Set at the end of a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean, the Residence Oceane is popular with budget-oriented families and couples. It's a convenient home base for exploring the rugged peninsula, its hiking trails, surfing beaches, and nearby sleepy fishing towns that collectively deliver an authentic glimpse into life on Martinique's north side.

The hotel's prime asset is its location, perfectly perched on a steep hillside, blessed with constant ocean breezes and birds-eye views of the ocean and the surrounding greenery. Arriving at the hotel starts with a drive past banana and sugar cane fields as well as a long stretch of brown-sand beach in Tartane, where its not unusual to see fisherman leaning over thick wooden block tables slicing up thick steaks from their daily catch of blackfin tuna.

Guests get an immediate feeling for what to expect upon entering the lobby at Residence Oceane. The rustic space with its vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, hammock chairs, and thick wooden furniture is welcoming but not luxurious. Wind bursts through a line of sliding windows that allow peeks at the ocean and the pool below while a large sign on the wall above the front desk simply states, "No problem." Open bookshelves are stacked with used paperbacks and board games as well as a collection of knickknacks. With no amenities such as fitness center, restaurant, bar, or spa on-site and spotty Wi-Fi in the rooms, simple tasks such as reading a found book or playing games with family members take precedence.

The infinity-edge pool offers room to lounge and cool off while taking in the views of the sea, but guests also take the time to venture to the nearby beaches, many which cater to surfers and windsurfers. In the evenings, guests can drive to nearby Trinite to explore local restaurants but most guests prefer to stock their refrigerators and cook meals on the terraces.

The hotel is located on the north coast of Martinique along the Caravelle Peninsula, a protected area that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is set at the end of the road, close to a surf shop and near several beaches that are popular with surfers and windsurfers.

• 15-minute walk to Anse L’Étang Beach
• 5-minute drive to Château Dubuc
• 20-minute drive to Tartane
• 30-minute drive to La Trinité
• 40-minute drive to Habitation Clement
• 40-minute drive to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport
• 60-minute drive to Balata Gardens, Fort de France
• 70-minute drive to Les Trois-Ilets
• 75-minute drive to Diamond Beach
• One-hour, 30-minute drive to Mt Pelée

The 25 rooms at the Residence Oceane are mostly Studios; there is also a Two-Bedroom Apartment and a Three-Bedroom Villa. The Studios are designed for two or four people; they come with one queen bed and some have the addition of a trundle bed or bunk bed.

Basic and tidy, the rooms feature white tile floors, accent walls painted tropical hues such as sky blue, and patterned bedding with white sheets and standard pillows. Furnishings are basic with wood headboards, small desks, basic televisions, and open closets. Bathrooms follow suit with white tiles, shower curtains, and single vanities. 

The terraces and balconies of the rooms serve as living/dining rooms. The white kitchenettes are equipped with small refrigerators, two-burner stoves, and cabinets stocked with the necessities to cook and serve meals while white plastic chairs surround dining tables covered with traditional madras print tablecloths. Views are of the gardens or ocean (and sometimes both). Items such as hairdryers can be delivered upon request and housekeeping takes place once a week -- but the proper cleaning tools are tucked away in a closet on the terrace.

The parking lot at Residence Oceane is more impressive than most as it affords some of the best ocean views at the hotel. Walk down the slight incline from the hilltop lot and follow the stairs to access the hotel lobby, a breezy space with windows open to the views of the sea. A collection of used books and board games occupy the rows of open bookcases, instantly setting the tone for what guests can expect at the hotel. With no restaurant, bar, spa, or sporting activities on-site, reading, relaxing, and spending time with family take priority. The hotel's only notable amenity is its infinity pool. Surrounded by white plastic lounge chairs and cascading bright pink bougainvillea and palms, it's a popular spot for cooling off and gazing at the views of the Atlantic.