Can anybody recomend any good self catering accomodation in a nice area , also what is The Crane like ?

Is it evpensive to eat and drink out ?

Can't help w/the self-catering. But restaurant prices, especially in the St Lawrence Gap area, are in-line with typical caribbean prices. Dinner for two with drinks will run you anywhere from $50-$100 for two. There's plenty of variety for sure!

Peace, Greenie.

Here's a couple ideas. I haven't stayed at either of these places but you can search the forum for others that have or Trip Advisor to read reviews. I bookmarked them because they seemed to be very favorable at the time:

http://southbeachbarbados.com/

http://www.coralsandsresort.com/

The Coral Sands seems like a better location for accessing restaurants and the like. Hope this helps a little.

Just got back from Barbados last night. I didn't stay self catering, so can't really help there (stayed at Accra beach... usual Barbados hotel... a bit overpriced for what you get, but ok)

Ate lunch at the Crane. beautiful location, food good, service terrible and under-trained serving staff.

The Crane must originally have been a gorgeous and exclusive place overlooking the cliffs, but now is a concrete jungle done by some greedy developer who has ruined the place with high rise condo blocks.

Also, you'll definitely need a rental car for The Crane, it is not that far from restaurants in town, but it is out on its own.

I found eating out in barbados good, ok value, but booze is cheap, and I do like the local beer (Banks)

Little tip, the Cafe Italia coffee stand in the little shopping centre across the road from Accra Beach serves incredibly good coffee !

Also, highly recommend Harlequin restaurant in St. Lawrence Gap... not oceanfront, not widely advertised, but word of mouth recommendation seems to keep the place pretty busy.

Make sure you have some bajan fish cakes, flying fish... and take some aged Mount Gay rum back from duty free !

Hi, I've just booked to go to Settlers Beach Villa Hotel on the west coast/ holetown . All villas have kitchen/diner/living rooms.It's right on the beach and you are at the centre of everything westcoast and 10 mins from the supermarket.I'll post a report when I get back in May.

I was at the Crane for the last 3 days of my honeymoon in October. It was very pretty with an amazing beach. The service was fair but the people were sweet. We enjoyed it but probably would not go back. I know there is a lot of construction going on due to expansion so you may want to inquire about that. If by self catering you mean having your own kitchen I would suggest renting a villa. We found it to be a very reasonably priced way to travel that is amazing. We cooked some nights and had the maid/cook serve s other nights. I suggest checking out island hideaways and bajan services. We can't wait to go back and do it again. Oh yeah, The restaurants in Barbados are pricey. But like anywhere you can find some less expensive. If you're going to splurge I recommend the restaurant at southseas. We loved it!!!

What is the latest position re the works at The Crane ?