The Caribbean - Barbados: car necessary?

I almost always rent a car wherever I go. The best rate I can find for Presidents week is around $350 USD. That seems pretty steep for the islands. I a car a must. I will be staying at the Hilton on an award to celebrate my 50th and mu ladys' 40th birthdays.

A car is a must, for the simple fact that there is lots to see and do in Barbados and taking a taxi will be too costly. USD350 for the week isn't that bad, Barbados is one of the more pricey islands... trust me I know I travel to Barbados more than any other destination. I will be there from the 13 Jan - 27 Jan. what are your dates?

I would say that a car is a must, but perhaps not for the entire week. You definitely need to get out and around the island. However, taxis are not that pricey from the Hilton (depending, of course, on where you want to go - $10-15 to the Gap, for example). There is a rental desk in the Hilton.

I will be there February 18 to 24th. I found a car from Stoutes for $350 with VAT and insurance.

Sounds great. You guys should have a blast, is it your first trip? Be sure to let us know how it went

First time to Barbados. I'll post a report when we return.

Love to hear a trip report when you get back. My family and I will be at the Hilton in March.

Definitely eat at Cocomos - at least lunch! We had one day because of a cruise and it was very very good!

Schutzee do me a favour, please post some of your special interest and what I will next week (while I am in Barbados) is put together a package of things that should interest you. How does that sound?

johannesj ,

My lady is celebrating her 40th and I am celebrating my 50th birthday with this trip. We are leaving the kids home! We enjoy romantic/ fine dining, horseback riding, swimming with the turtles & snorkeling, massage and spa, and just relaxing on a beautiful beach. As the air and hotel are on points, that allows me to splurge on indulgences. I am also looking to rent a cell phone or get a local SIM chip if cheaper. We don't drink so nightlife is usually the pool/hot tub after dinner and then back to the room :D Thanks, I appreciate your help

Sorry for the delay in posting. Been busy travelling. Spent one night in Antigua with Ms Johannesj, One night in St. Lucia with my Parents and now in Barbados.

Just got a chance to log on and see your post. I will put something together for you when I get back to my apartment this evening and post in the morning. I think I have a good idea of what will spark your interest.

Ok Schutzee here goes, get yourself a Barbados tour Magazine and Road Map from the hotel and take time to drive to these spots.

The Animal Flower Cave in the North of the island. A nice small series of cave in the cliffs were the surf pounds against the rocks and sea anemones grow is small pools of water. If you do go there is a pool in the cave were the guide will let you swim… lots of fun especially if the waves are high enough to crash in. Whales can sometimes be spotted from the cliffs and so local guys will actually jump off the cliffs. I was never brave enough to try but maybe you may want to take the plunge LOL.

A must for any visitor to Barbados is the historic Harrison’s Cave^ ^ . You won’t want to miss this spectacular limestone cave. A tram system takes you on a guided tour through the cave network were you will see some of the most amasing rock formations.

For horseback riding try Caribbean International Riding Centre. Their trails take you through a forested area over the hills, and down to the beaches of the east coast.

Another fun adventure is Island Safari 4x4 Tours^ ^ in specially designed Land Rovers. Visit www.islandsafari.bb for more details.

To swim with turtles visit Just Breezing Water sports. www.justbreezingwatersports.com
You may also find Ocean Park worth checking out. www.oceanparkbarbados.com

You mentioned that you guys aren’t into the whole drinking scene but I have a few recommendations that may interest you. The Banks Brewery tour and the Mount Gay Rum tour are both excellent. If you can’t do both definitely go for the Mount Gay Rum tour^ ^ .

I would also suggest a party/sunset cruise. Visit www.tallshipscruises.com to check their line up. My personal favourites are the Jolly Roger and Habour Master but these are serious party boats… The real Fun Ships.

Please try to take in at least one Caribbean night experience at the Plantation^ ^ . Live stage shows, limbo, fire-eaters, stilt walkers, dancers and live calypso. Worth the time and for some real Barbadian/Bajan eating visit the street fest/fish fry in Oistins^ ^ . The best fish and seafood you will ever have on the island.

Wonderful spa experiences await you are Suga Suga spa^ ^ ; you will both love it there.

Take a trip to St. Lawrence Gap for dining. Josef’s is quite nice; Kampai @ Josef’s serves some of the island’s best Japanese cuisine. Pisces is another good restaurant located on the water’s edge in the Gap.

As Linda VH suggested I would give thumbs up to Cocmos, Brown Sugar for authentic local cuisine (it right near the Hilton) and also Daphne’s.

For true fine dining try L’Azure and Zen both located at The Crane, but my personal favourite is the Cliff^ ^ . www.thecliffbarbados.com

Finally for your cell phone needs visit www.bmobile.com.bb

Certainly hope this information helps but I urge you to do some more research, read the in room magazines and check with the front desk because as the saying goes… “there is never a dull moment in Barbados.”

Take this information and please enjoy myCaribbean. This is the time where I like to manage expectations. Our islands are general very safe, the people warm and friendly, but like anywhere else in the world there exists criminal elements, so practice good sense when you are on vacation. Hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip and on your return do tell a friend… better yet, post a trip report on Flyertalk:D .

A must for any visitor to Barbados is the historic Harrison’s Cave^ ^ . You won’t want to miss this spectacular limestone cave. A tram system takes you on a guided tour through the cave network were you will see some of the most amasing rock formations.

Harrison's Cave may be closed. http://harrisonscave.com/

Thanks for that one cactuspete. I totally missed that. Guess schutzee will just have to visit Barbados again when it reopens ;).

By the way you seem to be an authority on the islands... do you agree with my recommendations and are you from the Caribbean?

do you agree with my recommendations

Yes, those are all very good suggestions. I would also add a daytrip driving around the island (to see the East Coast) and perhaps a catamaran cruise to swim with the turtles (Silver Moon is excellent).

and are you from the Caribbean?

No, just a visitor who loves the islands and spends way too much time researching and daydreaming.

Note to OP: If you haven't already done so, there is a lot of good Barbados info in the Hilton forum.

I love Barbados! It is such a peaceful island. I fell in love with the people. They are very friendly and kind. I wen to dinner at a local's moms house after we went to church on Sunday. What a spread her mom put on. We wanted to do something for her, but her daughter told us to pick up some fruits and veggies. They asked for nothing in return. I will never forget that kindness.

Do see the windy north shore. I took an around island tour and it was beautiful. Are you staying on the Gold coast? I hope you really enjoy yourself.

In keeping with the previous post, one further recommendation: Get out and interact with the Bajan people. They are kind, gracious and delightful.

We are going to Barbados in March. Cheapest car I can find (Mini moke) at Stoutes is $330 for 5 days. This seems expensive-any other ideas?

We are going to Barbados in March. Cheapest car I can find (Mini moke) at Stoutes is $330 for 5 days. This seems expensive-any other ideas?

www.abc-carhire.com has rates slightly lower. Barbados car rentals are expensive.

Thank you Zacary. Are they reputable and have you used them?

Marlin you may also want to take a look at Executive Rentals http://www.executiverentalsbarbados.com/ I have used them in the past and really enjoy doing business with them and although rentals in Barbados are quite expensive I do enjoy doing business with them.

Just got Back from Barbados today (2 week business trip) and my company used West End Car Rentals. Trip finding their site but no luck. Their vehicle are very well maintain and the service was excellent. Feel free to give them a call 246 429-8963 or fax 246 436-8305

Enjoy.

PS note that rental prices (like every other tourist related service) will increase dramatically during the months of March and April due to the Cricket World Cup. Just thought it would be useful to mention.

Thank you very much for this. ABC will not deliver any cars to the airport in March due to the Cricket. They only deliver to the hotel. I will definitely check out the other companies. It seems odd to me that no one has an airport location and that they need to "deliver".

http://www.courtesyrentacar.com/ This is the only rental company with a location at the airport and by Barbados rates they are competitive. Used them once for 2 days so can't really comment on their service as it relates to exceptional circumstances (locking keys in car at 3:00 am and need to get in touch with someone :D ). I think they are worth looking into.

In keeping with the previous post, one further recommendation: Get out and interact with the Bajan people. They are kind, gracious and delightful.



Bingo^

Agree with the Silver moon as well.The smaller 12 person catamaran is better as not as crowded.(there are 2)Best boat for swim with turtles,IMO.
Try the ice cream at Chefette :cool: Rum and Raisin.:)
Car rental from Stouttes can be returned at airport.Just leave your keys with airline check-in counter personnel.
Miami,also known as Enterprise Beach ,is quiet and one of the best.
Little Arches,IMHO,has great sushi nights on Thursday.Moo,the chef,is a character worth meeting.
The island has been giving tours of the great houses of Barbados.On Wednesdays,I believe,and is inexpensive and quite entertaining.
Street vendors at St.Lawrence Gap have great jerk chicken.Mmm
Crane Beach,great beach for soft sand

Does anyone know if the Concord is open yet to visitors?

Thank you Zacary. Are they reputable and have you used them?

I have not used them. They were sold out for my dates.

Here's another one: www.barbadoscars.com. I'll let you know if they're any good in a couple of weeks. They do offer airport pickup and dropoff.

Thought I should add that I will be travelling to BGI from Feb.24th to March 10th:D

I have probably been to Barbados 15 times to date,and planning at least yearly visits.If I can help with questions,fire away.

IHere's another one: www.barbadoscars.com. I'll let you know if they're any good in a couple of weeks. They do offer airport pickup and dropoff.

Just returned from a trip where I used this company. Excellent service at the airport in terms of pickup and dropoff. Car was relatively new and in decent condition. They charged the exact price they had quoted. No problems at all.

I just returned from Barbados. I rented from Stoutes and was very happy. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name and in a car quickly. On return, we just locked they keys in the car at the airport carpark.
I paid about $325. USD for the week.

I just returned from Barbados. I rented from Stoutes and was very happy. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name and in a car quickly. On return, we just locked they keys in the car at the airport carpark.
I paid about $325. USD for the week.

Will you be posting a trip report anytime soon? Would love to hear more about your Bajan experience

I just returned from Barbados. I rented from Stoutes and was very happy. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name and in a car quickly. On return, we just locked they keys in the car at the airport carpark.
I paid about $325. USD for the week.

Many if not most car hires in Barbados will do what you experienced.
Still here until Saturday:D

Any new info on car rentals?

Will be in Barbados after Christmas and again In February,2009.Will rent for a week on each visit,although staying longer.

I ask as many rates are going down all over.Not sure if Barbados is following the trend.

Bump???

An alternative answer to the original question: no, you don't need a car. Barbados has a great system of busses, both public and private, including route taxis. Cheap, reliable, and fun.

Anything except for the big busses are not for the faint of heart though, they are local transportation. Completely effective and cheap, but sometimes you find yourself practically on someone's lap.

I have fond memories of the bus system! Some of the smaller ones (size of a Suzuki Carry) zip around music blaring like a bass bin on wheels :D. A lot of fun, better than a car, but the likelihood that you'll end up on someone's lap riding on one of those is high.

Provided you're happy to sample the real tase of Barbados whilst not being too aren't fussed about how you do it, the bass bins on wheels are a great way to see the island.

Bon courage

Sim

I've only been to Barbados a couple of times for work 12-13 years ago. My favorite island though. The people are friendly and all the children seem so bright and full of energy. Too bad my work doesn't seem to be taking me back.
A few months ago I started a post looking for a few odd items from the island. This area of the forum seems to be more active so I'll try again.
During the past year I completely restored an old British car (a '67 Mini Moke) that had spent it's first years in Barbados.
If anyone happens to come across some old tourist literature or maps from the late 60's to early 80's let me know. I would gladly reimburse any costs involved. I just think it would be a nice touch when the car is on display at a show...
I think the board has a private message feature or you could just post back to this thread.
Thanks in advance for any help.
zippy

I've only been to Barbados a couple of times for work 12-13 years ago. My favorite island though. The people are friendly and all the children seem so bright and full of energy. Too bad my work doesn't seem to be taking me back.
A few months ago I started a post looking for a few odd items from the island. This area of the forum seems to be more active so I'll try again.
During the past year I completely restored an old British car (a '67 Mini Moke) that had spent it's first years in Barbados.
If anyone happens to come across some old tourist literature or maps from the late 60's to early 80's let me know. I would gladly reimburse any costs involved. I just think it would be a nice touch when the car is on display at a show...
I think the board has a private message feature or you could just post back to this thread.
Thanks in advance for any help.
zippy

if you don't get any takers (i haven't been there yet, so can't help either) a search on ebay might work--just search 'barbados.' i came up with some old post cards and other stuff...over 800 items, some obviously useless to you, but you might find something there.