Bermuda in December?
Jul 28th, 2006, 04:54 AM
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Bermuda in December?
What is Bermuda like in December (i.e. Christmas)? We're not interested in hot & tropical, just something warmer than the Midwest will be. And WHY are the hotels in Bermuda cheaper in December than any other time of year? And (last question I promise, and don't laugh) are there lots of mosquitos there then? Thanks!
Brian
Brian
Jul 28th, 2006, 05:33 AM
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December is Low Season in Bermuda (which is why hotels are less expensive) mainly because it can get cool there at that time of year. Expect daytime temps in the high 60's or low 70's F. It has been known to drop down to the low 60's F or even into the mid to low 50's F. on occasion in December.
Mosquitos are not ordinarilly a big problem in Bermuda but like anywhere else they are more prevallent after periods of prolonged rain (when that might happen is anyones guess). Don't worry, its a non-issue.
Mosquitos are not ordinarilly a big problem in Bermuda but like anywhere else they are more prevallent after periods of prolonged rain (when that might happen is anyones guess). Don't worry, its a non-issue.
Jul 28th, 2006, 09:33 AM
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I love Bermuda and have travelled there at least once a year since 1972. While May and October are my favorite months to visit, I switched to a December trip about six or so years ago. There are very few tourists there at that time and occupancy rates at the hotels are way down. The bad of that is that finding a cab can sometimes be a challenge and the staffing at some hotels can be sparer (particularly housekeeping). I like it because I love the Bermuda Boat Parade, the restaurants are full of Bermudians having parties (they love to celebrate), the shops are often open at night giving me tons of beach or scuba time and letting me shop after dinner. No cruise ships in town so roads, stores, etc are less crowded. I am often the only guest at the hotel and I get a little spoiled. The weather has been mild and very pleasant on all of my trips. I have a light jacket for moped riding, but rarely need a wrap or jacket at night.
Brian, Bermuda is a lovely place to visit in December. Book early, most students and families living off island are trying to get home then.
Brian, Bermuda is a lovely place to visit in December. Book early, most students and families living off island are trying to get home then.
Jul 28th, 2006, 10:01 AM
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Thanks for the good info. Since you have been there so much, do you mind if I ask a couple more questions? I understand the primary mode of transport will be moped or public transit. Is the island small enough that even if we stayed at a "remote" hotel we could still get to Hamilton and other places easily? AND (last question) assuming money is (almost) no object, what lodging would you suggest? Thanks for the info!
Jul 28th, 2006, 10:12 AM
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Rant : I'm not going to Bermuda this Christmas. It sounds so lovely at that time of the year! 
Rave : I'm <i><u>still</u></i> going to Bermuda next year...hopefully. (yes yes...I know this isn't the R&R thread
)<font color="green"><u>Question
</u></font>: I'm baffled. If December is the very low season, why are the fares at that time of year so very expensive? Is it because of all the students trying toget home?
And cmcfong, why are May and October your favourite times to visit Bermuda?
Thanks to Brian for asking this question.
Jul 28th, 2006, 10:17 AM
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The public transportation system in BDA is excellent. I use the ferries as much as possible. The buses run frequently and are well maintained. Taxis are very expensive. Getting into Hamilton is very easy, but at peak traffic times can take a while if you are travelling by bus, moped or taxi. The ferries run very reliably and drop you right on Front Street.
I ride a moped and love the freedom it gives me. Three conditions:
I never ride when it is dark, raining or I have been drinking. They are dangerous and the other drivers can be very challenging (particularly the young men who seem hellbent on playing "chicken" with this old gal).
Now where to stay. Tougher question. I like the cottage colonies (Cambridge Beaches and Pink Beach) on the beach, but they are very pricey. Check http://www.bermudatourism.com which offers a map of accomodations and prices (remember DEC is low season). For a hotel, the Reefs or Pompano are good choices. For a big hotel, Elbow Beach (a cottage not the main hotel) is great.
I like the Waterloo House in town, Fourways Inn on mid-island (the restaurant is their priority so hotel service is not great, but the rooms are large and comfortable and I love the in room breakfast).
I can give you more options if you tell me your general budget range, whether you want to be on the ocean, and what activities will be your priority.
Bermuda has so much to do and it is so beautiful, I can say with confidence you will enjoy your stay.
I ride a moped and love the freedom it gives me. Three conditions:
I never ride when it is dark, raining or I have been drinking. They are dangerous and the other drivers can be very challenging (particularly the young men who seem hellbent on playing "chicken" with this old gal).
Now where to stay. Tougher question. I like the cottage colonies (Cambridge Beaches and Pink Beach) on the beach, but they are very pricey. Check http://www.bermudatourism.com which offers a map of accomodations and prices (remember DEC is low season). For a hotel, the Reefs or Pompano are good choices. For a big hotel, Elbow Beach (a cottage not the main hotel) is great.
I like the Waterloo House in town, Fourways Inn on mid-island (the restaurant is their priority so hotel service is not great, but the rooms are large and comfortable and I love the in room breakfast).
I can give you more options if you tell me your general budget range, whether you want to be on the ocean, and what activities will be your priority.
Bermuda has so much to do and it is so beautiful, I can say with confidence you will enjoy your stay.
Jul 28th, 2006, 10:20 AM
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JAGirl, I sure hope you get there next year. I like May and October because the weather is warm and the ocean is great for swimming. I am not much for swimming in the ocean in Dec. (I dive in a wetsuit). In May the flowers are spectacular.
Many Bermudians shop off island, there are students returning and the business community seems willing to maintain the high fares. As far as I can tell there is no low season for BDA fares. JetBlue and USA3000 are offering good rates but neither serves my market.
Go when you can...it is another world.
Many Bermudians shop off island, there are students returning and the business community seems willing to maintain the high fares. As far as I can tell there is no low season for BDA fares. JetBlue and USA3000 are offering good rates but neither serves my market.
Go when you can...it is another world.
Jul 28th, 2006, 10:20 AM
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Bermuda is a narrow crescent shaped island and if memory serves me correct it's about 23 or 24 miles from one tip to the other. Speed limits are slow so it can take quite a while to traverse the island. For instance, we stayed at Cambridge Beaches which was at one end of the island (Smith's Parish, I think) and it took at least 30 minutes to get to Hamilton and 45 to 50 minutes to get to the airport. Taxis are very expensive (we never had a ride that was under $10 and most were in the $15 to $25 range and it was about $60 to/from the airport so bring lots of cash if you plan on using them. FYI- Mopeds seemed to move slower than cabs so if you plan on using them adjust travel time accordingly.
As you already know the only modes of transportation for tourists are taxis, mopeds or buses. When we were there in June we often had trouble finding taxis, especially if we we looking for one to take us back to the hotel after dining out around the island. Others may have had a different experience but we were very disappointed in the quality of taxi service. We did not take buses (that's not our style) but were told they run fairly frequently but you may have to walk a bit to get to the nearest stop.
As for recommendations on places to stay, there are quite a few that range from "cottage colonies" like the aforementioned Cambridge Beaches, the Reefs and Pompano Beach Club to large hotels like Elbow Beach & Southampton Princess and small guest houses. Which is best depends on your own tastes and desires. Check reviews at www.tripadvisor.com and you get a good feel for the pros and cons of each.
As you already know the only modes of transportation for tourists are taxis, mopeds or buses. When we were there in June we often had trouble finding taxis, especially if we we looking for one to take us back to the hotel after dining out around the island. Others may have had a different experience but we were very disappointed in the quality of taxi service. We did not take buses (that's not our style) but were told they run fairly frequently but you may have to walk a bit to get to the nearest stop.
As for recommendations on places to stay, there are quite a few that range from "cottage colonies" like the aforementioned Cambridge Beaches, the Reefs and Pompano Beach Club to large hotels like Elbow Beach & Southampton Princess and small guest houses. Which is best depends on your own tastes and desires. Check reviews at www.tripadvisor.com and you get a good feel for the pros and cons of each.
Jul 28th, 2006, 10:39 AM
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<font color="green">Mopeds seemed to move slower than cabs so if you plan on using them adjust travel time accordingly</font>
Mayhap walking might be faster than the two?
Thanks for the great info you two. I'm still planning my Bermuda trip. Now May sounds wonderful too!
Hopefully Brian writes a report when he gets back!
Mayhap walking might be faster than the two? Thanks for the great info you two. I'm still planning my Bermuda trip. Now May sounds wonderful too!
Hopefully Brian writes a report when he gets back!
Jul 28th, 2006, 12:26 PM
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Sigh. I've read this thread and (stomping my feet like a school girl) say, "I want to go to Bermuda in December!"
I must whisper into my DH's ear as he sleeps at night -- that way he will think it's his idea, lol.
BTW, Bermuda really does have wonderful public transportation (bus).
Brian, have a great trip!!
I must whisper into my DH's ear as he sleeps at night -- that way he will think it's his idea, lol.
BTW, Bermuda really does have wonderful public transportation (bus).
Brian, have a great trip!!
Jul 28th, 2006, 12:41 PM
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LOL, we hadn't even left Portugal and the words "next year" came out of my DH's mouth! He was talking Europe (Germany), but that requires too much thinking. Bermuda...ah such a tranquil and relaxing place...
But it is a "sickness" in a way, isn't it cmcfong?
He was talking Europe (Germany), but that requires too much thinking. Bermuda...ah such a tranquil and relaxing place... But it is a "sickness" in a way, isn't it cmcfong?
