Accommodation in Réunion

Overview of the Offer

Although the island has a fairly good range of accommodations and diversity, their distribution remains quite uneven depending on the area and category. While the west coast with its beaches concentrates much of the supply, it is also the busiest on weekends and during holiday periods, making it more than wise to book in advance. This is also where prices are the highest.

Meanwhile, it is not necessarily practical to visit the island while itinerating—that is, frequently changing accommodation. Given the size of the department, and if you have a vehicle (which is recommended), it is more interesting to simply choose one or two, or even three, bases for your stay and explore from there.

Hotels

Hotels are poorly distributed and not particularly numerous on the island. They are mainly found on the west coast, between Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, particularly around Saint-Gilles, which, with its seaside activities, attracts many visitors during holiday periods (booking is advisable). Elsewhere, the supply is much lower, if not nonexistent, requiring another form of accommodation.

Most hotels are of "mid-range" category, often with a similarly average value, and there are only a few more luxurious establishments on the island. Generally, prices rise significantly during holiday periods. Expect at least 30 €/40 for a double room at the lowest rates.

Youth Hostels

There are also two or three youth hostels on the island, including the one in Hell-Bourg, in the Cirque de Salazie, which is the most popular with visitors.

Camping

There are a few municipal campsites on the island, such as in Étang Salé on the west coast, as well as farm stays or homestays. Additionally, there are more or less equipped bivouac areas, and the possibility of wild camping on beaches or during hikes (outside areas managed by the ONF). While sleeping in a tent is logically economical, it is still advisable to be minimally equipped against rain and cold if you are in the "Hauts." Moreover, it is best to be cautious when wild camping on the coast.

Homestays and Guest Rooms

Guest rooms, or homestays, are quite widespread in Réunion and represent an excellent accommodation option for those visiting the island. They can be found almost everywhere, particularly in the "Hauts," with some offering "host tables." Some rooms are affiliated with Gîtes de France. As for rates, expect at least 35 €/40 for a double room with breakfast.

Gîtes

There are two categories of gîtes found mainly inland: step gîtes and mountain gîtes, primarily designed for hikers. These are mostly collective accommodations, though some offer private rooms, with sometimes basic comfort, especially in mountain gîtes, some of which are not even accessible by road. Starting prices are around 15 € per person, and booking is necessary in season for hiking gîtes.

Holiday Rentals

Villas, apartments, studios, bungalows—holiday rentals are plentiful on the island, with over 200 furnished properties listed. They can be found almost everywhere, on the coast as well as in the "Hauts," with varying quality, comfort, and services. Rentals are typically by the week (sometimes by the night or weekend) or by the month, with rates decreasing based on the duration chosen. If you are traveling with a group or family, these rentals remain an excellent accommodation option.

It is also entirely possible to arrange home exchanges between Réunion and mainland France.

Which Accommodation to Choose?

Since Réunion is generally not visited with itinerant accommodation in mind, holiday rentals (especially for families) and guest rooms/gîtes are often preferred. For hiking, gîtes are also usually better than camping or bivouacking, which can be unpleasant due to nighttime coolness or rain.