Royal Palms in Bermuda - anything like Estate Lindholm in St. John
Apr 22nd, 2009, 11:42 AM
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Royal Palms in Bermuda - anything like Estate Lindholm in St. John
Hi there,
I am in the preliminary stages of researching a possible trip to Bermuda for 5 days in July. I am looking into rooms - and have been attracted to the in-town small inns such as the Royal Palms and Rosedon. We like to be able to walk into town for dinner, and we aren't interested in kid's activities or golf, etc, which are things offered by the big resort hotels.
Here's my question. Has anyone recently stayed at the Royal Palms or Rosedon? The Royal Palms gets great reviews but their website is awful. It doesn't even really show good pictures of what the rooms look like! Also, I can't figure out if the rooms have balconies or patios (which we really want).
Anyway, we stayed at the Estate Lindholm in St John last year and really enjoyed it. It was a small hotel, (not a 5 star experience), but very clean, charming, set in lovely, lush gardens with a short walk to the downtown of St John. It had a lovely setting, convenient location and private balconies in the rooms. Is there anyone out there that has stayed at both that can compare them for me? Or anyone that has stayed at the Royal Palms that can just describe it a bit better?
Thanks in advance!!
I am in the preliminary stages of researching a possible trip to Bermuda for 5 days in July. I am looking into rooms - and have been attracted to the in-town small inns such as the Royal Palms and Rosedon. We like to be able to walk into town for dinner, and we aren't interested in kid's activities or golf, etc, which are things offered by the big resort hotels.
Here's my question. Has anyone recently stayed at the Royal Palms or Rosedon? The Royal Palms gets great reviews but their website is awful. It doesn't even really show good pictures of what the rooms look like! Also, I can't figure out if the rooms have balconies or patios (which we really want).
Anyway, we stayed at the Estate Lindholm in St John last year and really enjoyed it. It was a small hotel, (not a 5 star experience), but very clean, charming, set in lovely, lush gardens with a short walk to the downtown of St John. It had a lovely setting, convenient location and private balconies in the rooms. Is there anyone out there that has stayed at both that can compare them for me? Or anyone that has stayed at the Royal Palms that can just describe it a bit better?
Thanks in advance!!
Apr 22nd, 2009, 12:52 PM
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I stayed at Royal Palms last summer. It has been several years since I last stayed at Rosedon. Here is a link to my review of Royal Palms
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...e_Bermuda.html
I would recommend it or the Rosedon for a lovely in town accomodation. Both have gorgeous gardens and are very convenient for walks into town. My room at both properties had a patio but all of them do not. Be sure and ask about that when booking.
Another hotel which I highly recommend you consider is the small cottage colony, Fourways. It is located near a ferry stop which makes getting into and out of town very easy every evening except Sundays when there is limited ferry service.
Enjoy your visit, Bermuda is another world.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...e_Bermuda.html
I would recommend it or the Rosedon for a lovely in town accomodation. Both have gorgeous gardens and are very convenient for walks into town. My room at both properties had a patio but all of them do not. Be sure and ask about that when booking.
Another hotel which I highly recommend you consider is the small cottage colony, Fourways. It is located near a ferry stop which makes getting into and out of town very easy every evening except Sundays when there is limited ferry service.
Enjoy your visit, Bermuda is another world.
Apr 27th, 2009, 05:27 AM
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Thanks for the response!
I tend to be a little snobbish about hotel rooms - and that comes from staying at a few places to "save money" and being so dissapointed in them that it sort of ruined our stay.
Anyway, just trying to research the best place to stay for us. I checked out the Fourways, but find their website frustrating (similar to the royal palms) because it is so lacking in detail and photos.
Here's the long and short....we are looking for a somewhat upscale place to stay that would be centrally located - (in town or near town). In the past we have tended to prefer small inns rather than large resorts or self-catering accomodations (husband doesn't like to make his own bed while on vacation!).
We also want a balcony preferably with a view of the ocean or harbour. Is this even possible
I just heard of the Waterloo hotel. Wondering what that is like....hmmmm. Maybe I should just repost and put our requirements out as a general query. .
I tend to be a little snobbish about hotel rooms - and that comes from staying at a few places to "save money" and being so dissapointed in them that it sort of ruined our stay.
Anyway, just trying to research the best place to stay for us. I checked out the Fourways, but find their website frustrating (similar to the royal palms) because it is so lacking in detail and photos.
Here's the long and short....we are looking for a somewhat upscale place to stay that would be centrally located - (in town or near town). In the past we have tended to prefer small inns rather than large resorts or self-catering accomodations (husband doesn't like to make his own bed while on vacation!).
We also want a balcony preferably with a view of the ocean or harbour. Is this even possible
I just heard of the Waterloo hotel. Wondering what that is like....hmmmm. Maybe I should just repost and put our requirements out as a general query. .
Apr 27th, 2009, 05:33 AM
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Another question for anyone with enough patience to read my previous verbose reply....
What does anyone think of the Fairmont Princess? It seems to meet all of our requirements except being a small hotel (central location, on the water, balconies).
What does anyone think of the Fairmont Princess? It seems to meet all of our requirements except being a small hotel (central location, on the water, balconies).
Apr 27th, 2009, 08:06 AM
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I have stayed at all four properties and my favorite is Fourways. It is located on Middle Road about a five to ten minute walk from the ferry stop. You take the ferry into town for dinner or to shop/lunch. Fourways restaurant is the top of the line. The rooms all have either a patio or a balcony. They generally have garden views although a couple of the rooms have partial views of the harbor. They share beach privileges with Coco Reef. Breakfast is included in the rate. It is delivered to your room along with a large pot of coffee or tea and fruit. The rooms all have kitchenettes and it is within walking distance of a good market. The housekeeping is fine. There are only 11 rooms, it is very quiet and has nice gardens. I believe it is the cheapest of the four properties. If you call, ask for Alex Rech, make it clear exactly what you want and Alex will give you the room which best suits your requirements.
I like Royal Palms and Rosedon. I had a patio at both hotels but I don't think all rooms do. Of the three, Fourways breakfast was my favorite and Rosedon's was the least favorite. Rosedon is located directly across the street from the Fairmont Princess, has afternoon tea and an occasional band. On site at Royal Palms is Ascots restaurant, which I love. The best pool of the three is Rosedon. Royal Palms and Fourways both have them but neither is particularly large. I love the gardens at all three.
The Fairmont Princess is a big hotel which has some rooms with full harbor view. Big pools, ferry to Southhampton for the beach, and nice though very busy common rooms. My guess is that it and Rosedon will be the priciest of the four you are considering.
Have you checked the reviews on Trip Advisor?
Waterloo House was a favorite of mine for years but it is closed and being razed to make way for yet another big building. Sad, sad, sad, but that's the way of the world.
I hope that helps.
I like Royal Palms and Rosedon. I had a patio at both hotels but I don't think all rooms do. Of the three, Fourways breakfast was my favorite and Rosedon's was the least favorite. Rosedon is located directly across the street from the Fairmont Princess, has afternoon tea and an occasional band. On site at Royal Palms is Ascots restaurant, which I love. The best pool of the three is Rosedon. Royal Palms and Fourways both have them but neither is particularly large. I love the gardens at all three.
The Fairmont Princess is a big hotel which has some rooms with full harbor view. Big pools, ferry to Southhampton for the beach, and nice though very busy common rooms. My guess is that it and Rosedon will be the priciest of the four you are considering.
Have you checked the reviews on Trip Advisor?
Waterloo House was a favorite of mine for years but it is closed and being razed to make way for yet another big building. Sad, sad, sad, but that's the way of the world.
I hope that helps.
Apr 27th, 2009, 10:04 AM
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cmcfong - your advice is invaluable, especially since you have stayed at all locations!
If you would help me out a bit more....
I am having trouble finding a good map of bermuda online. Where is Paget on the island and in relation to hamilton? I understand you take a ferry into Hamilton - so how often and how late/early do the ferries run, how long is the ride and can you bring your scooter on with you?
At the fourways - How close is it to the water? My husband loves boats, so it might be a big plus if he can watch the boats go in and out from our balcony.
What are the rooms like? Are they decently furnished - or really dated? I have only found 1 or 2 pictures - and its hard to get a good idea of what they look like. I have checked the reviews on TripAdvisor for all the hotels, but tend to take them with a grain of salt - they are somewhat subjective and often don't give the type of information I want.
If you would help me out a bit more....
I am having trouble finding a good map of bermuda online. Where is Paget on the island and in relation to hamilton? I understand you take a ferry into Hamilton - so how often and how late/early do the ferries run, how long is the ride and can you bring your scooter on with you?
At the fourways - How close is it to the water? My husband loves boats, so it might be a big plus if he can watch the boats go in and out from our balcony.
What are the rooms like? Are they decently furnished - or really dated? I have only found 1 or 2 pictures - and its hard to get a good idea of what they look like. I have checked the reviews on TripAdvisor for all the hotels, but tend to take them with a grain of salt - they are somewhat subjective and often don't give the type of information I want.
Apr 27th, 2009, 10:17 AM
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You are going to fall in love with Bermuda. It is the most lush gorgeous island I've been to and I've been to a lot of them.
Keep in mind Bermuda is more of a formal island and doesn't have that laid back atmosphere of other places.
For instance, I'd never walk down the street in Bermuda in a bathing suit and sarong.
Have fun!
Keep in mind Bermuda is more of a formal island and doesn't have that laid back atmosphere of other places.
For instance, I'd never walk down the street in Bermuda in a bathing suit and sarong.
Have fun!
Apr 27th, 2009, 11:16 AM
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Think of Bermuda as a fish hook. It is about a mile wide and 20 miles long. The airport is on the East End with St. George and St. David's.
Dockyard is on the far western end.
Paget is about a ten to fifteen minute cab ride from downtown Hamilton. Bermuda has a very good public transportation system (besides the ferries).
Check out www.bermudatourism.com
Map http://www.bermudatourism.com/12.aspx or
Map http://www.bermuda.com/maps/
Fourways is located on Middle Road at the intersection with Cobbs Hill Road. It is about a five to ten minute walk down the hill to the ferry. The ferry into Hamilton takes about ten to fifteen minutes and is a lovely ride. In fact no matter where I stay on Bermuda, I take the ferry for fun. You can take your bike on some of the ferries but not all. You won't need your bike in Hamilton and probably won't want it. The traffic can be pretty unbearable. Sunday has limited ferry service but most nights it will be easy to stay in town for dinner and still ride the ferry home.
Ferry info:http://www.bermuda.com/transportation/ferries/
For watching the boats go in and out, hands down the best of your four options is the Fairmont Princess. Even if your room doesn't have a water view there are plenty of common areas at your disposal and it fronts the harbor. Royal Palms rooms don't have water views. There may be a room in the Rosedon with a waterview, they built some units in the back and it is possible there is a view from one of the end ones, but I tend to doubt it. There may be some rooms at Fourways with great harbor views, but none of the ones in which I have stayed had more than partial views. I go every year for the Bermuda boat parade in December and tried to watch it one year from my balcony and really couldn't see much. Not that that was a problem, I just walked down the hill to the harbor and sat on a wall.
Fourways recently (maybe 18mos) ago refurbished all their rooms. They have a tiled floor, sparely but comfortably furnished, yellow tropical themed drapes and bedspreads, new televisions, large vanity area outside the shower/bathroom and a small kitchen. There is a large sliding glass door from the room to the balcony or patio. The balconies are nice and I love to sit out there. If you do consider it ask Alex to recommend the room which has the best view of the harbor. Fourways is not on the water it s up a slight hill.
Here is a link to images of Fourways
http://tinyurl.com/djc88f
Properties with a good water view
Ocean:
Reefs
Cambridge Beaches
Pompano
Elbow Beach
Fairmont Southhampton
Pink Beach
Coco Reef
Horizons (very limited services, they are closing soon)
Surfside
Grape Bay
just opened last week Tucker's Point supposed to be 5 star
Harbor view:
Fairmont Princess
Wharf Executive Suites
Newstead (very new and very upscale)
Watercolours
Rosemont (definitely not an upscale property)
I absolutely recommend you have at least one meal at Blu at Belmont Golf Course. Great food, amazing water views. Also if the new restaurant in the Gibbs Lighthouse has opened by then, it will be worth a stop.
GoTravel is right, Bermuda is lovely and I hope you will enjoy your visit there.
Dockyard is on the far western end.
Paget is about a ten to fifteen minute cab ride from downtown Hamilton. Bermuda has a very good public transportation system (besides the ferries).
Check out www.bermudatourism.com
Map http://www.bermudatourism.com/12.aspx or
Map http://www.bermuda.com/maps/
Fourways is located on Middle Road at the intersection with Cobbs Hill Road. It is about a five to ten minute walk down the hill to the ferry. The ferry into Hamilton takes about ten to fifteen minutes and is a lovely ride. In fact no matter where I stay on Bermuda, I take the ferry for fun. You can take your bike on some of the ferries but not all. You won't need your bike in Hamilton and probably won't want it. The traffic can be pretty unbearable. Sunday has limited ferry service but most nights it will be easy to stay in town for dinner and still ride the ferry home.
Ferry info:http://www.bermuda.com/transportation/ferries/
For watching the boats go in and out, hands down the best of your four options is the Fairmont Princess. Even if your room doesn't have a water view there are plenty of common areas at your disposal and it fronts the harbor. Royal Palms rooms don't have water views. There may be a room in the Rosedon with a waterview, they built some units in the back and it is possible there is a view from one of the end ones, but I tend to doubt it. There may be some rooms at Fourways with great harbor views, but none of the ones in which I have stayed had more than partial views. I go every year for the Bermuda boat parade in December and tried to watch it one year from my balcony and really couldn't see much. Not that that was a problem, I just walked down the hill to the harbor and sat on a wall.
Fourways recently (maybe 18mos) ago refurbished all their rooms. They have a tiled floor, sparely but comfortably furnished, yellow tropical themed drapes and bedspreads, new televisions, large vanity area outside the shower/bathroom and a small kitchen. There is a large sliding glass door from the room to the balcony or patio. The balconies are nice and I love to sit out there. If you do consider it ask Alex to recommend the room which has the best view of the harbor. Fourways is not on the water it s up a slight hill.
Here is a link to images of Fourways
http://tinyurl.com/djc88f
Properties with a good water view
Ocean:
Reefs
Cambridge Beaches
Pompano
Elbow Beach
Fairmont Southhampton
Pink Beach
Coco Reef
Horizons (very limited services, they are closing soon)
Surfside
Grape Bay
just opened last week Tucker's Point supposed to be 5 star
Harbor view:
Fairmont Princess
Wharf Executive Suites
Newstead (very new and very upscale)
Watercolours
Rosemont (definitely not an upscale property)
I absolutely recommend you have at least one meal at Blu at Belmont Golf Course. Great food, amazing water views. Also if the new restaurant in the Gibbs Lighthouse has opened by then, it will be worth a stop.
GoTravel is right, Bermuda is lovely and I hope you will enjoy your visit there.
Apr 27th, 2009, 01:24 PM
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I am not sure what the complete picture is, but I understand Waterloo, Coral Beach Club and Horizons shared some financial connection and management. All are closing. I think Waterloo is already gone. Horizons is operating as a bed and breakfast and while still in a charming location is not the premier property it used to be. It was lovely. I stayed often at Waterloo in the eighties and then returned maybe three years ago. It was such a lovely place and having access to Coral Beach was a huge charm. A lot of the old Bermuda places are being razed and rebuilt as fractional ownerships. The times they are a changin' and I am being dragged along into the new century kicking and screaming..........
Apr 27th, 2009, 01:26 PM
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more on the Horizons saga
http://www.royalgazette.com/siftolog...d7ba3730030011
http://www.royalgazette.com/siftolog...d7ba3730030011
Apr 27th, 2009, 05:17 PM
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Wow, thanks cmcfong. That was above and beyond! I love Fodors Forums - I seriously have no idea how anyone planned a vacation before this existed.
I called Fourways and there are no rooms with Harbor Views, so I think Im leaning to the Princess because of location and being on the water. But I will probably be back with more questions very soon. Thanks again for your help!!
I called Fourways and there are no rooms with Harbor Views, so I think Im leaning to the Princess because of location and being on the water. But I will probably be back with more questions very soon. Thanks again for your help!!
Apr 28th, 2009, 04:01 AM
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The Fairmont is a grand old hotel. One suggestion is to join the Fairmont President's Club before you go. It is free and when I did they gave me an automatic upgrade on my first stay. That's of course just a lucky bit for me, but who knows you might have the same good fortune. Another suggestion, have dinner at Fourways one night or a Sunday brunch. The food is very good.
Apr 29th, 2009, 04:12 AM
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another question.
Do you know the difference between regular room and the BERMUDIANA HOUSE?
Both are offering a balcony with harbor/bay view - but there is a $50 a night difference in price, and the website does not have photos of the bermudiana house rooms.
Thanks!
Do you know the difference between regular room and the BERMUDIANA HOUSE?
Both are offering a balcony with harbor/bay view - but there is a $50 a night difference in price, and the website does not have photos of the bermudiana house rooms.
Thanks!
Apr 29th, 2009, 05:23 AM
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ooh, found reviews of people who stayed in Bermudiana house on Tripadvisor and they're good!! Still would love feedback from any Fodorites who have stayed there. I especially would love to know where the new wing is in relation to the main building. Is it very far removed? Is it closer or farther from the water/town? Most importantly to my husband, can you see boats coming/going from the balcony?
Apr 29th, 2009, 07:45 AM
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I looked at the Fairmont site to see if I could figure out where the Bermudiana house is, but I haven't been able to do that. Sorry, I can't help you on this. Perhaps txgirlinbda will check in, she lives there and is a great source of information.
Enjoy your trip.
Enjoy your trip.
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