Hilton HHonors - Hilton Barbados hotel Trip Reports and Reviews

My Family and I had the pleasure of christening one of the rooms at the newly opened Barbados Hilton last week. We checked in just two days after the official opening and had a 3 night stay. As a Diamond I was interested to see what kind of treatment we would receive.
At the outset I must say that we were very impressed with the all the staff. Everyone we came into contact with seemed to be very upbeat, sincerely friendly, and genuinely eager to please. Of course, they had just had gotten done with training and it appeared that the place was crawling with the Hilton corporate SWAT team. Since most everyone was new to their job and to this hotel there are still a lot of growing pains, for example, the executive lounge was still not up and running (they say it will be open starting this week) and from what I saw about half of the hotel rooms are still in the process of being outfitted and readied.
The exterior of the hotel is not particularly outstanding, just two rectangular buildings. The whole reception area is a large breezeway perched above the two beautiful pools (more on them later) with the beach in the background. All of the halls leading to the restaurants, meeting rooms, etc are also basically covered walkways. So with the ocean breezes blowing and the deep blue waters glimmering in the background you get in a tropical mood real quick.
There are two wings- Fort Tower to the right and Lighthouse Tower to the left. All rooms have practically floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior wall and their own balcony. The Fort Tower has a central hall with rooms on both sides. Rooms on the left side overlook the Ocean; those on the right side look out on Carlisle Bay with Bridgetown in the background. The Lighthouse Tower, however, only has rooms overlooking the Ocean. On the left side of the corridor are large windows so you can enjoy the view of the Bay as you walk to your room. The rooms on the end of each floor are suites and have a balcony on a 45 degree angle on the corner.
I could have had a suite but since the little Notenuts were with us we needed a room with 2 beds. The rooms are painted in muted greens and yellows, have crown molding all around, and have ceramic tile floors with area rugs surrounding the bed area. The decoration is understated, but there are accent pieces of pottery around from Earthworks, a local Bajan pottery workshop. The counters are granite and the bathroom has a nice touch: A full bathtub PLUS a walk-in shower! There is an honors bar which we asked to have emptied so we could use it for our own juices, sodas, etc, and our request was complied with. Shortly after settling in we received a complementary fifth of Extra Old Mt. Gay rum baring a special label commemorating the opening of the hotel and a small rum cake.
As compensation for the lack of access to the Executive lounge we were comped the full breakfast buffet every morning at the Lighthouse Terrace, and it was very complete. Besides the typical trays of sliced meats and cheesses, all the other western style breakfast items, there are bowls of tropical fruits and local specialities (fried flying fish, Bajan fish cakes, and sweet bread). The price for the breakfast buffet is US $20 and the lunch buffet (which is also first rate) is approx US $30. There is another restaurant, Careenage Bar & Grille, for dinner only. The entrees are in the range of US $ 35-60, and it is supposed to be by reservation only.
There is wifi available in the public areas :D , but to connect to the internet in your room is US $14.95 a day :mad: .
There are two large pools on two different levels a flight of stairs down from the reception area. One flows into a waterfall and the other has a hot tub that is reached by an arched wooden bridge that goes over the lower pool. There is a complementary aerobics class at the pool every day. And from the pool area it is literally 20 steps to the beach, which is divided into 3 small coves. Sand has been trucked in and it is quite nice except at low tide when you will stumble on some rocks (large pieces of coral) which is uncomfortable.
Near the pool is “Kidz Paradise” which is an activity center especially geared for toddlers and Grade Schoolers (no extra fee). There were 3 counselors there at all times during the day (9 to 6 if I remember correctly). They were very enthusiastic and kept my 7 year old so busy he didn’t want to go see the island with the rest of us.
There is an exercise room on the 6th floor looking out on the bay that encompasses the equivalent of 3 hotel rooms, filled with jogging and elliptical machines, Cencor weight machines, free weights, very nice.
So although we were in the middle of the opening with all of its steep learning curve, we were still very impressed with this property and enjoyed it, as well as the island in general, immensely and would recommend it highly!

Nice summary, thank you.

Thanks for the review Notenut. :)

great report...sounds like a wonderful place

Thx for the review -- we're booking a stay as diamond over Labor Day!

Thanks for posting your trip report. Sounds like you had a great stay and you perked my interest for a trip next Feb.

I take all these posts seriously and it enables me to better serve you based on your feedback! No...I wont quote Flyertalk but your posts are noticed and we do listen! I gotta say, We are committed to serving our members and...YES I know it doesnt always work out! But based on reading other threads with other programs I think we rate at the top! Yes, Im biased!

Go figure! ...

My whole energy is devoted to improve the program to the best of my ability and to make sure our members are getting exactly what we promise them!!!!

But we need to know when thats not the case! I have been curious how Barbados was going to weigh in! Sounds good so far! Thank you for the post! :cool:

I take all these posts seriously and it enables me to better serve you based on your feedback! No...I wont quote Flyertalk but your posts are noticed and we do listen! I gotta say, We are committed to serving our members and...YES I know it doesnt always work out! But based on reading other threads with other programs I think we rate at the top! Yes, Im biased!

Go figure! ...

My whole energy is devoted to improve the program to the best of my ability and to make sure our members are getting exactly what we promise them!!!!

But we need to know when thats not the case! I have been curious how Barbados was going to weigh in! Sounds good so far! Thank you for the post! :cool:

16 exclamation points including the title and your signature line? Is the period key broken on your keyboard? You should really consider decaf...(just kidding; I like your enthusiasm).

16 exclamation points including the title and your signature line? Is the period key broken on your keyboard? You should really consider decaf...(just kidding; I like your enthusiasm).

And you took the time to count them :D

mike

I just completed a very nice week-long stay at the Barbados Hilton. Very nice resort in a fantastic location (on Needham's Point, which is a peninsula and therefore gives the hotel a very isolated feel), with the most freindly and genuine staff that I have ever experienced. As a Gold I was assigned a room on one of the executive floors (6, 7 & 8 in the Lighthouse Tower and 6 in the Fort Tower, IIRC), with accessto the lounge for breakfast (typical continental fare) and happy hour (nice selection of hot appetizers, etc., plus a fairly complete selection of complimentary alcohol).

Even though the hotel had been open only a few weeks, I noticed only a few minor "growing pain" issues. Notenut provided a very nice report, but I would be happy to answer any specific questions about the property.

I was very impressed with the hotel and the island in general. This property is now at the top of my Hilton resorts list.

How would you rate the resturants on-site versus the ones in the surrounding area? Any good ones within walking distance?

How would you rate the resturants on-site versus the ones in the surrounding area? Any good ones within walking distance?
AS Cactuspete mentioned, the property occupies the whole tip of a small penninsula and it really isn't within walking distance of anything much. There used to be an excellent restaurant on the same street, Brown Sugar, but it burnt down. I think the closest and best alternative is St. Lawerance Gap, which is a long jug-handle of a street that veers off the main road and is filled with restaurants of all types, cuisines, and price ranges. It's about a 10-15 minute drive away. Since we rented a car, I don't know how much a taxi would be, but there always were taxis available at the lobby. Also, if you have a car, there is a decent supermarket nearby for stocking up with drinks. munchies, etc.
The quality of the food service at the Hilton is world class, but for my family of 4 the prices (especially at the Careenage Grill) were prohibitive :( .

Agree generally with Notenut's comments. Hotel food was very good. Many very fine restaurants in St. Lawrence Gap (taxi fare is $25 BDS/ $12.50 US each way) and points in between. Note also that there is a car rental agent on site (Sixt/Drive-O-Matic).

Is this a refurbishment of the old Hilton? It has been closed a looong time.

No. The old Hilton was razed. This is a brand new facility.

Is this a refurbishment of the old Hilton? It has been closed a looong time.
Nope, it's totally brand new. The only vestiges of the previous hotel are the lighthouse and the ruins of the British colonial-era fort.

Noticed that there is a 17.5% per room per night tax and a $2 per room per night secondary tax.

Here's my question, if you are doing a HHONORS redemption, do you still pay the 17.5% per room per night tax? The room rate per night, if I was paying, is $380.00.

Noticed that there is a 17.5% per room per night tax and a $2 per room per night secondary tax.

Here's my question, if you are doing a HHONORS redemption, do you still pay the 17.5% per room per night tax? The room rate per night, if I was paying, is $380.00.

No taxes are due on HH reward stays.

mike

Agree generally with Notenut's comments. Hotel food was very good. Many very fine restaurants in St. Lawrence Gap (taxi fare is $25 BDS/ $12.50 US each way) and points in between. Note also that there is a car rental agent on site (Sixt/Drive-O-Matic).

Try the street vendors in "the gap" The jerk chicken and Banks beer are a terrific combo.For an extra few dollars,head down the coast to Oistins on Friday night for the local fish fry.For US $10.00 you can get a plate with red snapper,salad,rice,corn and wash it down with a beer. ^ .
As has been noted,many fine restaurants. :cool:

I will be staying for 2 weeks starting Aug 8th for my honeymoon. These award stays come in handy. :D

Does anyoe have any suggestions on activities on the island? First time there and was looking fun stuff to do while we are there. Any reccomendations on restaurants and must sees while we are there would be appreciated.

Noticed that there is a 17.5% per room per night tax and a $2 per room per night secondary tax.

Here's my question, if you are doing a HHONORS redemption, do you still pay the 17.5% per room per night tax? The room rate per night, if I was paying, is $380.00.

Actually, the 17.5 % is 7.5% VAT and 10% service charge. However, I was charged US$2/night for a Barbados Tourism tax.

Does anyoe have any suggestions on activities on the island? First time there and was looking fun stuff to do while we are there. Any reccomendations on restaurants and must sees while we are there would be appreciated.

Get a guidebook (the AAA book is good) - - there are a lot of activities and historical sites. Although it sounds a bit odd, a great source of information on Barbados activites is the Barbados message board at Cruise Critic (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=124). Definitely rent a car and get out to see the island, particularly the East coast, and get up and down the West coast. A catamaran sail is a good choice - I recommend Silver Moon. Oistin's on Friday night should not be missed.

.... A catamaran sail is a good choice - I recommend Silver Moon. Oistin's on Friday night should not be missed.


Have been on Silver Moon twice(the smaller of the 2,a little less busy) ^

Notenut:

You mentioned you had 4 to a room. I tried to book over April 2006 and since I had a family of 4 they said we needed to book two rooms. I'm using a redemption and the rack rate at that time is $800. I'd rather not use my points for 2 rooms and certainly not have to pay the 17.5% tax on the rack rate on two rooms if I can avoid it.

What was the bed layout of your room? My two are 10 and 12.

Thanks.............

Notenut:

You mentioned you had 4 to a room. I tried to book over April 2006 and since I had a family of 4 they said we needed to book two rooms. I'm using a redemption and the rack rate at that time is $800. I'd rather not use my points for 2 rooms and certainly not have to pay the 17.5% tax on the rack rate on two rooms if I can avoid it.

What was the bed layout of your room? My two are 10 and 12.

Thanks.............
The room we had was set up with 2 double beds. There were a few other families there at the same time with 2 children in the family and they were staying in one room as well, so I don't see what the problem is, unless they're saying that only rooms w/king beds are available (doubtful).

Notenut:

You mentioned you had 4 to a room. I tried to book over April 2006 and since I had a family of 4 they said we needed to book two rooms. I'm using a redemption and the rack rate at that time is $800. I'd rather not use my points for 2 rooms and certainly not have to pay the 17.5% tax on the rack rate on two rooms if I can avoid it.


Four (2 & 2) to a room is not a problem. Four adults is not permitted, and that policy seems to be the source of some confusion with the reservations desk.

what is the distance from the hotel to the main business and entertainment district on the island?

I recently tried to make an award reservation for Jan 06 and when I called the Diamond desk they would not accept 2 adults, 2 children. The CSR told me they would only accept 3 to a room and I would have to get 2 rooms. I politely refused and did not book. I waited a few hours, called back to get a different CSR and was told the same thing even though 2 double beds were available. So needless to say we've changed plans and decided to go to the Westin in St. John Virgin Islands using Starwood points. I don't know if I made the right choice but I couldn't see wasting an extra 175000 pts for my family NOT to stay in the same room.

I recently tried to make an award reservation for Jan 06 and when I called the Diamond desk they would not accept 2 adults, 2 children. The CSR told me they would only accept 3 to a room and I would have to get 2 rooms. I politely refused and did not book. I waited a few hours, called back to get a different CSR and was told the same thing even though 2 double beds were available. So needless to say we've changed plans and decided to go to the Westin in St. John Virgin Islands using Starwood points. I don't know if I made the right choice but I couldn't see wasting an extra 175000 pts for my family NOT to stay in the same room.

Make the award reservation, then call the hotel and tell them to note that you need 2 doubles and will have 4 guests (2 children) in the room. I can assure you, this will not be a problem.

As for the other question above, the hotel is 5 minutes from downtown Bridgetown and 10-15 minutes (the other direction) to St. Lawrence Gap.

I will be staying for 2 weeks starting Aug 8th for my honeymoon. These award stays come in handy. :D

Does anyoe have any suggestions on activities on the island? First time there and was looking fun stuff to do while we are there. Any reccomendations on restaurants and must sees while we are there would be appreciated.

I'm now scouting locations for our honeymoon next May. We were all set to spend a week at the fantastic Hilton in the Maldives but due to the limited flight frequency from SIN and both of our schedules we could not make it work travel wise. So now we're searching for nice, secluded, resort with a good beach that is remote or somewhat secluded. We want it to offer spa services and perhaps snorkeling etc.

If you could share your experience and how the resort is suited for a honeymoon will be very helpful.

Thanks.

what is the distance from the hotel to the main business and entertainment district on the island?

Business in downtown Bridgetown,5 minutes by cab(non rush hour)
Entertainment-depends on what you want to spend!Gap is 10 minutes,Gold coast is 20+ minutes(depending on where)

Traffic can be very busy at rush hour(s).Enjoy :)

Thanks for the information. I just booked a GLON2 award for October 9-15, and based on what I have read here, it should be a great relaxing location.

I'm now scouting locations for our honeymoon next May. We were all set to spend a week at the fantastic Hilton in the Maldives but due to the limited flight frequency from SIN and both of our schedules we could not make it work travel wise. So now we're searching for nice, secluded, resort with a good beach that is remote or somewhat secluded. We want it to offer spa services and perhaps snorkeling etc.

If you could share your experience and how the resort is suited for a honeymoon will be very helpful.

Thanks.


Will do. I am looking forward to seeing what the island is like. I will post my stay for all to read. Maybe some photos as well.

The countdown begins, 18 days left, for our trip to Barbados. Anyone else have a recent stay?? I am wondering what to expect as a Gold, upgrade being my main concern.

We are staying a week on a GLON and paying for the additional week. With the great deal going on with the 4x promo, we should be able to replenish a large portion of our points with the extra week.

I let them know this was my honeymoon, thinking maybe they would give me a wedding present :D . IF your listening, Prime Minister's suite would be a great gift. :D :D

Thanks to everyone that has offered up some tips on the island. I will be sure to check them out.

The countdown begins, 18 days left, for our trip to Barbados. Anyone else have a recent stay?? I am wondering what to expect as a Gold, upgrade being my main concern.

We are staying a week on a GLON and paying for the additional week. With the great deal going on with the 4x promo, we should be able to replenish a large portion of our points with the extra week.

I let them know this was my honeymoon, thinking maybe they would give me a wedding present :D . IF your listening, Prime Minister's suite would be a great gift. :D :D

Thanks to everyone that has offered up some tips on the island. I will be sure to check them out.

So, how was your trip?

So, how was your trip?

This hotel is excellent. I would have to say that it is one of the nicest places on the island. Some of the high resorts may have it beat, but for the price it is definitely worth it. If anyone is going and wants some info, drop me a line. We spent two weeks here and got to see and due a lot of things.

If anyone is looking to take a day trip on a catamaran, the Silver Moon is the one to use. I tracked down this tour on another message board, I will say that is was probably the best one on the island. It is a little pricey compared to the others, but it is well worth the money. See some of the other tours out on the water, I can not imagine spending a day crowded on a boat with 40 people.

Lots of photos
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b30c7dace4db&sid=8AZNmTdi5cOHtQ

My husband (diamond level) and I stayed at the Hilton Barbados Aug. 31- Sept. 6, which was over the Labor Day holiday here in the US. We just bought a new house we are remodeling and there's a baby on the way, so we were trying to keep this as low budget as possible. :)

We arrived very late as our flight out of Miami was delayed. Good thing, or we would have missed the connection. I believe we landed around 10 p.m. local time. Long line at immigration, and after getting through, we just grabbed a cab. It was $20 US. We arrived at the hotel at 11 p.m. and because of the late hour, we assume, we were not greeted with cold towels and juice.

We were given a room on the executive floor, but not a suite. No biggie. Our room was on the sixth floor, the top floor on that side of the hotel. the ceilings were about 15 feet high, which made it seem really spacious. There was a bottle of wine and a cheese/fruit platter greeting us in the room, which was nice. Also two bottles of water and a rum cake.

The room overlooked the ocean and the pool. Very nice. We faced south.

Slept in the next morning but got up in time to hit the executive lounge for breakfast. Standard lounge fare. After some time near the pool -- we managed to grab the last umbrella -- there was a brief shower. It lasted about five minutes. Lazed around for a bit and noticed a crowd of employees was gathering in the lobby forming two lines with an aisle in the middle and a man was playing the steel drums. Seemed pretty festive.

Asked what this was all about and they told us the president of Hilton was coming. Well how about that! We hung back to see him arrive and gladhand everyone. We were trying to think of witty things to say to him and went back to our sunning.

Lunch we headed up to the executive lounge and grabbed some waters and sodas and cookies. They let us leave with them, no problem. We went to our room and supplemented with snacks we brought from home. Each day after the first we also made sandwiches with the bread, cheese and meat at breakfast and took the to the room where we stored them in the mini fridge. Then we would come up to the room for a free lunch!

At 6 we headed up to the lounge for appetizers and drinks. My pregnant self could not drink, and what a pity because it was free liquor and beer. My husband had a few Banks beers and we both loaded up on appetizers for a hearty dinner. :) First night they had veggie egg rolls and cheese sticks for the hot and some delicious cold shrimp/salsa type mix on a cucumber slice. there was also cheese and crackers. (Each night was about the same selection, with one night having bacon-wrapped plantains, which were quite tasty, but mostly the egg rolls and cheese sticks.)

After we ate each night, we grabbed some beers and a soda for me and headed down to the beach to hang out in hammock.

The second night we were there, headed to Oistens as it was Friday and had read all about the fish fry. First, I had been confused. I thought it was a restaurant. It's not -- it's the name of a town and they have a big market-type place with many stalls selling fish fry. Very fun. Later at night they have live music and dancing. Lots of people come each week -- they say thousands. Lots of locals and tourists mingling. Felt very safe and it was fun. Took cabs both ways, think each trip was $15 US.

Another night we headed to St. Lawrence Gap for dinner. Walked along, looked at all the menus and decided on an Irish pub. Had really excellent fish and chips. Prices were reasonable.

One night at the hotel we ordered room service -- burger, fries and a salad. It was $56 Barbados. Wowsa. Another we asked about the kids menu and were able to order grilled cheese and a hot dog. Sorry, I was craving it :) That was only about $28 Barbados -- cheap! One day we also ate lunch at the beach side restaurant and it was about $50 Barbados as well.

We also ate one night at the buffet restaurant but again ordered off the kids menu. And we got the half-price drinks at the beach bar each night. Two non-alcoholic smoothies for $12 Barbados. Nice deal.

The beach is awesome. You can wade super far out and still have it only be about four feet deep. The water to the left of the resort is a little rockier and to the right (this is looking at the water) is much sandier and shallower. The pools were VERY warm while we were there. It was nice. The lower one is about four feet at its deepest and the infinity pool on the upper level is about five feet.

We would estimate the hotel maybe had a 20% occupancy rate. It was by no stretch of the imagination crowded. I would say the most people were there on Sunday, and there was maybe 150 people outside at the pool and on the beach.

The hotel itself was very clean and the staff was very friendly. We were able to take free salsa dancing lessons by the pool each night, which was also very fun, and there was a bunch of activities and equipment you could use for free. We used a kayak one afternoon and paddled out to two underwater wrecks in the harbor and saw thousands of fish while we snorkeled. My husband also windsurfed one afternoon. The lounge staff was very accomodating and didn't care that we took drinks and sodas out every day :)

Overall, a very nice property. We would not pay the high-season rates of $700 we are seeing some people quoted, but for a reward stay, it was nice.

Thanks for the report -- very well done and extremely helpful.

Just booked my stay for April 28 - May 4 -- anyone know the occupancy for around this time? 20% would be perfect. Diamond Desk had indicated the hotel was very much open, but I attributed it to advance booking.

I'm hoping with the end of the winter and spring break season but just before hurricane season I'll be ok. After a very crowded stay at the HHV last year we're wanting some seclusion.

Also curious to hear more about the kids programs, as I'm taking my 3 daughters (all under 9).

Lastly, any recommendations for a quiet, semi-desolate beach...preferably with a hammock? :cool:

Thanks for the information. I am heading down there tomorrow, and will add my opinions with a trip report upon my return.

Thanks for the great trip report. I'll be heading down there in the spring, can you give me more information on the water sports the hotel offered for free? I'm assuming the kayak's were free (how far out were the wrecks?), but what about the snorkel equipment and the windsurfing equipment? Any other equipment offered as well?
Also, what is the price ratio of Barbados to US? Any were the dinner amounts you mentioned per person or total?
Thank you!

Thanks for the nice report. I would also like more information, as asked above on the water sports.

Do golds have access to the lounge or just breakfast.

Also, does anyone know if they DO permit four to a room-two adults, two kids. On a previous thread, one poster remarked they only allowed three (like in Europe).

I'd like to do with my family but not at two rooms!

When the rest of you get back, please post.
Thanks a lot

Thanks for the nice report. I would also like more information, as asked above on the water sports.

Do golds have access to the lounge or just breakfast.

Also, does anyone know if they DO permit four to a room-two adults, two kids. On a previous thread, one poster remarked they only allowed three (like in Europe).

I'd like to do with my family but not at two rooms!

When the rest of you get back, please post.
Thanks a lot

I tried to book a room with 4 and was told they only accept 3 to a room. Even spoke to someone at the Diamond desk and they could not book it. Others on the board have said it could be done. However, I wasn't going to chance it because my children are ages 16 and 19, not small enough to fit 3 in a bed. So we're off to St John staying at the Westin instead of a Hilton property since they lack their presence in the Virgin Islands.

I tried to book a room with 4 and was told they only accept 3 to a room. Even spoke to someone at the Diamond desk and they could not book it. Others on the board have said it could be done. However, I wasn't going to chance it because my children are ages 16 and 19, not small enough to fit 3 in a bed. So we're off to St John staying at the Westin instead of a Hilton property since they lack their presence in the Virgin Islands.

Interesting, I booked mine for late Apr/early May of 06 with 3 kids in tow and they didn't have a problem putting all 5 of us in one room -- the Diamond Desk told me "well, you'll most likely be upgraded to a suite so it shouldn't be a problem."

Now I'm worried what I'll be facing when I arrive :eek:

Interesting, I booked mine for late Apr/early May of 06 with 3 kids in tow and they didn't have a problem putting all 5 of us in one room -- the Diamond Desk told me "well, you'll most likely be upgraded to a suite so it shouldn't be a problem."

Now I'm worried what I'll be facing when I arrive :eek:

Just to be sure I'd document everything, including the CSR you spoke to. Make sure you take the confirmation proving there are 5 in the room. I just tried the website again, just for the heck of it and it wouldn't allow more than 3. Good luck have a great time and make sure to let us know how you make out.

See also http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442819 for discussion on no. persons/room (families of 4 or 5 are fine).

Snorkels were also free, I believe all equipment usage is free. There is a little hut outside the parking lot where you go. The guys there were super nice -- one even helped my husband get the hang of windsurfing for free. Although you can take an official lesson for about $45 I believe.

The wrecks were not far out at all. I was able to help paddle there, pregnant and all. I would say it was about 300 yards maybe? It's a very easy paddle and you are still in the harbor, so it's not like you are out in the middle of the open water. The guys in the hut told us to look for the white buoys and at first we looked around finding nothing, but then my husband figured it out. I would say the water was about 20-25 feet deep at that site and once you were in the water, visibility was perfect. I cannot stress enough that if you like to snorkel, you must do this at least once. the fish come right up to you -- hundreds at a time.

I think the exchange is about 2:1 these days. The cost of the meals I mentioned were for two people, and only one of us drinking, but we tend to share a lot of meals. We find ordering one appetizer and splitting an entree is usually enough for us. It is expensive anyplace you go, just slightly less expensive away from the hotel.

I think the exchange is about 2:1 these days.

The Barbados dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar - always is 2:1 (actually 1.98:1, I believe). IMO, restaurant prices were not too bad, particularly given the quality. And Banks beer is cheap.^ :p

Thanks for the information on the water activities and all. I appreciate it. I love all water sports so I can't wait! Thanks again.

Just returned from Barbados after staying in the new Hilton. The property is about 20-25 minutes by taxi ($20.00 US) from the airport.

Arrived late in the evening, and was given some cold fruit punch while registering.

The hotel has 350 rooms, and is divided into 2 towers, the Lighthouse tower, and the fort tower. We had originally been given a conventional room in the Lighthouse tower (all ocean front). I asked the hotel clerk if they had any upgrades since I was a Diamond member of HHonors. It took them about 10 minutes or so to find one, but we were given a very nice 2-room suite. One room was a large bedroom on the corner with a balcony, the other a parlor room with a couch, chairs, wet bar separate balcony and bathroom, which was very nice.

Also given access to the executive lounge which is located on the 8th floor in the Lighthouse tower. Nice view of harbor and Bridgetown (the capital). Exec lounge offered complimentary continental breakfast and early evening drinks and appetizers, and also free wireless connections (the hotel charges $14.95 per day for in-room access).

This hotel has a convention center which is apprently drawing some large groups to Barbados, and helping to maintain a high occupancy rate for the hotel.

The hotel offers some American channels like CNN, ESPN and the networks out of New York.

The beach is nice white sand, and won't burn your feet while walking on it during the afternoon, and the hotel offers complimentary wind surfing, snorkeling and kayaks to their guests. There is also a medium sized swimming pool.

There is an activities desk in the lobby for you to sign up for various island tours etc.

Now the down side. The Barbados government taxes you to death. To begin with, ALL food and beverages have an automatic 15% VAT (value added tax) tacked on to your bill along with a 10% service charge. Additional tipping on top of this is expected, so for example, a hamburger and fries at the Hilton can run $15.00 US before the tip and something to drink. Many rum drinks will cost $10.00 or more. The bar outside by the pool and beach does have a happy hour from 5-6 each afternoon with drinks half off.

The hotel taxes include a 2% tax, and another 1% KIDS tax. There is also a $13.00 US departure tax (cash only, and if you want change, it will be in Barbados dollars which you obviously don't want when leaving, so I suggest you tuck this amount away in before you leave for the airport).

Check out time is noon. I asked the lobby clerk if we could have an extension until 12:30, and was told no until I told them I was a Diamond member, and was then given approval from the hotel manager on duty.

Overall very nice property. The local people in Barbados are extremely warm and friendly. Just take a boatload of cash for food, beverages and taxis.

Also given access to the executive lounge which is located on the 8th floor in the Lighthouse tower.

The executive lounge is in the Fort Tower, isn't it? Great views from there and the from the fitness center in the same building.

To begin with, ALL food and beverages have an automatic 15% VAT (value added tax) tacked on to your bill along with a 10% service charge. Additional tipping on top of this is expected, ...

Actually, I found that additional tipping was not expected. The 10% service charge is divided among all severs on duty. Any "tip" goes directly to the "your" server. Wait staff certainly wasn't expecting the standard U.S. tip of 15-20%.

Overall very nice property. The local people in Barbados are extremely warm and friendly.

^ ^ ^

Just take a boatload of cash for food, beverages and taxis.

Although it was by no means cheap, I didn't find these prices to be all that outrageous for an island resort destination.

I have a stay in February 2006 and wondered if anyone had any recent experience... especially looking for upgrades/executive lounge access for Diamond members. The hotel seems to be full for mid Feb 06 and was curious if any Diamonds were not getting access to the executive lounge due to a full hotel.

We did a GLONP2 award stay in November and got lounge access no problem as Diamond.

The Hotel was busy then as well with a few conferences on at the time and seemed to be full of airline crews, mainly as another one used by BD etc was closed and BA having recently switched to the Hilton.

I have a stay in February 2006 and wondered if anyone had any recent experience... especially looking for upgrades/executive lounge access for Diamond members. The hotel seems to be full for mid Feb 06 and was curious if any Diamonds were not getting access to the executive lounge due to a full hotel.

I will be there Feb 20-25th will report here but perhaps that might to late for your visit.

mike

I will be there Feb 20-25th will report here but perhaps that might to late for your visit.

mike

I will be there Feb 11 - 17th. I will try to report here before you go, hopefully with good news.

Will be there 1/27 to 2/4 on an award stay, and was wondering about access to lounge for Diamonds. Looks like it shouldn't be an issue.

What about car rental? Anyone do that? Seems kind of pricy at $300 for a week. Am I better off just cabbing it everywhere? And how is the taxi service? Do you rely on the meter or do you pre-negotiate a rate?

Thanks for any info y'all may have. I'll write about my experiences upon returning.

Welcome to Flyer Talk, 2lazytothinkofname. Cute name, by the way.

We look forward to your trip report.

What about car rental? Anyone do that? Seems kind of pricy at $300 for a week. Am I better off just cabbing it everywhere? And how is the taxi service? Do you rely on the meter or do you pre-negotiate a rate?.

Definitely rent a car for at least a day or two so that you can get out and see the other side of the island. There is a rental desk at the Hilton. Taxis are reliable and may be your best bet for going out to dinner, etc. Parking can be an issue (not to mention driving itself - - it's an adventure!). I believe rates are set - - but makesure thay yiou agree before departing.

Definitely rent a car for at least a day or two so that you can get out and see the other side of the island. There is a rental desk at the Hilton. Taxis are reliable and may be your best bet for going out to dinner, etc. Parking can be an issue (not to mention driving itself - - it's an adventure!). I believe rates are set - - but makesure thay yiou agree before departing.

Agreed.I always rent a car when on Barbados.Your adventure in driving is compounded by driving on the left.Takes a little getting used to. :) You will need a Barbados drivers license that is good for a year($10.00) and is issued on the spot by the car renter.

I will be there February 25th to March 5th. :cool: Usually try to get there twice a year.

We also rented a car for the whole time we were there and very much enjoyed taking off and exlporing different parts of the island. We rented from a local agency and got a good rate, they even brought us the car and when it was time to pick it up they drove us out to the airport at no extra charge. If I remember right it was Regency Car Rentals and I found it by googling "rental cars Barbados".

As a Diamond we received a nice upgrade over Thanksgiving week. The lounge was nice with free wireless internet access...bring your notebook computer if you are so inclined. The food in the lounge was good if a little meager (when food ran out, it took a long time to refill). There were good cookies everyday. The staff was wonderful all the way around.

My wife and I are also both Plats in Starwood so my teenage daughter loves Starwood hotels on every continent, but she now says this is her new favorite hotel, quite a compliment from my 16 year old going on 35.

We took taxis, and never paid more than 10.00 US each way (except from the airport). Do not miss the fish fry in town on Friday night, great food and entertainment. They even invited us to a managers reception with free food and drinks on one night (local vendors were also present).

The pool was nice, they did "watercise" daily. Thank Goodness the Virgin Atlantic Flight attendants also took part (airline hotel), quite a treat from my chaise lounge.

The pool was nice, they did "watercise" daily. Thank Goodness the Virgin Atlantic Flight attendants also took part (airline hotel), quite a treat from my chaise lounge.

How did you know that they were virgins? ;)

I will be there Feb 20-25th will report here but perhaps that might to late for your visit.

I will be there Feb 11 - 17th. I will try to report here before you go, hopefully with good news.

Please keep us informed!...anxiously awaiting our april trip (family of 5) and want to see if this hotel kept the momentum going from the early guests' reports.

The Mrs and I recently enjoyed a very nice stay at this property. We used points for a 7 night stay. Overall enjoyed the trip very much, I'd give the property an 8.5/10.

$20US taxi ride from the airport. There was a Hilton rep at the airport holding a sign. Ask her/him to get you a taxi as it can be a little crazy especially if 2 or 3 flights arrive at the same time. I think you can also pre-book a taxi ride if you call the hotel to ensure you have a taxi waiting for you.

We got a room on the 7th floor facing the ocean. Floors 6,7 and 8 are executive floors. Ocean view is also considered an upgrade I think since the price for an ocean view room is more. The other view is of the bay which is quite nice as well. Good sized room, balcony with table and chairs, tile floors, separate shower/bathtub in bathroom with a vanity, safe in the room. Satellite TV with US network stations, ESPN, HBO, CNN, FOX News, BBC and a few others. Asked for a suite, didn't get it as they were all booked up. But to be quite honest we spent so little time in the room that it was no big deal.

Checked in and out in the executive lounge and both transactions went very smoothly and quickly. In general the staff was friendly but in a laid back kind of way. By that I mean none of that fake smile "it will be my pleasure to assist you sir" that I personally can;t stand. Maid service in particular was great, room was absolutely spotless every day and I showed my appreciation with generous tips.

Exec lounge breakfast was good with nice selection of pastries, fruit salad and salmon. Evening service so-so, chicken nuggets, jalapeno poppers and cheese sticks. But good selection of drinks. Free wireless HS in the lounge ^ but $15 charge in the room :td:.

The beach was nice but somewhat rocky. Not too crowded at all, on some days it almost felt like a private beach for the two of us. There are three little coves but even so the waves can get a little rough. Two of the days we were there, the currents were such that swimming was forbidden. On the other side (the bay side) the water is a lot more tranquil. Towels, umbrellas and beach chairs are provided free of charge by the hotel. Water activities free of charge include scuba diving, wind surfing, sailing, boogie board, snorkeling and kayaking. Sea-doo rentals are $50US for 1/2 hour. We did everything but the sea-doo.

The one area I didn't enjoy much was the food at the hotel. We ate at the Lighthouse one night, had room service once and lunch at the pool bar a couple of days. The food was bland and expensive. Unfortunately there aren't many other options within walking distance from the hotel. So you either have a good walk or a taxi ride to get to restaurants.

We rented a car, actually a Moke see picture http://cruises.about.com/od/cruisephotoalbum/l/blbarbados03.htm which was great fun and would highly recommend. Rented at the hotel and cost for 2 days was $160US including insurance and gas. In those two days we saw pretty much the whole island. I'd say 2 days is all you need.

This is the "dry" season (Jan, Feb, March) but even so there was sporadic rain. It rained 4 or 5 of the days we were there. But it is warm rain and usually lasted 10-15 minutes. Temperature was in the mid 80s during the day and mid 70s at night, in other words perfect. Water was warm, don't know the temperature but I would guess somewhere in the 80s as well.

Word of caution when leaving: arrive early. Things take a long time at the airport. All bags are manually searched at check-in and everything goes slowly. Oh and I waited in line for about 30 mins to get a sandwich at the one and only snack bar available past security.

Make the award reservation, then call the hotel and tell them to note that you need 2 doubles and will have 4 guests (2 children) in the room. I can assure you, this will not be a problem. If anyone is interested, I can PM the GM's e-mail address.
I've stayed at HWV with my family of 5 (three teenagers!) after calling the reservations manager. They provided a cot as well as the two beds. It's crowded, but a fun family experience.

Any opinions on whether the Barbados Hilton would do the same?

I've stayed at HWV with my family of 5 (three teenagers!) after calling the reservations manager. They provided a cot as well as the two beds. It's crowded, but a fun family experience.

Any opinions on whether the Barbados Hilton would do the same?

Yes, absolutely (I think it is mentioned upthread).

Yes, absolutely (I think it is mentioned upthread).
Thanks - that would be great. ^

I read the entire thread before posting, and only found mention of 4 to a room (2 children) in a few of the posts. Often hotels refuse 5 to a room (3 children), citing vague "fire regulations". This is where I have found that a personal call to the hotel's reservations manager can result in an exception to the 4 max rule (but not always :td: ).

It looks like Karen and I will be there 2/11-2/17. I'll post a report when we get back

Bill-look forward to another report. Read on Trip Advisor the hotel is next to an oil/gas refinery and that it smelled like chemicals. True?

Also, is there decent snorkeling off the beach. How does Barbados compare to other Carib locations?

Thanks

Bill-look forward to another report. Read on Trip Advisor the hotel is next to an oil/gas refinery and that it smelled like chemicals. True?

Also, is there decent snorkeling off the beach. How does Barbados compare to other Carib locations?

Thanks

I was there recently and didn't smell any chemicals, I wouldn't worry about it.

As others have posted here about their stays here I will try not to cover the same ground.

Arrived here for a 5 day stay ( AXON and I day award) and after showing my ID were offered a welcome cocktail escorted up to the Towers Concierge on the 8th floor for check-in, was presented with a welcoming latter which basically inform us about access ro the lounge etc..
Was given a room facing the beach/pool area on the 6th floor designated as Hilton Honors Executive floor.

Room was nicely if not too elaborately decorated with a balcony with chairs, bathroom was small but fine.
One negative though we found the beds ( two doubles) to be very hard, the most unyielding I can ever remember in any hotel :rolleyes:

Executive Lounge:
Open for breakfast 700am to 1030am (1100 am on weekends)
Drinks and Hor deorves 600 pm to 0830 pm
You also can get coffee and soft drinks all day and a Night cap Brandy until 1030 pm.
Lounge had free wire-less internet.

It appears that all who stay on the Executive Floors gets lounge access and perhaps because of that the place was mobbed every morning ( made worse by a bunch of little kids running around - whose parents seemed loathe to control) As a result the staff had a bit of trouble keeping up and at least two mornings we had a bit of a wait, because they were out of coffee.
Breakfast fare was fine but not too elaborate, pastries, rolls, banana bread, juices but in terms of meats only sliced ham, turkey, lox and hard-boiled eggs were available.

My personal observation is that if they get ( and they will ) enough complaints I suspect the property will cut back on lounge access. At times the staff had to request guests who had finished their breakfast to move on to the sofa chairs to afford eating space for others, in particular one loud group who pulled some on the tables together and spent most of the time talking loudly while looking at their laptops about real estate prices or opportunities the missed in New York :rolleyes: .

Beach
The beach here is white sand and basically consists of two almost oval bays with a breakwater off-shore and two bays formed by the gaps in the breakwater.
I have seen reports on this board about the beach being “rocky” - my only conclusion is the person(s) describing such was not really aware of what they were looking at.
The rocks = breakwater, whether man-made or natural are an extremely important feature for the stability and the actual configuration of the two beaches. This area of the northen Caribbean is affected by wind driven waves ( more so in the Winter) which tends to erode any exposed beaches.
A drive around the island will clearly show that the eastern side has very rocky beaches or mostly rock cliffs while the more protected western side has sandy beaches. The Hilton is basically on the south end of the island is still susceptible to wind/erosion especially in the winter months.
I would bet the seas here would be quite calm in the summer ( any one who is familiar with say the north shore of Oahu will attest to a similar sitation)

That being said it was a bit windy with the winds picking up in the afternoons but for those expressed an interest when I e-mail the photos they will be able to see it as it was and at least on my part was not much of a concernrn during my stay and beach was quite nice with clear blue water.
I did not see any snorkelors but there was no real reason not to be able to do so, the drop-off was perhaps less than a 1/4 mile off shore. The hotel had signs regarding free?? snorkeling and a free scuba tryout in the pool.
Plenty of beach chairs and two pools I assume fresh-water but I did not use the pools.
One minor annoyance the slobs who get drinks from the bar etc and just leave the plastic cups on the beach it cant be laziness just to find a trash bin ( it probably is just a lack of “class”)

Hotel Restaurants
I only ate one meal on property except breakfast in the lounge so cannot be of much help there. It was ala carte in the Lighthouse when we arrived late and the buffet was already broken down.
The food was fine, the bottle of wine expensive ( as is all wine in Barbados, understandably so) but the food was good, however we had ordered only local dishes.
If anyone want recommendations for some very good restaurants in nearby St Lawrence Gap and other places shot me a pm.
Had a great meal at a different place every night of my stay.

“The Oil Refinery”
Barbados has no oil refinery, the island is too small to support one.
There is a tank farm ( gasoline and/or bunker C) to the inshore side of the entrance to the hotel property, the type of structure one finds in just about every port city in the world.
I actually didnt notice it until I read about it here on FTalk two days into my stay, I did not smell any fumes etc perhaps my nose is not sensitive enough :) .

Internet Access
As stated above there is free internet access in the lounge.
Hi-speed by ethernet is available in the rooms for about $15 per day.
However when you log in at Executive lounge you are given a code - very important to write the code down because you can use that to log in while connected in the rooms.
The codes seem to last less than 24 hours though but you can get a new one when in the lounge again.
Staff friendly and courteous, Bajans tend to be quite reserved.

All in all a nice hotel, I suppose coming from 5 degrees in Chicago it would have been tremendous but we live in Florida so was just a little bit underwhelmed.
Personally 4 days would be my limit here.

Pm if I can help with other questions.

mike

Mike--thanks so much for taking the time to give us an up to date trip report. And putting to rest the "oil refinery" issue. Those were comments made on Trip Advisor.

MIKESILV

Will be there tomorrow for one night.
Extending by one day my 7 day Barbados stay.
I will have my Red Ferrari hat on :cool: :D
or buy you a Banks at the lounge/bar/beach after the races tomorrow.

MIKESILV

Will be there tomorrow for one night.
Extending by one day my 7 day Barbados stay.
I will have my Red Ferrari hat on :cool: :D
or buy you a Banks at the lounge/bar/beach after the races tomorrow.

You will miss me by one week :) So unless you are at Tampa Bay Downs I wont get that Banks of you.
Enjoy the Gold Cup. :)

mike

Thanks for the review Mike -- I've always liked your no-frill, to-the-point reviews.

Question for the previous families of 4/5 (or anyone with an opinion), about budgeting for Barbados...

I track every penny when it comes to both business and personal expenses, and want to set expectations for expenses while we're there; I'm constantly hearing how inflated it is there. I'd actually prefer the US Virgin Islands to save the $80 per passport per kid, but alas no Hilton Family properties. :)

What should I expect to budget per day, family of 5 for a 6night/7day stay -- rarely eating either fast food or top-end restaurants. Airfare & Hotel is using miles/points, so not a factor.

Well you've got your breakfasts covered, so that's one meal out of the way. As I mentioned in the OP the restaurants at the hotel are PRICEY, and there's nothing else within walking range. For most of the reataurants at St. Lawrence Gap the middle of the menu is right around $20, with some entrees lower but most higher. There are a few Chinese walk-up places that had good prices but we didn't get to try them out. There is a local fried chicken chain that is quite good and relatively reasonable, although still higher than what you'd pay in the US. I don't remember the name but its tag line is 'Home of the Heavenly Chicken". The best bargain to be had, IMHO, due to the atmosphere that accompanies it, is the Fish Fry at Oistens on Friday nights. The average plate is between US$ 7-10.

Well, it is an island vacation destination, so set your expectations accordingly. Notenut's summary is accurate. I'd say that restaurant/drink prices are very similar to those in the Virgin Islands, in some cases less.

Having never taken the whole family on any vacation (my kids have JUST reached a travel-friendly age), I can't set that expectation, at least not to a very precise degree. My wife and I have been to Hawaii but that's a different budgetary scheme altogether :)

Would $2500 for a family of five be too tight, in your opinions? Meals, rental car & gas, entertainment, basic souvenirs, etc? Again, 6 night stay, no airfare, no hotel costs. I'll be using travellers checks solely.

We're really just going for the beach and to get away & spend time together, not looking to be entertained 24/7 like a cruise ship.

Thanks again.

Would $2500 for a family of five be too tight, in your opinions? Meals, rental car & gas, entertainment, basic souvenirs, etc? Again, 6 night stay, no airfare, no hotel costs.

You sound like you are fairly thrifty (me, too :) ) - - $400/day will be plenty of money to do what you want to do.

BTW, if you're looking for a great activity for the kids, check out the Silver Moon Cat trip: http://oceanadventures.bb/sailing.htm .

You sound like you are fairly thrifty (me, too :) ) - - $400/day will be plenty of money to do what you want to do.

BTW, if you're looking for a great activity for the kids, check out the Silver Moon Cat trip: http://oceanadventures.bb/sailing.htm .

Thanks, I just needed some validation -- I know it's sort of taboo to talk about spending limits/personal budgets on here, but hell, I'm not ashamed to be a Type-A fiscal conservative ;) (or as you said it better: thrifty :D )

Much obliged for the catamaran tip, we had saw that...looks outstanding.

There is a local fried chicken chain that is quite good and relatively reasonable, although still higher than what you'd pay in the US. I don't remember the name but its tag line is 'Home of the Heavenly Chicken".

Chefette?

Chefette?

Sounds correct.Purple and canary yellow uniforms. :eek:

Try their ice cream,the rum and raisin were big hits with family(I like Cherry vanilla)The pizza is good value.The other chicken place is KFC.

You s/b very good with $400/day for meals.Many of the grocery stores now have deli sections and you are able to get great value there as well.
(We budgeted less for 2 adults and 2 young adults and did OK)

Save BBS25.00 departure tax per person at airport(approx 12.50US)

Having never taken the whole family on any vacation (my kids have JUST reached a travel-friendly age), I can't set that expectation, at least not to a very precise degree. My wife and I have been to Hawaii but that's a different budgetary scheme altogether :)

Would $2500 for a family of five be too tight, in your opinions? Meals, rental car & gas, entertainment, basic souvenirs, etc? Again, 6 night stay, no airfare, no hotel costs. I'll be using travellers checks solely.

We're really just going for the beach and to get away & spend time together, not looking to be entertained 24/7 like a cruise ship.

Thanks again.

I'm just wondering if you are entertaining the idea of taking one room for your family of 5 at the Hilton Barbados? I would suggest that the rooms are really not very big at all and you will be very uncomfortable in one room unless they can guarantee you a suite. I have recently been a guest at this hotel as a Diamond, stayed on the executive floor with just my husband and cannot imagine adding three children into one of these rooms. Two adjoining rooms would work nicely.

Recently stayed at the Hilton in Barbados on a 6 night reward stay. One of the best and most relaxing vacations I've had. The hotel was nice, new, and modern. The staff was excellent from housekeeping to the front desk to the exec lounge. Received an upgraded room on the 7th floor lighthouse tower. The rooms are on the smaller side but fine for 2 people. Housekeeping came twice a day - am and in the evening for turndown service. Each day we received 2 bottles of water in the room which was nice to take to the pool. Exec lounge access allowed for a nice breakfast (nothing fancy) and drinks and appetizers in the evening. Some nights that was all I needed. The hotel was at capacity for several of the nights but the whole hotel never seemed crowded. I was always able to find chairs and umbrellas at the beacn and pool area as long as I arrived by 10:30 am. The pools are awesome. Dive shop on site where you can use for free boogie boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, windsurfing equipment, etc. Also you can do a free scuba class in the pool, which we did and later went out on a real dive (fee involved). The staff was nice and patient. You can also pay to go on various trips, rent jet ski's, etc. Had a few lunches at the pool bar and the food was nice but basic fare - a handful of sandwiches. Did not eat at any of the other places at the Hilton. Rented a car two days from Stoutes and that went well. Driving on the "other" side of the road was not as bad as I thought it would be. Although the island is small, it takes a lot longer to get anywhere with a lot of 2 lane roads and getting lost! Did go to Crane Beach and Mullins Bay - both worth the trip. The only strange thing was that every morning and night we left a tip for house-keeping ... they never took it! We left all the tips in the room on departure, so I hope they took it once we left! If you have an up-coming trip, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Just wanted to see if anyone has visited the Hilton Barbados recently on an award stay?

My Wife and I will be heading to the Hilton Barbados very soon for a 6 night reward stay. What type of upgrades have Golds/Diamonds been getting as of late? Has anyone got a suite or just executive floors? I also am wondering which view seems to be preferred, towards the Bay and Bridgetown or the Ocean view side? Last, any good restaurant or can't miss sightseeing/activity recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!!

Two quick questions: Is there a coin laundry on premises, or is there one nearby? And, how does this property compare to Curacao?

Two quick questions: Is there a coin laundry on premises, or is there one nearby? And, how does this property compare to Curacao?

There's definitely none close by and I don't think there's any at the hotel either, although we didn't ask about it when we were there.
Haven't been to Curacao hilton so can't comment about that.

Two quick questions: Is there a coin laundry on premises, or is there one nearby? And, how does this property compare to Curacao?

The Hilton in Curacao is a much older property. Haven't actually been there but we researched all Hilton properties in the Carribbean priot to deciding on Hilton Barbados. In my opinion the Hilton Barbados was the clear winner, as all of the other Hilton Carribbean properties looked a bit tired.

Dive shop on site where you can use for free boogie boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, windsurfing equipment, etc. Also you can do a free scuba class in the pool, which we did and later went out on a real dive (fee involved).

I was reading reviews of the Hilton Barbados on TripAdvisor.com and someone mentioned that the kayaks and windsurfing equipment were no longer free. Can anyone with a recent stay comment?

I am a Diamond member and have an upcoming award stay booked. I am already booked into an Executive level room. If I decide to make any room requests, is one tower preferred to the other?

If I decide to make any room requests, is one tower preferred to the other?

The Fort Tower (right-hand, or north, side as you are facing the ocean) looks out over the pool, and the beach beyond; the Lghthouse Tower (left-hand, or south, side) is just slightly closer to, and looks out directly over, the beach). The lobby, elevators and lounge are in the Fort Tower (the two towers are connected). I would pick the Lighthouse Tower if I had a choice, although there's not that much difference.

II am a Diamond member and have an upcoming award stay booked. I am already booked into an Executive level room. If I decide to make any room requests, is one tower preferred to the other?

I am also diamond and staying on a GLON in December. How are you able to book into executive level room on an award stay?

Any new reviews as far as executive lounge for diamonds? I am traveling with wife and 2 teenage daughters, so the lounge helps the budget quite a bit.

Does anyone know about the excercise room? I tend to go and get ready for the day if the hotel has a spa that I can access, leaving the 3 women the room.

How are you able to book into executive level room on an award stay?

Any new reviews as far as executive lounge for diamonds?

Does anyone know about the excercise room?

You can't book an award into an executive room, but please ensure that in the comments that you state Diamond upgrade if available. I was there when it was 100% booked and we still got upgraded to a nice view / executive room.

I believe regardless of room you will have access to the Executive Lounge being Diamond. It was really nice and you could make a dinner out of it in the evenings if you wanted too. The staff was very friendly and working really hard. If you get there when it opens in the evening it gets packed and the food goes faster than they can replace it, but give them time and it will be replaced. One interesting thing is that many times they would have X out to eat, when it went, it was not replaced with another X, but Y. So keep that in mind if you don't like something, something else may take it's place later on.

There is an exercise room on the 4th (maybe 3rd?) floor. Odd location in my opinion, but it's there.

Have fun but keep in mind the rooms are on the small side. I still think you will be fine with 4 people in the room, but don't bring too much junk that you can't put everything away in the drawers and closet. The bathroom is very nice and large so that should help 3 women get ready at once.

I am also diamond and staying on a GLON in December. How are you able to book into executive level room on an award stay?

Any new reviews as far as executive lounge for diamonds? I am traveling with wife and 2 teenage daughters, so the lounge helps the budget quite a bit.

Does anyone know about the excercise room? I tend to go and get ready for the day if the hotel has a spa that I can access, leaving the 3 women the room.

We've stayed twice on a GLONP2 in the last year. Upgraded to exec level with lounge access both times with no problems.

The exercise room is quite small and is not staffed but has all the main items you generally find. It is on the 5th floor is I remember correctly with nice views out over the harbour.

I thought that exercise room was excellent. Decent amount of equipment, andthe views out to the bay were really nice.

I am also diamond and staying on a GLON in December. How are you able to book into executive level room on an award stay?

Any new reviews as far as executive lounge for diamonds? I am traveling with wife and 2 teenage daughters, so the lounge helps the budget quite a bit.

Does anyone know about the excercise room? I tend to go and get ready for the day if the hotel has a spa that I can access, leaving the 3 women the room.

The gym is very nice, but there aren't any showers or lockers in there. The rooms aren't what I would call large. I do hope you get upgraded to a suite with 4 adult people in the room. It will be very tight.

Do Golds get upgraded to executive level here?

You can't book an award into an executive room

My online and emailed reservation both say:

Room Type: KING HILTON EXECUTIVE

To me it looks like I am booked into an executive room! I booked it directly with the Diamond desk.

Do Golds get upgraded to executive level here?
Looks like it - just rtnd from Hilton Barbados and was upgraded whilst checking in at the lounge - paperwork & welcome letter pre-done. Have to say though that it´s probably the worst Hilton lounge that I have used in terms of food - pretty cheap and basic breakfast IMO - packed morning and night (for free booze etc.). Not complaining mind, just commenting, but would actually prefer the breakfast in the restaurant rather than the lounge access if I had the option now. Excellent Hilton resort otherwise though! Enjoy.

Just got in from a week's stay and am a very happy girl. Well, at least until we finally get winter weather on Monday. I would agree with all the positive comments and am already planning our return in '08. The barely mentionable con I had was the inconsistency of housekeeping and face cloths. They wouldn't replace the dirty ones that were taken away. Funny.

What type of room did they give you? Did you have access to the executive lounge?

We had a king on the 5th floor and I forgot to ask about access to the Exec.

We're heading for Barbados in a couple of weeks time.
Which rooms are better in the Hilton (executive level), Lighthouse or Fort Tower?

I'd normally prefer sea view and the sunset, as opposed to a view of the pool and that noise.

Review opinions from the Hilton Barbados seem to vary. Any thoughts?

The Lighthouse Tower gives you a view of the sea. The Fort Tower depending on what side you are on gives you a view of the pool and the sea or a view of the parking lot and Carlisle Bay. It is probably safer asking for a room in the Lighthouse Tower.

I don’t think anyone else has mentioned anything about the windows and balconies so I will give a brief description.

The executive floors are floor 6 in the Fort Tower and floors 6, 7, and 8 in the Lighthouse Tower.

The top floor of each tower (6 in Fort, 8 in Lighthouse) has windows that continue above the sliding glass door by two or three feet.

Floor 6 in the Fort Tower and floors 7 and 8 in the Lighthouse Tower have extra windows on the sides of the sliding glass door. All of the other floors only have the sliding glass door.

Floor 6 in the Fort Tower and floor 7 in the Lighthouse Tower have concrete walls for the balcony. The other floors have a typical metal railing. You can decide if the concrete wall is good or bad. If you are in the middle of the room and look outside you can see over the concrete wall but you can’t really see the waves breaking on the beach. The solid concrete wall restricts your downward view. My room had the concrete balcony and I sort of liked it because we were able to leave the sliding glass door open to hear the ocean and we didn’t have to worry about people seeing up into the room.

The executive level floors also have nightly turn down service. You get bottles of water and your dirty towels replaced.

We also got a turndown service on the non exec floors last July. No updgrade, but access to the lounge.

To echo some of the other comments. The food is OK, but pricey. You pay for the convenience. The exec lounge is excellent, if a little busy, for breakfast and snacks. We did dine some nights on the snacks in the lounge. The rooms all seem to be the same size - upgrade or not, you still get into the lounge, and that makes the difference.

The hotel is a nice enough place to spend a week or so in the sun. It's the second time I've been to Barbados and I much prefer the Indian Ocean and Bali for beach islands. However... when direct J seats open up for the whole family and there's a stack of HHonours points to be spent - it's a no brainer.

I would go back to the hotel, but would prefer the Indian Ocean!

Just back from a six-night award stay. Hotel has been discussed exhaustively here, but did not find mention that there is tea-time in the Executive Lounge from 3:00 to 5:30. (Notice of tea-time is not posted in the lounge either.) They put out cakes and cookies along with the tea and coffee that is always available.

Has anyone stayed here on a Hotwire stay? Any benefits from your Hilton status?

I'm here at the Hilton Barbados thru Saturday on a GLONP2. If anyone has any specific questions, please post and I will seek an answer.

Bob

I'm here at the Hilton Barbados thru Saturday on a GLONP2. If anyone has any specific questions, please post and I will seek an answer.

Bob

I guess I got a few general ones – maybe they have been addressed in this thread or maybe they need updating.

–Is there free Internet access anywhere on the property?
–How choppy is the water at the beach?
–How interesting are the attractions nearby, such as the museum and the racetrack? And if you've got good shoes (and the desire to do so) how long will it take you to walk to Bridgetown?
–How are you doing with (or without) a car?

–Is there free Internet access anywhere on the property?
–How choppy is the water at the beach?
–How interesting are the attractions nearby, such as the museum and the racetrack? And if you've got good shoes (and the desire to do so) how long will it take you to walk to Bridgetown?
–How are you doing with (or without) a car?

I can answer a few of them:
...free internet is available from the Exec lounge + they have 1 computer you can use if you do not bring a laptop.
...I was there in March and most days they had the Yellow/Red flags out if that is any indication. It seemed like most used the pools and some did go in the water, kids using boogie boards, and to the right of the hotel lots of surfers were out. Not sure if it is like that year round.
...I found car rentals very expensive. I think it was ~$80/day. I did rent one from 2 days I believe which was long enough to drive around the island, stop at a few beaches, go out at night, etc. Cabs to dinner (the Gap area), where not too bad but do add up - we did this 1-2 times, 2 times with the car, and the other nights at the hotel.
...why Bridgetown, we drove there and walked around for a bit, but honestly did not care for it. It is close by, but I don't recall the distance and if it was walkable.

I went through barbados.rentalcargroup.com and reserved a car from Stoutes for $292 for 6 days. It will be another 15% for the VAT on top of that and I'll pay $50 for the week for the CDW, so $65 a day including all taxes for a Suzuki Jimmy.

The Mini Mokes are less expensive but all sold out while I'm there. Also, the rental car place at the hotel is the most expensive one in the entire island after doing an online rate comparison. ($675 before VAT and CDW for same car).

Thanks for all the entries on this. We will be there in four more weeks!

I also am hiring Stoutes. Same price as poster above. It is expensicve but we like the freedom of the car and want to see the island.

It's a good 1/2 hour walk (probably longer) from this hotel to downtown Bridgetown. I'm not sure it's a walk that you would want to do at night.

As posted above, the ocean has rather large waves at the hotel, at least it did when we were there in Feb. 2007. Not really safe for little kids, but fine for adults (if you don't mind getting knocked around). If you really want to see some big waves, drive over to Bottom Bay (past the airport).

I'm here at the Hilton Barbados thru Saturday on a GLONP2. If anyone has any specific questions, please post and I will seek an answer. We're getting there this Saturday for seven nights (on an award too).

My wife said she was looking around online and found mention of a Happy Hour at the pool bar at the hotel, can anyone confirm or refute this?

I was at the Hilton a few months back and they did indeed have a "happy hour". The specials were not great, discounted appitizers and drinks but since they were somewhat overpriced to start with its not the greatest deal.

Overall I liked the hotel but found the food to be a bit disappointing

Happy hour at the pool bar = 50% off inflated drink prices on select items (marked clearly on the menu). With the discount, I think a specialty drink was $4.50 US, which I didn't think was bad.

If I recall correctly, happy hour was exactly 1 hour long, from 5-6 p.m., and the lounge opened for evening service at 6 p.m. As reported above, free booze in the lounge every evening, although it's limited to mixed drinks, wine, and beer (no frozen drinks, etc.).

I agree about the food - overpriced and not that great. From our stay 1/5-12/07, the water was beautiful but not too rough on the resort side. Just to the left of the lifeguard station is easy beach access, but I don't recommend it for anyone who is not a bruiser. The floor drops off steeply quite quickly and deeply. Water sandals are an absolute must as the island is limestone and tough on dainty feet.

I was at the Hilton a few months back and they did indeed have a "happy hour". The specials were not great, discounted appitizers and drinks but since they were somewhat overpriced to start with its not the greatest deal.

Overall I liked the hotel but found the food to be a bit disappointing
IME I found the poolside cafe/bar to serve very very good simple food - sandwhiches etc. etc. and to be amongst the best of any Hilton resort I have stayed at (quite a few!) and the main buffet style menu a la carte choices to be of very good quality (don't know about the actual buffet though)..prices are fair IMO.

We just got back from a seven night award stay. I'm only a lowly Silver member, and my award reservation was for a smoking double/double room, exactly opposite of what my wife and I wanted. I faxed the front desk the day before to ask if they could block us a king non-smoking room if possible, but that doesn't seem to have done anything. When we arrived they had us booked into a double-double smoking room facing the bay. I asked the gentleman checking us in if he could try and get us a king bed non-smoking room and placed $40USD on the counter (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419338) and asked if he could try and find us a "nice room". He said that wasn't necessary and would see what was ready, to which I replied we'd gladly wait for a nice room since we were staying for seven nights. I left the $40 USD on the counter and he eventually found us a king bed non-smoking room on the fourth floor facing the Bay that we would need to wait a few minutes for and placed the $40 USD in a drawer next to him, which I was fine with. (Important Note: My wife and I both agreed we much prefer the "Bay" view, which overlooks beaches anyway as well as Bridgetown, just not the Hilton's beach, to the more boring "Ocean view"). On the fourth night of the stay we were in our room getting ready to head out to dinner when I received a phone call from the front desk, the agent apologized for not having been able to upgrade us previously but explained that they now had a suite available for us to move to and asked if we wanted to move. This did catch me a little off guard, but I agreed we would move for the remaining 3-1/2 nights of our stay. They moved us to a 5th floor suite in the Lighthouse tower facing the Beach. I think the suites are pretty standard, an oversize bedroom with a huge bathroom and a balcony on the end of the hotel, then a living room that's the size of a normal room with a 3/4 bath (shower only, all the other rooms appear to have a tub and separate shower).

Other general comments:

I didn't think the food and drinks were too expensive by any stretch, you must remember that all food prices on the menus include the 15% VAT and a 10% service charge.
Same goes for minibar, I didn't realize it until the end of my stay, but a beer out of the minibar would have been less than $5 USD since all the usual taxes and fees were already included in the quoted price
I highly recommend both the Island Safari (http://www.islandsafari.bb/) and Tiami Catamaran (http://www.funbarbados.com/Tours/tiami.cfm) excursions, though they seem pricey at ~$150 BDS each per person, my wife and I agreed they were both well worth the money. It's important to note that both include lunch and adult beverages in the price (on the boat they have a bar with a decent number of options including draft Banks beer, on the Island Safari tour you get pretty much all the rum punch you can drink starting at about 10:00 AM until the end of the tour at 3:00 PM). Note we actually ran into a vendor down in the St. Lawrence Gap on our second night who worked the activities desk at a resort down that way and she gave us a $10 BDS per person discount on each excursion we booked with her, we booked the Island Safari, Tiami Catamaran, and Mount Gay tour with her, I can provide more info on where to find her if anyone is interested, but I don't want to post it publicly since she's not supposed to advertise she does this (how it works is she collects a "deposit", which is really her piece of the action for booking the tours, so she just knocks $10 BDS off the deposit you pay her, but as far as the tour you're doing is concerned, you paid the full deposit amount).
My wife and I aren't cross-country hikers by any stretch of the imagination and we thought there was quite a bit within walking distance of the hotel. I might not walk too far with kids (and definitely not a stroller, the sidewalks are very narrow to non-existent at some points), but for adults it's not a problem. Bridgetown is a pretty easy 30 minute walk, St. Lawrence Gap about an hour (we walked there a few times then took taxis back). Closer to the hotel there are quite a bit of dining options if you walk towards the Gap, some as close as 10 minutes. Note that if you're walking towards the Gap, there is a "short-cut" by walking though the park along the beach, though you have to walk up a steep hill coming out of the park, it cuts at least five minutes off the walk I would guesstimate, and you don't miss anything along the main road of interest taking this shortcut.
In addition to the 5-6 PM Happy Hour at the Poolside Bar, the Careenage Bar next to the lobby also has 5:30-6:30 PM and 10:30-11:30 PM Happy Hours. Also, the Savannah Hotel, which is just down the beach away from Bridgetown (take the shortcut along the beach mentioned above, about a 5 minute walk) has a pool/beachside bar that has a 12-1 PM Happy Hour for those wanting an early start.

Thank you for taking the time to write up more info. Great tip on the walking. I'll let you know what happens when we check in as Gold in a few weeks.

Any experience on rates paid for December stays? $380US for a King seems to be the average rate I can find. Is that high/low?

$380 sounds about right- Better place to spend points than dollars.

I think you can Hotwire or Priceline this location as well. That's what I plan to do this summer, as these prices don't make much sense to me.

Any experience on rates paid for December stays? $380US for a King seems to be the average rate I can find. Is that high/low?

That is defintely lower than the rates in the March time-frame. They can easily be > $500 US per night. In fact I never found it lower in March of last year or this year when I was looking.

Definitely worth using points or perhaps look into a hotel/air package if available that would cut the cost down.

I think you can Hotwire or Priceline this location as well. That's what I plan to do this summer, as these prices don't make much sense to me.

Yes, the hotel is routinely available on Hotwire. Last I looked, priceline doesn't do Barbados.

There is a 4th night free promo going on right now through end of the year. That could bring the overall bill down a bit.

There is a 4th night free promo going on right now through end of the year. That could bring the overall bill down a bit.

Let see: 4 x $140 = $560 Hotwire
3 x $350 = $1050 4th night free

Not even close. Hilton benefits/points aren't worth double, to me.

Let see: 4 x $140 = $560 Hotwire
3 x $350 = $1050 4th night free

Not even close. Hilton benefits/points aren't worth double, to me.

Where do you see $140/night? It's currently $332/night on Hotwire.

Where do you see $140/night? It's currently $332/night on Hotwire.

Just as airfares vary, I'm sure it the same for Hotwire. Dates I've looked at are as low as $129 before taxes/fees. However, this is rather far into the future. If you're only looking at a $20 difference a night, then obviously get the pay 3 for 4 night special. I've looked for these special prices before, and rarely find them for the dates that I want that will work.

FWIW, here's a YouTube video review of the resort:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHzT2R1k2pk

Just came back from a wonderful 5 day stay (AXON plus one night at 40,000 points) at this property. I'm Gold and we received an oceanfront room in the Ft. Tower, sixth floor, with access to the executive lounge on the 8th Floor. We thought the room, with balcony looking directly over the pool and ocean was lovely. Executive lounge was as described here earlier-wireless internet and nice food and drink selection.

The beach was windy but my kids took out the boogie boards (free) and did some gentle surfing. We also took the kayaks out (free) at Barbados Blue, directly at the entrance of the hotel to explore the Bay. The only negative was one day, dozens of pink jellyfish washed up on shore. We were warned by the hotel (notice and phone call) to take care and they removed them pronto. I only saw one in the water and was told this is rare.

I cannot say enough about the level of service and kindness of the hotel employees. All guests were invited to a Managers Reception on Wednesday night. This included drinks, passed appetizers and stilt walkers for entertainment. There were several managers there and they are all FIRST class. I highly recommend seeking out Julian, the recreation manager. He is just one polished, intelligent,helpful individual and not only that he used to play professional cricket for England.

They treat the kids like gold here too. I would have no hesitation in allowing the kids to do the Kids Club, the activites looked a little more interesting than other hotel clubs I've seen.

I do recommend a car, at least for a day or two. Get to the other beaches (calmer) and see more of the island. There were three incentive groups at the hotel while we were there and they looked like they never ventured out. The hotel ran at 90 percent while we were there and did not feel crowded.

Julian told us the hotel plans to remove the oil storage tanks at the base of the hotel and build a full spa. (There is a mini spa already on the property). They consider the hotel 50/50 business and leisure. They will be hosting six Cricket teams in April for the World Cup.

I'm confident you will enjoy this property. We were fine with the food. It can be pricey but the kids eat at bargain prices-50 percent off plus the lounge offered so much. Questions welcome anytime.

Anyone know where I can find the promo for 4th night free? I'm booked for 2 rooms for 6 nights in June-hoping to use points but I may fall a little short.

Also, are there Jet ski rentals there?

I don't know about that promo but it might be worth calling the hotel if you can't find it. I had to change my reservation slightly and ended up calling the hotel to make sure it was o.k. I spoke with Walwin Ashby, front desk and reservations manager, who was extremely helpful.

There were jet skiis at the Barbados Blue location at the base of the hotel and there were also two independent guys in red life vests directly on the beach. My sense was that they were undercutting BB prices and they offered to take the kids out (while BB did not). It looked a little choppy, we saw one guy fall off (but not hurt). Many other beaches (in calmer water) also had jet ski rentals.

We just returned from a 6 night stay at this property-2 rooms: one 6 night GLONP award, with the other room paid for by cash for 4 nights and 2 single night award certificates. The guest were my husband, myself and our 2 college age kids (19 and almost 21)
Getting this reservation was a bit of a nightmare-I booked as a paid stay first and then switched when I had enough points-I will never do that again, as the Diamond desk initially gave me a hard time about ANY award nights desoite the fact that it was not an 'extraordinary demand" date. I got the GLONP using a "special request" via the Diamond desk and got to use a single award certificate for our first and last night. The Diamond desk kept making mistakes with our reservation (sending an Avis award instead of stay certificate, booking a third room-which we never asked for-the mess was not straightened out until checkout despite my being on the phone with the DD for more than 4 hours ).
Once we got to the hotel, though, all was terrific. We got 2 rooms on the top (8th) floor in the lighthouse tower and executive lounge access. The lounge offers a nice continental breakfast with fruit, meat, cheese, cereal, yougurt, pastries and a nice selection of teas. You can "upgrade" to the $50 restaurant full breakfast for $10per person as a Diamond, but after trying that once we went back to the lounge-nicer view and ample food-the only thing missing were the hot items such as eggs and bacon. The lounge also puts out pastries/cookies in the late afternoon (3:30 ish) and has wine/beer, liquor and a nice selection of hot and cold appetizers out from 6:00-8:30. On our first night there, the appetizers were our dinner. The lounge has free wireless inernet plus one computer where guests can log in. They are fairly strict about only consuming food in the lounge-I was stopped twice after trying to take breakfast back to my son's room (he had a bad sunburn and was not moving around well). Once I explained the circumstances, they were very gracious and let me take the food out.


The setting of the hotel is spectacular, with wonderful views of the water. there is a nice beach and multi-level pool. The beach can get a bit windy.
The staff is OUTSTANDING-customer service is obviously important at this hotel-everyone was polite, helpful and enthusiastic. Our family found the Bajan people to be wonderful. Eve when I vented at bit at the front desk about the fact that a third room was being listed for us and charged to our account despite many, many calls to the Diamond Desk, the young woman who helped me smiled and got it all worked out efficiently.

In terms of meals/activities, we booked the Silver Moon snorkeling trip (www.oceanadventures.com) from home-it was outstanding-snorkeling with the turtles and colorful fish, an impeccably clean boat, a great buffet meal and terrific drinks (it is an open bar, but not a rowdy atmosphere). We also booked a trip to the Mount Gay Rum Factory through the Hilton tour desk-the basic tour is just ok, but we booked an add-on of a "cocktail tour" where they teach you how to concoct different drinks-that was fun. We also visited the Boatyard, which is a quick cab ride from the Hilton-we have friends living in Barbados and they took us there-it has a water trampoline, jet ski rentals (source of son's sunburn), a water rock climbing wall, a rope that you could use to swing into the water, food and drinks-it was a fun afternoon-good for families with teens. We rented a car one day and drove around the island-the "soup bowl area" in Bathsheba on the north side of the island is beautiful-Earthworks pottery is fun to visit, also-we got got deals in their clearance area.

Meals we enjoyed-the beach BBQ at the Hilton, Champers (outstanding food and service-right over the crashing waves), Brown Sugar (good food-walking distance), Aqua (good service-right over the crashng waves-entree fair but dessert outstanding). The kids both had tummy troubles after a meal at Cafe Sol.

All in all, a great trip-watch out for the taxes though-15% VAT (non-refundable), 10% service fee, and 2 daily "optional" taxes that appear on the bill (K.I.D.S and Barbados Tourism Fund-when I questioned them they were removed immediately).

We loved Barbados and the Bajan people and hope to return some day.

A caveat on award stays-the hotel frequently had conferences, so book well in advance-also, do not count on getting 2 GLONP awards at this property. In the past, we were able to get 2 award rooms in Hawaii (Waikaloa) and Los cabos, but not here. In the future, i think we will use our recently acquired Hilton timeshare (resale) for family trips and save the award stays for DH and me-although our 2 kids are in college, they still both love to travel with us (because it is on mom and dad's dime:)

Excellent trip report...I feel much the same about that resort and the Bajan people as well.

You can "upgrade" to the $50 restaurant full breakfast for $10per person as a Diamond, but after trying that once we went back to the lounge-nicer view and ample food-the only thing missing were the hot items such as eggs and bacon.

$50 for breakfast? I hope that Bajan money (worth half the US dollar). Otherwise, that would be the most expensive breakfast I think I've ever encountered.

$50 for breakfast? I hope that Bajan money (worth half the US dollar). Otherwise, that would be the most expensive breakfast I think I've ever encountered.

I take it you havent been to Europe within the last few years :)

Heres a link from the SPG Board which might prove very enlightening.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=579993&highlight=expensive+breakfasts

mike

$50 for breakfast? I hope that Bajan money (worth half the US dollar). Otherwise, that would be the most expensive breakfast I think I've ever encountered.Right, but as I said earlier in the thread, you also have to remember that all meal and drink prices at this hotel include not only the 15% VAT but also a 10% service charge (tip), so they are completely "all-in" prices.

I take it you havent been to Europe within the last few years :)

Heres a link from the SPG Board which might prove very enlightening.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=579993&highlight=expensive+breakfasts

mike

With the Euro what it is, I'm not surprised that folks have found a few $50 breakfasts in Europe. I still haven't encountered one, but I guess I'm not looking too hard. I pretty much don't contemplate having breakfast in a luxury European hotel unless it's included in the rate.

I would submit that $50 would likely set the WESTERN HEMISPHERE record. What are they charging at 5-star hotels in NYC these days? It's still below $30 in Hawaii, so I don't know who else could "compete."

FWIW, last year I had the breakfast buffet at the Caribe Hilton (which, logic would suggests, should be somewhat comparable), and that was less than $25.

We arrived at the airport in the mid afternoon. I could only get a rate of $45 Barbados for the ride to the hotel. Coming back, we were only charged $40B from the taxi at the hotel.

I only ate at one of their restaurants, during my visit. I hit the exec lounge in the evening, and got breakfast in the morning. Certainly not cheap. About $25 US for a mid level entree, with no drinks. A 8 ounce hamburger with fries was $20 US with tax/service fee.

The staff was decent. I got upgraded to a low floor suite (101), that included a living room (103) with a fold out sofa bed. From the main suite you could see the bay towards Bridgetown, and a bit of the storage tanks. From the side window I could see the beach. From the living room, I had a nice view in the other direction.

A small rum cake was in the room, along with two waters. They left a note saying they had tried to deliver an amenity while we were gone. I called up at 8pm, and they said they'd deliver it, but never did. (The card they left said to call before 9pm). I also never got any newspapers. I called the next day, and got the amenity delivered, just simple grapes, crackers and a little cheese.

Since I had read that some water activities were being charged for, I asked a staff member, and he indicated that there was a charge for it. I went with my teenager the next day to find our for sure, and all non-motorized ones are free through Barbados Blue dive/surf shop.

The wind was blowing quite hard, and my Kayaking teenager got blown out into the bay, and the staff went out did a rescue. Great work! It gets your heart pumping anyway.

The Brown Sugar restaurant is around the corner, almost to the main street from the hotel. I'd guess it's about a 1/3 of a mile walk. My wife ate a lunch buffet there, but she gave it a mixed review. I think it's $56B.

We also ate the the small Chinese restaurant on the main road to the left of Brown Sugar. I think it was Yang or Yung's. Nothing special. About $25B for a medium sized dinner combo, plus tax and service charge. Beers were $3b each.

We walked into Bridgetown the first afternoon. The sidewalks were often in poor condition, and there wasn't really anything there that was interesting. We took the mini-vans back, since it was a tiring walk. $1.50b each.

We went to Oisten's on Friday night. We got there at about 8:30pm, and took the large bus there, also $1.50b each. Lots of people there, both locals and tourists. There was a huge line in front of one restaurant (George's, I think), but I didn't want to wait that long for food.

I found a nice place in the back, Clarkson's. I talked with some locals, and they recommended the Mahi-Mahi. I got a plate, along with fries for $15B and it fed two people. Really tasty!

Waiting while the wife and teenager were shopping, I got to see a lot of interesting locals. I got a big sloppy kiss from a lady thanking me for coming to Barbados. She seemed a bit lubricated but her husband seemed amused.

It had reggae and other more dance/techno type music going on. Nothing too bad. I was told that there is music Thurs/Fri, and Karaoke on Saturday. Open every night. The beach area is being worked on, so it's across the street now.

Everyone was quite friendly, and I'd really recommend it to everyone. I left with only 4.5B in my pocket, just enough to ride the bus back close to the hotel!

The airport taxes were included in the $29+ ($100 total) Delta ticket that we bought out of CLT. $1=$2 Barbados in most places. At the airport they tried to shave a bit and have $8US=$15.50. My ATM withdrawal was just under 2-1 as well, by about 50 cents on a $150US withdrawal.

For the person who asked about the Heavenly Chicken, we passed by the Chicken Barn on the way to/from the hotel and was the slogan on it's sign.

I paid $198+ a night. My total bill was a bit under $500US for the two day stay, including a meal, VAT and service fees. While using the computer in the exec lounge, it loaded up the Hilton Barbados website, which showed a $799 special for 4 nights and airfare. Probably based on double occupancy, though.

Just returned from Barbados Hilton and had a wonderful time. I used my 3
Q3FN certs and paid for 2 nights. It was extremely busy during the time that I was there and they explained that they were unable to upgrade me to the Executive Floor. Instead they gave me an ocean front room and told me that I could have continental breakfast at the restaurant.

They gave me lounge privileges and I had to go to the concierge each morning to get coupons that was good for the buffett breakfast for $10 per person. I asked if they could give me the coupons for my entire stay instead of giving me the coupons daily but I was told that the coupons had to be given out daily. Lounge was on the 8th floor, busy, I used the computer twice they give you a password that's good for 30 mins. They had continental breakfast, afternoon tea with cookies and other sweets and in the evening, hot snacks and alcohol drinks.

Room: very spacious, comfortable bed, stand alone shower, phone in the bathroom, electronic safe. My only complaint was that the sliding glass door did not have a screen. At night, we opened the door to hear the ocean and feel the cool breeze but I was afraid to leave it open for fear of having unwanted creatures in our room.

Beach: small but very nice, 2 pools, 1 child's pool, plenty of chairs and unbrellas, strong waves. There was a beach attendant that came around periodically to take our drink order.

Restaurants: We loved the food at the hotel. We ate the buffett breakfast daily and it held us over until dinner. Nice selection of fresh fruit, breakfast meat such as bacon, sausage, either pancakes or french toast, cold cereal, fresh juices, omelette station. We also had the Seafood buffett which was good, not spectacular but good. We ate at the Crinage Grille twice, wonderful steak and wonderful lobster. We ate at Brown Sugar which is a short walk from the hotel and enjoyed the food. Good local food, flying fish, peas and rice, macaroni pie.....

Staff: very pleasant and efficient, yes the service is slow, but if you ever visited a Caribbean island before, then you can expect 2 things: slow service and expensive food.

Hotel: very big and well layed out. They had some type of entertainment nightly such as a steel band, singer, karaoke, hotel is spacious and clean.

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back. :)

Good review...brown sugar is good and just a short walk up from the hotel.

My only complaint was that the sliding glass door did not have a screen. At night, we opened the door to hear the ocean and feel the cool breeze but I was afraid to leave it open for fear of having unwanted creatures in our room.I agree that this would be nice, but thinking about it, I don't recall any hotel I've ever stayed at having a screen on the sliding glass door. I'm sure there are some that do have them, but it seems to me they are the exception rather than the rule.

I just returned from a week at this property, too. Here's my perspective (and note it's from someone who has stayed in lots of these American-managed upscale beach resorts, and am therefore a bit jaded and hard to impress).

As a recent convert to HHonors, I'm just a silver, and since I was staying on a cheapo Hotwire rate I wasn't expecting a great room. A fellow flyertalker recently had some success slipping the front desk clerk a tip -- and since I REALLY wanted lounge access or at least a larger room for my family -- I tried it (40 bucks on a week's stay seemed like a reasonable bet). The "deal" seemed to go down well, as I was ushered into the lounge to wait for my room with some complimentary drinks. But what I ultimately wound up getting was essentially nothing! A regular old room (every room at the hotel has an ocean or bay view), a plate of (bad) cookies delivered to my room, and a certificate for a free appetizer with dinner at their fanciest restaurant. Oh, well!

That experience behind me, I found the property to be above average for its genre. The hotel building itself (only 2 years old, and easily the biggest building in Barbados!) is a bit industrial for my taste, but the rooms themselves are nicely furnished and decorated in Caribbean style. The hotel is fairly vertical in its design, so everything (including your car if you rent one) is a very short walk away. The pools are nice, although it seemed a bit weird to have them on two levels. My kids would have appreciated a water slide, but they enjoyed the kids camp (and I enjoyed the fact that it was entirely complimentary -- on Tuesday nights they even have an evening movie where they feed the kids a free dinner buffet and the adults can have a quiet dinner).

Personally, I think the hotel works best as a family resort (or perhaps as a place to hold a meeting -- they have by far the best "convention" space on the island). I don't think I'd pick the hotel as a romantic getaway (too sterile and busy). Kids are very well taken care of. In addition to the free camp, kids eat free at breakfast. To correct some earlier confusion, its "only" about Barbados $50 (US$ 25) for an adult buffet breakfast, so it works out to be a good deal if you have a couple of kids. Breakfast is quite extensive and tasty -- if you've been to the Caribe Hilton, it's very similar, and includes free sparkling wine and plenty of hot and cold choices.

I didn't try the evening buffets (which seems to be the food service for which the hotel is best known on the island), primarily because they seemed slightly expensive for a family meal (adults about US$36, and kids pay half at dinner). Food and drink prices at the hotel are expensive, but since food and drink prices on Barbados are pretty lofty, the difference between "on property" and "off property" meals is not huge. All prices quoted include the 15% VAT and 10% service charge, so "all in" really isn't THAT bad. They leave a line for an additional tip: I suspect most American guests double tip, and I would have added a couple of dollars for a waiter-served meal, but I didn't for the breakfast buffet or a drink at the poolside bar.

Speaking of the pool bar, there's a one-hour happy hour (2 hours on Friday), with half price drinks. That takes the bar prices out of the stratosphere -- about US$4 all in gets you a nice drink, along with free popcorn or chips -- and I'd highly recommend it for those not fortunate enough to have Lounge privileges. :) The local Banks beer is quite good (compared to the "Medalla" swill on Puerto Rico), but order something better at happy hour.

The beach at the hotel has nice sand, and the surf (there's always at least some waves at the beach) is generally pleasant. But every day is different -- you certainly can get some high surf days which are unsuitable for kids and less plesant for adults.

Barbadians (aka "Bajans" BAY-jans) are naturally friendly and hospitable, and the Hilton staff is no different -- albeit perhaps a bit stuffier (probably their training) than most locals you'll meet on the island. Indeed, if there's anything that makes Barbados a stand-out Caribbean destination, it's the people. Nice folks -- the men, in particular, tend to be comedians. Typical Bajan humor (from the guy renting me a car at the airport): "Don't worry mon about the driving here, you'll get the hang of it -- especially after a couple of beers."

One small downside to the hotel can be a little disorganization and cluelessness. I received a letter under my door inviting me to the Wednesday evening "manager's reception." Hey, free booze -- why not. Well, it was a bit rainy at midday (but gorgeous by evening) and they decided to cancel the party. Nobody bothered to inform me. When I found this out at the reception desk ("hey, where's the party?"), you might have thought they'd hand me out a drink coupon or two for the pool side bar (I had just missed happy hour, too!). No such luck, so I went off to dinner sans cocktail hour.

Whether you should rent a car is debatable. As an experienced foreign driver -- and having a family to tote around -- I found it quite worthwhile. But if you're uncomfortable with poorly marked roads, bad lighting (it gets dark early in summer in Barbados) and narrow, twisty lanes, don't do it. Economically, it might only pay to rent a car for a day or two to "tour" the island: of course, if you do that, you'll never get a chance to become familiar with the roads, so it could be a bit frustrating. With a Corolla costing at least $45/day on a small island, taxis and an island tour might be competively priced if you plan to spend much of your time at the hotel. Oh, and traffic can be very bad, especially at rush hour (the congested drive from the airport to the hotel can seem endless in traffic, and it is easily the ugliest "scenery" on the island (my youngest reasonably asked me "Daddy, why do all the buildings look destroyed?") I rented from Drive-a-Matic at the airport (they also have a guy at the Hilton) and I'd highly recommend them.

As far as restaurants go, Barbados doesn't really have great options for families -- there's good fine dining (with US$35 and $40 entrees), but not particularly good value below that level. The best deal (for both families and couples) is the Friday and Saturday night Oistins fish fry. The best meal I had on the island was the flying fish (about US$10, and US$1.50 for beer) at one stall in the back (look for tables with tableclothes and flowers). Her portions were smaller than some competitors, but tastier. Brown Sugar (a short walk from the Hilton) is a nice experience, but the flying fish there couldn't compare to Oistins (and other entrees are almost at the fine dining price level).

BTW, Barbados is an expensive place, and if you want to truly be shocked, go to a supermarket (Big B's seems to be the best) where everything cost 2 to 5X the price as in the US. For the same reason, there's not much to buy on the island (I don't know about the "duty free" diamonds and Euro watches), but perhaps take a drive to the Earthworks pottery factory and see if you can find a "seconds" you like (or splurge for the first-quality if you like bright Caribbean pottery).

As far as sightseeing goes, the best thing to do is get on the water. The 5-hour snorkel, swim-with-the turtles, lunch cruises are very popular, and all the catamarans go to the same places. Cool Runnings (US$75 adults, kids half-price) is very highly recommended on the web and I would echo those comments -- the crew is exceptional. From the hotel's dive shop (competitively priced) you can also take a 1 1/2 hour snorkel trip to the shipwrecks of adjacent Carlyle Bay (US $20, some kids discounts available): also worthwhile, but only if you're staying a week or so. Not in the same league as the experience on the 5 hour catamarans.

Other sights we liked on the island were the Flower Forest and the Welchman's Gully walk for adults, and the Barbados Nature Preserve (monkeys, tortises and more) for kids. Bridgetown might be worth an hour or two; the nearby Barbados Museum is missable. Bathsheba and its Andromeda gardens are another pleasant day trip. The nearby Graeme Hall nature sanctuary is nice but under renovation, so it's only so-so at the moment. The famous Harrison Cave is apparently closed this summer, and some other tourist sites (like the Morgan Lewis windmill) are also being renovated. None of this is easy to figure out before you get there. If you rent a car, go to the island's Globe drive-in theatre (nice early start with the early sunset) for a great local experience (with 75 cent popcorn and $2 flying fish sandwiches).

Between our cheapo Delta tickets (we had the $100 "fare mistake" tickets) and the hotwire Hilton room just north of $100/night, we had a nice time on Barbados. Would I go back if I had to pay normal prices (especially $500+ airfares)? Probably not. If it's costing me that much, and I was looking for an expensive tropical island, I'd think Tahiti (especially for a romantic getaway). But if you can get a deal, or don't care about the expense, Barbados and the Barbados Hilton makes a pleasant holiday destination.

Just as airfares vary, I'm sure it the same for Hotwire. Dates I've looked at are as low as $129 before taxes/fees. However, this is rather far into the future. If you're only looking at a $20 difference a night, then obviously get the pay 3 for 4 night special. I've looked for these special prices before, and rarely find them for the dates that I want that will work.

Can anyone with experience confirm that, if I'm seeing a 4* resort for $129 on Hotwire for next week, it's (almost) for sure the Hilton? There is also a 3.5* Resort that is $221/night.
Yes, I do realize there is always a chance of it being something else, but I'm hoping for the Hilton, since "Resort" could be anywhere on the island. I found another really nice place, with a kitchen and with great reviews on TripAdvisor, for $140++ per night, so I'm not desperate for the Hilton.
Thanks!

FYI, I don;t know how old your kids are, but when we were there kids under 6 ate and drank FOR FREE, not 50% off.

Can anyone with experience confirm that, if I'm seeing a 4* resort for $129 on Hotwire for next week, it's (almost) for sure the Hilton? There is also a 3.5* Resort that is $221/night.
Yes, I do realize there is always a chance of it being something else, but I'm hoping for the Hilton, since "Resort" could be anywhere on the island. I found another really nice place, with a kitchen and with great reviews on TripAdvisor, for $140++ per night, so I'm not desperate for the Hilton.
Thanks!

I think it's 99% certain to be the Hilton. I booked it there. There aren't any other chain hotels on the island these days.

BTW, tinker around with the occupancy levels on the hotwire site, and you may get it for less. I don't think it matters how many actually show up. I thought I recently saw it for $109.

As far as where to stay goes, if you want resort hotel amenities, the Hilton probably can't be beat at that price. But I'm guessing there are "nicer" properties on the west coast -- condos or cottages with more room (of course, supermarket food is expensive, so cooking some meals might not be so great). I personally wouldn't book anything on the south coast (unless the southeast like the Crane). It's not a particularly attractive area.

<It's da bump, mon.> ;)

We'll be there Nov 27 - Dec 1 spending an AXON, assuming no weather IROPS at JFK (with a backup cancel by 4PM at the JFK Doubletree Nov 27 in case we miss our connection fro SFO,) so if anyone has any last-minute recommendations, I'm happy to have them.

I'll be sure to file a report from there or after (depending on access and activities.) TIA!

Added November 29 - ain't gonna happen. Lady JDiver became quite ill, so I had to cancel flights requalifying us as Executive Platinum, (MR, here I come,) AXON at Hilton Barbados and a 14-day Windstar cruise. :eek: She in particular had been sooo looking forward to this. :(

I'm a Gold trying to book on points for February. The website is not showing any redemption availability for the entire month. Can that be right? I'm thinking I need to call. Any tips specific to this hotel on getting them to give me availability/a good promo rate?

I'm a Gold trying to book on points for February. The website is not showing any redemption availability for the entire month. Can that be right? I'm thinking I need to call. Any tips specific to this hotel on getting them to give me availability/a good promo rate?

February is high season and I suspect that you have left your run at little late. If you are looking for reward space at a top resort during high season you need to book at least 9-12 months in advance - or get upgraded to Diamond.

I would very much doubt if you will get any special promotion rates during the high season.

I'll echo Bondiboy's sentiments - you are requesting slack at the peak of high season, other than perhaps Christmas - New Year. Promos are meant to lure guests during low periods in particular - in the Caribbean, other than the US Thanksgiving, which may not affect Barbados that much, November through mid-December is a great time for promos - ~Dec 15 the gong rings and prices rocket up through March.

All I can recommend is to check regularly, and be prepared to take advantage of any changes that might happen because of a group cancellation or the like.

I'm a Gold trying to book on points for February. The website is not showing any redemption availability for the entire month. Can that be right? I'm thinking I need to call. Any tips specific to this hotel on getting them to give me availability/a good promo rate?

This note appears above the booking page for Hilton Barbados currently:

Please Note: An island-wide government beach restoration project is currently in progress affecting the beach on one side of Hilton Barbados. This work should be completed by early December.

This note appears above the booking page for Hilton Barbados currently:

Please Note: An island-wide government beach restoration project is currently in progress affecting the beach on one side of Hilton Barbados. This work should be completed by early December.

Yup. When I was there a month ago the beach on one side was partially roped off (but you could still use it). As I was not at the hotel during the day I have no idea whether the works were noisy or otherwise disruptive.

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll look elsewhere. It's a shame, because American has lots of availability for flights at the time I want to go.

Thinking about going to this hotel this xmas/new years. Anyone spent the holidays in Barbados? Plan is to be there dec28 to jan3..

how is the experience? we are a mid-30's couple.

Anyone stay here in the last 3 years? Looking to take the wife and kids somewhere fun.

Anyone stay here in the last 3 years?

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Did you even bother to read the reports on this thread? Plenty of reports in the last year or two.

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Did you even bother to read the reports on this thread? Plenty of reports in the last year or two.

Jaimito,

My mistake. When I did my search, this thread comes up and I looked at the post date of 9/15/05. I thought (incorrectly as you so quickly pointed out) that the date was of the last post, not the first post.

I stand corrected and will read the recent reviews.

Thanks.

Would love some help from you experts.

I'm unable to find ANY award rooms whatsoever.

I've searched from this date to the 365 day limit without finding any award rooms. But I am finding standard rooms available for revenue stays (I'm assuming the "Bayview" is the standard room).

Example I just tried, May 28, 08. They show available both the King Bayview and 2 Doubles Bayview at a BAR of $269. But when I try to find an award night for May 28 it shows not available. I've tried it with both non-smkg and smkg preferences, and with no bed preference, etc. I've tried GLONPs, single nights, 2-3-4 nights etc.. and come up with zip.

Has the Barbados Hilton stopped participating in the HH award night policy?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Would love some help from you experts.

I'm unable to find ANY award rooms whatsoever.

I've searched from this date to the 365 day limit without finding any award rooms. But I am finding standard rooms available for revenue stays (I'm assuming the "Bayview" is the standard room).

Example I just tried, May 28, 08. They show available both the King Bayview and 2 Doubles Bayview at a BAR of $269. But when I try to find an award night for May 28 it shows not available. I've tried it with both non-smkg and smkg preferences, and with no bed preference, etc. I've tried GLONPs, single nights, 2-3-4 nights etc.. and come up with zip.

Has the Barbados Hilton stopped participating in the HH award night policy?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Not sure what you are doing.
I thought Golds had the same avaliblity as Diamonds.. but apparently not.

Since I put in your May 28 date and also three and four night awards and found availibilty in every instance.

mike

Not sure what you are doing.
I thought Golds had the same avaliblity as Diamonds.. but apparently not.

Since I put in your May 28 date and also three and four night awards and found availibilty in every instance.

mike

Thanks for checking this out MIKESILV... but.. did you click on "View Rooms"?

I first see the screen showing a 40,000 point award available, but then when I went thru the process clicking on "View Rooms" and then hitting "Continue" when at the page with the calendar, I get the cut and paste below (and that's what I get no matter what dates I enter):

We're sorry; there are no rooms available that meet your criteria at this hotel.
We recommend you try one of the options below:
- Try changing your dates or criteria and search again.
- View Availability Calendar if you have flexible travel dates
- Contact a reservations agent for further assistance at 1-800-446-6677.
- Select a different hotel from the list below.

But regardless, what about Hilton's new policy of when there's a standard room available it's now also available for an award night? Is my understanding of Hilton's new No-Blackout policy incorrect?

Thanks for checking this out MIKESILV... but.. did you click on "View Rooms"?

I first see the screen showing a 40,000 point award available, but then when I went thru the process clicking on "View Rooms" and then hitting "Continue" when at the page with the calendar, I get the cut and paste below (and that's what I get no matter what dates I enter):

We're sorry; there are no rooms available that meet your criteria at this hotel.
We recommend you try one of the options below:
- Try changing your dates or criteria and search again.
- View Availability Calendar if you have flexible travel dates
- Contact a reservations agent for further assistance at 1-800-446-6677.
- Select a different hotel from the list below.

But regardless, what about Hilton's new policy of when there's a standard room available it's now also available for an award night? Is my understanding of Hilton's new No-Blackout policy incorrect?


Heres what I tried for May 28th:

I inserted " two stayers" " non Smoking and clicked through to view rooms and got " 1 King Bed with Balcony - Bayview"

When I inserted two double beds or no bedding preference it still came up as above.. so it seems only King available.
Then I tried for Smoking - and same above type room but smoking came up.

Repeated all the above and it showed availibilty for three and four nights.

mike

sk3 I checked and got the same as you. Not sure why. I tried through October and there was no availability on the calendar.

Heres what I tried for May 28th:

I inserted " two stayers" " non Smoking and clicked through to view rooms and got " 1 King Bed with Balcony - Bayview"

When I inserted two double beds or no bedding preference it still came up as above.. so it seems only King available.
Then I tried for Smoking - and same above type room but smoking came up.

Repeated all the above and it showed availibilty for three and four nights.

mike


Thanks again mike for taking time on this....

Well you're definitely getting different results than I am.

And I am just a Gold - so that's why I get different results? But why do I first see the screen showing the 40,000 point night available?

Any other Golds out there willing to try this right now? Check to see if you find available a reward night for May 28? (And check through to the point of actually being able to select a room, like MIKESILV was able to do above?)

Not to jump to conclusions based on just me and MIKESILVs attempts, but so far this seems to indicate that ONLY Diamonds can book award stays at the Barbados Hilton? :(

sk3 I checked and got the same as you. Not sure why. I tried through October and there was no availability on the calendar.

boilers, I didn't see your post. Thanks for checking. Wow. This does not bode well!

Maybe I've completely misunderstood Hilton's new award night policy. I admit to not having read all the many posts here on the subject.

Maybe it's already been discussed that Diamonds get availability when no one else can.

And maybe it's already been discussed that a Hilton can just opt to offer standard rooms for revenue stays but NOT offer these same rooms for award nights - unless you're a Diamond.

I'm so disheartened...

Well I've just spent 45 minutes on the phone with HH and their "Website Department".

Good news, award nights ARE available if standard rooms are available, and ANY HHonors member can book these. Turns out, and this will come as a complete surprise I'm sure, that it's their website that's the problem.

But as of now, you'll probably need to book the award reservation on the phone (unless you have the good fortune of MIKESILV). The rep saw lots of availability for standard and VIP awards where I had seen none on the website.

Interestingly, she said that the VIP awards should always be available if there are standard rooms available, that they're within the new HHonors No-Blackout policy as well, but that with them you have to be Silver, Gold or Diamond to book. I was under the impression that these VIP awards could be controlled by the individual hotels. But of course, this is info from just one rep.

But I'm delighted now. I'm looking to use a GLONP next spring (yes, I plan ahead!) and there's availability for my dates.

I had told the HH rep about my website efforts all day trying to find award availability and I asked how "we" could report this problem to the appropriate department so that Hilton would fix their website. She said she could transfer me to the "Website Department".

I then had a long interaction with a most unhappy fella. He wasn't in the "Website Department", he was an IT guy who's job it is to listen all day about horrible Hilton.com is and to try to help people navigate through it. We were trying to simultaneously go through the booking process (him using my HH number and pin) when we both got the error message saying that Hilton.com will be down for maintenance, or something like that. He said it happens every Thursday night and will be unusable for hours now. Perfect irony.

Bottomline, know that the website (at this time) cannot be used to accurately gage if there's award availability and that you should CALL HHonors instead.

And know, there is no Diamond exclusivity to this property, only to the website! Any HHonors member can book an award night if there is the standard room available.

Thanks for spending so much time and effort on this SK3, this is certainly helpful to know and proves once again that the website isn't always the best resource.

No matter what airlines and hotels do, there always seems to be better availability when calling.... :confused:

Just got back off 7 night stay. (diamond We were going for our anniversary and at first were assigned a room with double beds w/ lounge access. On the second day - we were able to move to room on 8th floor overlooking the ocean. Lovely room overlooking the ocean. We received a bottle of champagne as well and a note from manager. (Very nice touch) We used the lounge each morning for breakfast and never used the restaurants for breakfast. Plenty of selection for us.
Enjoyed diving with Barbados blue and found their rates very reasonable.
The ocean was calm enough on the Hilton side to swim for about 1/2 the time. The bay side was great for snorkeling.

We also enjoyed going with Silver-Moon for a catamaran trip. We were able to swim with the turtles and had a great lunch. They even had frozen drinks on the way back. Very clean catamaran and only had about 16 people on board. ( maybe 20 with crew)

Hired a taxi for 3 hours to tour the island- very enjoyable and my husband did not have to miss seeing anything. Yes - we could have drove, but the taxi was great. I think it was about $ 30 per hour.

Oistens on Friday night was the best meal that we had on the island. Had Marlin - out of a plastic container. Really good. We shared a taxi to Oistens - about $ 25.00 for 4 people each way. This was the only cheap food that we ate while there and the best - $ 12.50 a plate plus drinks.

Though the Hilton and the beach were great. Really liked that they had both a tub and shower in the room. Bed was a little hard - but no problem. We left the sliding doors open at night to the sounds of the surf.

Enjoyed happy hour each day at 5pm at the beach bar, before heading up to the lounge at 6pm for more drinks. The snacks were enough to make a light meal - chicken wings - cheese/crackers- egg rolls etc. - if you so choose.
Meals at the beach bar were reasonable. Other restaurants were very expensive.
Overall - would go back to the Hilton Barbados in a heart-beat.

Hmmmm. I have mixed feelings about the Hilton Barbados.

I stayed there for 14 days at the end of April. I know the island well having grown up there when I was younger (Dad worked for BA). I also remember donkey derby at the old Hilton. I'm quite a fan of the South coast and the Hilton looked nice so I thought we'd try it for our wedding and honeymoon.

Amenities: The beach is great (the rest of Carlisle Bay is also stunning) and the pools are large and usually pretty empty (in the water at least). The views are good regardless of Bayview or Ocean view (we had Oceanview but friends had the Bay view). The gym was also well stocked. It's close to town, near enough to the airport and close to lots of night life. I would say that get to the deckchairs early because rude people go down to the pool before breakfast, throw some towels and personal stuff on them, then go off for breakfast, shower etc only to return over an hour or more later.....

Rooms: The rooms are all the same, regardless of floor. We found them clean, in good repair (it is a new hotel) but perhaps a little on the small side and lacking in storage space - we kept most stuff in our luggage in the end.

Staff: Not great. We were staying on the executive floor and were asked to check in on that level. I wish we hadn't! The staff were so slow I ended up waiting nearly 15 mins when I could have checked in at an empty desk when I arrived. Won't make that mistake again. Overall the staff are friendly, but the barman looked bored and the receptionist staff were often unhelpful. I understand Caribbean slow time, but most of the time it was frustrating and unhelpful.

Executive lounge: Not worth the extra money in my book. Staff were OK but usually looked bored. The main problem is that this is also a big business hotel. That means that you can get lots of businessmen talking loudly into phones and all with laptops using dining space, when you're trying to relax or eat. I just wanted to shout at some of them!!! Perhaps they could be told to take calls outside, or maybe use the anteroom?? The EL also has free hors d'oeuvres and drinks. In the evening, this was great and very welcome. Unfortunately, again you get guests who ruin it for others. I think many people - mainly businessmen, confused these snacks with a buffet. Hats off though, never seen people stack a small plate so high. Would try it myself if there was actually anything left! In short, next time I'll just get the breakfast package and a regular room.

Air crews: This hotel is used by the BA crew and at times there can be up to 40 or so it seems. They all hang together in a group, they're very loud and often take over the bar in the evening. Management, could you not have a word about their conduct? After all, we're the ones paying.

Charges: watch the charges. Room rate quoted, but add tax and service charge on top. What exactly is the service charge for by the way?? If I want to tip for good service I will. Otherwise, please call a room rate a room rate - it is sneaky. Keep an eye out also for small extras such as charity stuff. I'm all up for charity but would appreciate the choice up front please, not tagged on to the bill.

Food: Lighthouse was OK but nothing special. Had a meal at the Grill which was very expensive, poor service and really not poor food. Absolutely don't eat there. Lots of nearby restaurants such as Champers and 39 Steps.

Finally.....we looked at marrying there but spent months trying to get hold of a manager to sort any of it out - with no luck. Nobody could be bothered. In the end, and actually much better, we got married in a church on the East Coast and had the reception at Champers.

OK...most of that seems negative, I guess it is. All I can say is that the location and beach are major positives, it's a shame that the other things just leave you feeling a little 'ripped off'.

I've been doing some research on this hotel and I have to say I'm a bit nervous about the hotel being over run with children. I do see that it is "famly friendly," and that is fine, but some of the posts have stated that there are children running around, unsupervised (yes, the parents fault, not the children), and that during one couples stay, they had to actually shut down the pool because of "feces." Great. As they stated, "nice."

Anyway, we are planning on going in February and while I would not think that would be a time when most people travel with their children, I could be TOTALLY off base and flat out wrong. It is the high season over there so I'm trying to get as much information as possible before we book the flights.

I'm sorry to all of you that may be offended...this was not intended to offend. But so many of my friends that have children are thoroughly disgusted at the way that other parent's allow their children to run amuck so it is just not the folks that are childless by choice. In all of our vacations in the past 18 years, only one has been completed ruined by unruly children, and I want to keep it at one. We actually disembarked a cruise ship after two days and walked away from $5k for my 40th birthday and made the best of the additional week that was left in St. Marteen. We made the best out of an awful situation, but I don't want to ever have to do that again.

Also, I do not see an "adults only" pool at the Hilton. But even so, and as evidenced by the cruise ship we disembared early--that doesn't always matter if the parents have "left the area."

Thanks.

Dawn

I've been doing some research on this hotel and I have to say I'm a bit nervous about the hotel being over run with children. I do see that it is "famly friendly," and that is fine, but some of the posts have stated that there are children running around, unsupervised (yes, the parents fault, not the children), and that during one couples stay, they had to actually shut down the pool because of "feces." Great. As they stated, "nice."

Anyway, we are planning on going in February and while I would not think that would be a time when most people travel with their children, I could be TOTALLY off base and flat out wrong. It is the high season over there so I'm trying to get as much information as possible before we book the flights.

I'm sorry to all of you that may be offended...this was not intended to offend. But so many of my friends that have children are thoroughly disgusted at the way that other parent's allow their children to run amuck so it is just not the folks that are childless by choice. In all of our vacations in the past 18 years, only one has been completed ruined by unruly children, and I want to keep it at one. We actually disembarked a cruise ship after two days and walked away from $5k for my 40th birthday and made the best of the additional week that was left in St. Marteen. We made the best out of an awful situation, but I don't want to ever have to do that again.

Also, I do not see an "adults only" pool at the Hilton. But even so, and as evidenced by the cruise ship we disembared early--that doesn't always matter if the parents have "left the area."

Thanks.

Dawn

There are two different pools, quite close to each other and at least when I was there neither was indentified as Adults Only.

Well, I got an award for 8 days in Feb 09. I was able to confirm non-smoking, king bed and "bay view."

I still need to get 4 more nights somewhere, but I'm thinking of somewhere else just for a little different experience.

Not sure where....that will be the fun of researching in the next few months. Snagged a Delta airlines award too so now we can afford to eat there! (grin)

Thanks all!!!!

Dawn

Well, I got an award for 8 days in Feb 09. I was able to confirm non-smoking, king bed and "bay view."

I still need to get 4 more nights somewhere, but I'm thinking of somewhere else just for a little different experience.

Not sure where....that will be the fun of researching in the next few months. Snagged a Delta airlines award too so now we can afford to eat there! (grin)

Thanks all!!!!

Dawn

Hi Dawn, glad to see you wont be staying so long in Barbados. Its a nice island, but more than a week is a stretch. If you can catch a hop to SJU the Ponce Hilton is very relaxing (no kids) ;)

Hi Dawn, glad to see you wont be staying so long in Barbados. Its a nice island, but more than a week is a stretch. If you can catch a hop to SJU the Ponce Hilton is very relaxing (no kids) ;)


I was a bit concerned about the 12 days in Barbardos, but I have spent a couple of hours (seriously) on tripadvisor, pouring over various reports on different hotels (we are looking for a 4 nighter somewhere because I don't have enough points to cover the entire stay)....and post after post, folks had stayed two weeks here, or there. A couple of posters had stayed a week and most of those said, "I wish we had a few more days."

I think we may vacation a little different than some. We don't need to have some big activity planned 24/7 and we like being completely relaxed when we return. We spend 10-12 days in Cabo San Lucas and love every minute of it and I would suspect some would say that is CRAZY.

We will have a car and we will explore on the days we feel like it. The 12 days will fly by...and since we both still work full time, it always takes a day or two to even get into the vacation mode, so I'm pretty confident that 12 days should fit the bill. Especially after reading the myraid of posts from people that spend two weeks over there and how one week is never enough, that kind of sealed the deal for us.

We are not the type to hotel hop either....if I can accumulate 125k points for an AMEX award so that we can stay at the Hilton the entire time, trust me, I will...but if not, I need to find an alternative.

We've been the Puerto Rico....never been to Barbados.

Thanks.

Dawn

Well, I got an award for 8 days in Feb 09. I was able to confirm non-smoking, king bed and "bay view."

I still need to get 4 more nights somewhere, but I'm thinking of somewhere else just for a little different experience.

Not sure where....that will be the fun of researching in the next few months. Snagged a Delta airlines award too so now we can afford to eat there! (grin)

Thanks all!!!!

Dawn

good for you dawn!

question: were you able to book the hilton award online? or did you have to do it over the phone?

good for you dawn!

question: were you able to book the hilton award online? or did you have to do it over the phone?


You know, I have had such luck with the Diamond Desk....no horror stories to report here. The representative never heard of Barbardos, but that didn't seem to matter. I needed to buy 10,000 points anyway ($100) so I just did a 2 for 1 transaction. I got the 7 night stay for 205k.

Already got the certificate sent via email. King, non-smoking. I hope we get lounge access....but we'll just have to wait and see.

Dawn

Answer is simple really....book outside of UK and US school holidays if you can. We had no problem with kids in the pools at all - I found the adults far more of a pain!!!

As for more than a week in Barbados? Well, all I can say is you need to chill. If you want something adventurous, why go to an island 14 x 21 miles??

Anyway, as I said previously, save yourself the money/vouchers and don't book a room with the exec lounge - it isn't worth it.

You know, I have had such luck with the Diamond Desk....no horror stories to report here. The representative never heard of Barbardos, but that didn't seem to matter. I needed to buy 10,000 points anyway ($100) so I just did a 2 for 1 transaction. I got the 7 night stay for 205k.

Already got the certificate sent via email. King, non-smoking. I hope we get lounge access....but we'll just have to wait and see.

Dawn

When in Feb are you going to Barbados? If it's towards to the end of the month be aware that thousands of England cricket fans will be converging on Barbados for the third test against the West Indies.
Don't worry about trouble, it'll all be very good natured, it'll just be very busy though.
Oh, I'll be there too with my wife and we'll have a couple of days at the cricket :)

I have stayed at the Hilton and enjoyed every minute of my 14 days in Barbados.Have been going to Barbados for 25 years and have moved between 3 properties,The Crane and Little Arches being the other two.

Depending on what you want in a holiday,I cannot say enough good things about Barbados.I try to go twice a year if I can get away from my business.:D

I have stayed at the Hilton and enjoyed every minute of my 14 days in Barbados.Have been going to Barbados for 25 years and have moved between 3 properties,The Crane and Little Arches being the other two.

Depending on what you want in a holiday,I cannot say enough good things about Barbados.I try to go twice a year if I can get away from my business.:D

I love Barbados as well but would not stay at the Hilton there (I love Hilton city hotels though). The Crane is for special occasions. I also try to go twice a year and recently was staying at The Butterfly Beach close to Oistins. It is an incredible bargain, basic but I have all I need. People looking for luxury should perhaps book at Sandy Lane.

When in Feb are you going to Barbados? If it's towards to the end of the month be aware that thousands of England cricket fans will be converging on Barbados for the third test against the West Indies.
Don't worry about trouble, it'll all be very good natured, it'll just be very busy though.
Oh, I'll be there too with my wife and we'll have a couple of days at the cricket :)


Well, that explains why the hotel is FULLY booked the last week of February then, now doesn't it!!!! I have a GLON7 booked for 2/14-22, and I need to find us another place for the last 4 nights! Guess it won't be at the Hilton because I don't think they have any rooms even if we had the points!

I may get adventous and go priceline.com for the last four nights. Silver Point comes up on hotwire so that may be an option.

As far as the kids, I read a very recent post that discusses an adult pool and a kids pool because of some recent (April 08) problems with kids feces found in the adult pool! So this is good news for us. I don't even mind kids...it is the parents that let them run around, completely unsupervised, because "their on vacation." I've been in the company of some really well-behaved children and it is a pleasure, albeit all too few and far between.

Dawn

I have stayed at the Hilton and enjoyed every minute of my 14 days in Barbados.Have been going to Barbados for 25 years and have moved between 3 properties,The Crane and Little Arches being the other two.

Depending on what you want in a holiday,I cannot say enough good things about Barbados.I try to go twice a year if I can get away from my business.:D

I would LOVE to stay at the Little Arches. But it is pretty expensive. It is about $400 a night. But I've read so many wonderful things about it, I may just book it anyway. What a great way to end our vacation!!!

Dawn

I have stayed at the Hilton and enjoyed every minute of my 14 days in Barbados.Have been going to Barbados for 25 years and have moved between 3 properties,The Crane and Little Arches being the other two.

Depending on what you want in a holiday,I cannot say enough good things about Barbados.I try to go twice a year if I can get away from my business.:D


In the very beginning, I was a little concerned about 12 days in Barbados. But hands down, every single review I read starts out, "stayed a week, should have stayed two." There is probably 2 posts out there that I found that said 12 days was too much....and 100's (literally) that said a week is simply not enough. I guess it depends on just how busy you like your days. I think 12 days will be perfect for us.

Glad to hear you like it so much!

Dawn

I've used the Arrivals Coordinators at HWV and the Palmer House Hilton with good success when traveling on family trips.

Can anyone provide contact info for the arrivals coordinator at the Hilton Barbados - or recommend another contact? I'm planning a one week trip in late August.

I participated in a work-related conference at the Hilton Barbados in late June 2008 and I was very impressed with the location of the property, the facilities and the level of service and attention.
My room rate was $US 199 +17.5% tax and service

The first post in this thread (#1) provides a very good description of the property so I will not go over the same ground.

A hotel representative met me at the airport upon arrival and arranged for a taxi (cost about BBD 50) to take me to the hotel. Check-in was quick and efficient. My Diamond status was recognized and I was upgraded to to a junior suite and informed that I would be given access to the Executive Lounge. (Note: The hotel was almost full and unfortunately two of my fellow conferees - also Diamonds - who arrived several hours after me were not granted access to the EL).

The EL access includes:

Complimentary continental breakfast 0700-1030
Refreshments (incl tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks) during the day
Open bar with hot and cold canapes from 1800-2030
Brandy night cap at 2100-2230


You are required to sign in when you visit the EL and there is a dress code of "casual evening attire" for evening services. Swim wear, wet clothing and shirtless sleeves are not allowed.

There is a PC in the EL (but it is usually monopolized by kids playing games.

The Hilton Barbados is VERY popular with group tours and families (mainly from the UK it seemed) and this was the one feature that would cause me not to return for a holiday/vacation. The families and kids would sweep into the EL and very quickly the available food would be demolished as if by an attack of locusts. The EL was always very crowded and there was always a line of people waiting to obtain whatever food was left. As soon as fresh food was delivered, the line reappeared. It was very frustrating and detracted from the enjoyment. The various booze options were also subject to a line. I only stayed for two nights and I don't think that I could take any more meals with the kids. My fellow conferees reported that they had a wonderful time.

All HHonors members are offered a late check-out UPON AVAILABILITY and they also enjoy complimentary access to the gem.

There are lots of daily activities and great live music at night. The prices for food and booze are expensive, but not outragous. For example; a Pina Colada will cost you $US 9 ++; a Margarita $US 10 ++ and a Stella Beer $US 6 ++.

This is a great property in a great location and without the kids would be one of the best Hiltons that I have experienced.

By the way: There is an Airport Tax of $US 32 payable upon departure

I participated in a work-related conference at the Hilton Barbados in late June 2008 and I was very impressed with the location of the property, the facilities and the level of service and attention.
My room rate was $US 199 +17.5% tax and service

The first post in this thread (#1) provides a very good description of the property so I will not go over the same ground.

A hotel representative met me at the airport upon arrival and arranged for a taxi (cost about BBD 50) to take me to the hotel. Check-in was quick and efficient. My Diamond status was recognized and I was upgraded to to a junior suite and informed that I would be given access to the Executive Lounge. (Note: The hotel was almost full and unfortunately two of my fellow conferees - also Diamonds - who arrived several hours after me were not granted access to the EL).

The EL access includes:

Complimentary continental breakfast 0700-1030
Refreshments (incl tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks) during the day
Open bar with hot and cold canapes from 1800-2030
Brandy night cap at 2100-2230


You are required to sign in when you visit the EL and there is a dress code of "casual evening attire" for evening services. Swim wear, wet clothing and shirtless sleeves are not allowed.

There is a PC in the EL (but it is usually monopolized by kids playing games.

The Hilton Barbados is VERY popular with group tours and families (mainly from the UK it seemed) and this was the one feature that would cause me not to return for a holiday/vacation. The families and kids would sweep into the EL and very quickly the available food would be demolished as if by an attack of locusts. The EL was always very crowded and there was always a line of people waiting to obtain whatever food was left. As soon as fresh food was delivered, the line reappeared. It was very frustrating and detracted from the enjoyment. The various booze options were also subject to a line. I only stayed for two nights and I was thankful that I was not staying any longer

All HHonors members are offered a late check-out UPON AVAILABILITY and they also enjoy complimentary access to the gem.

There are lots of daily activities and great live music at night. The prices for food and booze are expensive, but not outragous. For example; a Pina Colada will cost you $US 9 ++; a Margarita $US 10 ++ and a Stella Beer $US 6 ++.

This is a great property in a great location and without the kids would be one of the best Hiltons that I have experienced.

By the way: There is an Airport Tax of $US 32 payable upon departure

I'm wondering if we will experience the same onslought of kids that you experienced in the month of February. I'm really not sure. I know that February is a very, very busy time of year but is it tourists in general, or the family vacationors? I tend to think it is the empty nesters or families without children because February, typically, is just not a good time to take a family vacation. I know this is not true of EVERYONE, but typically, it is the summer months (June/July/August) that is convenient to vacation, which, by the way, is the reason we do not vacation during those months.

I also discovered that the last week of February is when the cricket tournament is taking place, which may understand why the Hilton is completely sold out for the final four nights we need to still book. And, because I can't book without points, I don't have enough points to secure a room with an award. The option of paying does not even appear because the hotel is full. Now I know why. So, it is not likely that we will have access to the EL. I hope that is not true, but if it is, we'll just have to make the best of it.

Thanks for the update on this property. I'll just have to take it all in stride and remember that there are no EL guarantees in life!

Dawn

I'm wondering if we will experience the same onslought of kids that you experienced in the month of February ... because February, typically, is just not a good time to take a family vacation. I know this is not true of EVERYONE, but typically, it is the summer months (June/July/August) that is convenient to vacation,




In about half of the world, December/January/February ARE the Summer months.

In about half of the world, December/January/February ARE the Summer months.Only when measured by surface area, for about 90% of the world's population those are winter months.

I'm doing an award stay in October, and I realized that I'm in a smoking room (I'm a non-smoker) when I called HHonors, they told me there were no non-smoking award rooms, and that there were only smoking award rooms available.

Is this a typo in the system or have others been stuck in a smoking room on their award stay?

I'm doing an award stay in October, and I realized that I'm in a smoking room (I'm a non-smoker) when I called HHonors, they told me there were no non-smoking award rooms, and that there were only smoking award rooms available.

Is this a typo in the system or have others been stuck in a smoking room on their award stay?

80% of the time, both my paid and award stays internationally say "smoking room", when I've selected the opposite. I'd recommend emailing or calling the property if you want to be sure. However, I had no problems at this property, and everyone was really nice there!

Has anyone done an award stay at this property after the "new and improved" HHonors policy? I'm Diamond, and wondering if the property offers lounge access to diamonds on award stays. (was told by the diamond desk that lounge access on award stays was at the discression of the hotel)

Has anyone done an award stay at this property after the "new and improved" HHonors policy? I'm Diamond, and wondering if the property offers lounge access to diamonds on award stays. (was told by the diamond desk that lounge access on award stays was at the discression of the hotel)

I just read a post about a Diamond member having to "convince" the desk that he was entitled to lounge access when he was at the Paris-ADT, I believe.

We have an award stay there in Feb 09. I really, really, hope that we do not have to start our vacation trying to "convince" the front desk that we should have access. Not a way to start a vacation. I hope this gets ironed out long before February.

I'll be anxious to know myself.

Dawn

I just read a post about a Diamond member having to "convince" the desk that he was entitled to lounge access when he was at the Paris-ADT, I believe.

We have an award stay there in Feb 09. I really, really, hope that we do not have to start our vacation trying to "convince" the front desk that we should have access. Not a way to start a vacation. I hope this gets ironed out long before February.

I'll be anxious to know myself.

Dawn

And posted that within the last two weeks I had two stays at the ADT plus the Hilton Strasbourg and the Hilton Evian les Bains I got Executive floor and lounge access at ALL properties for a total of four guests in two rooms with no need at convincing anyone.;)

All rooms/stays were awards

mike

I'm wondering if we will experience the same onslought of kids that you experienced in the month of February. I'm really not sure. I know that February is a very, very busy time of year but is it tourists in general, or the family vacationors? I tend to think it is the empty nesters or families without children because February, typically, is just not a good time to take a family vacation. I know this is not true of EVERYONE, but typically, it is the summer months (June/July/August) that is convenient to vacation, which, by the way, is the reason we do not vacation during those months.

My wife stayed at the Hilton Barbados in January 2007 and she didn't experience tons of kids at the resort or in the lounge. There are many schools that do have a winter break and you might catch some of that action (Ours is alway during President's Day week). Good luck and enjoy your stay.

We have an award stay there in Feb 09. I really, really, hope that we do not have to start our vacation trying to "convince" the front desk that we should have access. Not a way to start a vacation. I hope this gets ironed out long before February.

I'll be anxious to know myself.

Dawn

I'll let you know. I'm checking in this friday. Hopefully it will be a smooth and easy checkin

EDIT UPDATE:
I've returned. The property is just simply great. Perhaps the best maintained property in the islands I've stayed at. The rooms seemed fresh and clean. All the staff are friendly and helpful. I did get upgraded to a ocean view room; and did receive access to the lounge. No issues whatsoever. (After e-mailing HHonors multiple times, and receiving multiple answers, I finally received the answer I wanted (that I get lounge access guaranteed because its MyWay option; even if I don't get upgraded))

Pools are great. Do check out the old fort on the property, really easy to miss; really cool to get some pics of. Also when you are at the ocean side of the fort, look straight down, there are like 100 crabs crawing all over. Fairly cool.

As for the lounge, especially at 6pm, there sometimes was a bunch of families there; crowding the food for "dinner". Generally they were gone after a bit. There were two hot food items daily (Samosas, Chicken Wings, Poppers, Cheese Sticks, Egg Rolls) three or four cold items (veggie tray, cheese tray, and one or two speciality trays that changed). Wine (Merlot and Char) Beer (Local Beer Banks and Heinkeins) Hard liquor, (Vodka, Gin, Rum, and others) and mixers No cost. A few times there were a few drunks.. and some funny stories we heard :) Breakfast was Juice (you have to try the Bajan cherry juice, its a bit different but good) Cheese, Turkey, Ham, Fish; assorted breads cold items, yogurt, etc. All day there is tea/coffee and assorted breads/cookies.

The pool bar has some decent food. On-site restaraunts are good. check out the bar behind the check in counter. A few times per week they have local bands (they are pretty good)

Note: IF you rent a car do NOT drive it if its raining. THe roads flood, and your car may get deep in water. (I always decline the insurance, but I'd have gotten it absolutely knowing what I know now!) We saw a couple cars swept off the road, couple that were more than 18 inches in water and stalled. The Mt Gay rum plant was good, as was the harrison cave tour. (its like any other cave, really, but its a decent diversion) The Concorde experience (A Concorde airplane on loan from BA) is right next to the airport. Driving is a bit of a challenge, as many roads have no signs; many signs point to "places" and not what the road name is, and the maps are a little outdated (map shows go down ABC highway for three round-a-bouts then turn right, but now there are 4 or 5 round-a-bouts)... So be relaxed in your driving, you will get lost... but the locals are friendly.

Taxi from the airport to the hotel was "quoted" as 21USD, but at the hotel they revised it to 25USD. not wanting to get into an arguement over 4, I paid and moved on.

Taxi to downtown from hotel was $19USD.

Again, the property is absolutely great as is the staff!

Deleted...

For some reason all of the e-mail addresses seem to have been replaced with a generic form that promises a quick response.

Maybe it is worth trying.

You might like to try info.barbados@hilton.com

For some reason all of the e-mail addresses seem to have been replaced with a generic form that promises a quick response.

Maybe it is worth trying.

You might like to try info.barbados@hilton.com

That address did work for me about 8 months back, but I have to send my email a second time asking for a reply.

Deleted...

I'll let you know. I'm checking in this friday. Hopefully it will be a smooth and easy checkin

EDIT UPDATE:
I've returned. The property is just simply great. Perhaps the best maintained property in the islands I've stayed at. The rooms seemed fresh and clean. All the staff are friendly and helpful. I did get upgraded to a ocean view room; and did receive access to the lounge. No issues whatsoever. (After e-mailing HHonors multiple times, and receiving multiple answers, I finally received the answer I wanted (that I get lounge access guaranteed because its MyWay option; even if I don't get upgraded))

Pools are great. Do check out the old fort on the property, really easy to miss; really cool to get some pics of. Also when you are at the ocean side of the fort, look straight down, there are like 100 crabs crawing all over. Fairly cool.

As for the lounge, especially at 6pm, there sometimes was a bunch of families there; crowding the food for "dinner". Generally they were gone after a bit. There were two hot food items daily (Samosas, Chicken Wings, Poppers, Cheese Sticks, Egg Rolls) three or four cold items (veggie tray, cheese tray, and one or two speciality trays that changed). Wine (Merlot and Char) Beer (Local Beer Banks and Heinkeins) Hard liquor, (Vodka, Gin, Rum, and others) and mixers No cost. A few times there were a few drunks.. and some funny stories we heard :) Breakfast was Juice (you have to try the Bajan cherry juice, its a bit different but good) Cheese, Turkey, Ham, Fish; assorted breads cold items, yogurt, etc. All day there is tea/coffee and assorted breads/cookies.

The pool bar has some decent food. On-site restaraunts are good. check out the bar behind the check in counter. A few times per week they have local bands (they are pretty good)

Note: IF you rent a car do NOT drive it if its raining. THe roads flood, and your car may get deep in water. (I always decline the insurance, but I'd have gotten it absolutely knowing what I know now!) We saw a couple cars swept off the road, couple that were more than 18 inches in water and stalled. The Mt Gay rum plant was good, as was the harrison cave tour. (its like any other cave, really, but its a decent diversion) The Concorde experience (A Concorde airplane on loan from BA) is right next to the airport. Driving is a bit of a challenge, as many roads have no signs; many signs point to "places" and not what the road name is, and the maps are a little outdated (map shows go down ABC highway for three round-a-bouts then turn right, but now there are 4 or 5 round-a-bouts)... So be relaxed in your driving, you will get lost... but the locals are friendly.

Taxi from the airport to the hotel was "quoted" as 21USD, but at the hotel they revised it to 25USD. not wanting to get into an arguement over 4, I paid and moved on.

Taxi to downtown from hotel was $19USD.

Again, the property is absolutely great as is the staff!

Thanks so much for reporting back. Did they have a spa? Exercise facilities? Just curious...I love sitting in a sauna.

Anyway, great information. We are going for 2 weeks; leaving 2/14/09. We'll be @ the Hilton for the first 8 days. We have a automatic/AC soft top jeep reserved for the entire trip, so taxis will not be an issue. We have full coverage--thanks for confirming that we did the right thing on that reservation! Not even a deductible, should something happen.

Can't wait...we plan on going to the caves as well. I have to plan a few more things.

What restaurants did you try?

Dawn

Exercise facilities? Gym is on the 6th floor of the lighthouse tower, certainly large enough and well maintained with big windows looking out on the water. Precor machines, towels, and a water cooler and TV.

What restaurants did you try?I'm not the person you queried :) but I had dinner down at the Waterfront Cafe one night, a reasonably-priced spot on the marina with live jazz, we sat outside and had some decent Bajan bar food. Also went to the pricier Daphne's, which was really nice.. right on the beach with torches lighting up the water, the service was utterly outstanding (while Bajans are very friendly I wouldn't call what's provided on the whole to be outstanding service), and the food was excellent (though my foie gras was somewhat overdone).

I disagree with the above comment about the pool bar -- the food was really quite bad, service slow, and overpriced. I made the mistake of ordering a cobb salad (~ US$18). After about 30 minutes they brought it out, a small bowl with some lettuce and tomato and egg, that's it. They didn't even bother to make it with the advertised bacon and blue cheese, so I asked about that, it took 45 minutes for them to bring a side of bacon and blue cheese for the salad. The waitress had to get the manager to come out to be able to make any sort of adjustment to the bill, they first just wanted to comp a drink. The club sandwich was ok there, though.

I disagree with the above comment about the pool bar -- the food was really quite bad, service slow, and overpriced. I made the mistake of ordering a cobb salad (~ US$18). After about 30 minutes they brought it out, a small bowl with some lettuce and tomato and egg, that's it. They didn't even bother to make it with the advertised bacon and blue cheese, so I asked about that, it took 45 minutes for them to bring a side of bacon and blue cheese for the salad. The waitress had to get the manager to come out to be able to make any sort of adjustment to the bill, they first just wanted to comp a drink. The club sandwich was ok there, though.

I agree.

The pool bar has always been very slow and hard work on previous visits but it had got even worse when we were there for a week in early October. They had decimated the menu and there was a choice of about 10 items to choose from, much less than previously. We went there the first day and then went out for lunch each day after that as it was so poor. It made us hire the car a couple of days early.

In fairness when I put some comments in about this in the survey a week later I immediately got an email from a Manager thanking me for my comments and saying that the pool bar kitchen was undergoing a revamp/maintenance etc so it was restricted for a short period. We had read about some work going on but didn't see anything to be honest, and our room looked over the pool bar. Hopefully it has improved since.

We stayed at this hotel for one night before a cruise on Dec. 5. We enjoyed the beach, our room and the gym. We thought the service was OK but agree with the recent comments about eating by the pool (I also had the cobb salad that took 1 hour to arrive). But there were several more irritating items:
1. We booked the "Bed & Breakfast" rate, which clearly stated on the confirmation that it included breakfast. When checking out, we were charged an additional 110 BBD, approx. $55 USD, for breakfast! I had it removed from the bill.
2. Without my approval, my credit card was charged an additional $35 USD. I have disputed it with the credit card and sent a letter to Hilton Customer Service to find out what this is for since it was not approved and I will not pay for it. We had requested late checkout and were told we could stay until 1PM without charge. We checked out at 12:45PM and we had no other charges.
3. I have not received any points for the stay yet. I sent an email to Hilton and am waiting for an answer.

FYI - the morning of checkout, they slipped an interim bill under the door which had a lower rate for "Bed and Breakfast" than what was on our confirmation. After the problem with the charge for breakfast, I asked for an explanation and was told their new computer system did not add the breakfast portion of the rate until we actually checked out. Since the rate on the final bill matched the rate on our confirmation, I approved it and did not push the matter further but it begs the question - if they knew the rate on the interim bill was wrong, why did they bother to put it under our door? OK, this may only happen with folks on this rate plan but surely they could save themselves some time by pulling it out of the stack of printouts and not delivering it?

My advice to anyone who stays here is enjoy yourself but CAREFULLY check your charges on checkout and reconcile your credit card statement. Of course, you should do this all the time but especially here.

I did say "decent food" not excellent food/service at the pool bar (Hamburger fine, club sand fine, dips and chips fine, fish sand fine)... Service is slow everywhere on the island... island time remember :) Though since the pool bar has no kitchen, the food is cooked somewhere else, then it sits for a while, then someone brings it to you... So keep that in mind when ordering something.

Other restaurants on property were decent to good. Off property the restaurants were decent to good. nothing sticks in my mind as "wow absolutely do this or eat that"

As for e-mail addresses
Allison.Greene@hilton.com
Allison G. Greene
Administrative Assistant to the General Manager
Hilton Barbados
Needham's Point
St. Michael BB 11000
Barbados, W.I.
(246) 467-5686 (Direct)
(246) 426-0200 (PBX)
(246) 228-7730 (Fax)

and

Marilyn Soper
General Manager
Hilton Barbados
246.467.5656
Email: marilyn.soper@hilton.com


O yeah, do check out the old fort on property...
History of Charles Fort

The historic Needham’s peninsula on which the Hotel is located was once part of the critical Fort and a strategic point of defense for Barbados.

It was constructed in 1650 by the Barbados Militia and manned by its forces to defend the Capital City, Bridgetown, and its main harbour from invading forces who sought to gain ownership of the island.

Originally called Needhams’s Fort, it was renamed Charles Fort in 1660 and by 1762 was armed with 33 guns and 4 swivels. In 1665 it was one of the two forts that disabled Admiral Ruyter’s vessel, the Mirror, and repulsed the Dutch fleet. In 1836 it was incorporated into the well-established British Garrison and became the first Garrison in the West Indies and probably in North America. Barbados had some 50 forts and batteries around the island which was well fortified from the 1600s, first by the Barbados militia and then the British Army who constructed this Garrison in several phases over the period of about a century.

In 1785 the British Government elected to establish permanent land forces in the Windwards and Leewards with Barbados as its headquarters. Construction of the British Garrison began in earnest in 1789 after the purchase of some 64 acres of land.

With the advent of the French Revolution, Barbados became the springboard for expeditions to nearby territories held by the enemy. Ultimately, the Garrison area consumed more than 150 acres with construction continuing into the 1800s. The Garrison functioned for 126 years, leaving behind a legacy of buildings, artillery, artifacts and the island’s lone horse racing track.

Efforts are now underway to bring many buildings back to their original appearance, as well as to open the St. Ann’s Fort compound—now occupied by the Defense Force—to tours and to house collections of artifacts including the National Cannon collection. Charles Fort and the Military Cemetery located on the South and North ends of the hotel are nationally protected sites.

I am currently at this property...Been here for 6 days and leaving tomorrow.

The beach/sand and rest of the pool is spectacular....service is typical of island time....

We ate at the beachside cafe for lunch once...didn't return...for the price not worth it.....there is this little fish shack that sells one of the best Fried flying fish sandwich for $4....good option for lunch.

We were diamond members, but they didn't have executive floors for the stay, but we still got access to the lounge,etc..
I think at least half of the hotel had access to the 8th floor lounge...During happy hour the place is packed....seats were at a premium..and folks had to lineup for the food, like it was a buffet.
At least they re-fill the 2 finger foods...

Some of the restaurants we tried on the island:

Aqua - wonderful, good food, slow service, awesome ocean front view
The Restaurant at Southsea - Excellent food and service, great oceanfront view. This was my personal favourite on the island...Must eat here!!!
Champers - great view, and service...food was ok
The Tides - Excellent food/service/view....however the price is $$$ compared to Southsea, thats the only reason for finishing 2nd on my personal choice
Brown Sugar - was there for lunch, overrated....can find this food at any island restaurant
Sunbury Plantation - Went here for lunch as part of the Island Safari tour...Okay for what it is..typical island food

Tonite we have our last dinner reserved at The Cliff...so lets see how that compares to Southsea.

I am currently at this property...Been here for 6 days and leaving tomorrow.

The beach/sand and rest of the pool is spectacular....service is typical of island time....

We ate at the beachside cafe for lunch once...didn't return...for the price not worth it.....there is this little fish shack that sells one of the best Fried flying fish sandwich for $4....good option for lunch.

We were diamond members, but they didn't have executive floors for the stay, but we still got access to the lounge,etc..
I think at least half of the hotel had access to the 8th floor lounge...During happy hour the place is packed....seats were at a premium..and folks had to lineup for the food, like it was a buffet.
At least they re-fill the 2 finger foods...

Some of the restaurants we tried on the island:

Aqua - wonderful, good food, slow service, awesome ocean front view
The Restaurant at Southsea - Excellent food and service, great oceanfront view. This was my personal favourite on the island...Must eat here!!!
Champers - great view, and service...food was ok
The Tides - Excellent food/service/view....however the price is $$$ compared to Southsea, thats the only reason for finishing 2nd on my personal choice
Brown Sugar - was there for lunch, overrated....can find this food at any island restaurant
Sunbury Plantation - Went here for lunch as part of the Island Safari tour...Okay for what it is..typical island food

Tonite we have our last dinner reserved at The Cliff...so lets see how that compares to Southsea.

Has anyone tried the Fisher Pond Great House for Sunday Brunch? I read about this all the time but never see any mention of it....

Brunch anywhere else on ths island?

Dawn

Has anyone tried the Fisher Pond Great House for Sunday Brunch? I read about this all the time but never see any mention of it....

Brunch anywhere else on ths island?

Dawn


Note that you are arriving in February 2009.We are in Barbados right now at The Crane,and returning for an award stay On Feb.08,2009 at This Hilton.6 nights here,then moving to Crane as more family joining us.

Missed you Commie,was at the Hilton yesterday for a few sodas.:D The Cliff restaurant is very good,and expensive;)

A nice brunch can be had Sundays at The Crane.Gospel singers are quite entertaining.^
Cutters deli,just outside the Crane,has a Sunday informal jazz seesion where local and guest folks play instruments and sing.Excellent last week as a group of 4 were on the patio.Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
I always drive here,always take out all insurances.

Note that you are arriving in February 2009.We are in Barbados right now at The Crane,and returning for an award stay On Feb.08,2009 at This Hilton.6 nights here,then moving to Crane as more family joining us.

Missed you Commie,was at the Hilton yesterday for a few sodas.:D The Cliff restaurant is very good,and expensive;)



too bad missed you yesterday at the Hilton.....I didn't spent much time at the hotel yesterday..
What a miserable day it was weather wise...rained for much of the afternoon.
Was at the lounge for a quick drink around 7pm before dinner at the Cliff.

Like all the reviews have mentioned...its very good...and very expensive...
If i don't take cost into consideration, it'll be my favourite of the ones I tried..If I take cost into consideration, then my favourite has to be The Restaurant at Southsea.

I had lunch at Lobster's Alive yesterday for lunch..shared an Extra-large with the wife....wow...the Caribbean lobster was so fresh...and even splitting it with da wife, it was alot to eat...so full afterwards...
Quite possbily the best lobster I have ate in my life....
A must try place if you are lobster fan....

Well I am flying home in couple of hours...at the Airline lounge right now..

Will miss BGI..what a friendly and great place to be.

Note that you are arriving in February 2009.We are in Barbados right now at The Crane,and returning for an award stay On Feb.08,2009 at This Hilton.6 nights here,then moving to Crane as more family joining us.

Missed you Commie,was at the Hilton yesterday for a few sodas.:D The Cliff restaurant is very good,and expensive;)

A nice brunch can be had Sundays at The Crane.Gospel singers are quite entertaining.^
Cutters deli,just outside the Crane,has a Sunday informal jazz seesion where local and guest folks play instruments and sing.Excellent last week as a group of 4 were on the patio.Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
I always drive here,always take out all insurances.


Purely out of personal interest, can I ask why you stay at the Crane? I (again personally) find it far out of the way from anything and although the beach is superb, the sea is a little too rough to swim/do watersports. Also, it's a bit windswept being on the Atlantic cliffs. However, I have never stayed there overnight so would welcome your thoughts on its attraction.

Purely out of personal interest, can I ask why you stay at the Crane? I (again personally) find it far out of the way from anything and although the beach is superb, the sea is a little too rough to swim/do watersports. Also, it's a bit windswept being on the Atlantic cliffs. However, I have never stayed there overnight so would welcome your thoughts on its attraction.

As someone who always has a car rental in Barbados,I can always drive to any of the Gap restaurant/entertainment venues.Berts Bar,Worthing Court Restaurant that used to be Mikes.......
I like Crane for the great beach/ocean,constant trade breeze,isolation from the masses(even though the Crane can be near capacity,you would not know it).I enjoy the breeze and never have had the a/c on when staying here.
I can cut though Brighton area to get to north/west and the Fish Pot/Speightstown faster than leaving from the built up south coast.

This is strictly Mrs.acysb87 and I personal choice.Others want to keep busy and the west and south coast will give you that.Having been to Barbados 25+ times now,this is our(purchased time) residence of choice.We enjoy the Barbadian people and their country.

In February,Hilton for 6 nights,The Crane for 7 more nights.We will walk from the Hilton Beach to Rockley beach along the ocean.Tricky at high tide,much easier at low tide.:)

And need to say, in my case for SPECIAL occasions only. Also, I prefer the historical section of the hotel.

If I travel to Barbados solo, just to unwind for 3-4 nights, I stay at Butterfly Beach Hotel on the south coast. It is a great value, close to the airport and the beach is great. The Gap is not far away if one needs evening entertainment.

No matter how much I appreciate Hilton city hotels, in Barbados, it would not be my first choice - too much highrise, business.

Deleted...

Just wanted to report on our very nice stay at the Hilton Barbados.
We stayed at the Hilton Barbados from 12/25/2008 to 12/31/2008 (on a reward stay). We arrived around 4pm and headed to the HHonors check-in desk on the left. We were offered a nice glass of local juice while the clerk checked our reservation. As Diamond members, we were informed that we could not be upgraded on this occasion as there were no twin rooms available on the executive floor (and we had specifically requested a twin room). The clerk said that the executive rooms were not "much different" anyway (who knows?). We stuck with the original twin room on the 5th floor which was reserved for us. Check-in was smooth. We liked the room very much. Nice view over the bay. Nice furniture and decoration. The only drawback is that it was located directly below the gym room (on the 6th floor) so we could hear some noise, particularly in the evening (not too much at night to be honest). After arriving in our room, we received a bottle of a rather nice red wine and some nibbles (cheese, fruit...) as well as a letter from the General Manager welcoming us to the Hilton Barbados.
The hotel is HUGE (my friend said it felt like a "factory" sometimes). We sometimes got a feeling that it was more like a business hotel rather than one suited for a vacation (there is really no "personal" touch in the service provided, unlike other Hilton Resorts, like Mauritius or Mexico for example). The hotel staff is not rude or anything. Just pretty cold and expecting to get quickly to the end of a conversation. They also did not seem to us to care whether you are having a good time or not (I understand that different people may have different views on this; I am just giving my personal opinion here, not trying to make generalizations).
We had breakfast in the executive lounge. The choice was rather limited, but overall ok. Fruits, cereals, juices, (bad) coffee, cold cuts (ham or salmon), pastries, breads. We did not get bored. We tried once the buffet downstairs. Very disappointing. More choices but overall not great. Also, you have to pay a premium for it. Even though you get a $10 "discount", it is still about $40 for 2 people with tax and service charge. We did not like the experience, in any event, as a waitress rushed a bill as soon as we had finished our first plate of fruits. She obviously did not think that we could want to get some hot items or some more coffee.
The hotel's location on the island is great. We rented a car from topclassrentals.com. They delivered the car to the hotel and explained everything nicely and efficiently (PS: it is free to park your car at the Hilton). They also issued the local permit to drive around the island. We enjoyed driving around the island very much. Do carry a map with you as we felt there was not many signs around for directions. The Barbadians are very helpful if you get lost. We particularly liked the north of the island. Do drive on the smaller roads up north. It's beautiful out there. Still wild in some areas with dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and some magnificent cliffs. We stopped at Naniki restaurant (lushlife.bb) which has a SUPERB view (and ok food). They are also opening spa cottages over there with simply breathtaking views on the Ocean. We might stay there next time :-) The owner is nice and will come to chat with you when you have lunch.
In terms of restaurant, we also tried Brown Sugar (not far from the Hilton). We had the Sunday brunch buffet which we tought was ok but nothing great. We also tried Lobster Alive which we tought was great. Well worth the visit. Not far from the Hilton, on the road to Bridgetown. Be prepared for a long wait and do not expect a 5* place. It's basically a shack on the beach, albeit a nice one, with lobster that is fresh and delicious. It is expensive but truly excellent in terms of quality. We never tried the restaurants at the Hilton either at lunch or at dinner.
We went scuba-diving two times. This activity is run by a company called Barbados Blue; its shack is located on the Hilton's parking. There, we really felt that the staff was rude. Always busy and understaffed. Answering your questions with as little words as they could (but charging your credit card fast!). Overall, we loved the diving but the experience of going to dive with these people was not enjoyable. They could not care less about making this a good experience for people. In the end, we laughed about it. The second time we went, we asked each other whether we were ready for another "verbal beating". Diving in Barbados is a great experience aside from Barbados Blue (do try another local company if you want to enjoy your diving experience even more).
The experience around the pool was ok. There are some incredibly rude people who "reserve" their sunbeds very early in the morning (around 7am) by leaving a towel or a book and returning whenever they felt like it. It was like some sort of competition for them, I imagine. Looking for a sunbed on the beach is also an adventure. Staff will help you, albeit with minimal efforts.
The edge bar had some nice cocktails (I loved the "BBC": Bailey's, Banana and Coconut - Drink in moderation, especially under the sun).
We went to the Executive Lounge for the 6pm hors d'oeuvre. That was an experience! Be prepared to wait quite a bit and to have rude kids grabbing all the food in one plate before you even reached a fried samosa. The selection changed each evening. The place was really packed. Getting a wi-fi code was a hit and miss experience. Sometimes they would let you have one, sometimes they would not as they would say you could not use it outside the Lounge. The wine in the Lounge was nice.
The weather was pretty nice during the whole time. If clouds appeared, they would disappear pretty quicly. Same with the rain. The temperature was around 30° C the whole time. Nice!
We liked shopping at the Pelican Craft Centre in Bridgetown; we found some nice souvenirs.
In the evenings, you could get turn down service but you had to specifically request it (same thing if you wanted the local paper). Once, we requested it but no one showed up. I expected to see small treats at night (water or chocolates) but we got these once only. Disappointing...
Overall, we had a very nice stay. If I returned to the Barbados, I would probably not choose the Hilton again (perhaps a smaller property with more "local" charm) but there was really nothing wrong with this hotel. It's one of the less interesting Hilton "resort" but a reliable and pleasant one still.


I've been watching this Barbados thread and everytime I read another post, it basically says the same thing. Isn't anyone reading these posts (Hilton?)? Your post has been very consistent with so many of the other ones.

The lounge "experience" sounds awful. It sounds like the kids basically run amuck, and basically run the joint with no intervention from anyone telling them to do otherwise. I can't imagine our experience will be any different in the middle of February...might even be more crowded.

I don't want to have any preconceived notions about a hotel before I step foot into the lobby, but geez...it's kind of hard not to when all of the reviews seem to have the same exact complaints. Maybe we just need to spend as much time off the property as possible.

I have a feeling that the service we've come to love from EACH and EVERY employee we have ever encountered at the Hilton Cabo will not be repeated here.

Standing in line behind a bunch of kids emptying the dishes does not sound like it will be too fun. I hope the decible level was not as high as the line was long.

I will do my best to go with an open mind....but I sure wish I would see a different review thrown in now and again.

Dawn

I can't imagine our experience will be any different in the middle of February...might even be more crowded.


Dawn,
Remember that this was my account of my experience. You may have a different experience altogether. Most of the hotel guests are families from the UK or the US. I do not remember kids in the UK or the US having vacations in February (but I may be mistaken). So, you have a good chance to have the Executive Lounge all for yourself :D
PS: do not send anything but your most basic clothes to the laundry service at the hotel; they did a horrible job with my stuff.
Have a great stay in Barbados, truly a delightful island.

The club is busy. Basically it's too small for the large number of guests that have access -- remember that one tower has three executive floors and the other has two. That's a whole lot of executive rooms for a small lounge.

Personally I enjoyed taking my breakfast each day in the main restaurant. The food wasn't fantastic but you could sit outside and it was much more peaceful. I think the post above about breakfast for two 'still costing $40' was confusing Barbados dollars with US... ;) The regular price of breakfast is ~ US$20pp++ whereas as a club guest you can either get a voucher from the lounge or the front desk and that cuts the cost in half. So breakfast for two will run no more than $25 all-in with service and tax. To me, worth it.

The club gets you free internet -- first, they give you codes for the wireless in the lounge, they tell you otherwise but grab an extra code and as long as it hasn't already been used it will work with the wired internet in your room ;)

Third, there's a decent selection of hot and cold items in the evening. And they replenish it throughout the service. I'd say there's probably a mad rush as evening service begins but then it lightens up a bit. Either get there straight off for a good table and recognize that it won't be totally transquil or wait awhile. Given the number of people who do have access, it's not a peaceful respite from the rest of the world. But it's fine for a snack before dinner.

And during the day, outside of standard service times, the club is in fact peaceful and deserted.

I recommend avoiding most things at the poolside restaurant, the service isn't great and most of the food is mediocre at best. And for the price the portions of many items are tiny. My cobb salad was a disaster (very small, didn't actually come with the promised bacon or blue cheese, a request for same took > 40 minutes, the waitress wasn't empowered to comp it though the manager did). Still, the burger isn't terrible though I wouldn't call it good and the club sandwich was fine.

There's likely not much difference in executive floor rooms and standard ones, though I didn't visit any standard rooms.

Service on the beach (assistance with chairs and umbrellas) was good, though if you expect prompt drinks delivered you'll go wanting (head to the bar and bring them back yourselves, I saw someone pass by about every 3 hours).

The hotel is certainly nice for what it is, I found everyone friendly, though I wouldn't call it top notch service. The staff in the main restaurant for breakfast would congregate together, it seemed like they were mostly there to talk to each other rather than help guests.

Still, I had a lovely stay... :)

Dawn,
Remember that this was my account of my experience. You may have a different experience altogether. Most of the hotel guests are families from the UK or the US. I do not remember kids in the UK or the US having vacations in February (but I may be mistaken). So, you have a good chance to have the Executive Lounge all for yourself :D
.

Unlikely.. ( only chance would be due to the downturn in the economy the Caribbean is experiencing ;)) I had the same problem with unruly kids during my stay of February 2006. Seems parents who can afford to visit during the more expensive peak season are no better at teaching their offspring proper behaviour that rowdy Springbreakers.

mike

The lounge "experience" sounds awful. It sounds like the kids basically run amuck, and basically run the joint with no intervention from anyone telling them to do otherwise. I can't imagine our experience will be any different in the middle of February...might even be more crowded.



Its not just the kids that run 'amuck' at the lounge...some of the worse offenders and the rudest person are the adults.

Basically, like the other poster mention..The lounge is too small for the number of people that have access to the lounge.
However, I don't think the lounge is small at all..in fact its decent size when compared to other Hilton lounges..
The problem is the shear number of people with access to it during the busy period, ie. breakfast(8-10) and happy hour (6-8)..

I can't imagine everyone of them are diamond members or living on the executive floors. As I see the signup sheet some are staying on the lower floors.

Are they giving access to all HHonours members? or Gold and Diamond? or just Diamond?

they need to restrict the lounge access more.

I grew up in Barbados, I have been there on and off every year since I got back to the UK 20 years ago. My folks still live there. I love the place and know it well. In fact I remember the old Barbados Hilton when I was a kid and playing donkey polo on the beach! You'll be haoppy to know that I won several winners rosettes :D

I don't stay at home when I visit as it's too restrictive (you know what it's like with the folks), so I normally hire an apartment. You can get 2 weeks in a 2 bedroom flat with a pool for about $1500 (opposite the Hilton). Not bad going. However, I recently stayed at the Hilton because I fancied something different and here's the key point......'easy'. A hotel stay is easy. The beach and pool at the Hilton are really good.

However, it very much feels like a convention/business hotel, not a tourist place (go to the West Coast for those). That's it's problem for me. I found the executive lounge is a complete and utter nightmare due not only to the locust kids but the locust US business men talking very loudly on their phones, munching all the food and permanently plugged into their laptops. Add chav UK families and their kids to that and, well, you get the picture! :eek:

The only other thing that (really) wound me up was the people who put towels on pool chairs BEFORE breakfast - literally two hours before they came out to use them. That's just rude. In the end I just binned them and played ignorant...but why should I have to?

For me, the only advantage to the executive lounge was a saving on the bar downstairs; the room was identical and the food often gone before I got there. The price of the room was more expensive than getting breakfast included anyway.

So, would I stay again? The answer is no whilst the pound remains so weak - I don't think the Hilton is value for money right now. However, if I got a good deal at a quieter time then probably yes as my wife prefers the ease of a hotel. And let's be honest....those that know know that this strip of the beaches on the island is now the best on the island....just don't tell those thinking they're getting a deal on the (very) expensive West Coast where the beaches have been totally eroded over the last 20 years. Our secret ;)

Hope this didn't read like too much of a rant!

p.s. the person paying US$15/20 to get a taxi into town was ripped off. Bds$ maybe.

I grew up in Barbados, I have been there on and off every year since I got back to the UK 20 years ago. My folks still live there. I love the place and know it well. In fact I remember the old Barbados Hilton when I was a kid and playing donkey polo on the beach! You'll be haoppy to know that I won several winners rosettes :D

I don't stay at home when I visit as it's too restrictive (you know what it's like with the folks), so I normally hire an apartment. You can get 2 weeks in a 2 bedroom flat with a pool for about $1500 (opposite the Hilton). Not bad going. However, I recently stayed at the Hilton because I fancied something different and here's the key point......'easy'. A hotel stay is easy. The beach and pool at the Hilton are really good.

However, it very much feels like a convention/business hotel, not a tourist place (go to the West Coast for those). That's it's problem for me. I found the executive lounge is a complete and utter nightmare due not only to the locust kids but the locust US business men talking very loudly on their phones, munching all the food and permanently plugged into their laptops. Add chav UK families and their kids to that and, well, you get the picture! :eek:

The only other thing that (really) wound me up was the people who put towels on pool chairs BEFORE breakfast - literally two hours before they came out to use them. That's just rude. In the end I just binned them and played ignorant...but why should I have to?

For me, the only advantage to the executive lounge was a saving on the bar downstairs; the room was identical and the food often gone before I got there. The price of the room was more expensive than getting breakfast included anyway.

So, would I stay again? The answer is no whilst the pound remains so weak - I don't think the Hilton is value for money right now. However, if I got a good deal at a quieter time then probably yes as my wife prefers the ease of a hotel. And let's be honest....those that know know that this strip of the beaches on the island is now the best on the island....just don't tell those thinking they're getting a deal on the (very) expensive West Coast where the beaches have been totally eroded over the last 20 years. Our secret ;)

Hope this didn't read like too much of a rant!

p.s. the person paying US$15/20 to get a taxi into town was ripped off. Bds$ maybe.


Thank you all for your very honest posts and experiences with the Hilton. I think I simply need to lower our expectations (a lot) and just go with it. I just can't expect the likes of the lounges we've been fortunate enough to visit in Rome, Cancun, Budapest or Amsterdam---I have a feeling it will be like night and day. We typically don't make "dinner" out of those snacks anyway and most of them are fried anyway and if you aren't used to eating like that, you feel like you've swallowed a bowling bowl 20 minutes later. But I do enjoy having a place to go to, without having to leave the premises, where I can relax and unwind with a drink, preferably with some alcohol in it! But if there are routy kids running around, I can tell you now that my husband will turn around and go back to the room. Neither one of us has patience for that kind of stuff and really prefer a very peaceful surrounding (think Cavalieri of Budapest). I need to just get that out of my mind because this will be nothing like that and it will just be different....I just need to wrap my brain around that and let it sink in NOW.

We'll have a car the entire time so we'll be all over the place. We could care less about the pool. I am hoping that we will get a balcony though...and I hope they are large enough so my husband can have a chaise lounge out there (not so small that you can barely put a chair out there). So we'll see....but I most definitely see that I need to lower my expectations--especially when it comes to the lounge 'experience' that we've become so lucky to experience in the last 7 or so years.

It will be fine....I'll report back.

Thanks again all....

Dawn

We had an award stay Feb 7-14. We had an ocean view room in Light House Tower on the 7th floor.

On the first morning we got the coupons from the lounge to use for the hotel buffet. The line for eggs cooked to order was very long. On the rest of the mornings we ate in the lounge between 9 and 9:30 AM. At those times the lounge was busy but not overcrowded, and we saw few children. There were a few very small children and a couple of young school age children. One baby cried a little bit on one occasion, but all the other children we saw were very well mannered.

We never went to the lounge promptly at 6 PM, but we did wander in on several occasions after 7 PM. At these times the lounge was always busy but not over crowded. There were always some hot snacks still available. We only saw a couple of very small children in the lounge in the evening. We did not observe any children or adults that behaved badly.

We had lunch at the pool restaurant a couple of times. The quesidilla, the flying fish sandwich, and the hamburger were certainly not gourmet fare but were definitely palatable. At happy hour one day we ordered the vegitarian spring rolls. They definitely seemed to have been frozen and were not at all good.

We did walk to Brown Sugar one evening. Again the food is not gourment but definitely ok. We each had a shrimp dish, and nothing was fried at all.

The hotel did not seem crowded. At the managers cocktail hour, he confirmed that business for early February was down quite a bit from last year. Although there are many people who put their towels on the sun chairs early, we were still able to find desirable spots throughout the day.

We went to the beach adjacent to the Crane's beach a couple of times. The water there was bright blue, the sand was like powdered sugar, and we were virtually alone there. We also enjoyed driving to the north coast for the spectacular views, a trip to see the monkeys at the wildlife refuge, and a jaunt to beautiful Bathsheba.

We enjoyed our stay in Barbados very much. It is 32 degrees in Northern Va this afternoon, and I am ready to go back.

Must have missed the previous poster at This property as we were there from Feb8-14th.
Charmaine heads up the lounge and I made a point of making her aware of a few 'observations'.

Here are mine;

The brandy served at 9pm is a French type.Barbados makes a very fine sugar cane brandy as well and should be offered as a 2nd local choice.
I did find the lounge busy.I tried to help clean my table so that others waiting for a spot for breakfast could be seated.Too many just got up and left a mess,IMHO.
The managers rum punch event was OK but nothing special.
Floor 7 in Lighthouse Tower does not give an unobstructed view of ocean.Many on that floor asked to be moved.
I did receive an 8th floor u/g.High ceilings^
Arguably one of the nicest beaches on the island since it was rebuilt^,I stay at Crane as well and realize hilton beach not nearly as rough.
We walked from Hilton to Rockley ,joining onto new boardwalk.Great exercise and good eateries near Rockley including Accra Hotel(beachfront) as well as others you walk past.
Going towards Bridgetown,Carlyle Bay (sp?) is a great 1 hour walk.I stopped often at Grand Hotel (beach front) as they offered 5 Banks for BDS15.00 plus taxes(compare that to Hilton).Your walk ends at parking lot near down town.Another 5 minutes you are in city center.
Good eatereies in area include "39 steps" and "Mama Mias"the latter a great deli fancied by many locals.Both are approx.10 minute walk

acysb87, TooMuchTravel73 and all, thanks for the helpful hints and information! We will be here a couple of days in mid-November prior to catching a cruise, and these reviews and hints have been terrific!

Some of my own pics from the Barbados Hilton if they're any use.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36188895@N03/sets/72157619301375608/

Had previously added these to the Caribbean thread thinking I'd added them here!

P

Hey, Popester, very nice! Thanks!

Thanks Popester. That tips the scale!

Looks like LIAT has some rather affordable fares to hop to another Caribbean island for a couple of days. Which one would you recommend if time permits only visiting one other island? (Would be ideal if there was a Hilton, Hyatt or Starwood hotel on that island...)

Looks like LIAT has some rather affordable fares to hop to another Caribbean island for a couple of days. Which one would you recommend if time permits only visiting one other island? (Would be ideal if there was a Hilton, Hyatt or Starwood hotel on that island...)

Personally - the Grenadines; sheer, quiet paradise. Have a look at the islands on the net.

Thanks Popester. That tips the scale!

Thanks. You try waking up to this every morning!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36188895@N03/3516190133/in/set-72157619301375608/

:cool:

We arrived yesterday, with a booking for a Deluxe Non-smoking King Ocean View ($USD262 + taxes and service, AAA rate.) We took a taxi from Grantley Adams International (you check at the kiosk, get a chit with the price - regulated by the local government - and get assigned a taxi.) For two with baggage, BBD $42.00 for the trip, perhaps 20 minutes with little to moderate traffic, much longer if you get caught in a jam.

On arrival, we were greeted with cups of cold, very sweet punch. The HHonors desk shut in our face - the two staffers told us to go check in at the main desk. Ah, yes, we are in the Caribbean, mon, no problem. :rolleyes: We were received nicely there and were given Lighthouse tower corner room x01 - spacious, balcony balcony facing Oistin side (parking lot, views of bay and oil tank farm,) with room views of the lighthouse, pool and bay.

The room is very spacious, bed comfortable, large Phillips LCD flat screen (but CRT) television with some jaggies in the signal, small closet and smaller chest of drawers (space for lots of clothing does not exist here,) desk with HSIA (BBD $22 daily, iirc,) strange couch with no back in the center section, stuffed chair, minibar (expensive!) and table.

The main color is a yellow, warm not sickly, and the room has very efficient air conditioning. The location is subject to some noise from downstairs party activity, and people walking or cleaning upstairs can be heard. I recommend an 8th floor room if available (but sometimes it is not - this place has five floors of executive rooms, two in one tower and three in the other.) The overall impression is warm and inviting, if somewhat Spartan.

The bath is huge, with marble counter and double sink, large bathtub, large glass-enclosed shower, and a tiny dark WC. No ventilation is provided, so a hot shower or "other activities" can leave the bathroom moist or "fragrant."

The Lounge (we were indeed granted access) is spacious, but it can easily get crowded - remember, five exec floors, plus others seem to be granted access (Diamonds and maybe people on"mates rates?")

The lounge is open extended hours for some soft drinks, juice boxes and San Benedetto still and sparkling waters, enjoying the views, computer use (a separate room is used by most computer users out of courtesy it seems, but there is no requirement to do so.)

We go early to brekkies, when the lounge opens at 7:00 AM, so few problems - and currently during the low season (which ends o/a Dec 15) there are not so many people anyway. Breakfast consisted of watermelon, honeydew (not so ripe) and pineapple chunks, cereals (including a hot farina), breads, turkey and cold flying fish fillets (OK) and a very mediocre ham and cheese to make your own "cutters" with provided rolls. Three juices, good coffee and a selection of teas round out breakfast (no hot items, but plenty to make a meal of.)

Tea (desserts, teas and coffees) are served ca. 3:30 - 5:00 PM, and hot hors d'oeuvres and canapes are served 6:00 - 8:30 PM. These latter are sufficient for a light supper, and can include excellent ceviche, samosas, chicken wings, hot dog bits (really!), a selection of cheeses, crackers / biscuits, Hardy Chardonnay and Merlot from southeast Australia, Banks beer, etc.

Later in the evening brandies and cordials are apparently served as well. The lounge is well run, but remember you are in the Caribbean- staff are attentive, helpful and chatty - but that chattiness may "hook" a staffer into lengthy chats with a customer, leaving everyone else in the lurch.

That's pretty much the case in most employee transactions - on a small Caribbean island, enduring social contact with friends and family is much more important than strange ideas of "customer service" for people who are transient and often aloof.

WiFi in the lounge (which is what I am using) is available free of charge - a chit with a six character access code is good for eight hours, and is available from the lounge attendant. A chit is also required to access the single guest computer, and is good for thirty minutes. The WiFi speed seems good, though many users will slow it down; it is good with five users for VOIP communications.

Other members have shared considerable information on places to eat, and the hotel is not far from Bridgetown itself, such as it is - tours, rental cars and more can easily be arranged, and if one is moderately adventuresome, one can take busses or minivans about . (Be aware traffic can move v-e-r-y slowly - narrow roads and yes, there is a rush hour, can interfere with the best laid plans.)

The beach is nice, and has a sheltered spot - but beyond the fingers of the breakwater it can get rough, and it can be windy (they call these islands the Windward Isles for good reason.) Check the Fort, a historical place in Bajan history, and get the flavor of Barbados - it is nice, but it is not what one expects if they have been in less traveled St. Vincent / Grenadines, more upscale St. Lucia, etc.

We'd not make Barbados a trip on its own - we have spent some time here, but usually connecting through - this time, to the MSY Wind Star, which we watched arrive this morning. At the cruise dock, she was dwarfed by two massive cruise liners - her four masts nearly lost among the white bulk of these floating cities. Two nights gives us a chance to relax, enjoy and adapt easily to the four hour time difference from home.