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Staying in Réunion

Réunion is a French overseas department and region located in the Indian Ocean, serving as one of the European Union's outermost regions. For frequent flyer hotel travelers, it offers a unique blend of familiar French administrative standards and distinct tropical island characteristics. The capital, Saint-Denis, acts as the primary hub, with a hotel landscape dominated by city-based business accommodations and select resort facilities in surrounding areas. As part of France, guests benefit from established European hospitality norms while experiencing a rich cultural mix influenced by African, Asian, and European heritage. The island's strategic location makes it an interesting stopover between Madagascar and Mauritius, with the Euro as the local currency.

Entry & visa
Visa required· CN passport
Full visa details →

Entry & getting around

Entry & Getting Around

As an integral part of France, Réunion uses the Euro. While it follows Schengen-area entry policies due to its EU status, travelers must verify specific visa requirements with the French consulate. The main international gateway is Roland Garros Airport. Domestic transport relies heavily on rental cars or public buses; inter-city travel requires significant time due to mountainous terrain and winding roads.

Accommodation Layout: Saint-Denis Centric

The hotel landscape is heavily concentrated in and around the capital, Saint-Denis, making it ideal for business travelers and urban explorers. Unlike typical resort destinations, Réunion offers a city-centric accommodation model. Some upscale properties are located along the coast, offering views of volcanoes or beaches. It is advisable to choose hotels in central Saint-Denis or the southern coastal areas based on itinerary priorities.

Hotel Loyalty Landscape

Being part of France, major international hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, and Accor have a strong footprint, with Accor brands being particularly prevalent due to their French origins. Local boutique hotels offer unique French service experiences. For frequent flyers, earning points with international chains is feasible, though the selection is limited primarily to Saint-Denis and key tourist zones.

Practical info

Currency
EUR (€) · Euro
Languages
French
Calling code
+262
Driving
Right

As of 2026-06-20 — confirm with official sources.

Trip preparation

Health

Réunion has French-standard urban infrastructure, but use normal food/water hygiene; carry water and consider treated/bottled water on hikes or after storms. Mosquitoes can transmit dengue and chikungunya, so prevent bites day and night. Expect strong sun, humid heat on the coast, steep trails, rapid weather changes, and high summits around 3,000 m; pace hikes and watch cyclone-season alerts.

Vaccinations

Consult a doctor or travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Be up to date on routine vaccines, including MMR, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, polio, influenza, varicella, shingles where eligible, and COVID-19. CDC lists hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid as traveler considerations/recommendations; rabies is situational for animal or remote exposure risk. Chikungunya vaccine is not generally recommended for all travelers; discuss if high-risk or during outbreaks. Yellow-fever vaccine is not recommended and no yellow-fever certificate is required for Réunion entry.

eSIM / connectivity

Connectivity is generally good around towns and main roads, weaker in cirques, ravines, and high trails. Local mobile operators include Orange Réunion, SFR Réunion, Free Réunion, and Zeop. SFR Réunion advertises eSIM support for its mobile plans and also sells prepaid SIM service; Orange Travel and other travel eSIM providers list Réunion coverage. Do not assume every local prepaid offer is eSIM-ready; check device compatibility, ID rules, activation method, and coverage before arrival.

Health/vaccine info is reference only, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic; defer to CDC/WHO and official sources (as of 2026-06-21).

Festivals worth timing a trip around

Sakifo Musik FestivalJune

Major Saint-Pierre music festival with Indian Ocean acts.

Grand Raid RéunionOctober

Famous ultra-trail crossing the island’s mountains.

Leu Tempo FestivalMay

Saint-Leu street theatre, circus, and live arts.

Dipavali Saint-AndréOctober/November

Hindu light festival with parades and performances.

Fête de la Liberté / Fèt KafDecember

20 December abolition day, with Creole culture events.

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Reference data as of 2026-06-20.

Réunion — hotel loyalty & city coverage | FlyerKey