Hello. We are planning a trip to Barbados in February of next year and are looking for a place to stay. As we like to explore islands and not lounge around hotels, we don't need much. We're just looking for a nice clean hotel with good service and nice views of the ocean. Being near good restaurants is a plus. We really don't want to spend much more than $225/night. Do you have any recommendations?

You might look at Coral Sands-www.coralsandsresort.com. It is not too far from St Lawrence Gap where there are some very good restaurants. All suites have kitchen facilities.

In February you are their at Peak High Season, so prices are at their max. Howard's suggestion of Coral Sands Beach Resort is excellent, but it will run you $300/night. I believe it's well worth it. At that time it will be about 4 years old, it's an all-suite resort on a fantastic sandy, calm beach. Close also to restaurants on the South Coast in The Gap. If you spend less than that, the quality may not be there. If you'd like to write me directly, I'll send you my Insider Tips.

Lois

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A friend recommended the Casuarina Hotel. Any thoughts on it?

Casuarina is ok. It's a bit of a walk to the Gap, but doable. Winter you can get a studio for about $195/night (but not ocean view). It's the time of year you are going -- everything is peak price. If you can wait til after April 15 prices drop about 40%.

Lois