rob

we are about to book a March trip to barbados and would like some feedback on our hotel <BR> <BR>we wnat to be close to the Gap and have a nice hotle that isn't over run with people. <BR> <BR>does anyone have any comments on either of these hotels. <BR> <BR>what about the beaches - either one better than the other? <BR> <BR>how long a walk is it to the gap from the Casuarina? <BR> <BR>thanks in advance!

Andy

Rob <BR>Can only comment on Southern palms. Went there 6 or 7 years ago and it was my first caribbean trip. Loved barbados and am going there next week funnily enough but not too sure about southern palms though. When we were there a lot of upgrading work was going on and the pool was empty for the first week and the staff were'nt too friendly. having said that we still enjoyed it. As you probably know the sea isn't gently lapping on the shores on the southern coast and we had a lot of fun with boogie boards and sea cats and the beach is certainly good at sounthern palms. Hope you enjoy your trip. Andy <BR>

LisaM30

Just came back from my honeymoon to St. Lucia and Barbados. While in Barbados we stayed at the Casuarina. It's a huge hotel. It was ok, but then again, I don't know anything about Southern Palms. There are about 4 separate buildings which house rooms. There are four floors, and I didn't see any elevators. We got a room on the second floor, thank God. It's so hot there, I would have hated to walk to the fourth floor to get to our room. Also, there are alot of kids at that hotel. The pool was only empty of them at night. During the day, it's busy with kids. The beach was a short walk which wasn't too bad. Another thing. We had a beach front room, and it isn't exactly that. While the beachfront rooms DO face the ocean, there is a tremendous garden of coconut trees and greenery that almost totally blocks the ocean view. That was a little disappointing. The rooms, however, are clean and well stocked. I.e., refrigerator, stove, plates, etc. The hotel restaurant is ok. Didn't eat any real dinners there, just walked to the GAP which wasn't too far away and ate at those restaurants. I could go on an on. If you have any specific questions, email me directly. Good luck!

Mike Martin

<BR>Hi <BR>The Bougainvillea Beach Hotel on the same beach as Casurina is one of very few new hotels on the island. It was completed last year and is really beautiful on a beautiful beach. I usually took the mini buses or taxi to the gap at night.

Cathy

Casuarina and Southern Palms are pretty much on par with each other. Casuarina has a little more character and I think is a prettier hotel, but Southern Palms is right on the beach - on an excellent beach at that, and is right in the Gap. Casuarina is on a much larger property and has very pretty grounds with lots of plants and trees, so if you plan to hang out much at the hotel, that might be a better choice. But it will also be more crowded than Southern Palms. If it were me (and I've been to Barbados 17 times, most of which were spent in the vicinity of these two hotels), I'd pick Southern Palms because of the beach it's on, the fact that it's right on the beach, and its location. Have a great time!