Skippythelizard, I stayed at the Mauritius Hilton and was delighted with my decision. It is a beautiful resort on the west side of the island. (Note: I was very unimpressed with the overdeveloped north side of the island. There are an overabundance in the Grand Baie area, the first area to be developed on the island.)

I am (momentarily) Hilton Diamond. I arrived at the hotel at 1am. My preference is for a nonsmoking king. They only had a smoking twin available. As Diamond, I was puzzled, but was too exhausted to care. However, they did have a large fruit bowl, as well a polo shirt on one bed and a pretty swimsuit wrapup as gifts on the other bed. Clearly the room had been prepared for me.

In the morning, I was moved to a beautiful suite. I was really happy with it. Also, I was delighted to learn that my rate included dinner. There was nothing that indicated so on the website. It is my impression that is common practice at all hotels on Mauritius. (They are all half board.)

I had arranged with the hotel to have a driver at the airport waiting for me. Each morning, I talked to the concierge about what I wanted to see that day. He negotiated a rate with an English speaking taxi driver. This worked better for me than renting a car.

The hotel grounds were beautiful, lushly landscaped and well maintained. The hotel staff had complimentary activities throughout the day, and had various water sports available at a fee. The main restaurant is open to the outdoors, with a roof but no sides.

The biggest spa in Mauritius is at the Hilton and has an extensive list of services. You can receive a lit of treatments by email.

Other than the small glitch of the twin bedded smoking room on arrival, I was delighted with my stay at the Hilton. I would happily stay there again.