kwil

We are flying into Barbados on our way to another island. Originally we were going to get married elsewhere but considering the logistics, we are thinking stay in Barbados 3 nights, get married, and then head onward. We know nothing about Barbados. Where would be a good place to stay? We can't swing Sandy Lane but anything else is probably fair game.

People rave about the Coral Reef Club but I know it is about to go through renovations and that the Sandpiper recently finished with renovations. Which would you choose? Also, what about the Farimont Royal Pavilion? Any other suggestions?

Looking for relatively quiet, swimmable beach, nice rooms, etc.

xkenx

Coral Reef and Sandpiper are owned by members of the same family. Coral Reef has the more extensive grounds and longer beach. It also comes across as sort of a plantation in the tropics, with low rise coral stone bldgs. and cottages, a unique and special place. Any renovations would be just touchup, since the resort was redone just a few years ago. Coral Reef is upscale casual, where Sandy Lane is more ostentatious.

kwil

People seem to prfer the Coral Reef Club but the reviews of The Sandpiper seem to be much better on Trip Advisor.

beachkomer

I find it hard to believe some of the reviews on Trip Advisor. It seems there are some that are TERRIBLE and the next one says, 'AWESOME!!!!'

I never really know what to believe!

xkenx

I think you have to go more by the mass of reviews on a place, than on a particular review. Some reviewers don't have the sense to separate a resort from other factors. Example, I saw a very negative post on Coral Reef from someone who had bad weather on their stay, and blamed the hotel. A thing about charming, authentic, but pricey resorts is that some criticize the hotel for not having glitter and glitz for their big bucks. These people should have researched more carefully beforehand, so that they would go for the right reasons. Both Coral Reef and Caneel Bay get these criticisms. Finally, many resorts, particularly the sprawled out ones, don't have "fawn all over you' service for people used to snapping their fingers for service. Finally, the islands tend to operate on "island time", and there are complaints about indifferent service.
Between guide books, brochures, websites, virtual tours, traveler reviews, it should be possible to get a "read" on most places. On this forum, you can usually get a good answer from someone for even the most detailed of questions.