Please help me, I am planning to visit this resort in May, 2001. How are the restaurants, beach, and rooms? Are there affordable casual fast food restaurants nearby the resort? <BR>

Hi - I stayed there in '99. I remember it as not outrageously luxurious, but quite comfortable and well appointed. There is a nice pool and three beaches on the property. All 3 have silky sand, but two, on either side of the hotel, face shallow & quiet bays more of the wading type. There are chairs and umbrellas, and a dive shop at one of them. The third beach is on the far end (not sure which--West...?), & is gorgeous, with nice waves, swimming, turqoise water, big cliffs. Lovely and definitely my favorite. That beach is removed from the main building, not a bad walk, but hilly; they provide a free shuttle. There is a bar/sandwich stand there that was quite good for what it was. <BR> <BR>The "back" of the hotel is on huge cliffs. It has great views and is a nice place to walk. I thought the setting was unique. Unfortunately, weather was only fair, and I was unable to snorkel except the last morning at the beach. It was pretty good snorkeling, considering. Hope next time the seas will be calmer. <BR> <BR>Not much is cheap in Bermuda. I do not remember any fast food of any kind, but it probably is there somewhere. You can take public bus which stops just at the entrance to the hotel, to almost anywhere, and its the most economical way to get around. We had dinner in Hamilton one night at a little upstairs place on the main drag called The Porch (I think). We had macadamia-nut coated chicken breast that was *incredible* and very reasonably priced. It may have been our best (and cheapest) meal. <BR> <BR>I thought Bermuda was beautiful. It is very clean and the locals are educated and pleasant. It did seem very expensive overall, but we didn't look that hard for bargains. Have a great time.

Hi Kristin, My first trip to Bermuda, 14 trips ago, was to Sonesta Beach. We almost didn't go back because of our experience. We were treated rudely at check-in, our luggage was thrown in a hallway (no bellmen) to be brought to our room later, we were handed keys and directions to our room and found it occupied (a couple stretched out on their bed in undies), had to make reservations daily for dinner and dress up. Yuk! If you are committed to Sonesta then go and make the best of it but while there hop next door and check out the Reefs. Lots smaller and much nicer. Excellent food too.

Thanks for your responses. Itlooks like some good and some bad things are to be expected at Sonesta. I wonder if it has gotten any nicer. <BR>Is the beach swimmable with clear water and snorkeling right at the hotel's beach offered?

Kristin, <BR>I was there just 1-1/2 yrs ago, and I did not experience any of the attitude Katrina mentions, so maybe things have improved since she was there. <BR> <BR>I believe I addressed your questions about the beaches and snorkeling already...? What didn't I tell you that you want to know? <BR> <BR>Also, suggest looking on wheretostay.com for more hotel info. Not sure they cover Bermuda, but it's worth checking. <BR> <BR>

Kristin, <BR>We stayed at the Sonesta for our honeymoon in June 1996. We had a fabulous time. We especially loved the food in the restaurant downstairs-can't remember the name, but there was this seafood dish served over mashed potatoes -it was so good-we went back and ordered it the next night! Also, we liked the rum swizzles in the cocktail bar in the evenings. We also especially liked the Swizzle inn (downtown)for the fish chowder. We had very good service and a really nice room in the back overlooking the cliffs/ocean. Hope you have a great time.

Thank you so much for responding. How was the beach at the hotel? Was it powder white with clear water, snorkeling was clear enough? <BR>Were the restaurants really expensive?