marlin

Yes, I did call. They don't know whether it hasn't been loaded or whether it's not available. I have been checking it closely, I want to book it for the end of March (yes, very high season, the rates are $700!) So, if the website is anything to go by, the dates are bookable one year in advance and the first few days of March are not available yet which leads me to believe that the rest of the month will be unavailable too.

I need to book the air miles 331 days out but won't do then unless I have the hotel too.

Thanks for listening.

hfly

$700 for that hotel???!!! I've been to most of the islands and have to say that Barbads s one of the dullest. It's fine, clean, safe, etc, but still pretty dull. Same goes for the Hilton, it's perfectly comfortable, good facilities, but still not that wonderful, $700 is extortionate.

AK01

There is a cricket world cup in West Indies during March-April 2007 and I won't be surprised if everything is booked. Folks from all over the world, including large Indian/Pakistani/British/Australian expat population from the US will travel during this time to these islands.

Match Schedule:

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/W..._schedule.html

If you have no interest in cricket, you may want to go there some another time.

acysb87

You nailed it ^ Huge event for Barbados.I just stayed there on Saturday night.The country has construction all over in preparation for the games.Hotels are already booked up all over,(other island nations as well) for the events.I have time property in Barbados into March 2007 ^

marlin

Flyertalk comes through....who else would have known.

I'll go another time, good luck to all the cricket teams and their loyal fans

Varian

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.

Notenut

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.

cactuspete

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.

Varian

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.

cactuspete

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 .

Varian

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 )

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

cactuspete

Chefette?

acysb87

Sounds correct.Purple and canary yellow uniforms.

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)

ctkathy

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.

BajanYankee

It may be tough getting a hotel room on the island at that time but there are tons of villas and cottages available, many of them recently built or renovated for the games, and many of them located on the beach. Your best bet would probably be to go through one of the many villa service companies on the island like Bajan Services - http://www.bajanservices.com/cricket.php