Guest User
April 10, 2023
We wanted somewhere to stay for one night, on our way to St Martin, that wasn't in the centre of Pointe-a-Pitre. Although Raccoon Lodge is off a busy road only a 15/20 minute drive from the airport, it is also on the edge of the forest. It is owned by ex pat Angela, was very welcoming and keen to make us feel at home. She has worked hard to make this her home for over 30 years: and later her business. The building is down a short flight of steep steps and has been added to over time with a mix of materials. Our room was on the ground floor off the small communal lounge and had a floor level bed and a large bathroom/wet room. Other guest rooms, which we did not see, appeared to be in the body of the house. There is a further communal outdoor sitting area on a terrace, with an adjacent outdoor kitchen. A hot tub and a small tiled swimming pool are available for guest use and the latter was a joy after a couple of days of hot travelling. The furnishings and decor are unconventional by 'modern' hotel/apartment standards, and reflect Angela's travels and her artistic talent. Many of her paintings are hung around the lodge. We hadn't booked a meal, but Angela prepared us a very tasty impromptu fish dish and sharing our meal with the raccoons was a highlight for us. Aside from her painting skills, Angela also sings and we were treated to a few numbers later in the evening. Her cats, and the raccoons from the forest live happily side by side and area constant presence and we also saw green lizards, hummingbirds and soucrier birds. It would be a mistake to book the lodge if you are looking for an easy access, clean lines,modern furnishings and an animal free zone, but if you are happy with something more rustic, casual and animal friendly, this would be an ideal choice. It's also worth noting that we arrived and left by taxi, but had we been staying longer a car would have been essential for getting about.