Hotel Montana

The Montana has been part of Haiti's story since the 1940s, when the Cardozo family opened a small hotel high on the slopes above Port-au-Prince. Over the decades it grew into the capital's society address, hosting presidents, artists and generations of celebrations on its terraces. The 2010 earthquake destroyed much of the property at terrible human cost; its subsequent rebuilding by the same family became, for many Haitians, a symbol of persistence, and the hotel operates today on its commanding hillside site.

The location remains the Montana's great asset. Set amid gardens on the heights between Pétion-Ville and the city, its terraces and pool deck look down across Port-au-Prince to the bay—a panorama that softens at dusk as the city lights come on. Rooms are comfortable and traditionally styled, the best opening to the view, and the restaurant and bar keep the tradition of long evenings on the terrace alive with Haitian and French-influenced cooking.

Visitors weigh any stay in the capital against the security situation, which in recent years has required careful, current planning and arranged transport. For those with reason to be in Port-au-Prince, the Montana offers what it always has: elevation, gardens, family stewardship and the most romantic view in the Haitian capital.