Airport Hotel in Seychelles

by Mike
(Plymouth, England)

Is there an airport hotel in Seychelles? I'm in transit. Any suggestions?

Hey Mike
First, there is no airport hotel in Seychelles. The other thing that you have to know is that there is no transit lounge either at the Seychelles airport, so you'll have to leave the airport unless your connecting flight is within the next two hours.

Whatever the case all arriving passengers must go through customs and immigration procedures. But this is very simple. Every arrival gets a free visa at the airport. Yes you get a stamp in your passport that allows you to be in Seychelles for a defined period. Then you're free to check in on your onward connecting flight whether same day or several days later.

So yes you'll need a place to store your luggage at the very least. And maybe book into a day room in a hotel nearby if you're staying some hours. Presently the nearest hotel, which is 10 minutes by taxi from the airport, is the Wharf Hotel and Marina.

This is convenient, affordable and cosy with large rooms, half way between the Seychelles international airport and Port Victoria. It is a small hotel with just over a dozen rooms. The Wharf Hotel is ideal if you're also arriving or leaving by sea - Yes it is beside the sea with its own deep-water moorings for yachts but it has no beach.

If you are looking for something more basic, then there are also a number of small family-run guesthouses towards the south in the Anse aux Pins area about a mile from the airport. There are some more just outside Victoria. The tourist information desk at the airport can help you book a room if you arrive without a reservation, but you won't have much choice then - you can ask for somewhere near.

My suggestion is to make arrangements beforehand. It's always best to book your room through your airline / agent before you begin your travel. Also on this website you can find several hotels in Seychelles with their contact info.

If your transit time is several hours to a whole day then I would suggest after you've left your luggage somewhere safe you should go discover Victoria, the quaint little town and capital of Seychelles, and then head over to Beau Vallon, 10 minutes away and be amazed by the most visited beach in Seychelles.

There you'll find out why it is so popular with both locals and tourists. If you can be at Beau Vallon Beach at 6:15 you can also catch a memorable blazing sunset most days of the year, perhaps while sipping your favourite sundowner at a beach bar.

While in Victoria you could take a taxi to the Botanical Gardens and discover the unique legendary "coco de mer" of the Seychelles that can grow to well over a thousand years old.

Do use a taxi and ask questions - the more the better. All taxi drivers speak English and French and they love to talk and share their knowledge. Before you get in the cab you can ask if they do take dollars or whatever currency you have but I would suggest you change at least 100 dollars (US) at the money changer before you venture from the airport. Remember the taxi fare is shown on the meter in local currency.

Hotels usually charge in foreign currencies, so at least there you'll know straight off what you're spending. For other expenses you would want to check out an up-to-date exchange rate, where you can convert any currency into local money (Seychelles Rupee), so you can ascertain the real cost to you. Use this currency converter. Just select your currency and type in your amount.

And before you leave your hotel for the Seychelles Airport it's a good idea to get someone to call them to see if your flight hasn't been delayed and plan to get there 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Then your transit in Seychelles will be hassle-free.

I hope this answers your question: I'm in transit. Is there an airport hotel in Seychelles? Any suggestions?