beadlady

My husband and I will be flying to Bermuda on May 7 and spending a week at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort for our fortieth anniversary. I understand it has been renovated and redecorated and wondered if anyone has been there very recently.

We plan to spend some time enjoying the beach and sight-seeing. Any tips on places to see, things to do, and where to eat without breaking the bank would be greatly appreciated. I understand the public transportation system is fantastic. Are there any private tour companies or do you just tour on the buses/ferries?

txgirlinbda

Happy anniversary!!

You've got lots of options for inexpensive things to do. Stop at the info desk at the airport and get your maps and bus/ferry schedules.
Type Bermuda in the search box and have a look at what kinds of questions others have answered - you will probably find most of your info there.
What kind of activities do you enjoy? Are you fit for walking? What kind of dining are you looking for? Do you have any sort of daily budget for food/sightseeing that you need to stick to? Do you want your days planned or do you want to be more flexible? Once high season kicks in, you're going to need to think about dinner reservations for most places.
You can do your touring either way, but I recommend the public transport system - we'll talk more about that after you've read the Bermuda posts you'll find.
The more info you can give us, the more we can help you - let's get planning!!!

beadlady

Hi txgirlinbda,
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. We do like to walk--just not into extended hiking (as in over about a mile) or climbing. I'm sure we will enjoy touring St. George's and some historic sites. We enjoy gardens and nature sites. We want to be flexible but have several "must-see" items on our agenda for the week. Do you think we would enjoy the caves in the Grotto Bay area? We prefer casual dining but would be interested in a recommendation for a nice restaurant or two to try. Tell me more about dinner reservations and dress for dinner. I have already read through the posts on Bermuda but don't remember seeing anything about the resort where we will be staying.
Thanks for any tips you can give.

cmcfong

Beadlady, I topped a thread for you about several posters' favorite things to do in Bermuda. I hope you saw it. Right now it is number 19 on the page.

As to great restaurants, Fourways, Ascots, Waterloo House, Tom Moore's Tavern, and Blu would be on my list.

For casual restaurants, I like Cafe Gio in St. George, Lemon Tree in Hamilton, the Swizzle Inn (a very short walk from your resort) and Ascots for lunch.

In my experience reservations are essential for any of the top places. Dress is usually smart casual (slacks, not jeans, collared or polo shirts, not tee shirts).

Have a wonderful trip.

beadlady

Thank you very much for the tips and the info on the Bermuda thread, cmcfong. I read through it and found lots of insightful info as well as the link to beautiful photos. One thing I have not found is any reference to the Grotto Bay Resort.

cmcfong

Hi Beadlady, I topped a thread which referenced your hotel choice for you, it is titled Bermuda Question. You can find other threads commenting on the hotel by entering the name in the search bar. As you will see, I didn't respond to your query about the hotel as I have not stayed there. I am familiar with it. The location is the reason I would not consider it for a stay. I prefer to be where I can get to Hamilton by ferry rather easily.
Happy anniversary and enjoy your trip.

txgirlinbda

Grotto Bay's location does tend to put you at a disadvantage, but I think you'll be ok.
The railway trails and south shore beaches from Warwick Long bay to Horseshoe Bay are nice walks. Nothing too strenuous. Ft. Hamilton is my favorite 'secret garden' -great views of Hamilton harbor, gorgeous grounds and a tropical-plant-filled moat to walk around. And free!! Botanical Gardens are great for a stroll. Crystal Caves is nice, but I would save that for rainy days - there are too many pretty places above ground to see. Ft. St. Catherine is interesting, for your St. George's day.

You're going to be on the bus a lot, since there's not a lot near your hotel. That's okay, your bus routes start early and run late. Look at a 5-day bus pass, as it generally isn't worth it to pay for the first/last days of your trip. That will give you unlimited bus/ferry transport.

My splurge restaurant pick would be Ascot's. Mid-range favorites include Hog Penny, Portofino's, '10' and Bistro J (in Hamilton). For coffee, pastries - it's got to be Rock Island in Hamilton. Sandwiches - Common Grounds and City Cafe (at the bus terminal) in Hamilton. Breakfast with the locals - Specialty Inn - on the #1 bus route that leaves your hotel every 30 min. Cheap, good, diner-style.

Dress code for summer - you're going to want khaki shorts, sandals, collars for him, no flip-flops. Nicer restaurants are going to want slacks or skirts, and what my boyfriend calls dressy-golf clothes. Mostly it's no jeans/beach wear/flip-flops.

You should be able to get lunch most casual places without reservations, but if you're wanting to go out for dinner, I would try to make some reservations - esp if there are cruise ships in port - things can get pretty busy.

Let me know if I can help any more!

beadlady

Thanks so much for all the info. We had already surmised that we will be using public transportation a lot but don't see that as a problem. We weren't interested in staying in Hamilton because we wanted a beach view.

In dress code, you mentioned khaki shorts. Does that refer to daytime casual activities? I have lots of denim shorts. Am I going to have to go shopping for something else prior to the trip?

Thanks for helping. I haven't been able to check the forum for the last several days because my 88-year-old dad has been hospitalized since very early Saturday and has had a stint implanted. He may have to have another before being released from the hospital. I have been busy running back and forth checking on him but I'll check back with the forum as time permits.

txgirlinbda

You'll be fine in denim during the day, but you'll feel more "appropriately dressed" if you pair that denim with some cute sandals and a nice shirt rather than the tank tops and flip flops people seem to be wearing more and more - with the khakis, I was referring more to question about your DH and dinner out. Hope that helps, and hope for a speedy recovery for your dad!!

beadlady

Thank you for the response, txgirlinbda.

My dad is doing better. The doctor who did the surgery told us today that he did have a heart attack last weekend. He is still undecided as to when he will do the other stint.