After reading a few good reviews here and in Frommers, we checked out their website and pictures. We ended up staying one night during our baseball vacation, and would eagerly come back anytime. This is what a boutique hotel should be.
Reservations Process: There's no online booking tool, which was kind of disappointing, but when we called during a weekday, we got the owner (Boris) on the line and he took our number, and called me back within an hour, as promised with room availability and information. We booked and promptly got a confirmation e-mail. The verbal directions to the hotel were also helpful.
Rooms: We got the room pictured in the website. Room 123. It was even better than the pictures. They've taken an old motel and remodeled all the studio rooms into something really beautiful. The furniture was wood pieces in 19th century style; The bedding was really plush with great down pillows; the linens on the daybed were especially good. Nice waffle weave robes in the closet.
The bathroom featured a nice mediterranean tile vanity with bowl sink. Shower and tub were new, fitting for a 2006 renovation. And there was a little kitchenette by the door with microwave, refrigerator/minibar, sink and dishes. The doors all open out to the outside, motel style, with modern electronic locks (look like memory cards). The room numbers are all mediterranean tiles Rooms also have a safe.
Each room supposedly has its own theme and decor. The art on the wall is all for sale. Ours is what I'd describe as Architectural Digest. Nothing modern, nothing frou-frou.
Location: The property is located on Ocean Dr on the non-beach side. The road is pretty quiet there, so you can just walk across it (barely 2 lanes) to the beach access pathway. The beach there was pristine and not very crowded. Nice sand and water with a few waves. The rest of downtown is about a mile up the road.
There's a small swimming pool in their courtyard with heaters and lounge chairs. The commons area are all covered in tile or pavers, giving it a very sophisticated look. (even the parking lot)
Service: We only stayed one night so couldn't comment much other than to say check in and check out were convenient with the staff members in the lobby area.
Restaurant: They are very proud of their restaurant and bar onsite, the Maison Martinique and Havana Nights. It was closed on the Sunday night we were there, but the menu looked real enticing.
Other items: I overheard on the phone that they are pet-friendly. The parking lot is small. Not a big problem, but be considerate if you're driving a big SUV. Their TVs have DVD and VCR built in, as well as a very comprehensive cable TV selection.
There's only about 16 rooms on the property
This place used to be the old Riviera Inn and it's totally night and day from that. We looked at a photo album they keep of before and after and it's amazing what some good landscaping, fresh paint, quality furnishings and a total rehab can do to a property. I wouldn't hesitate again paying $300 a night for a room here.
