Champ de Mars by Ivory Hotels

This hotel offers a practical and comfortable stay, particularly noted for its unique position directly across from the Champ de Mars racetrack, providing a distinctive view and access to a recreational area. It is widely regarded as an excellent value for money option, appealing to budget-conscious travelers and solo travelers seeking a clean and well-located base. The hotel's central setting makes it convenient for sightseers and those on short, efficient stays, allowing easy access to the city's attractions. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major asset. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a view of the racetrack and be prepared for an older aesthetic that is nonetheless well-maintained and comfortable.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities, though some aspects are noted as needing improvement. An elevator is available for access to higher floors, which guests appreciate. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reported as very good, allowing guests to stay connected, though a few experienced slow or non-existent connections in their rooms. While basic amenities are present, some rooms were found to lack standard items such as sufficient towels, pillows, glasses, or a cup. Issues with in-room appliances like the water heater (requiring an adapter) and non-functional TV remotes or A/C units were occasionally reported. Furthermore, some guests noted concerns regarding insufficient hallway lights late at night and a dark lobby, impacting a sense of security.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many specifically praising the crispy clean and white bed sheets. While the hotel is described as older and somewhat dated, most reviews indicate it remains comfortable and functional, rather than luxurious. However, some specific rooms were reported to have significant cleanliness issues upon arrival, including dirty floors. Room size is often described as small, which some guests prefer, though the beds themselves are sometimes noted as being too small or uncomfortably hard, with poor mattresses and pillows. Noise from the road was a significant concern for some, even on higher floors, impacting sleep quality. Bathrooms are individual with showers, but some experienced issues with plumbing leaks, cracked basins, or inconsistent shower water pressure and temperature.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, is mixed. Many guests found the breakfast to be excellent, describing it as delicious and efficient, despite being fairly basic. However, others reported limited breakfast variety and poor food quality, with examples like a half-cooked omelette or stale baguette. Some guests were surprised to find that a "free breakfast" was advertised but actually incurred a charge and required registration the day before. Beyond breakfast, the hotel offers other drinks during the day, with some guests enjoying cold beers on-site. Overall, while some found the breakfast satisfactory, others felt it did not meet expectations in terms of quality or value.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of the waterfront and the city center, making it convenient for shopping and exploring. Its unique position directly across from the famous Champ de Mars racetrack offers pleasant views and access to a recreational area. Guests appreciate the proximity to various restaurants and an oceanarium. While the immediate hotel neighborhood is generally considered safe, some guests were advised that a longer walk to certain parts of town might be less secure. Public transport, such as a bus stop to the city center, is a short walk away, and the hotel is well-organized for arranging taxis for guests, though some noted the need for negotiation with drivers.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their helpfulness and friendliness. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by the receptionists and other team members, who are described as professional, efficient, and very kind. Staff members are particularly commended for assisting with directions for getting around, arranging tours of the island, and facilitating currency exchange. The overall positive interactions contribute significantly to a pleasant stay for many. However, there was an isolated but strong complaint regarding the conduct of one specific manager, who was described as rude and unhelpful, particularly concerning room issues. Despite this, the general sentiment towards the staff is overwhelmingly positive, with their willingness to assist being a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational details that may impact their stay. For instance, there is a towel policy that limits guests to one towel per day, and sheet changes are not provided during shorter stays, such as a three-day period. For those planning to have breakfast at the hotel, it is important to note that breakfast registration is required the day before and may incur a charge despite being advertised as free. When utilizing local transportation, particularly cabs, guests are advised that drivers are business-oriented, suggesting the need for cab negotiation skills. Many rooms offer pleasant mountain views, and the hotel's proximity to the Champ de Mars racetrack allows for enjoyable racetrack views, where guests can observe horses training in the morning.