Location Pétion-Ville, Haiti Number of rooms 45 | Opening 1947 Number of restaurants 1 | |
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The Hôtel Montana is a four hibiscus luxury hotel in Haïti. It is located on Rue Frank Cardozo, Bourdon on one of the only three main roads connecting the capital to its southeastern outskirt city Pétion-Ville.
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It was one of the most luxurious hotels in Haiti until it was destroyed by the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It opened in 1947 and has remained a family owned institution since. It welcomed international personalities (Heads of State, ministers, diplomats, famous actors and businessmen).
Hotel Beau-Site
The hotel was built in 1947 on the plans of the architect Franck Cardozo and inaugurated on the occasion of the bicentenary of the foundation of the city of Port-au-Prince. The establishment was then called the "Hotel Beau-Site" (English translation "Beautiful Site Hotel") and stood on the hillside, rue Franck Cardozo. It offered 12 rooms with a breathtaking view of the Haitian capital and the bay that opens off onto the Caribbean Sea.
Hôtel Montana
Subsequently, the hotel's popularity grew and its installations followed suit. By 2005 the building stood on seven floors and had 145 rooms. By 2009, the hotel had a swimming pool, shops, eight conference rooms and a small chapel.
The flagship of hotels of Haiti, it was classified four-star hotel. The hotel accommodated the international jet-set as well as politicians and businessmen from around the world. The former US President Bill Clinton, the Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, and the actor Brad Pitt had stayed there among others.
On 12 January 2010, at 4:53 pm, an earthquake of magnitude greater than 7 on the Richter scale shook Haiti. The 45 second shock-wave caused the collapse of the hotel and many other landmark. The government of Haiti estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged. In just a few minutes, the hotel became a heap of white stones and twisted steel wires causing an estimated 200 of 300 guests were reported missing the day after the collapse.
The hotel donated what could be salvaged from its freezers to restaurant Muncheez, which was at the time working as a community soup kitchen, serving free meals.
On January 28, 2010 began the complete demolition of hotel buildings still rising among the ruins. With the encouragements of staff and guests, the hotel's reconstruction was set in motion. As of April 2011, the hotel underwent reconstruction, with the bar, pool, restaurant and some rooms already being open to guests.
The hotel dedicated a quiet garden on-site for those who were victims of the tragic earthquake. Fifty two people lost their life, including a 7 year old member of the owners' family. Every year a mass is held on the memorial in remembrence of the victims tragedy.
The hotel reopened with 8 rooms, but with full service restored.
The hotel currently has expanded its rooms offering to 45.