I am preparing a Christmas Surprise for my wife of 48 years. She has gone with me to various trips in Europe and US but has always wanted to get to Bermuda. I have been checking out "packages" via Expedia and would 1) like your opinions on their packages 2) Your opinions of sites e.g. Hamilton Princess, Grotto Bay, Harmony Club (all inclusive), Elbow Beach, etc.
We don't ride scooters, like to check out historic sites, museums, et al and like to eat in nice restaurants. We are not rich but I want this to be a memorable gift for my wife. Help Fodorites!

My husband and I stayed at the Hamilton Princess on our first visit to the island and loved the hotel and it's location. After dinner we leisurely strolled down the street into town to browse the shops (at least window shop). They have a ferry that takes you to the other Princess so you can use that beach. We had the MAP plan and loved the food

We've also stayed at the Harmony Club for 3 nights and enjoyed our stay there. Our room was lovely as was the pool. It was all inclusive and the food was ok. We could also exchange to a different hotel (cannot remember the name).

Hope this helps a bit. Lois

I am writing this reply directly from Bermuda. We have been here for several days and have seen a lot of the sites.

Hamilton is a very congested, busy area with wonderful shoppping. If I were to come again, I would stay at Elbow Beach or the Reefs. They are both in very good locations with excellent food and service.

We are staying at the Cambridge Beaches (very Brittish and a little snobby). I knew this before coming so I am not complaining. I won the package on Luxury Link and because of the service and food, it was worth every penny.

The reason I would stay at either of the two properties next time is that they are not big gigantic places and they are an easy bus ride to Hamilton. My husband and I do ride the scooters around and let me tell you, that can be quite an experience. I wouldn't advise it if you feel a little uneasy about it.

The water here is absolutely gorgeous. I wish the weather were better so we could actually get in it! It doesn't help that we keep seeing weather reports that it's 80 degrees in California (where we're from).

Anyhow, we are enjoying our stay but can't wait to get back to our last stop before home, Atlanta. The people in Atlanta are the most hospitable I've ever experienced.

Oberost, you and your wife will absolutely love Bermuda. Grotto Bay is also nice, but its also at the other end of town (near St. George's). Again, you can get anywhere you want if you're willing to take the buses around.

Happy anniversary. Lynne

Thanks for the 2 replies I have received. There must be more than 2 Fodorites that can give me more advice?
Thanks.

Congratulations on 48 years! That is wonderful--you must be a great couple. We've been to Bermuda a couple of times--you won't be dissappointed. It's truly beautiful. Our friend was the manager at Elbow Beach for a long time before he came back to the states. We really liked it. I've also talked to people who loved Ariel Sands. I must agree with Auntylynne in that I wouldn't stay in Hamilton. It's great fun to walk around at night though. We stayed across the bay from Hamilton when we were there, but the Hotel we stayed at is currently closed for a massive rennovation. We plan on going back as soon as it opens.
Be warned, taxis are expensive. The Bus system works great. We did rent one scooter and that was fun to and from the beach. Don't miss climbing to the top of the lighthouse and checking out the panoramic view of the island. There are plenty of nice restaurants throughout the parishes. I must say, our trips to Bermuda always end up being the best--just the right mix of romance, glamour, "laid-backness", adventure, lounging, site-seeing. I think you're in for a great time.

Oberost not sure what more advice you are seeking. Have you serached this forum? The above poster did a great job. I will try to help-been to Bermuda over 20 times.

Bermuda is one of my favorite islands,as you know lots to see and do.
I have only stayed at The Grotto Bay once, many years ago. I personally did not like the location or their beach.

As for the Harmony Club it is better located, but it is the only all inclusive on the island. Bermuda has lots of places to dine and explore.

Hamilton has lots of wonderful restaurants, so the Princess lets you walk to many restaurants, shopping, catch the ferry or bus, take a horse and buggy ride.

The Elbow beach is also centrally located-about 5 minutes from Hamilton. It is a large hotel,spectacular beach, a very nice setting. The bus stop is right out front.

So far what has appealed to you? What will make a memorable stay for you?

Ariel Sands is a nice spot,(Devonshire is very nice-home of the botancial gardens )the mangaged restaurnant Aqua is one of my favorites. The same restauranteur has Frescos in Hamilton, plus the new Thai place I think called Silk.
The Hamilton Princess is at the edge of town, it really depends what you are looking for. Right near this hotel
is The Waterloo House, which I would prefer over The Hamilton Princess, as
they have more of a European feel, plus you can use Coral Beach's private beach.

Burnsie-are you referring to the now
closed Newstead? I thought they were going to condo it--again I am not sure.
It will be interesting to see what they do!

Again, I am not sure of packages, but you will find something to your taste.
BTW-if I am planning to go to Paris again, you have great posts!

Bermuda offers a quiet escape from the busy world we live in. Elbow Beach is very private with the pink sand beach. Your cares vanish as you relax on a private pavilion or terrace. There is a large freshwater pool that is temperature controlled and it's located on 55 acres of botanical gardens. Bermuda has very refreshing island colors and is very romantic. The view on top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is gorgeous.

oberost,
This is not cheap advice, however if you're taking your wife of 48 years to Bermuda and want to surprise I'd do so with one of the best resorts in the world, take her to the Reefs. Again not cheap and I'm not rich either but do splurge on occasion. Check it out, see what you can do but this is the place to stay, website is:
www.thereefs.com

The Reefs is a very nice hotel located directly on the beach in South Hampton. The bus stops right in front of the hotel and you can take it safely anywhere on the island. The food here is excellent and in season, you are on the meal plan (breakfast dinner and afternoon tea). It was reasonably priced compared to some of the other hotels on the island (that's just my opinion) We had a family reunion here for my parents 45th wedding anniversary a few years ago. My parents honeymooned here and this is the one place my mother(who hates to fly) will always come back to. I highly recommend this hotel. It is a small hotel with it's own private beach. It is classy, but not stuffy. Have a wonderful anniversary.

Hi Girl!
Just wondering your parents had any trouble with all the steep steps for their 45th anniversary? Are there certain rooms that would be more easily accessible for seniors?
Thanks in advance for any info.

They went up and down the hill just fine. My dad had open heart surgery the year before too! My mom (who smokes)huffed and puffed a little. The top of the hill area is an easy walk to the pool and to the dining areas. They went to the beach for a while each day, but as they get older they don't want to over due the sun time. They were in their early and mid 60's at the time. They didn't find the walking around a problem. If they were older or in bad shape, maybe this would have been more difficult. We all loved the place! (from thirties to 60's year olds)We had our children with us who loved it also, but in general this is not a property that has many children. It is geared towards adults.

We bought a package through Expedia (GREAT price) at Cambridge Beaches for our honeymoon and loved it, even though it was a bit on the stuffy side. We like smaller hotels and rented scooters so we could get around easily. I suggest you think about: do you want a large or small hotel? How do you want to get around? Do you want to spend a money on cabs or do you want a place that is near town, has shuttle service or near a bus stop?
I assume since you are going at Christmas that going to the beach or pool is high on your list.
Have a terrific anniversary!

oops, meant to say: going to beach or pool is NOT high on your list.