able to walk to one either. You have to drive everywhere. Plus, if you want a hotel with a beach then chose very carefully. We had lunch at other hotels which are on the beach, and none of them had a very inviting sea - despite what their website photos may show you. Possibly the Eden Rock is one of the better options, however it's far too nouveau riche for my tastes. So, I can honestly say, after visiting 5 other hotels on St Barth's, I totally believe we made the right choice in staying at the Christopher.
I think what does make the Christopher very good is the staff. It's a young crowd, and I suspect many of them wont work there for long as they like to move around.
There was also a real mix of nationalities. The girls on reception were ALL excellent. Everything was done with respect, manners and a smile. In the restaurants there's an Italian gentleman (Andrea?) who is superb, personable, and makes sure all guests are happy. A huge 'thank you' to the excellent Dammann who is superb at her job.There's a lovely pretty Scottish girl working at the moment, and some very sweet French girls too - I wish I could remember all their names. These are all the people who made staying at the Christopher a good experience.
Now, the gripes. Wi-Fi was very slow and irritating. Most TV channels are in French. I know this is the French West Indies, but I suspect most guests don't speak French. And most other Caribbean hotels have Cable TV. We didn't like the bed at all - far too soft and bouncy. Lighting in the bathroom is dreadful for men who need to shave. We didn't have a bath - and we didn't need one. But if you want one, then make sure you book a room with one. But the shower room was excellent.
Now, the evening dinner. I kid you not - some of the most superb lamb and chicken we have ever tasted. Amazing ... but, always served at the table luke warm. The chef is doing a disservice to his cooking and his guests. Get it right. Guests are most likely going to be paying anything from 120 to 200 Euros for dinner (for 2), so make sure it's hot when served.
Would we stay at the Christopher again? Yes. But is there any point in returning to St Barth's? No. Europeans may as well just fly to St Tropez, or anywhere busy along the Cote d'Azur. Ultimately St Barth's has built itself up as a fashion/location/lifestyle brand - it felt to me like I was on holiday on a branded logo. It certainly doesn't feel like the Caribbean. But ultimately, I do very much feel that selecting the Christopher as our hotel was the correct choice.
So, back to "welcome to paradise!" - was St Barth's paradise? No, not in the least, as far as I'm concerned. There are better Caribbean islands with more stunning beaches and clear blue sea. However, if your idea of paradise is walking around covered in fashion logo's and praying you're richer, slimmer, and have had more plastic surgery than the next person, then you've come to the right place.
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- Hotel Le Christopher
- Le Christopher St Barthélemy
