sueoz

Hi - We've been to Bermuda once - loved it and are planning a return trip in November. We stayed at the Reefs the first time and loved it but we're looking for something a little less expensive this time. We like being at a place that has snorkeling right off the beach and easy access to the bus lines. Do any of you have any suggestions? Doesn't have to be cheap (is there such a thing?!) but just a bit more moderate than the Reefs. Thanks, sue

loafskier

Try Grotto Bay, it meets both the criteria of bus service and snorkeling. We stayed there on our first trip to Bermuda two years ago and thought it was a very good value.

Ariel Sands is a little closer to the price of the Reefs, but is also a little nicer that Grotto Bay. Ariel has a great location, close to Hamilton, the Botaninical Gardens and Flatts.

Check out both web sites for more info.
www.grottobay.com
www.arielsands.com

sp

Pompano! We have stayed at a handful of resorts in Bermuda, and once you go to Pompano, you won't want to stay anywhere else. They are close to bus and ferry stops - but it's a good 5 minute walk to the road. If you don't feel like walking there, the owners will gladly give you a lift (really - if you're spotted walking, they will try to convince you to hop in - all of the staff are so helpful and friendly). There is a phone booth at the end of their driveway so you can call them when you return (they will be totally insulted if you try to tip them). A ferry stop is a short walk away - we loved that - would take it into Hamilton. As for snorkelling, they are located on a huge, calm sandbar with crystal-clear water where you can swim out waist-deep a few hundred yards out to get to the reef which surrounds them. Pompano is a bit cheaper than the Reefs with the friendliest staff, excellent gourmet dining and views that will absolutely take your breath away. You hear the same thing said over and over again when you walk into the lobby and see out the windows to the ocean - WOW! I could never stay anywhere else because I know all I will do is compare. Go to tripadvisor.com and you will see the raves.

cmcfong

Also check Surfside and Marley Beach.

Aussie603

We have two teenagers, so we wanted enough room for the four of us to survive a week of vacation. A hotel room just doesn't do it for us, no matter how luxurious or how many services. Plus we like the freedom and flexibility of having a kitchen. So we rented a two bedroom cottage, on the water near Somerset Bridge during high season, from July 14-21, 2004 and we only paid $950 for the week. The bus stopped at the top of our driveway and the ferry stopped at a pier at the end of our garden. Perfect location, and delightful hosts. The owner stocked our refrigerator with groceries that were there upon our arrival. The name of the cottage is Dry Brow and you can see pictures on its website or on the bermudarentals.com website. maria

Traveler863

Hi sueoz,
You might be really disappointed staying somewhere else after staying at the Reefs. The Reefs is the best place on Bermuda, in fact rated amongst the top resorts in the world. Check the rental site Aussie recommended, its a good site for self catering properties. There are some with private pools and do have kitchens. As well as having the place prestocked as Aussie had, grocery stores also deliver.
Good luck with it.