The retreat is in the rainforest, with a beautifuly manicured garden surrounding mineral plunge pools, which are very relaxing after a day of hiking or waterfall swimming. The hotel may not be near the beach, but it is just steps away from an enormous and beautiful waterfall that's fun to climb in.
In general, I prefer to stay at hotels near the beach, but in Dominica, Papillote is your best bet because it is a social, family oriented hotel with a great atmosphere, far away from slummy Roseau. It's very easy to wake up early to take a cab or bus down the hill to spend a day snorkeling or diving, but you'll be glad to reterat to Papillote at the end of the day.
Dinner here is far superior to lunch, which might explain some mediocre reviews posted about the food. I ate all over the island, and this is pretty much as good as it gets on Dominica.
And let's not forget the rooms. The best is the honemoon suite - it has a high four-posted wooden bed and lovely furniture.
We were not bothered AT ALL by noise from the hydro-electric plant. I had been warned about it in advance, but honestly, the tree frogs were louder.

My husband and I visited Dominica in June for an Eco experience and picked Papilotte for a couple of nights whilst we were in the South. Whilst the hotel is in an amazing location, set in a fabulous rainforest environment, it was a little disappointing in some aspects.

For an eco style retreat, I was surprised at the amount of concrete - it was really rather ugly and un welcoming. Where it could blend into the environment very easily - it felt rather more opposing to the natural environment. The restaurant was lacking any charm and character and the staff were generally miserable.

Saying that, the rooms were cool and quite sweet with the old fashioned furniture and local quilts, it is in an amazing location - just seconds away from Trafalgar Falls, the surrounding rainforest is wonderful with lovely waterfalls and hot springs.

I would recommend staying, but dont have expectations for a stunning picturesque retreat.

My wife and I stayed at Papillote during February 2005 by taking advantage of the three day adventure package.
Service in all respects was excellent - Room was very good.
The gardens are fantastic with natural waterfalls, hot springs and Peacocks too, not to mention all of the beautiful plants.
Restaurant and food was first rate as were the excursions, which ran smoothly despite one of the guides suffering a bout of 'flu.
I cannot recommend the place highly enough - Thanks for a most enjoyable stay.

I noticed in today's NYTimes travel article about Dominica, that Papillote Wilderness Retreat was called "Heavenly". And that the writer took only a few steps from his room to a natural hot spring pool.

I had the same experience there where a dip in the hot pool saved my poor leg muscles after a long mountain hike.
The restaurant food was excellent. And the gardens were extensive and spectacular.

I believe you will find Papillote Wilderness Retreat is the ONLY hotel with a large natural hot mineral spring. It feeds several pools as well as all the showers in every room.

Interesting that I did not see the hotel mentioned in the Trip Advisor while every guide book has it and it is featured in today's Times?