excited_confused

Hi, I am looking for a 3/4 night getaway from Boston for DH & myself for the long weekend 2/13 - 2/16. Looking for a change from this bitterly cold weather though I know it won't be too warm! Will we be able to spend some time on the beach during the day or is it even too cool for that? Is there enough to do since we will not be able to take advantage of the beach? Would the Princess Hamilton be a better choice than the Southampton?
Our budget is about $1200-1500 for airfare & the hotel, maybe $100/day extra for food, is that feasible?
Any other destination suggestions would be appreciated, can't seem to find much in that price range Just looking for a romantic place to relax. Thanks.

txgirlinbda

If you're not expecting to relax on the beach and go swimming, I think it's a great option. We still play golf here in Feb. Granted, you might get unlucky and get a few rainy days, but then again, it could be sunny and 60's - perfect for strolling the beaches and parks and exploring. There are walking trails, old forts, parks, ferry rides, plenty of stuff to do other than just lie on the beach.

I just checked the Southampton Fairmont and you can get a basic king room for about $700 for your dates - plus they're offering a Bermuda's 400th anniversary package with $100/night room credit, so there's $300 worth of meals or whatever thrown in. The Princess is 'in town', walking distance to grocery stores, shopping, restuarants. The Southampton is out on the south shore, on a golf course, meaning buses or taxis whenever you want to get off the property. Also, when you check out Southampton's website, the Love Festival is going on while you're here.

Weadles

We love Bermuda, but during an early June visit, we were FREEZING on the beach, so no, I don't think it's worth a visit there in February.

Why don't you check out a package for Puerto Rico? Many operators are offering unbelievable deals for this year, and you might luck out.

girlonthego

Bermuda is a very beautiful island. I am not sure what their average temps are in Feb. (weather.com would be able to give you that).
We have been in spring summer and fall. summer and fall were warmer.
We went one year in early May and it was chilly (sweater) and sometimes rainy at night. My kids and husband swam, but I like it warmer. The hotel pool was heated so that was nice.
It won't be swimming weather, but it should have nice golf, shopping and being out and about weather. If swimming is important, then look farther south!
We really liked the Cayman islands for a relaxing vacation. It does NOT have Bermuda's beauty and it is farther, but it has beautiful water and nice restaurants. The people were very friendly. Snorkeling is fantastic.

justme22

it will be chilly, this island is off of the carolina's not in the carribean.... i was there in late march once and we could barely get in the water, sunny days good but if it's cloudy make sure you have a jacket! i think you should do a little more research, the bahamas may be as economical and warmer. (but not hot) try freeport or andros....

kumabear

We just got airfare to Puerto Rico from BOS direct to San Juan for $260, the weather looks great there and between the snorkeling. rainforest and the biobay tour-its an easy long weekend trip-were just going for 4 nights, just another suggestion to look into.

excited_confused

kumabear, can you tell me what airline that was? Since it's a long weekend, airline prices are higher for most places. Thanks.

Weadles

We took Jetblue from NYC-San Juan, and it was fantastic. I don't know if they fly from Boston or not. But I keep getting several e-mails from airlines and packagers announcing great deals to the islands. Check out some of the airfare websites, too like Farecompare.com to see what's the lowest rate. Good luck!

excited_confused

Hi, I have tried all the suggested options & more but cannot seem to find anything else within my budget for that weekend so Bermuda it is. I am planning to book the Hamilton Princess since I am presuming there would be more to do in an in-town location. What activities are possible besides golfing? Would the Elbow Beach be a better choice?(it is more expensive)
I am a little concerned about the cost of meals too, what can we expect to spend for lunch at a super casual place & which ones are recommended? For dinner, something casual but elegant would be fine. We would like to do a nice place for Valentine's day, any suggestions that would not break the bank? (Our package from Orbitz says the $300 credit is already reflected in the price of the package).

txgirlinbda

You're going to be fine! Ok, lots of hiking/exploring of walking trails and beach parks, so bring shoes for that. Bring a rain jacket and maybe a light fleece, shouldn't need much more than that. Maybe travel umbrella. There are a few museums, lots of old forts. Two historical areas that are good for a half-day of exploring. I also think the pool at your hotel is heated, if you want to bring swimsuits.
Is breakfast included in your room? You are walking distance from a great grocery store (with a Godiva espresso bar and awesome takeout!) There are plenty of places to get soup and sandwich/deli meals for lunch in town. We eat out quite a bit and a nice meal in the evening runs us about $70 (one app, a couple beers, two mains, one dessert). Gratuities are included in the bill - so don't tip extra. I'll post again asap with some names of places. (am at work right now !!! ) How extravagant do you want to go on Valentine's?? (Will need to make reservations for most places.)

excited_confused

Thanks so much for that encouraging reply txgirlinbda, I feel much better.
Do you recommend staying at the Hamilton Princess or at Elbow Beach? Elbow Beach is about $125 more per person but breakfast is included there (although we are not big breakfast eaters, so that doesn't matter much.
I would like to do one lunch at a place with a view of the ocean, the other days can be sandwich places, not too big on delis. Our food budget per day is about $100, but we are not big eaters or drinkers, a glass of wine or beer each is fine at dinner. For Valentine's, I would probably go to $100-120 for the evening. Are there any restaurants that may have live entertainment/dancing?
Thanks a lot for your input. Let me know your opinion on the choice of hotel, I think I need to buy the package today to put the matter at rest!

txgirlinbda

Stay at the Princess - I don't think the extra cost is worth it to stay at Elbow, plus you're closer to restaurants and transportation at the Princess. You can always go to either Elbow, Coco Reef, or The Reefs for your ocean-view lunch.
Shouldn't be too hard to find entertainment over the weekend, the staff at the Princess will know what's going on where. There are a few 'nightclubs' too. I'll make you a list of restaurants next post.

txgirlinbda

OK, here's my quick and simple list of (my personal fave) restaurants in Hamilton ('town'). I'm sure others have different opinions, these are just the places I go to regularly, not going to kill your budget.

Miles Market - upscale grocery near your hotel. Coffee bar, baked goods, take-out, esp good if you microwave in room.
Robin Hood Pub - sports bar and decent food.
Portofino's - pasta, pizza.
L'Oriental Express (not the L'oriental itself) - on Par-la-ville road, near gas station - chinese take-out, Italian-style sandwiches, ice cream.
Flanagan's - Irish pub. Front St.
Pickled Onion - Front St.
Rock Island - Reid St. - coffee, awesome baked goods.
Common Ground - in alley between Front and Reid - breakfast, lunch, coffee.
City Cafe - across from main bus terminal - hot takeout, salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches.
Cafe 10 - a block behind the bus terminal, breakfast, lunch, tapas in evening, wine and coffee bar.
Specialty Inn - out of town, on bus Route 1, diner-style breakfast until 4pm, sushi bar, great pizza. A very 'locals' place. Ask bus driver for Collector's Hill stop.

What kind of meal do you want for Valentine's? Lots of places are going to be doing set-menu night. The sister property to the Princess has several restaurants that will probably be doing something special. (Southampton Fairmont) Also google the Little Venice Group of restaurants here - they have some nice choices, we really like Blu.

Hope that helps - let me know what else you need.

mnag

Bermuda in my opinion is very romantic. Its a very pretty/scenic island. If you have time do try to make it to St George for the day. Very romantic with cobble stone streets and cute shops/cafe's. We went to Bermuda for our 10yr anniversary and were very happy with our choice.

excited_confused

txgirlinbda, thanks for the suggestions, that sure seems like a lot of great options. I will look to you for more advice esp for Valentine's Day once I have actually booked that darn package, I don't know why I'm procastinating!
Mnag, glad you had a good anniversry trip, what month was it?

mnag

It was in August so we had great weather. But if you go in expecting cool weather then you will not be disappointed. The island is very pretty with lots of really nice restaurants and hotels. As well as hiking, sightseeing and some great shopping as well.

albee622

just wanted to say that ANY weekend, long or short is worth a trip to bermuda. visited the island for the first time over 30 years ago with friends for our high school graduation....ive returned with hubby (honeymoon and subsequent birthdays, anniversaries and holidays), family, friends, and most recent the same childhood friend i went with right out of high school....we always have a wonderful, serene and amazing time !! one of the most beautiful islands i have visited and the people and staff are always wonderful!! have a great time !!

albee

dickensdad

We are going to Bermuda for the first week of March. Our last trip was late March-early April 2007; I expect the weather to be similar. We found the weather to be just right for outdoor activities other than swimming. We are not fans of hot weather anyway, and 70 degrees will be a welcome change from the weather we have been having in the northeastern US.

For this trip (as well as the last one) we are staying at the Kingston House B&B: www.bbbermuda.com

The Kingston house is a short walk up the hill from the Hamilton Princess. We usually stay in B&Bs when we travel, and this was one of the best.

My wife said that one of the things she likes best about Bermuda is that it is "civilized". The people are very polite, and you feel like you could walk anywhere on the island day or night.

excited_confused

Hi, now i am getting the Southampton for $250 less for the package. Is it a big negative to be staying there in Feb v/s in town at the Hamilton? Please respond ASAP if you are reading this, the price went down for one & up for the other, who knows what it will be tomorrow!

txgirlinbda

If the Southampton price works for you, book it - they run a free ferry service from the Southampton property to the Princess in town. You'll also be on a major bus line, so no problem hopping back and forth. I personally like the Southampton location a bit better, spa is much nicer, and you'll have your ocean view! The island isn't that big - it's not like you're going to miss out on anything be being in one location over the other.