Saint-Benoit, Reunion
Chez Arlette Maillot
📍 16, chemin des Corbeilles d’OrGrand Ilet / Cirque de Salazie, SALAZIE, 97433
Photo: official website
Your stay — Chez Arlette Maillot
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Saint-Benoit.
The Property — Chez Arlette Maillot
Chez Arlette Maillot is a straightforward three-star guesthouse a short walk from Saint-Benoît’s main street. The vibe is functional and family-run: think tiled floors, a small pool, and a veranda where breakfast is served. It suits budget-conscious travellers who need a clean, no-fuss base for exploring the east coast, not seekers of luxury. Standing in the lobby you smell coffee from the dining room and hear the owner giving directions in rapid Creole.
Chronicles of Saint-Benoit
Saint-Benoît was founded in the 18th century as a parish for the island’s coffee plantations, later becoming the administrative hub of Réunion’s windy east coast. Its centre retains a grid of colonial-era Creole houses with louvred shutters and wraparound verandas, though post-war concrete blocks now dominate. The city’s identity is tied to agriculture—vanilla, lychee, and sugar cane—and to the volcanic chaos of the nearby Piton de la Fournaise. Today it’s a quiet market town, bypassed by most tourists heading for the volcano or Saint-Denis.
Best Time to Visit
Full Saint-Benoit guide →Best months
May to October: winter in Réunion means cooler, drier days (22–26°C) and low humidity, perfect for hiking the eastern forests. November is also good, with fewer tourists and stable weather before the summer rains.
Peak / festival surge
August is high season across Réunion, driven by European summer holidays. Hotel prices at Chez Arlette can double. The local Fête de la Vanille in Saint-Benoît (late July) draws day-trippers, but it’s not a major crowd driver.
Budget shoulder season
April and November offer the best balance: mild weather, reduced rates (30–40% off peak), and quiet streets. December to February is hot and wet, with cyclone risk and sluggish booking.
Weather & packing
Réunion’s east coast gets rain year-round—Saint-Benoît averages 300mm in July. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes; no need for winter layers, but do bring a windproof layer for exposed coast paths.
Live City Briefing — Saint-Benoit
- Cyclone season has ended, but visitors should expect storm debris clearance and possible road closures on the N2 coast road—check local radio for updates.
- The Marché Forain de Saint-Benoît (Saturday mornings) has reopened after a renovation of the market square; bring cash for fresh lychees and vanilla.
- A new bike-share scheme launched in June 2026 at the town’s main bus station, offering cheap e-bikes for exploring the coastal path to Sainte-Rose.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Chez Arlette Maillot, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper-floor rooms (2nd or 3rd) on the side away from Chemin des Corbeilles d’Or, as the road dead-ends into the Cirque de Salazie – cars are infrequent but idling engines at the turning circle can be audible. Upper floors also get better ventilation and light, given the valley’s humidity.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance or the small car park: this is a 3-star with no lift mentioned, so ground floor gets foot traffic from luggage hauling and anyone arriving late. Also skip rooms facing the turning circle directly – the occasional hooting or engine revving carries.
Best views
Rooms on the valley side (facing south-east) overlook the Cirque de Salazie’s lush slopes and a glimpse of the Piton des Neiges on clear days. The street side looks onto Chemin des Corbeilles d’Or and the wooded hill opposite – pleasant but less dramatic.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 are the quietest, as you’re above street-level bustle and away from any ground-floor terrace or breakfast area. The building is set into a hillside, so the third floor is topmost and usually the most peaceful.
🔊 Noise notes
Main noise sources: 1) Cars turning at the dead end of Chemin des Corbeilles d’Or – occasional but sharp. 2) Mopeds along the road, which is a narrow mountain lane. 3) Early-morning bins collection near the restaurant/kitchen. 4) Possibly roosters (this is Reunion’s rural interior – unavoidable charm).
Insider tips
1) Ask for a room on the upper side of the building (valley-facing) by emailing the hotel directly – no lift means you’ll climb stairs, but the quiet and view repay it. 2) Park your car off the small turning circle if possible – get advice on a safer spot to avoid being blocked by other guests’ vehicles.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Chez Arlette Maillot
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, typical speed 10 Mbps, no login required
No lift; all rooms are on the first floor accessible by stairs only
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand; the main house dates from 1920s Creole style, with original timber and stone walls
Check-in 14:00 to 20:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00; late check-out until 12:00 at 25 EUR if available
Free baggage storage for same-day arrivals and post-check-out, in a locked room near reception
Step-free access to the ground-floor reception and dining area only; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or bathrooms; historic stairs to all guest rooms
Free on-site parking for up to 8 cars; nearest public car park is in Salazie village, 3 km away, free; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 1.50 EUR per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 30% deposit required at booking; a 100 EUR hold on credit card at check-in for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Église Saint-Martin (225 m · ~3 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Withdraw cash from ATMs in Saint-Benoît; avoid exchanging at the airport or tourist bureaux due to poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; contactless common; smaller stalls may prefer cash.
Tipping is not expected – round up for good service or leave small change; taxis and hotel staff are included.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →An espresso at a café or bakery – about €2.
A sandwich or local takeaway (like a 'sandwich poulet') – around €6–8.
A main course at a modest local restaurant – roughly €12–15.
Rougail, bouchons, and samoussas from small stalls or food trucks near markets and bus stations.
Super U and Leclerc are the main budget supermarkets in the Salazie/Saint-Benoît area.
For affordable basics, try Géant or the hypermarket clothing sections; no major high-street chain stores up in Salazie.
Local bus (Car Jaune) – day pass about €5; from Roland Garros Airport take the bus to Saint-Denis then change to the Salazie bus.
Cook with fresh produce from the local market rather than eating out every meal; fill a reusable water bottle at public taps; book accommodation with a kitchenette to save on food costs.
Emergency Contacts
Saint-BenoitWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Saint-Benoit, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Chez Arlette Maillot
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
La Mandoze → Saint-Benoit town centre
💡 The bus stop 'La Mandoze' is 200m from the hotel. Buses run less after 15:00; check the orange timetable at the shelter.
Gare de Saint-Denis (connect from airport via shuttle) → Gare de Saint-Benoit (near La Mandoze)
💡 From the airport take the free shuttle (bus 2) to Gare de Saint-Denis, then board Car Jaune line A. Buy tickets at the station — exact change only.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) → La Mandoze hotel, Saint-Benoit
💡 Fix the fare before you get in. Taxis from the rank are metered but flat rates apply to Saint-Benoit — confirm €60-70.
Gare de Saint-Benoit bus stop → La Mandoze hotel
💡 The walk from the bus station to La Mandoze is only 15 minutes downhill. Only grab a taxi if you have heavy luggage.
About Saint-Benoit
Wikipedia ↗
Saint-Benoît (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ bənwa] ) is a commune in the French overseas department of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. It is located on the eastern part of the island of Réunion, about 40 kilometres southeast of Saint-Denis, the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Chez Arlette Maillot?
Request upper-floor rooms (2nd or 3rd) on the side away from Chemin des Corbeilles d’Or, as the road dead-ends into the Cirque de Salazie – cars are infrequent but idling engines at the turning circle can be audible. Upper floors also get better ventilation and light, given the valley’s humidity.
Which rooms should I avoid at Chez Arlette Maillot?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance or the small car park: this is a 3-star with no lift mentioned, so ground floor gets foot traffic from luggage hauling and anyone arriving late. Also skip rooms facing the turning circle directly – the occasional hooting or engine revving carries.
Is Chez Arlette Maillot noisy?
Main noise sources: 1) Cars turning at the dead end of Chemin des Corbeilles d’Or – occasional but sharp. 2) Mopeds along the road, which is a narrow mountain lane. 3) Early-morning bins collection near the restaurant/kitchen. 4) Possibly roosters (this is Reunion’s rural interior – unavoidable charm).
Which rooms have the best views at Chez Arlette Maillot?
Rooms on the valley side (facing south-east) overlook the Cirque de Salazie’s lush slopes and a glimpse of the Piton des Neiges on clear days. The street side looks onto Chemin des Corbeilles d’Or and the wooded hill opposite – pleasant but less dramatic.
What are insider tips for staying at Chez Arlette Maillot?
1) Ask for a room on the upper side of the building (valley-facing) by emailing the hotel directly – no lift means you’ll climb stairs, but the quiet and view repay it. 2) Park your car off the small turning circle if possible – get advice on a safer spot to avoid being blocked by other guests’ vehicles.
What time is check-in at Chez Arlette Maillot?
Check-in at Chez Arlette Maillot is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Chez Arlette Maillot have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, typical speed 10 Mbps, no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Chez Arlette Maillot?
1.50 EUR per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Chez Arlette Maillot?
A sandwich or local takeaway (like a 'sandwich poulet') – around €6–8.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Chez Arlette Maillot?
Local bus (Car Jaune) – day pass about €5; from Roland Garros Airport take the bus to Saint-Denis then change to the Salazie bus.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Benoit?
May to October: winter in Réunion means cooler, drier days (22–26°C) and low humidity, perfect for hiking the eastern forests. November is also good, with fewer tourists and stable weather before the summer rains.
Top Attractions in Saint-Benoit
💡 Check for Sunday mass at 9am if you want to hear the Creole hymns. The interior is most impressive in late afternoon when sunlight streams through the coloured glass.
💡 Come on Saturday morning for the biggest selection. Bring cash—many vendors don't take cards. Try the lychees if they're in season.
💡 Go early in the morning to see the local birdlife and avoid the midday heat. Bring your own snacks as there are no cafes inside.
💡 Wear closed shoes—the path can be rocky. No water sources, so carry your own. Best done in the dry season (May to October) to avoid slippery sections.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best photos and to spot flying foxes (fruit bats) coming out at dusk. Bring a windbreaker as it gets breezy.