We just arrived on the 25th. I have to say we are disappointed. I emailed Sigolene about the books in the lobby as there used to be many. We went in and just a handful. We tried having a conversation with her and she was very standffish and cold. This is so opposite from Caroline and Tanya.
Our kitchen is not as supplied as previous years.
The foliage down to our room, #5, is way overgrown. However, Dave did the the friendly gardner this a.m. They always have nice little chats in French. He said he would tend to it right away.
Our room is as before minus a lamp on the desk which is sorely missed.
One thing that is very obvious, the lack of guests. We have been guests here for most of the 28 years we have stayed on the island. Every visit the hotel has either been full or almost full. Right now we are one of three rooms occupied.
Lastly, I have heard from a couple of residents on the change of mgnt. It's not positive and that's all I will say here. I hope for the best as we have always loved this simple hotel.
You can draw your own conclusions.
Sorry to read of your disappointment. I'm afraid, however, that your post of January 2023, apparently quoting communication from the manager, and your conclusion ("So, it will no longer be a hotel."), laid out the story:
" . . . a few minor changes will be made to the management of the property.
In fact, maintaining an hotel operation as it is now, required an unavoidable price increase.
It was therefore preferable for us to move towards a vacation rental.
Nothing will change in terms of your welcome, your access to the property and the price of your reservations.
It’s just that from now, the front desk will no longer be assured during the day (however the manager will be available at any time by phone)
Also, the housekeeping will only be insured every 3 days, instead of daily (this service can however be available with supplement)"
It's the story of escalating costs on the island . . . an aging population of local owners of small hotel properties . . . and changing demographics of island visitors ("bigger is better, cost is of diminishing concern").
Another example of changes noted at Le P'tit Morne (BTW, no longer described as a "hotel" . . . now using nomenclature "residence") is Les Mouettes in Lorient -- now with a minimum stay of two weeks, deposits forfeited if any reservation change made within 2 months of scheduled arrival, and closed for months July through November. Not yet on this path, but predicted -- Auberge de la Petite Anse.
It's quite sad to see the "old St. Barths" fading away. Fragments of it remain, nonetheless . . . places and styles that I value as earmarks of "Traditional Living and Fine Dining in St. Barthelemy" (
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/case-...lemy/19066631/#edition=32281733&idiq=45022863).
