Hotels Overview

The majority of visitors to Bermuda these days are actually not beach lovers, but business travelers, brought in by the booming reinsurance business. These travelers almost always stay in Hamilton, though more and more are discovering the resort courtesy shuttles and excellent ferry system, which permits quick and scenic transport to Hamilton from any point on the island.

The capital city has many sophisticated choices, but vacationers who are looking for beachfront relaxation will be disappointed in beachless Hamilton. In fact, all noteworthy beaches are on the southern side of the island. With only a couple exceptions, beachfront lodging choices are along a 7-mi stretch of coast that runs along the central to western tail of the island, west from Paget to Warwick, Southampton, and Sandys. Lodging choices on the north coast of the island often are on glittering Hamilton Harbour or have deepwater access to the Atlantic, but not beaches.

Except for the older Fairmont Southampton, and the tall but unobtrusive larger main building at Elbow Beach, there are no high-rises in Bermuda -- and nowhere do neon signs sully the landscape. Indeed, many of Bermuda's lodging properties are guesthouses, identifiable only by small, inconspicuous signs or plaques. Those who prefer bed-and-breakfasts will have no problem finding quaint retreats with local attention.

For the most part, lodging choices are conveniently placed on the island. However, Bermuda is so small that, no matter where you stay, you won't have to travel far to see and do everything you want.

Bermuda is a land of cottage colonies, cliff-top apartments, and beachfront resort hotels. Hidden along small parish roads, however, you can also find family-run, flower-filled guesthouses and simple, inexpensive efficiencies. The lodgings we list are the cream of the crop in each price category.

Facilities & Services

Considering Bermuda hotel rates, it might come as a surprise that perks like 24-hour room service and same-day laundry service are rare. Fortunately, however, personalized attention, exceptionally comfortable rooms, and trim, scenic surroundings are not. The number and quality of facilities vary greatly according to the size and rates of the property. Resort hotels are the best equipped, with restaurants, pools, beach clubs, gyms, and (in the case of Fairmont Southampton) a golf course. Cottage colonies also typically have a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, plus a pool or private beach, and perhaps a golf course. Each cottage has a kitchen, so you can cook your own meals, and housekeeping services are provided. Small hotels usually have a pool, and some have a restaurant or guest-only dining room, but few have fitness facilities or in-room extras like minibars. Efficiencies or housekeeping apartments almost always come with a kitchen or kitchenette. Some properties have pools, but you may have to take the bus or a scooter to get to the beach. Even the smallest property can arrange sailing, snorkeling, scuba, and deep-sea fishing excursions, as well as sightseeing.

All lodgings listed are equipped with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. In each review, we list the facilities that are available, but we don't specify whether they cost extra; when pricing accommodations, always ask what's included and what entails an additional charge. Most lodgings offer a choice of meal plans, several with "dine-around" privileges at other island restaurants.

Prices

Rates at Bermuda's luxury resorts are comparable to those at posh hotels in New York, London, and Paris. A 7.25% government occupancy tax is tacked on to all hotel bills, and a service charge is levied. Some hotels calculate the service charge as 10% of the bill, whereas others charge a per-diem amount. Virtually every hotel on the island offers at least one vacation package -- frequently some kind of honeymoon special -- and many of these are extraordinarily good deals.

You can shave about 40% off your hotel bill by visiting Bermuda in low or shoulder seasons. Because temperatures rarely dip below 60°F in winter, the low season (November through March) is ideal for tennis, golf, and shopping.