stu3700

Hello. Thanks for responses re: May weather. We pushed it out one week, and will hope for the best (warm weather-wise). Now looking at mid-priced places in Paget or Warwick. I've seen good writeups on Surfside Beach Club, so I'm leaning that way. Trying to compare to Marley Beach and Grape Bay. Greenbank on the North Side of Paget also seems to receive high marks from Fodors, as does Salt Kettle. But - leaning toward a South Rd. locale with proximity to the great beaches along the southside, and a quick jaunt to Hamilton. Also - looking for a place where it doesn't sound like you're in the same house with your neighbors (i.e., good soundproofing).

Any input greatly appreciated!

Stu

penny

I agree with you about your South Rd. location. Great spot to zip off to Hamilton, and South Rd. beaches. I have stayed at the Surfside many times, it is a nice spot. I have gone up the huge hill to see Marley Beach, never viewed the rooms, I had friends stay there years ago and loved it. Grape Bay has recently been done over-(The old White Sands )so you will probably not find a review.
Also the earliest I have been to Bermuda was late May. The weather was perfect, and so was the beach. Enjoy!

cmcfong

Hello. I have stayed at Marley several times. It is basic (maybe Spartan is a better word) with very little support staff. On the plus side it has kitchens in all rooms and the most incredible views. It is a small property and I have never been aware of other guests. We generally enjoy sitting out on our patio and looking at the ocean without any disturbances. It is on the bus route. The beach is small.
Surfside has a very nice layout and a decent on site restaurant. I toured the rooms and they were well appointed and clean. Grape Bay has recently been renovated. Its location is closer to town than the other two and I don't particularly like the turn to go up there, when I am on my moped (very small issue of course). It is also relatively private. I would say it is the most luxurious of the properties you are considering. Greenbank has a great location for the ferry and harbor views and very reasonable prices. I have not seen the rooms.

stu3700

Gotta say - I am really warmed by the helpfulness of people on this board. Hopefully I can do the same.

Thanks Penny and cmcfong for your insights. Thanks Fodors for providing the space.


Stu

Joanada

Hello
I was reading the info on the old White Sands Hotel, now Grape Bay. Do you think it would be enjoyable staying there now , service etc. We had our honeymoon there many, many years ago and loved it and the location. The beach is nice to walk along also. There are no reviews yet, but they are open. Thanks.

sp

I stayed at Marley about 10 years ago. I loved the location - the views are amazing - our balcony looked straight down the ocean. We loved having our breakfast there. We also hardly saw anybody - it was like we had the place to ourselves. The pool was like at Surfside - it's up the hill a bit - so you look down at the ocean. We were always the only ones there - so it was heaven. What we didn't like was that the room was very run down & dingy (I am not super fussy - it really was very run down). I have never heard of any renovations, so I would definitely keep that in mind. They do not have a restaurant on site, and there were times when we really didn't feel like going out at night (especially scootering in the rain). There is, however, a good restaurant down the road a bit - Paw Paws - so we were happy about that. If the beach is a big issue (it is with us), Marley's is very small. I know at Surfside, the beach is small and it comes and goes, so you may not have one at all. I stayed at Grape Bay about 15 years ago (the old White Sands) and that beach is a nice size. We didn't like that at Marley and White Sands there were no loungers/umbrellas or anything like paddle boats or noodles. We have finally decided that we weren't going to settle for mid-priced places anymore, so now we save like crazy - I mean big time - to be able to go to Pompano. We just don't stay as long. If you read the reviews on Pompano at tripadvisor.com you will see what I mean why we're crazy about it. It's also not far from a ferry stop - so you can get to Hamilton that way. I haven't stayed at Salt Kettle - but I have neighbours who stay there all the time and love it. I have considered staying there, but I really like 'having it all' at one location.