any opinions on the grotto bay resort and 9 beaches??????

First off let me say I haven't stayed at either. I do find the concept of 9Beaches interesting and have toured the property, but guests' experiences have varied dramatically. See tpatriccio's trip report on her visit there and also check tripadvisor.com for reviews.
Grotto Beach's location has always been a negative to me. I like to be where I can either ferry or walk into Hamilton at night if I am not on the beach. The resort is just opposite the airport and you would have to drive (moped) or ride (cab or bus, both of which are readily accessible) to reach St. George or Hamilton.
Whereever you stay, you will be in the most beautiful place! Have a wonderful visit to Bermuda.

I've stayed at both Grotto Bay and 9 Beaches and liked both. Like other resorts I have stayed at in Bermuda, I have found they are all good in their own ways. What I liked the most about 9 Beaches is the obvious - that whole 'outdoor, nature' type theme in a tranquil setting. To be in the cabana overlooking the water on the covered porch at sunset, with an after dinner drink is heaven. I give it high marks for this factor alone, and when I feel like this type of getaway, I will go back. If you go there, make sure you don't stay in a cabana on the left as you enter the grounds. The ideal spot is on the opposite side.
What I like about Grotto Bay is that it is close to St. George's, so when we feel like being close to that end of the island we stay there. We also like that it is in walking distance to the Swizzle Inn Pub. You have to make sure that you get a renovated room. We had the misfortune of staying in one that wasn't, and it was terrible. This room was located in the small unit facing the pool, behind the oceanfront rooms - maybe this whole unit is yet to be renovated. I really like this spot on the resort, but I will make sure that they have been renovated first before I go back. We have also stayed in their oceanfront rooms and they were renovated. Grotto's beach was ok, it doesn't have the wow factor at all like the south shore but, like I said, sometimes we feel like being close to St. George's. We just take a bus out to Horseshoe Bay a couple of times during our stay so that we get our south shore fix.

We were recently at 9 Beaches for a work related rewards trip. To sum it up...it's like camping. If you are looking to fly to Bermuda to go camping, then 9 Beaches is your place. We ended up switching to the Fairmont and we're very happy campers!!!

We stayed at Grotto Bay last year in December(06)and really did not like the hotel at all. It is not centrally located and we could see the airport and highway from our patio. The pool was also not heated. We are returning this year also in Dec. for the New Years holiday and will be staying at Elbow Beach. We made the mistake of going to the Elbow Beach hotel (which does not in any way compare to Grotto Bay) last year to see the Beach and now my sig. other refuses to stay anywhere else. I would like to go to Cambridge Beaches or Pompano...maybe next year.

I just returned from Bermuda this week. While there I toured 9Beaches to see how it looked now. I had last been on the property when it was Daniel's Head.
I can see the appeal for some folks, but it definitely would not work for me. While in a couple of cabins I was able to hear people in other cabins quite clearly. There is no closet space. The showers are small and cramped. The smell from the nearby cattle farm was noticeable. There is a public road running through parts of the property.
Pompano Beach Club, where I stayed this trip, was absolutely terrific. I will do a trip report in a day or two, but just wanted to put it in the mix for you.

topping for Beadlady. Beadlady, you will find some other posts related to your hotel choice by entering "Grotto Bay Resort" in the search bar.