Okay, it's Haiti. Once you get over the fact that you have to go (obviously I didn't really want to - company sent me) and then you try to make the best of it. Let's not get into a review of Haiti itself. Let's just say: very nice people, very desperate situation.

But speaking about the Villa Creole specifically. Much nicer than I would have thought. Very clean. Very nice.

First the staff: fantastic, attentive, friendly.
Next the room: clean, functional, secure.
Next the restaurant: excellent, creative and friendly.
Next the grounds: beautiful, verdent, interesting.
Next the location: oasis of calm in a very troubled city.

In comparison to other hotels nearby (and there's only 3 that cater to international business and government travelers - the Villa Creole, the Montana and El Rancho) the Villa Creole is very quiet and serene. The perfect place to unwind and to feel safe and secure after the a day in the crowded city below. El Rancho has a casino that attracts large rowdy crowds in the evenings. The Montana also has a nice restaurant, but again, is quite crowded and not as spread out at Villa Creole so you feel cramped.

Despite my trepidation at being sent to Haiti on this trip, I know that if I'm sent there again, at least the Villa Creole is waiting for me. Really nice hotel.

La Villa Creole does not live up to American Standards for the money you pay, that is not Haiti's fault, but it is decent and reasonably clean, with a great breakfast, try their version of hot Oatmeal Cereal for breakfast. Let me say I was a bit disappointed in the Hotel but not in Haiti, La Villa Creole and almost every other Hotel in Haiti is a bit overpriced n my opinion. As you can see from my photos from the room the place is paradise.

The Haitian people are some of the finest people I have ever met in the entire world and weather that is nothing short of heavenly, the finest weather I have ever experienced. Those who visit are disappointed if they are looking to visit a place that is monetarily rich. If you want a fabulous vacation where money abounds go to the Trade Winds Resort on Gulf Boulevard in St Petersburg Florida, you will not see any poverty on the beaches and let me tell you, that is an awesome place and inexpensive comparitively. I loved Haiti and especially its people, I cannot get enough, I have been back once and have another flight booked for January 2007. I dream of buying a piece of property there for retirement as you can imagine real estate is inexpensive.

A 3-day stay in late July was my 4th here in 3 years, and I still find it the most pleasant, convenient, and comfortable place to stay in Port-au-Prince/Petionville. While there is nothing spectacular about the rooms, they are consistently clean and functional with AC that works well and a good TV with a variety of English and French language satellite channels. Internet connection in the room is via ethernet, which was reasonably speedy. The automatic wakeup system was down last week, but I was able to call the front desk to set it up each evening. Don't count on the electic clock radio for wake up, as the power is likely to go out, at least briefly, every evening.
Outside dining is lovely, especially under the large poolside tree, where there is a very good breakfast buffet every morning. Food at other meals is good, and there are vegetarian selections including pizza. The bar is lively (but not rowdy), and there are many, many places to sit and read or talk or have a drink in the lobby (which is multi-leveled) and in and around the bar and restaurant. The staff at the desk and restaurant are always very pleasant and helpful, and most speak English well.
There are some winding paths and pretty gardens on the property, and if you walk to the upper levels of the building there is a rooftop area which affords a breathtaking view of the city.
This is an especially good place to be if you are here for an extended period and need to get work done, have small team meetings, etc... There is wireless reception in the lobby and restaurant area (you need to get a password from the front desk), and an unstaffed business center. It seems a friendlier and more relaxed place to me than the Montana, certainly less of a 'scene' here; It will always be my first choice for work-related trips to Port-au-Prince.

For me this is the best hotel in Port au Prince (actually in Petionville). Very clean and comfortable, great service, great pool area with truely comfortable lounge chairs and above all a great barman!!!

If you want casino, you can walk 1/2 a block to the much more noisy and crowded El Rancho hotel