Prefecture hotel of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, French administrative building in Marigot, Saint-Martin.
The Prefecture hotel is a French administrative building in Marigot serving as the central headquarters for Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin territories. Located near Fort Louis, it houses the main government offices that serve both island communities.
The building took on new importance in 2007 when Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin separated from Guadeloupe department. This split made the local authority a delegated prefecture serving the two newly autonomous territories.
The building reflects French administrative traditions adapted to serve a Caribbean island community. Visitors can observe how local government culture blends with formal French conventions.
The building serves as the main hub for government services including vehicle registration, identity documentation, and driver licenses for residents of both territories. Keep in mind this is an active government office, so public access may be limited to specific areas or times.
Hurricane Irma severely damaged the building's roof in 2017, forcing about 20 staff members including the prefect to work from temporary quarters. This damage led to significant restoration work that modernized parts of the structure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
