Caribbean - Bermuda - Lodging recommendations?

OK, just booked 4 tix on the UA 20,000 mile offer for summer travel to Bermuda.

Now...need to figure out the hotel. Didn't take me long to realize there are no Hiltons, Starwoods, or Marriotts.

So - two questions:

(1) Are there any hotels in Bermuda through which I might attain an award through any major program? I'm thinking via a conversion of some sorts - using AA or UA miles or other hotel points.

(2) If I don't go the award route, I think we might look at cottages or a house rental. I saw the Bermudarentals.com link in a prior thread and already sent them a request for information. Any other ideas?

Finally...am I correct in that neither Hertz nor National rent at BDA?

I've always been curious if Bermuda is in any way do-able on a budget.

About half what I know about it is from the book and movie "The Deep."

I've always been curious if Bermuda is in any way do-able on a budget.

About half what I know about it is from the book and movie "The Deep."

Of course it's do-able. Just go away for the weekend and stay at a place like Clairfont Apartments (140 per night) instead of something like the Pompano Beach Club.

I've always been curious if Bermuda is in any way do-able on a budget.

Well, four 20,000-mile award tix (plus $53 each in taxes) is a pretty good start!! :D

I am seeing availability on 1- and 2-bedroom apartments under $200/nt. We're only staying four nights. So yes, I think it's do-able, I'm just looking for insights from FT'ers who have actually been there. I'm not even sure what part of the island we should be looking to stay on - or if it matters a whole lot.

Total party might end up as high as 4 adults and 2 kids. Goals are basic sightseeing, the beach, and good food/wine. (We might do an "adults only" meal or two if necessary.) Pretty laid-back vacation with few requirements beyond chilling out and seeing a new island.


About half what I know about it is from the book and movie "The Deep."

We'll Netflix it before we go. ;)

Many threads, like this one below, if you were to do a search here on Bermuda:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299656

Especially in this forum, called The Caribbean.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=474
Also, I would check out tripadvisor.com.

When we visited BDA five years ago there were no car rentals available on the island. The bus system was very good. We found the lodging was affordable - I 'll try to dig up the name of the rental unit. Restaurants were generally the poorest value of any of the islands we have visited. Overpriced realtive to quality.

Many threads, like this one below, if you were to do a search here on Bermuda:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299656

Especially in this forum, called The Caribbean.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=474
Also, I would check out tripadvisor.com.

Cool - thanks for the links to the other forums. I will follow-up on some of those...sort of an old thread, but probably not a big deal.

I live in Bermuda and I can say that Bermuda is just ....ing expensive. There is really no way to have a budget holiday here.

Hotel Rooms start at like $200 dollars, but usually go up to $500 for hotels that are not even special. You might have a great ocean view, but the amenities and service are nothing special. I stayed in the Coco Reef Resort (there are very different rates available all over the net) which is a quite old building, however, a great location with beach and a nice play to stay. It is also close to town and the many other beaches.

There are still no rental cars allowed on the island, you can only get a rental scooter which is still pretty expensive ($50 a day, but getting less the more days you rent it for) and some kind of dangerous as in case you have an accident, you will most likely get hurt. (No protection but your clothes) Many bermudians drive them though (because they have to, there is only 1 car allowed per household) and many drive like maniacs. But if you go 35 kmh which is the limit you are safe. Most people ignore it though.

Bermuda is a very very nice island with lots of places to discover, I certainly recommend renting a scooter because you can get to the many remote places and beaches. There are many private beaches, you just have to find them. Its actually quite fun to just drive around on the scooter for a day.

Fastfood and regular dining is very expensive in Bermuda. A cheese burger costs $4/$5 at a place similar to Mc Donalds. Gas is very expensive with $1.70 per liter. A sixpack of Heineken costs $10. A bottle of Bacardi $22, a can of soda $1.25

You should rent a little boat to get to the many remote islands and beaches. Make sure you choose a calm day for that because the boats you can rent are some kind of small and crappy but they do their job.

Another fun thing to do is rent a jet ski. I dont have to say its expensive.

Remember bermuda is the richest country in the world!

Thanks for the info, Wireless. I'm told that there is a bus system that's pretty good. When you say "close to town", are you referring to Hamilton? Is that pretty much the only town of size there? (What about St. Georges?)

I get that Bermuda isn't cheap, but those prices don't sound totally nutty. Heck, a sixer of most European beers at the liquor store near my house is $8-9. For accommodations, amenities and services aren't a huge deal on this particular trip - the prices themselves aren't out of whack with other beach destinations, it's the lack of any "big 3" properties that throws a bit of a wrinkle in things.

That said, in some sort of strange way, I'm looking forward to a B&B, apartment, or something else totally non-chain for a few days. I appreciate the fact that Bermuda has at least somewhat limited these megaresort developments. (Although I know there are/were rumors about a new HGVC a while back.)

My in-laws are Bermudian so I spend a fair amount of time there. There is really not any sticker shock coming from NYC. When we like to get away from the family and have a bit of us time :-) we stay at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. It's location is perfect for us...but we are not doing really anything touristy while on the island -- though it is within an easy walk to Front Street.

I believe that with AMEX you can redeem points for vouchers at the Fairmont chain (35k-65k points/night). The Southampton Princess (Fairmont) is more resort-like with golf, spa, etc. There is a free ferry that runs between the two Princess'. If you can snag a Fairmont Gold room (concierge-level) it is nice because the private lounge offers food presentations throughout the day which can come in handy for breakfast and snacking.

Have a great trip!

My favorite place to stay is a small hotel named The Reefs (www.thereefs.com)

Although the rates are quite steep, they do include breakfast, dinner, and afternoon tea. The meals are gourmet.

There used to be a hotel in the vicinity named Ariel Sands. If it is still in business, the rates should be quite a bit lower, although it is not as nice of course.
Another option is the Elbow Beach Hotel if you prefer private bungalows.

These are located on the southeastern shore. I prefer it over places located closer to Hamilton as the beaches are best in the south.

As mentioned, the public bus system is excellent. I myself prefer renting a moped for the added freedom to get around. Plus riding is fun for me.

OK, let me shift gears for a moment. I figure no point in starting a 2nd thread since some very knowledgeable people have found this one. :)

If we were to have one meal in Bermuda - just my wife and I - where cost or dress code is not an issue, where would it be? I'm willing to spend some Grade-A coin on a world-class gourmet meal - if there is one to be had in Bermuda.

A lot of beach destinations have decidedly lame, overrated, not-very-good restaurants, but I suspect that Bermuda might be different.

OK, let me shift gears for a moment. I figure no point in starting a 2nd thread since some very knowledgeable people have found this one. :)

If we were to have one meal in Bermuda - just my wife and I - where cost or dress code is not an issue, where would it be? I'm willing to spend some Grade-A coin on a world-class gourmet meal - if there is one to be had in Bermuda.



I spent a lot of time in Bremuda in the 90s. At that time, a friend was the head chef & this place was "the" place to dine.
http://www.tommoores.com/

I have no idea if it has held up under the new chef.

OK, let me shift gears for a moment. I figure no point in starting a 2nd thread since some very knowledgeable people have found this one. :)

If we were to have one meal in Bermuda - just my wife and I - where cost or dress code is not an issue, where would it be? I'm willing to spend some Grade-A coin on a world-class gourmet meal - if there is one to be had in Bermuda.



I consulted my Bermudian relations, and the word for that one meal is now BLUE. Blue is tres expensive. Its at the Belmont Golf Club and has a fantastic sunset view. Defnitely recommended for romance (and this comes from a randy, romantic bugger, who would know!).

For a casual Italian dinner con famillia, either La Trattoria or Portofinos would be good. They are affordable by Bermuda standards, and reliably decent.

The word locally is that Dennis' Hideaway is way past its prime, and not recommended anymore. YMMV

Pinniped earlier asked about hotels.
Grape Bay hotel is not bad and a bit cheaper than the Fairmont Southampton - it has a pool and a great beach with an alright restaurant- 5 minutes from town.

GOOD LUCK!

Grape Bay hotel is not bad and a bit cheaper than the Fairmont Southampton - it has a pool and a great beach with an alright restaurant- 5 minutes from town.


I'm seeing good rates for Grape Bay: is it pretty nice? (Not "Fairmont nice" of course, but clean with decent-sized rooms?)

Thanks for the info, Wireless. I'm told that there is a bus system that's pretty good. When you say "close to town", are you referring to Hamilton? Is that pretty much the only town of size there? (What about St. Georges?)

Okay so I also live in Bermuda:p

And will answer some of these questions, as I hate it when my questions goes unanswerd.

The bus system is pretty good yes!!!! What Wireless mean by town is usually Hamilton - if you love the buzz of the city this is the closest you'll get in Bermuda. Lots of restaurants and Frontsteet with it's shop - but you can always take the bus in one cloudy day and do this. Hamilton can get very busy when a cruise ship is there and remember every wednesday night is Habour nights - featuring stalls and gombey dancers (Don't miss) I would also recommend The reefs/Fairmount Southamptom - but might be in the expensive range.

St Georges is great if you love history combined with beaches - as this is the oldest town in Bermuda - featuring some restaurants and small shops ( mostly smaller branches of the Hamilton shops)

And that's the only towns - the rest of the island is defided into Parishes such as : Somerset, Devonshire, Flatts etc

About that Romantic Restaurant - I would recommend Fourways inn - gourmet type food but really special with a piano player and good wine list. It has everything from fish to red meat

For Sushi - L'Oriental
For Steak - Waterlot\
For Italian - Tio Pepe, Portofinos
For mexican - Rosa's ("budget")
For seafood - harbourfront,
For take out - speciality inn (budget - even has sushi), Ice queen (greasy take out eg hamburgers fried chicken)

Blue is great but we tried it out and found it REALLY expensive for what you get -ordinary restaurant food for double the price plus you've got to pay extra for all side dishes - but is has a great view at sunset - so I will recommend it for cocktails.

Hope it helps - let us know if there is anything else

I'm seeing good rates for Grape Bay: is it pretty nice? (Not "Fairmont nice" of course, but clean with decent-sized rooms?)

Sorry pinniped, can't report on the guestrooms at Grape Bay, hopefully someone else can. Couldn't even find it on Trip Advisor.

Are there any hotels in Bermuda through which I might attain an award through any major program? I'm thinking via a conversion of some sorts - using AA or UA miles or other hotel points.


Well, I was able to answer this first question: there is one obvious example that I completely overlooked until stumbling upon it last night. You can redeem AAdvantage miles at the rate of 1.25 cents apiece by booking the hotel directly through AA.

The catch is that you are pretty much booking at RACK rate, and they don't have all major hotels on their list. (Although for Bermuda, they do have most of the most popular ones.) The 1.25c rate is surprisingly good (usually I expect these kinds of things to be well under a penny), but it's only really worthwhile if you can't find a decent promotion/discount somewhere else.

Anyway, it's another option to consider for anyone looking to burn miles - instead of dollars - on a Bermuda vacation.

Well the bus system is okay, but I used the bus for the first 2 months I was here and I got sick and tired of it as it means a lot of walking and it takes so long to get to places. I would really say, it takes twice as much time to get to places by bus than by bike.

Moreover, bus drivers are not the nicest people.

The fastest way to get around is by bike, you can overtake lines. Bermudas roads are overcrowded!

Taxi is really expensive but late at night the only option cuz buses stop around 11 o clock. Or you take the bike, but that means you cant drink.

Specialty Inn does have nice food and its a place where locals go. You should definetly try a codfish breakfast on Sundays, a cheap good place to get it is the Marketplace supermarket in town on Church Street for only 8 bucks.

You should also try the Rum Swizzle, there is a restaurant thats named after it, its okay, but the food is not extraordinarily good.

If you wanna go out, go to Cafe Cairo or Level on Front Street. Don't go to ghetto places like Champions or Gombeys you can get in trouble really easy...

All bars have to close at 3 AM and only Splash and Champions are allowed to open til 5 AM where Splash is the less ghetto option.

For money reasons I unfortunately havent been to the upscale restaurants but I heard that Harbourfront is really good indeed.

Ok i cant think of anything else that you must know.

Just returned from Bermuda - loved it! We stayed at a little guest house called Mazarine by the Sea. $275/nt. for two rooms, two king beds, and kitchenettes with full fridges. (I think a single oceanfront room with 1 king runs about $150-175 in peak season.) Grocery store across the street...it was nice to load up the fridges with drinks and spend a lot of time relaxing by the pool. This was the only guest house we could find that had a swimming pool and was also directly on the ocean. By that I mean...walk outside our room, down a flight of steps, and into the ocean. When we go back to Bermuda - and I'm sure we will - we will try to stay at this place again. Ordinarily I feel like I *live* at big full-service hotels in my day-to-day life, so this tiny guest house was very refreshing. Seeing how far the big Fairmont was from the water, I almost felt sorry for those folks dropping five bills a night to stay there.

We never did figure out the bus system all that well. The route map is extensive and the buses are very clean, but the schedule doesn't seem to operate exactly on-time. Some of the bus drivers are downright nasty (they're somewhat famous for this), but the Bermudians riding the buses were incredibly helpful. And we also encountered a couple of friendly drivers as well...

We walked a lot. Sometimes we'd walk into Hamilton to catch a bus south or a ferry to one of the ends of the island. I know all of the travel books warn you about walking around in Hamilton (especially north of Victoria Park), but we didn't have any problems or even remotely feel threatened. Hamilton is a bit of a grubby port town like port towns the world over. No creepier than walking around the industrial parts of Seattle's waterfront. Granted, we weren't out at 3AM or anything like that...

The two ends of the island - St. George's and Dockyard - were our favorites. Also spent a day on the south side visiting the sandy beaches. South side: sandier beaches, bigger surf, picturesque in the traditional sense. North side: rocky shore, calmer surf, good snorkeling.

If you run, definitely bring your shoes. Bermuda has an extensive rails-to-trails system that runs almost the whole length of the island. I was able to do a 14-miler with minimal interaction with traffic once I got outside Hamilton and onto the trails.

My only complaint: we ate a lot of mediocre, overpriced food. It wasn't really the prices that shocked me - I expected that going in - it was the mediocrity of the cuisine and service. We had one memorable meal at a place called Aqua at the Ariel Sands. Good food, good service, right on the water. When we go back, I suspect we'll split our food budget between grocery store picnic food for breakfast and lunch and then fairly upscale restaurants for dinner. I would rather pay $35 for good seafood than pay $17 for a bad cheeseburger at a sportsbar.

Thanks for taking the time to post the trip report pinniped. Very interesting reading. Glad you had a good time.

Did you try BLUE by any chance?

Looks like you answered my question if Ariel Sands is still there. How did the grounds look? Ddi you happen to see any rate sheet?

First, we unfortunately didn't make it to Blue. Sounds like a good place...

Second, Ariel Sands was nice, but my wife and I both remarked how we were expecting it to be much more luxurious. Rates were around $500/nt. for what appeared to be a small room comfortable for two adults max. $620/nt. for a suite that would presumably sleep 3 or 4, although I never saw the inside of any of the rooms. I get the sense that a lot of that rate is paying for (a) the name recognition, the Hollywood-types who go there, etc. and (b) the standard this property likely set back when it was built.

It was nice overall, and we enjoyed the meal there, but the place just seemed like it needed a little work. Landscaping, minor refurbishment/updating, etc.

The upside was that it has extensive oceanfront grounds and a nice private beach. Plus a great little beachside bar where people could hang out at night when they weren't having dinner at Aqua.

Resurrecting a dusty thread, it looks like we (myself, wife, 10 yr old and 7 yr old) might be staying one night (possibly two) in Bermuda on a flight back from Europe - that's the only way we could get an award ticket. Approx. date is July 28th.

So, what would you recommend for a place for a family of 4, close to airport would be nice if we don't have much time, and as budget-friendly as if possible in Bermuda? :)

Thanks

Our place from last summer - Mazarine by the Sea - would be good for a family of 4. Fits the budget requirement. If you book the two adjoining rooms ($275 total for the two in the summer season), you have plenty of room for four.

Nice small pool. Right on the ocean. Convenient to Hamilton. Not excessively far from the airport - 20-30 minutes or so. Actually closer than most resorts, I think. (Although there certainly are a handful nearer the airport.)

Thanks - I have sent them an email (nice, as I think they used to only have phone contacts.)

Moving this thread to the Caribbean forum. Thanks for your understanding.

Jouy31
TravelBuzz moderator

Unfortunately, Mazarine by the Sea (as well as many others I have checked) are booked. Looks like my options are a few places with bad reviews, or one of the Fairmonts, at $450 for the night. Any other help? (Looking for 7/28, one quick night)

Pinniped, How did you locate Mazarine by the Sea? I'm not finding a web site. Just a few pics. on trip advisor with a few glowing reviews. Did you see the 9 Beaches resort in your travels and if so any opinions?

Heading to Bermuda in October. Anyone try Ascots at the Royal Palms? We were thinking of a nice dinner there.

Pinniped, How did you locate Mazarine by the Sea? I'm not finding a web site. Just a few pics. on trip advisor with a few glowing reviews. Did you see the 9 Beaches resort in your travels and if so any opinions?

I don't think I found a website, but I did have an email (mazarinebythesea_at_ibl.bm) and they responded to that fairly quickly - unfortunately, they were booked for my date.

Still looking for recommendations that may have availability in July, with a nice restaurant and beach close-by!

Just to revive the Bermuda hotel question. Any thoughts on the differences between the Fairmont properties on the island? Thanks

Southampton is a resort (golf, beach, etc.). The Princess is in the city. Both are very nice in terms of room amentities and quality of service, etc. I have found the Princess rooms to be on the small side whereas, based on a sample size of 1, the room I had in Southampton was enormous.

Location: from the Princess you can walk to a number of shops and restaurants. IIRC, it would likely require a cab to reach even the nearest restaruant to the Southampton.

There may be a shuttle available between the two properties, or a chance to do a two-property stay on the same trip.
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13F

It looks like we are going to stay at The Reefs. I hope that it works out. Now if anyone knows a good Scuba diving shop (perhaps not Blue Water as it has been mentioned to be very crowded) I would appreciate it.

I thought I would follow up on my trip to the Reefs. It is just in the middle of building for a number of "timeshare" type units that they are selling. The good part is they have really spent some time and effort redoing the place. We had a lovely time and count it as a very relaxing holiday. The main dining room is new as from July 1st and the other main restaurant is from Aug. 1st. I felt they have improved quite a bit from 11 years ago. The bad part would be the proximity to the building but in reality the worst is well past.

By the way we found Triangle Diving at The Grotto Bay Resort to be very good. We had a two tank dive and were impressed with the team.

I thought I would follow up on my trip to the Reefs. It is just in the middle of building for a number of "timeshare" type units that they are selling. The good part is they have really spent some time and effort redoing the place. We had a lovely time and count it as a very relaxing holiday. The main dining room is new as from July 1st and the other main restaurant is from Aug. 1st. I felt they have improved quite a bit from 11 years ago. The bad part would be the proximity to the building but in reality the worst is well past.

By the way we found Triangle Diving at The Grotto Bay Resort to be very good. We had a two tank dive and were impressed with the team.

Very nice. Thanks for updating us. The Reefs has a blog too that I think the owners or staff post to on their website.

Looking forward to seeing how the fractional ownership units turn out - they seem to be marketing them HARD - which may backfire at some point. Oh well.