Because this message board was so helpful in helping me plan our Bermuda trip, I thought I would post my own travel experience. <BR>My husband and I have just returned from Bermuda where we stayed at the Southampton Princess Hotel. Bermuda is a charming island and very tropical despite what many report. The water is so blue it looks fake!<BR>The hotel itself was beautiful and the grounds are amazing- great golf course and beach club. I am a stickler for excellent service-The front desk staff was very unhelpful during our check-in- I will warn you that if you use a travel agent they seem to not be as accomodating. We had taken advantage of the 'compliments of bermuda' package through the tourism board and had to book through an agent.<BR>Our room, once we finally got into it, was very large with an incredible ocean view. However, it was not a renovated room so it was a bit old and in need of updating.<BR>I did get to see a renovated room- our friends were staying in one- and they are incredible. I think the 5th and 6th floors are renovated and they are working on the rest. NOTE: Almost every room in this place has a view- I don't know why people say the first and second floors don't have views- there is nothing obstructing that reaches that high. You either see the Harbor or the Ocean depending on which side of the hotel you are on. Its great.<BR>The restaurants are all good at the hotel- we went to the Newport Room for our final evening and it was the best meal we had all week.(And rivaled many of the nice restaurants we've been to in NY and Boston).<BR>The famous 'lobster pot' restaurant was nothing to write home about- in fact it was very overpriced and bland food.<BR>Mopeds were the highlight of the week- we rented one double moped so we could ride together. There is a bike shop on the hotel premises.The roads are so narrow and there is no shoulder thoroughout much of the island so be careful and go slow.<BR>The weather was outstanding. We got two beautiful sunny days to lie on the beach and by the pool. We rented Kayaks from the beach club and explored the beautiful reef areas. ON the cloudy days we took our mopeds and explored. Bermuda high season hasn't started yet so things are definitely quiet around town and around tourist attractions. Golfing was quite reasonable at the SHP golf course- they have something called sunset golf and in the off-season you can golf anytime after 1:30pm and pay $25!! Great deal. During high season I think it starts after 3:30pm. <BR>The new spa at the hotel is amazing but expensive- and their workout room is state of the art with each machine having its own flat screen television. FYI- They charge $15 per day to use the workout facility. <BR>Overall we had a great time, even in March! We got lucky with the weather. Southampton Princess has the best amenities and property on the island- I am anxious to hear what others think of the staff and service.<BR>Hope this is helpful!<BR>

Did you know that you were NOT getting a renovated room at the time of making your reservation? I am also getting the impression that Southhampton Princess has mislead the public in this regard as the public was lead to believe that the hotel had been 100% renovated! You don't have to tell me what you were paying per night, but what was the price difference between your room and your friends?

You are not guaranteed a renovated room at the time of booking. Our friends purchased the same exact hotel package that we did and they ended up in a renovated room and we didn't! Although, our room was very large- it was a suite with a little sitting area - and we had a beautiful ocean view while our friends had a harbor view. <BR>The front desk told me that only 100 rooms have been renovated so far- most on the 5th and 6th floors. They were actively working on rooms while we were there (our friends woke up to construction noise each morning).... The main areas of the hotel such as the lobby have been beautifully renovated and that is probably what the hotel company means when they say they just spent millions of dollars renovating... they just aren't quite done with the rooms!!

I'm glad you enjoyed your stay at the Southampton Princess Hotel. My husband and I are going there for the 11th time in October. I have always found the staff very helpful and friendly. We have gone in every season of the year and can honestly say we have enjoyed every visit. Even in December and in February we were able to play golf in shorts and at least sit on the beach. When I made my reservations for October, I called directly to the hotel and asked for a room on the 5th floor. She told me to guarantee a renovated room I would have to pay 20 dollars more a night otherwise I just have to take my chances. I still could get a renovated room like your friend. We decided to take our chances. The 6th floor is the entree gold floor which costs 100 dollars more a night.Amenities include breakfast, afternoon tea and free non-alcoholic beverages. We've never stayed there as we don't feel it's worth the extra money.<BR>I agree the restaurants are great. I enjoy Whaler Inn because it's right on the beach. My husband loves The Newport Room. We also enjoy going to Henry VII which is just down the road. It has music and dancing after dinner. Our FAVORITE place to hang out is the Lobby Lounge. It also has live music and then it's only an elevator ride to your room. <BR>I would highly recommend The Southampton Princess to anyone.

I love the Bermuda and the South Hampton. We stayed there a few years <BR>ago and the service was excellent !!!<BR>We were there in July. The beaches, mopeds,food really made every vacation in Bermuda an enjoyable one. We go to different Islands each year but when we can afford it we include Bermuda in the summer. Try the Hamilton Princess.<BR>It is in town and the boat goes back and forth as you probably already The service there was just as good ! <BR>I also like Elbow Beach. We have only <BR>had dinner there and some beach time.<BR>Does anyone have an opinion reagarding this resort.