Name: South Beach Hotel
Address: Hwy. 7, Rockley Main Rd., Rockley, Christ Church, BB15139, Barbados
Telephone: 246-435-8561
Price range: $

Fodor's Expert Review

The style and ambience of this chic, five-story (with elevator) small hotel may seem more akin to Miami’s South Beach than to the Caribbean. That said, the hotel is well situated near shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s right across the street from popular Accra (Rockley) Beach. And the price is right.

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Room

Accommodations here include junior, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and one-bedroom penthouse suites. All are spacious and smartly decorated with white walls, off-white flooring, and white furniture with accents of yellow, gray, silver, and taupe. Junior suites have a king bed and kitchenette; the larger suites have one or two king beds, a full kitchen, a queen-size sofa bed, a dining area, and a balcony view of the pool and the ocean beyond. Children 12 and under stay free in the same suite as adults; cribs are complimentary.

You Should Know Because the hotel is close to the busy road out front, nighttime noise may be a nuisance for light sleepers.

Bathroom

Following through on the chic overall styling of the hotel, each bathroom has a glass-walled rainfall shower, dark-wood vanity with a stone surface, one or two sinks, modern faucets, large mirror(s), and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.

Tip Each floor has a washer and dryer that guests may use.

Lobby

Guests cross a footbridge over the pool to enter the hotel’s very sleek lobby. The minimalist design and ultramodern lobby furnishings reflect the overall style of the hotel.

Pool

The long, narrow pool (110 feet x 12 feet) runs the length of the property and is a focal point of the hotel entrance. There’s a plunge section at one end, a shallow section for kid’s at the other, and a lap section in the middle section. Umbrellas shade a row of cushioned sun loungers; “loungees” enjoy twice-daily cold towel service. There’s a little chair and table in the pool if you want a frosty drink while cooling off in the pool.

Spa

There is no spa, but the hotel will arrange a massage (individual or couples) either in-room or poolside.

Gym

The hotel has no gym, but the South Coast Boardwalk begins at the beach, just across the street, and follows the waterfront for about a mile. It’s a perfect place to get some exercise—walking, jogging, or running.

Tip If golf is your preferred exercise, hotel guests enjoy preferential tee times at Barbados Golf Club.

Dining

Swagg Cocktail Lounge & Bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—either indoors or poolside. A full breakfast is included in the rates. Each unit has a full kitchen, so guests can prepare their own meals, as well. The hotel also offers in-suite dining, perhaps breakfast in bed or a romantic dinner on your balcony, as well as picnic baskets to take to the beach and private beach dinners.

Tip A pre-arrival grocery service is available—and Quayside Centre Shopping Plaza, next door to the hotel, has a grocery store.

Drinking

Swagg Cocktail Lounge serves cocktails, premium wines, and beers in the restaurant but also poolside during the day.

You Should Know There’s no evening entertainment, and the bar isn’t what you’d call “lively.” Nevertheless, there’s plenty of nighttime activity nearby.

Beach

Accra (Rockley) Beach is just across the street from the hotel. One of the many popular south coast beaches, this one has a broad white-sand beach and gentle surf—perfect for families with children—and vendors who rent umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, and other fun equipment. The hotel provides beach chairs (two per room) and towels for guests.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Buses to Bridgetown or to stops along the south coast pass directly in front of the hotel. Buses go by frequently; the fare is just $1. Taxis are available in minutes for short trips or a day of touring. Car rental agencies are nearby, and the hotel offers free self-parking.

Restaurants

For a quick bite, Just Grillin’ (2-minute walk) is next door in Quayside Centre Shopping Plaza. On the other side of the hotel, Chefette (2-minute walk) is the island’s home-grown (and beloved) fast-food chain. Across the street and about halfway along the South Coast Boardwalk, Tapas (10-minute walk) is open for lunch, dinner, and, of course, tapas anytime—and always with an ocean view. In the other direction, just off the Rockley Main Road, Champers (10-minute walk) is a snazzy seaside restaurant in an old Bajan home—great ocean view at lunchtime, classy atmosphere in the evening. A little farther east, at St. Lawrence Gap, try Primo Bar & Bistro (10-minute drive) for delicious seafood and an excellent view or Café Sol (10-minute drive) for reasonably priced Tex-Mex food, tasty margaritas, and a lively atmosphere.

Then the Oistins Fish Fry (15-minute drive) is a must-do event on Friday evenings. All along the waterfront in this south coast fishing village, local folks grill fresh fish (and chicken for landlubbers), served with traditional Bajan sides. Seating is at communal picnic tables, servings are huge, prices are low, and music adds to the fun—a good time for the whole family.

Bars

Wander across the street to Accra Hotel (5-minute walk), which has a couple of bars and evening entertainment several nights a week. Bubba’s Sports Bar (5-minute walk), practically next door, has three video screens and a dozen TVs, along with bar food and, of course, drinks. St. Lawrence Gap has a lot of nighttime activity. Try The Old Jamm Inn or Scoopie's Jazz (10-minute drive) for drinks, music, dancing, and a convivial crowd.