We are thinking of going to Bequia in February. We'd love some feedback on these two hotels. Also, should we stay on St. Vincent? Perhaps split our time between the two islands? Any recommendations and input, including hotels, would be much appreciated.

What type of accommodation are you looking for? Frangipani is in Port Elizabeth, Friendship Bay is away from the city. I spent 5 days in Bequia this past Sept so should be able to help if you can give me a tad more info.

I did not stay at the Frangipani but I went there every night when I was on Bequia. The Frangipani had good intertainment and good food last year in April. The Frangipani is also a place visited by people on their yachts and boats. I did see the Friendship Bay hotel but did not go inside. It was a short ride from town. I loved my trip to Bequia, so wherever you stay it will probably be enjoyable.

I see that Plantation House is closed for the season. Do you know which hotel has the nicest accommodations? Does Frangipani have a beach? We love food and enjoy trying different restaurants. We are definitely not boaters, but it sounds like Bequia would be nice and low key.

What about Bequia Beachfront Villas or Firefly?

Staying at Frangipani or Gingerbread can be very noisy because of the bands that play at night. However, it is nice to be able to walk to the restaurants and shops. For us sleeping was more important so the second trip we stayed in a villa in the Spring area.

We looked at the accommodations at Friendship Bay but they aren't all that nice. It's a good place to go for dinner or drinks.

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I have seen the Kingsville Apts located Lower Bay and the Village Apts overlooking Port Elizabeth and Admirality Bay. Both are decent accommodations. The Frangipani is a boutique type hotel directly on Admirality Bay as is Gingerbread. I stayed at the Gingerbread. It is a little pricey but the rooms are nice and reminded me of the old movie Casablanca. Actually each one is a self contained efficiency apartment. They are huge probably equivalent to 3 rooms in a small ranch.
The beach isn't much directly in front of the Frangipani but Princess Margaret and Lower Bay are a short hike(if you are so inclined I wasn't) or water taxi ride from the hotel. Everything is located around the bay. Shopping, nightlife, people watching, restaurants and all within walking distance.
I would suggest maybe 2 days on St. Vincent. It is a contrast to Bequia. Bequia is the "cute" tourist area but the mainland is awesome. The hills are so lush and green. Also the 2 coastlines are amazingly different. Leeward is calm and serene in nature, while the Windward is wild with waves crashing on black volcanic rock beaches. Each side is breath taking in it's own way. Owia salt Pond is another natural sight to experience.
Getting back to Bequia since snorkeling is important I would suggest a day trip to Tobago Cays.
If you have more questions feel free to ask. SVG are my favorite islands.

My husband and I stayed 5 nights in Bequia for our first visit there in 2006, and since it was our first trip and only for 5 nights, we opted to stay "in town" at the Frangipani. we found the location extremely convenient and we enjoyed being able to walk to a different restaurant or bar each night right from the hotel. By day we explored the various beaches. We walked to Princess Margaret and then to Lower Bay one day, another day took the dollar bus up to Spring Bay and Industry Bay, etc.

We liked the Frang very much and if we wanted to stay in town again would probably choose to stay there. Or deluxe garden view room was large and comfortable and had gorgeous views over Admiralty Bay where we enjoyed watching all of the boats coming in and leaving the harbor. We had a small issue with mosquitos in July, as none of the rooms have screened windows, but it wouldn't keep me from going back. There are two rooms with a/c that can be shut off from the mozzies completely, if you want to go that route.

Whatever you do, don't skip the Friendship Rose--what a great daytrip that was! We also enjoyed our time at the Turtle Sanctuary. I'll second vincygirl's recommendation of seeing more of St. Vincent. We didn't stay overnight there, but we had about 8 hours on the island in transit to Grenada, and we used the time to explore a bit and meet up with new friends for lunch at Young Island.

Frangipani is right in the middle of the Belmont Walkway and very convenient to everything. Friendship Bay is a 15 minute ride in the back of the truck (Bequia taxis). I have stayed at Frangipani several times and loved it. A better bargain only steps away are the Village Apartments. Very clean with great harbor views. No beaches at Frangipani because all the boats anchor there. Princess Margaret beach is minutes away and stunning. Make sure to have a lobster pizza at Mac's pizza.

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DittO Mac's Pizza any flavor but lobster is mm mmm good.
Marianne's Ice cream the best.
Gingerbread excellent meals. Love the staff.
Tante Pearl's another great restaurant and the view is more than stunning even at night.