InterContinental Hotel Mauritius

We will most certainly stay at the Intercontinental whenever we do that return trip to Mauritius

A brand new hotel and so perhaps the staff were going out of their way to make our stay memorable. The plus points are the artificial lagoon and the heated pool (a smaller pool on the far side of the hotel). Unfortunately we ran into exceptionally cold weather during the week so couldn’t make use of the lagoon or the main pool. But the heated pool was great. For meals, apart from the main dining area there is an Indian and a Chinese speciality restaurant which were both very good though expensive. Both the restaurants have a smart casual dress code (no shorts or sandals) which I found strange for a holiday resort. But I understand that most restaurants in Mauritius have this code so pack a trouser and shoes if you plan to dine out. On "things that could be better" the tubs in the bathrooms need to be replaced with more practical ones. Also, the staff at the marine club, attached to the hotel, were not very helpful. We asked for a glass bottom boat ride but were told that it required a 24 hr advance booking although the boat was floating idle. Apart from the hotel, a must do unique experience in Mauritius is the submarine ride (for which you need to book separately). I was surprised to find that bookings for some of the sightseeing trips (including the submarine) from the hotel were cheaper than travel shops outside. Lastly, most of the beaches in Mauritius are riddled with sharp edged corals so if you plan on long beach walks carry a pair of Crocs or rubber sandals.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

Unless you plan to do a lot of sight seeing and therefore stay out most of the time it would be better to take the breakfast and dinner option at the hotel. The two restaurants at the hotel are great but expensive if you have to eat there everyday. The resort is a 30 minute drive from Port Louis and nothing in between.