Dan

I've read so many frightening things about these two resort hotels that I'm almost now afraid to go to Bermuda!<BR><BR>Actually, I have reservations at both hotels for mid April and am trying to decide between the two. We're a family of 4 -- 2 kids under 10. The one thing that attracted me to Sonesa was its beachside location and, alas, its indoor pool. Isn't this a great plus in case the weather stinks? The place has apparently undergone renovation, but folks in the chat room (and even the Elbow Beach, itself) have more or less dismissed it as being inadequate. For sure, Sonesta didn't spend nearly as much as Elbow did, so perhaps Elbow considers it no more than a minor facelife to an already damaged beast.<BR><BR>Elbow Beach attracts me because the beach location is supposedly better -- and the hotel is upper-scale, closer to Hamilton, etc. From the chat room discussions, I feel there's a better chance to avoid the roaches (are we really talking 4 diamonds??) in the main hotel as opposed to the separate beach units. <BR><BR>But in April, might it be too cold to swim? Is the heated outdoor pool in Elbow good enough or is the Sonesta indoor pool and spa a huge advantage?<BR><BR>If the cost were the same (quite honestly, the figures don't seem that much different right now if you figure free breakfast at Elbow), which one would you choose and why? How long would you stay? Five, six, seven nights? <BR><BR>If you think I would definitely be better off elsewhere and can stay within a reasonable budget, please let me know.<BR><BR>Thank you very much,<BR><BR>Thanks

dino

I am planning, mid april for Elbow Bch. I do not have any experience with Bermuda. Whats with the roach thing, Ugh. I'm sick already. where do we go from here?

mp

If you want warm weather and sunny beaches April is not the time to go to Bermuda. IF you just want to watch your kids play in a heated indoor pool Why spend so much money in Bermuda? Do you get where I'm going here? Bermuda is my favorite destination to veg out, however April is good for Tennis and Golf and general outdoor activity.

Dan

How long would you stay in April with two young kids, assuming we avoid indoor pools?<BR><BR>(The roach thing was in response to some earlier messages from folks staying in certain hotels.)

Mary

I've been to Bermuda may times and love it. However when we were there this past September we had a terrible experience w/Elbow Beach. In a word-DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! The place is DISTUSTING! We reserved a beachfront JS for our family of 4 for 8 nights. The couch in the sitting area where the kids were supposed to sleep looked like they got it from the Salvation army. Torn, dirty and sagging.The bathroom mirrors were corroding around the edges, light fixtures nondescript. We looked at another room, then another, then another. All had the same beat up furniture, bedspreads etc. I wouldn't put my dog in those rooms. We finally ended up in the main building which wasn't much better. The rugs in the public areas and the halls were so dirty and worn it looked like they hadn't been cleaned in years. Our room had a leak in the ceiling where the vents were. It made the dirty rug below it soaking wet for days. The housekeeping staff was the pits. Our room had glass marks on the furniture from the previous people. Garbage behind the desk etc. Continental breakfast will set you back $20.00 per person. The walk doown and back up to the beach will kill any healthy adult-my kids were in tears. Anyway after 5 days we left. The GM did his best to help us out but the place was beyond repair. We were very disappointed because I felt we had booked the best place on the island. We went next door to the Stonington and got 2 adjoining OV rooms. The cost was less than at EB and Stonington included full breakfast for the 4 of us. The best thing was that it was on the same spectacular beach as EB. Another great place is the Reefs, however the beach is small there. Weather in April can be iffy. I've been there at that time and we did swim, but the ocean was cold. Hope this saves someone from a disappointing experience at EB. PS Talked to many people at the beach and it seems that everyone was disappointed in the conditions of the rooms. We paid $650.00 a night for that JS!!!

Mary

One last thing--Sonesta isn't so great either. Their beach is a man made cove. When we were there they had man-of-war warnings and not to go in the water. I think because it is protected and the water gets warm and attracts these creatures.

Lois

Regardless of the hotel you select, Bermuda is a gorgeous island, but in April you will get "spring-like" weather -- definitely too cold to go in the gorgeous sea water. That doesn't warm up until mid-June. I'm not sure where you will be traveling from -- for instance if you come from a very cold climate, you might enjoy it.<BR><BR>Definitely consider going somewhere in the Southern Caribbean -- the weather is consistent much warmer & as a result the sea water is much warmer (around 84 degrees). Temps then range from 75 at night to 85-90 during the day.<BR><BR>If you need specifics on any Caribbean island, please write me directly. We've been to both places & while I think Bermuda is gorgeous & no poverty anywhere, to spend lots of money I would want to go into the Caribbean not just look at it.

Debbie

I would like to hear more about Elbow Beach. This is the first time I've heard complaints and I was planning on staying there in Sept. I was there almost 3 years ago and I see a lot has happened since then and not good. Where else to you recommend staying? Was thinking about the reefs, but there is a min stay and I'm not sure everyone can stay the extra days. (we are going with another couple and children) We aren't really worried about childrens programs. 2-3 year olds. Just a beach and pool. Decided against the princess because it is so far from the beach. So far the reefs is our first choice if we can get the timing to work, but it would really help to have another option. Thanks for any help.

Nancy

Dan, my husband and I went on our honeymoon in August, had booked The Reef, when we got to our room we gasped, it was almost cavelike, we left The Reefs and went to Elbow, we had a free standing js approx. 685.00 per night without any meals. The room was dirty and dingy, blood stains on carper, water stains on walls and ceilings, you could not even leave your slider door open, as stray cats wander in. This place was a HUGE ripoff. We toured The Sonesta and we were not impressed. Bermuda is a beautiful island but the prices have become outrageous.

Dan

Thanks for your responses.<BR> <BR>We're still planning to go to Bermuda, but I'm looking at the outside possibility of another destination in case flights open up. We're in Boston, and with two little kids, I'm trying to keep the flying time to a minimum. Also, last time we went to the Caribbean (we've seen St. Martin, St. Kitts, and Guadeloupe), we were mesmerized by the contrast between lush touristy resorts and poverty-stricken villages. Do you think we would avoid this in any islands in the Bahamas or Virgin Islands? Do you recommend anything?<BR> <BR>Much obliged,<BR>

Mom

You should look into the TNT Charters out of Boston to the Dominican Republic. I too am from Boston, planning a trip to the DR for next winter and it seems to me that the Melia Carbie Tropical is absolutely gorgeous and highly rated. Family friendly, great beaches and pools, kid programs, etc. The TNT charter is 3 1/2 hours from Boston and their website posts short 3/4nt stays and as well as 7nts. Check out debbiesdominican.com for opinions on the resort and island and also solmelia.com for more resort specific information. I am a former travel agent and very particular about where I stay with my kids. Not being in the business any longer, I have questions just like the general traveling public and have found debbiesdominican.com to be extremely helpful in making my decision. Good luck.

Cheryl

I agree with above posters ... weather in Bermuda in April will be spring like; too cool for beach activities and the ocean will definitely be too cold to swim in. It should be OK for other outdoor activities, i.e., sightseeing, golf, etc. If you go to Bermuda another time when beach weather is better, i.e., late May/June, look into Cambridge Beaches ... We stayed there a few years ago and loved it, although its location can be a draw back (way on the western side of the island) ... Also, it's more of a resort for couples rather than families.<BR><BR>Anyway, mid April would be a perfect time for St. John in the Virgin Islands. I would recommend renting a villa. There are so many beautiful beaches, the weather will be perfect for the beach, and the water will be warm. The snorkeling on St. John is great, and there are areas that you can snorkel right off the beach which will be great for the kids. Some villas even have pools. You can do a search on this site under St. John and you should find lots of information.<BR><BR>There is not much nightlife on St. John, which may not be a concern going as a family. There are a handful of restaurants and shops in Cruz Bay and you can always take the ferry over to St.Thomas for more shopping.

Mom

I forgot to mention this: Coming from Boston, I assume you are looking for guaranteed beach weather. Bermuda isn't all the different in the spring from Boston weather wise. Best times to go there are late May through end of August for the best overall weather. September through late October is potential hurricane season but weather is still nice. Risky yes, but the prices are rock bottom then. Not sure if Ariel Sands accepts kids or not but it is top knotch. Good luck.

Dan

I may be wrong, but from what I've read, Dominican Republic is rather iffy from the safety perspective. But the suggestion is well-taken, and the place does look quite inviting. Are there other 4 or 5-day specials further south during the week of April 13 that people have heard about?

Greg

I just got back from Bermuda 2 days ago. We had excellent weather! I live in Boston and believe me the weather was much better down in Bermuda and I actually went swimming in the ocean twice. I would have gone more had I stayed closer to the beach. The water was chilly just as you dive in but after 30 seconds you wouldnt want to come out. It was a lot warmer than the water ever gets on Cape Cod in the summer. I cant wait to go back. The island is so incredibly beautiful and lush. It was much more tropical than I expected. I felt totally safe there which is a lot more than you can say about Santo Domingo!! Also, the proximity is a real plus. 2 hours from Boston! Can't beat that!