hi, I am planning a trip next month with <BR>my husband, 12 yr old son and 4 yr old son <BR>and my parents. This will be our 1st trip <BR>to Bermuda. We were considering Grotto Bay <BR>but "rants and raves" were not very favorable. Has anyone stayed there? <BR>We are not "stay at the beach all day" types, <BR>we enjoy seeing the sights and staying on the <BR>go. Is this a good area for this? <BR> <BR>Also, concerning all inclusives, since food <BR>is expensive there and we have two picky- <BR>eunice boys to feed, would we be better off <BR>going with all inclusive buffets or just be <BR>on our own? <BR> <BR>Appreciate any info... <BR>Thanks <BR>

<BR>Rhonda, we found Grotto Bay to be quite convenient & comfortable, not fancy, which was fine by us. I understand it's been redone since we were there. Here are some of the pros. The grounds are lovely to wander at night & listen to the treefrogs. It's a great location for exploring in either direction. Not only do the busses stop at the end of the driveway, some routes actually start & stop at the lobby door. There was a mini fridge & a coffee maker so you can keep snacks, doggie bags, drinks etc. & heat water for instant soups & oatmeal, etc to help save on the meal budget. <BR> <BR>As for the buffets being a good deal, I guess that depends on the boys appetites. If you go that route, eat a big buffet once a day for your main meal with a light breakfast & a burger or sandwich for the other meal. There ARE reasonable places to eat on the island, you just have to research & ask the locals. <BR> <BR>You'll love the island. Fabulous beaches, of course, but there is so much history, natural beauty, museums, shopping, hiking, etc. it should be perfect for what you want. <BR> <BR>An afterthought about the buffet. If you purchase a meal plan at whatever hotel you stay at, I'd recommend NOT eating lunch. It's very slow getting around the island & you don't want to spend the middle of your day trying to get back for lunch. Look for lunch specials. <BR>Another place you might consider is Marley Beach Cottages. They are up on a cliff, very scenic (no beach but a great ocoean view) very laid-back & reasonable, unless something has changed. Ask for a unit that's been redone recently. You'll have a kitchen for fixing a hot breakfast, or sandwiches or bakers for supper, then eat out for lunch. (I'm assuming that with the kids, when night falls you'll all be pooped & want to crash rather than dress up & go out). You'll be shocked at the price of groceries there, but compared to eating out, it's still reasonable by Bermuda standards. <BR> <BR>I think it was unit #10 (one br suite w/ 2 daybed couches) that we had. Very comfortable & the kitchen was very well equipped. That was in 97, so ask. I faxed them a minimal grocery list (eggs, dairy, bread, colas, potatoes, bacon) so we wouldn't have to shop right off the bat. They obliged & our fridge was stocked when we arrived. Carry dry & canned goods with you. The downside is that it pretty much closes down at night. The fact that there was no staff around bothered me at first, but it was no big deal. Their staff is minimal anyway. <BR> <BR>Marley was a good budget choice for us. It was admittedly in need of a little TLC, but as you say, you'll be out & about most of the tiime anyway. <BR> <BR>

<BR>Obviously, I should have said don't OPT for lunch on a meal plan so you won't be tied to the hotel. <BR> <BR>We did have continental breakfast (excellent) included in one of our stays at Grotto Bay. Several mornings we split a fruit plate or ordered a side of ham, to break the monotony tho.

My wife & I stayed at the Grotto Bay in Oct. of '98 and we enjoyed it. Four bus lines make it a great place to see the island. Get the bus pass! The pool and the watersports place next door will keep your 12 yr. old busy. <BR> <BR>I can understand "Rants & Raves" but you must understand where the respondants are coming from. Grotto Bay is a fine place, but it's not the Princess. <BR> <BR>As for food, we got the breakfast plan. I would agree with Abbey not to get the lunch plan. You can walk over to the Swizzle Inn or take a bus into St. George's for a fine inexpensive lunch.

<BR>If Grotto Bay were situated on the south shore, you'd see mostly raves. I think that's the major drawback for many people. It does have it's own little beach area on the water. The best beaches (my opinion of course) are Warwick Long Bay & Horseshoe. There aren't any hotels on them anyway. That's why they're the best. Don't worry. Not 5 star, but it's a really nice place & you'll enjoy staying there.

My husband and I are staying at Grotto Bay the last week in May 2001. We enjoy scuba diving and just relaxing on the beach. I'm hoping it won't be too cold. <BR>Will the temp. of the water be warm enough to wear just a dive skin (no wet suit)? <BR> Appreciate any info or thoughts on the subject. <BR> I've also heard good and bad reviews on Grotto Bay (roaches)? <BR> Thanks

Well the Swizzle Inn is right next to the Grotto Bay and that';s a fun place for lunch and that doesn't even begin to tell you of the ball you'd have at night.. We will be there the last week in May ourselves..on the Majesty. For exact info on weather, temperatures of water go to the experts../www.keyguide.com/cgi-local/index.cgi If you see a bunch of over "50 plus" walk in at night or during the day check us out..ask for Parrot Mom and Parrot Pop.. we'll be the ones having a great time with the Dark and Stormies..

<BR>Mom, is Bailey's still there?