Bevin

My boyfriend and I are planning a 9 night stay in Babados mid Oct. 2000 and don't know where to stay without spening a fortune? I have done research and I am leaning toward Casuarina Beach Club or the Bougainvillea Beach Resort...any suggestions? Also West Coast vs. South Coast...we want to hit the town at night...

Julia

The real night spots are on the south. The west is pretty sedate. Lots of good eating & shopping at Holetown, but we did not like our "budget" accomodations there.

If you want to go out a lot, you'll probably be happier on the south. Assuming you'll be enjoying the good rum, I wouldn't advise much driving in Barbados at night & taxi fare adds up fast. There is public transport & the buses look clean & modern. Don't know how late they run or if I'd want to depend on one to get back west late at night tho.

We visited Casuarina & thought it was lovely. The grounds were pretty, the beach area was nice but could be a fair walk depending on where your room is. We did not like the fact that the pool was not near the beach, but set back into the gardens. Also, the buildings were in blocks. Felt a little like walking thru an apartment complex. (But a beautiful apartment complex!) There were play areas for children scattered throughout. All in all it was a very pleasant property.

You might like Accra Beach Hotel (on the south). It looked very new & sits right on the beach. A regular hotel, with a lovely pool next to the beach. Looked like most if not all rooms have a great view & decent size balconies with colorful, curvy railings.

Food seemed generally more reasonable on the south but we preferred the restaurants on the west. Some sing the praises of the Chefettes & BBQ barn, but we didn't like them.

Debbie

Bevin-We enjoyed our stay at Bougainvillea Beach Resort on the South Coast. It's next door to Casuarina, consists of 2 low rise buildings that are connected by the lobby area, and overlooks the pools(one of which has a swim up bar). The beach is only steps away. Wouldn't consider Bougainvillea a budget accommodation by any means. We had a 1 bedroom deluxe studio suite, including a fully equiped kitchen. Lots of convenience-type stores nearby where you can stock up on groceries. It's a great way to save $, but Barbados restaurants offer so many wonderful things on their menu, it would be a shame not to indulge in them. Most of the 'action' is in the St Lawrence Gap area, convenient to both Bougainvillea and Casuarina. If you don't have a car, it's just a short cab ride away. You might want to consider staying somewhere in the Gap rather than away from it. Lots and lots of choices.

Julia

An afterthought: there's a small hotel called "Time Out At the Gap", very near Casuarina that looked very clean & colorful. I remember looking at their website & thinking they were quite reasonable. Not on the beach, but just across.

Sandra

Also, consider Southern Palms which is in the same area. Five minutes' walk from St. Lawrence Gap area (good nightlife). The resort itself is good with lots to do.

elaine

Bevin,

Someone suggested Accra. We only stayed there one night (pre-cruise). Property looks great but needs better maintenance. In March '00, our oceanview room balcony, had view of roof which was in need of repair, furniture that had pulls missing and wood door to balcony had slats missing. Front desk did try to make ammends and included breakfast. For one night, it was 'so-so...but if staying for 9 nights, I'd definitely look elsewhere.

Linda

Hi,

I would highly recommend the Bougainvillea Beach Resort. Hubby and I stayed there in November 1999. Great pool, beautiful grounds, nice units (get the suite for more space), lovely beach and the Water's Edge Restaurant next door has great food at night. (Don't miss the Monday night BBQ - wonderful ribs and a great value as you can take what you don't eat back to your unit to warm up for lunch the next day).

We met lots of great people (both locals and a nice mixture of people from around the world).

St. Lawrence Gap is a short hop by bus with great dining (don't miss Pisces and Masquerade).

Nothing in Barbados is cheap, but the Bougainvillea was good value for the money.

Linda