Your stay — Zinzin
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The Property — Zinzin
Zinzin is a pared-back, contemporary 3-star in central Saint-Pierre aimed at budget-conscious travellers who value location over frills. The lobby is small and functional, with bright white walls and a reception desk where staff hand you a keycard and a local map without fuss. Its main draw is a clean, straightforward room steps from the beach and the city's main drag, Rue Victor le Vigoureux. It suits couples or solo travellers who plan to spend most of their time outside, not lounging in the hotel.
Chronicles of Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre was founded as a colonial port town in the 18th century, exporting coffee and later sugar from the fertile south of Réunion. Its architecture reflects this era, with Creole houses featuring wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters lining the grid-like streets. The town was the island's capital until 1738, and today remains its cultural and economic hub, with a strong mix of African, Indian, Chinese and European influences. Modern Saint-Pierre is known for its lively market, the Grand Marché, and a laid-back surf culture that draws younger crowds. The seafront promenade, with its black-sand beach and art deco frontages, captures the city's languid, tropical feel.
Best Time to Visit
Full Saint-Pierre guide →Best months
May and October offer sunny days in the mid-20s (Celsius), low humidity, and lighter crowds than July/August. October is especially good for whale-watching as migrating humpbacks pass the coast.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the busiest months across Réunion, with French and European holidaymakers arriving for winter-sun escapes. Hotel prices at Zinzin typically rise 20-30% above June rates, and you’ll need to book at least a month ahead. The main event is the Fête de la Musique in late June, which spills into Saint-Pierre’s streets with free concerts.
Budget shoulder season
March and November are the best budget shoulder months: discounts of 10-15% off peak rates, fewer crowds, and still warm at 27°C day temp, though November can be humid. March sees occasional brief downpours, but they clear quickly.
Weather & packing
Saint-Pierre’s microclimate is famously drier than the rest of the island, thanks to its location in the rain shadow — it gets about half the rainfall of Saint-Denis. Pack lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts and trousers for evening protection against mosquitoes; also bring a windbreaker for sudden coastal squalls.
Live City Briefing — Saint-Pierre
- The new bike-sharing scheme, CycLune, has just expanded to Saint-Pierre, with docking stations near the beach and market square — a cheap way to explore the seafront.
- Ongoing roadworks along the main coastal road, Route Nationale 2, between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Louis may cause delays until late 2026; check local traffic apps before heading west.
- The Grand Marché has reopened after a six-month renovation, with the same traders but improved ventilation and a new food-court section open evenings from 5pm.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Zinzin, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the courtyard (away from Rue Montparnasse). These upper floors avoid street-level noise and get more natural light. The single lift makes top floors easy to reach.
Rooms to avoid
Steer clear of ground-floor rooms near the main entrance or lift lobby — thin walls and early foot traffic. Also avoid rooms facing Rue Montparnasse (front-facing): it’s a through road, so traffic hum and late-night pedestrian noise are common.
Best views
Corner rooms on the 4th floor facing southwest get partial ocean views over rooftops — ask for 'vue mer partielle' if you want that. Otherwise, the rooftop terrace offers decent panorama of Saint-Pierre and the harbour, but it's shared.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are quietest due to distance from the street and public areas. The rooftop terrace (no lift access) sits above floor 4, adding privacy.
🔊 Noise notes
Rue Montparnasse carries vehicle noise from early morning (deliveries, motorbikes) until late evening. The ground-floor bar will be audible on lower floors until about 22:00. No double glazing confirmed — request earplugs if sensitive.
Insider tips
1. Use the public car park at Place de la Victoire (€8/night, 5-min walk) instead of the hotel’s €10 on-site lot — it’s easier to find space. 2. The rooftop terrace (unstaffed, no lift access) is perfect for sunset drinks — grab a bottle from the supermarket on Rue Auguste Babet and head up before 18:00.
- 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 — Zinzin
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds ~15 Mbps; login via room code, no time limit
One lift serves all four floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital access to Le Journal de l'Île via QR code in lobby; no physical papers
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 13:00 costs €25
Free of charge at reception during your stay
Step-free access at main entrance; wheelchair-accessible room on ground floor; no lift to rooftop terrace
Limited on-site parking €10/night; nearest public car park at Place de la Victoire, €8/night, 5 min walk; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; €50 incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Temple Tamul (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parc de Grands Bois — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Zinzin — 12 m · ~1 min walk
Jeux pour enfants de Grands Bois — 980 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 371 m · ~5 min walk
Pharmacie des Grands Bois — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Vival — 459 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs at bank branches in Saint-Pierre centre; avoid currency exchange desks at Roland Garros Airport and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in supermarkets, hotels, and larger restaurants; contactless common; small shops and street stalls often cash-only.
Not expected; round up for good service in restaurants (e.g., €1-2), tip taxi drivers €1-2 for help with bags, hotel porters €1-2 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Espresso at a local bar or bakery: about €1.50-2.
Plate du jour (fixed menu) at a simple restaurant: €10-12.
Main course at an affordable local spot: €12-15.
Rue de la République and the waterfront area near the market have kiosks selling samosas, pâtés, and bouchons for €2-4 each.
Leader Price, Super U, and Leclerc are common budget supermarket chains in Saint-Pierre.
Saint-Pierre market (Marché Couvert) offers affordable local clothing and fabrics; for cheap high-street basics, head to the Galerie Marchande shopping centre.
Cheapest way to get around: single bus journey within Saint-Pierre €1.10; day pass for Car Jaune network €4. From Roland Garros Airport, take a Car Jaune bus to Saint-Pierre for about €3, which is far cheaper than a taxi (€60+).
1. Buy fresh fruit, bread, and cooked dishes at Saint-Pierre daily market (Marché Couvert) for cheap picnics. 2. Use the Car Jaune bus network instead of taxis or rented cars for island travel. 3. Skip airport and hotel meal deals; Walk a few blocks inland for better-value neighbourhood restaurants.
Emergency Contacts
Saint-PierreFrom a landline: 112 (EU standard). Mobile: 112 or 114 (SMS for deaf/hard of hearing). Local hospital (Centre Hospitalier Sud Réunion) in Saint-Pierre: +262 262 35 90 00. For non-urgent medical advice: SAMU (15). Poison control: +262 262 90 60 60.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Saint-Pierre, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Zinzin
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 371 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie des Grands Bois — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Saint-Pierre bus station → Hôtel Zinzin (stop: Plage de Saint-Pierre)
💡 Buy a rechargeable bus pass at the station; cheaper than single tickets if you’re staying more than two days.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) bus stop → Saint-Pierre bus station
💡 From the station, it’s a 15-min walk to Zinzin uphill; take a local taxi (€5) if you have luggage – the hill is steep.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) → Hôtel Zinzin, Saint-Pierre
💡 Book ahead via hotel or +262 262 49 70 70; drivers often speak limited English, so have your booking confirmation ready.
Saint-Pierre bus station → Hôtel Zinzin
💡 Use the taxi rank outside the station – flagging down a cab on the street is unreliable. Agree on the fare before getting in.
About Saint-Pierre
Wikipedia ↗
Saint-Pierre (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ pjɛʁ] ; Reunionese Creole: Sin-Pyè) is the third-largest commune in the French overseas department and region of Réunion. Located on the southwest side of the island, it is the headquarters of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Zinzin?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the courtyard (away from Rue Montparnasse). These upper floors avoid street-level noise and get more natural light. The single lift makes top floors easy to reach.
Which rooms should I avoid at Zinzin?
Steer clear of ground-floor rooms near the main entrance or lift lobby — thin walls and early foot traffic. Also avoid rooms facing Rue Montparnasse (front-facing): it’s a through road, so traffic hum and late-night pedestrian noise are common.
Is Zinzin noisy?
Rue Montparnasse carries vehicle noise from early morning (deliveries, motorbikes) until late evening. The ground-floor bar will be audible on lower floors until about 22:00. No double glazing confirmed — request earplugs if sensitive.
Which rooms have the best views at Zinzin?
Corner rooms on the 4th floor facing southwest get partial ocean views over rooftops — ask for 'vue mer partielle' if you want that. Otherwise, the rooftop terrace offers decent panorama of Saint-Pierre and the harbour, but it's shared.
What are insider tips for staying at Zinzin?
1. Use the public car park at Place de la Victoire (€8/night, 5-min walk) instead of the hotel’s €10 on-site lot — it’s easier to find space. 2. The rooftop terrace (unstaffed, no lift access) is perfect for sunset drinks — grab a bottle from the supermarket on Rue Auguste Babet and head up before 18:00.
What time is check-in at Zinzin?
Check-in at Zinzin is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Zinzin have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds ~15 Mbps; login via room code, no time limit
Is there a city or tourist tax at Zinzin?
€2.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Zinzin?
Plate du jour (fixed menu) at a simple restaurant: €10-12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Zinzin?
Cheapest way to get around: single bus journey within Saint-Pierre €1.10; day pass for Car Jaune network €4. From Roland Garros Airport, take a Car Jaune bus to Saint-Pierre for about €3, which is far cheaper than a taxi (€60+).
When is the best time to visit Saint-Pierre?
May and October offer sunny days in the mid-20s (Celsius), low humidity, and lighter crowds than July/August. October is especially good for whale-watching as migrating humpbacks pass the coast.
Top Attractions in Saint-Pierre
💡 Best light for photos is late afternoon. Combine with a walk along the ravine path to see old colonial bridges.
💡 Go early, by 9am, to avoid the midday heat. Try the fresh lychees or a coconut curry pastry for under €5.
💡 Walk north along the sand to the less crowded end—locals call it 'the quiet corner'. Bring water shoes; the sand gets scorching at midday.
💡 Check the schedule before you go—some exhibitions require a small donation (€2), but most are free. The garden café serves coffee for €1.50.
💡 Bring your own water and sun hat—the café is only open weekends. The vanilla orchid section blooms from September to November.