We Need Help on Where to Stay in Bermuda
May 16th, 2009, 10:08 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We Need Help on Where to Stay in Bermuda
Two families are deciding where to stay for a quick trip (3 nights) in Bermuda. We have four children ages 11 - 16 between us. We are looking at Fairmont Southampton, Grotto Bay and Pink Beach Club. We're thinking of doing the meal plan. We'd like to decide in the next couple of days. We've noticed many helpful posts from people who really seem to know Bermuda. Hopefully you are out there now. Thank you so much in advance!
May 16th, 2009, 11:15 AM
#2
I have only been to the Fairmont Southampton before and we are headed back there in June with our kids.
It is a large scale hotel that sits high on a hill. The beach is at the bottom of the hill. They have a shuttle to bring you up and down if don't want to walk it. There are many ammenities and I would think this is the most luxurious of your choices.
The bus to town stops near by at the bottom of the hill. You can also ferry from the Southampton to town. We like the location.
The Grotto, my brother stayed here because it was cheaper with the kids. He said it was fine, but not on the same level as the Fairmont at all. The food was okay. The food at the Fairmont is very good.
I don't know very much at all about the Pink beach club. I think that is the one Michael Douglas owns?
We got a great deal at the Fairmont and that is what made us decide to do a return trip. Bermuda is lovely and the kids will have a blast.
Hope this helps. (Oh and my kids are 15 and 16 and can't wait to go!)
It is a large scale hotel that sits high on a hill. The beach is at the bottom of the hill. They have a shuttle to bring you up and down if don't want to walk it. There are many ammenities and I would think this is the most luxurious of your choices.
The bus to town stops near by at the bottom of the hill. You can also ferry from the Southampton to town. We like the location.
The Grotto, my brother stayed here because it was cheaper with the kids. He said it was fine, but not on the same level as the Fairmont at all. The food was okay. The food at the Fairmont is very good.
I don't know very much at all about the Pink beach club. I think that is the one Michael Douglas owns?
We got a great deal at the Fairmont and that is what made us decide to do a return trip. Bermuda is lovely and the kids will have a blast.
Hope this helps. (Oh and my kids are 15 and 16 and can't wait to go!)
May 16th, 2009, 11:30 AM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Pink Beach Club is not real kid friendly. It is an upscale cottage colony which caters to couples. It is located on a beautiful beachfront area near Tucker's Town and the Mid Ocean Golf course.
I personally do not like the location of Grotto Bay. It is just opposite the airport and a short cab or bus ride to St. George's. It would be the budget option of the three resorts you mention.
Of the three I think Fairmont Southampton would be your best choice for activities on site and ease of transport to other areas. I think girlonthego has given you a pretty good idea of why. Do check the Fairmont website, there are some major deals available if you join the President's Club (free).
Michael Douglas had an ownership interest in Ariel Sands which has closed and is being rebuilt as fractional (and extraordinarily ugly) homes.
I personally do not like the location of Grotto Bay. It is just opposite the airport and a short cab or bus ride to St. George's. It would be the budget option of the three resorts you mention.
Of the three I think Fairmont Southampton would be your best choice for activities on site and ease of transport to other areas. I think girlonthego has given you a pretty good idea of why. Do check the Fairmont website, there are some major deals available if you join the President's Club (free).
Michael Douglas had an ownership interest in Ariel Sands which has closed and is being rebuilt as fractional (and extraordinarily ugly) homes.
May 16th, 2009, 02:02 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much girlonthego and cmcfong! We really appreciate your input. Are you doing the meal plan, girlonthego? We have never been to Bermuda and this is a surprise trip for the kids (we're telling them when we get to the airport), so we're very excited. From what you say cmcfong, the Fairmont may also be good since they have activities there. Any thoughts you have on other things to do would also be apreciated. Given that we only have 3 nights and 4 days, we realize we might not get to do much more than beach, pool, shopping. Again, thanks so much!!
May 16th, 2009, 03:01 PM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since you are traveling with kids I think you will find the Fairmont Southampton a good fit. One great thing is that even if it rains there will be things they can do at the hotel.
I took two teenagers to Bermuda with me last June and we stayed at the Royal Palms. I think they would have been happier at the beach, though they did enjoy being able to go shopping and walking around in Hamilton on their own. If the trip were an adult trip I would recommend The Reefs, Fourways, Newstead,Cambridge Beaches or Pink Beach.
As to suggestions on what to do, I topped an old thread with some favorites. You will find your days very full! Bermuda is another world, have fun.
I took two teenagers to Bermuda with me last June and we stayed at the Royal Palms. I think they would have been happier at the beach, though they did enjoy being able to go shopping and walking around in Hamilton on their own. If the trip were an adult trip I would recommend The Reefs, Fourways, Newstead,Cambridge Beaches or Pink Beach.
As to suggestions on what to do, I topped an old thread with some favorites. You will find your days very full! Bermuda is another world, have fun.
May 16th, 2009, 03:46 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again cmcfong. And, thanks to you txgirlinbda. (I'll look for your thoughts on things to do.) You were two of the people I hoped would respond. I need to talk to my friend, but my vote is now for the Fairmont.
May 16th, 2009, 05:00 PM
#11
We are not doing the meal plan. We have decided to wing it. Our great rate did not include any meals. If you can get breakfast included, and your kids are good eaters, then I would include breakfast. I am not sure what the meal plan costs? Let me know.. 
My DH hates being scheduled for a dinner time every night. (We are there for a week.)
As far as activites, snorkling is tops on our list. The shopping in town can be fun, but if I only had a few days, I would not shop. I would spend all of my time hanging at the beach and snorkeling!
My DH hates being scheduled for a dinner time every night. (We are there for a week.)
As far as activites, snorkling is tops on our list. The shopping in town can be fun, but if I only had a few days, I would not shop. I would spend all of my time hanging at the beach and snorkeling!
May 16th, 2009, 05:41 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been quoted a rate of $89/person/day for breakfast and dinner (1/2 price for kids under 11). The reservation person said you can even "sign up" when you get there. There are about 6 or 7 resteraunts to choose from for dinner. Good point on a scheduled dinner time -- I will look into that. We have some picky eaters in the group, so we need to figure out if that's a plus or a minus with a meal plan. They seemed pretty accomodating about kid friendly meals. You mentioed you were going in June. What are your dates? Thanks again for adding to the forum. We were feeling so frustrated about where to stay. You have helped so much!
May 16th, 2009, 06:54 PM
#13
We are there the 14-21st. The rate sounds good, but added up is 360 per day for our family. That sounds like a lot. I am not sure we would spend that much every day on food? I will have to think about that... I like the fact that you have a choice of 7 restaurants.
Is there a breakfast only option?
Is there a breakfast only option?
May 16th, 2009, 07:05 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Breakfast only is $26/person/day. We are wondering the same thing -- how much would it cost for food if we didn't have a meal plan. We got a little nervous when nearly everyone we talked to said how expensive everything is -- especially the food. We still haven't decided about that. But we have decided to stay at the Fairmont. Glad my friend agreed. We'll be arriving two days after you leave. Would have been funny if we were there at the same time.
May 16th, 2009, 07:17 PM
#15
Bermuda is expensive, but not any more than any other nice resort on an island. Too bad you aren't going to be there when we are. You have teenagers too!
When I think 360 per day, I think wow that is a lot, but if you start adding up each meal, it probably will cost that much in the end or close to it.
The benefit of you going after me, is I can report on dining and some activity options before you leave!
When I think 360 per day, I think wow that is a lot, but if you start adding up each meal, it probably will cost that much in the end or close to it.
The benefit of you going after me, is I can report on dining and some activity options before you leave!
May 17th, 2009, 07:21 AM
#17
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, I'm back!
My thoughts on the meal plan and costs. I think you can get a small fridge for your room - if that means keeping milk and cereal, lunch meat, etc at hand, that would seriously help with your costs- esp with picky eaters. There's a decent grocery store on the bus route to the hotel, so easily accessible. As far as meal costs, DH and I drop $50-80 on lunch or dinner at a moderate restaurant here, that's usually one starter, two sandwiches or mains and a few beers. You do the math. Nicer places are going to add up quickly. There are plenty of take-out places and delis in town that will make you a sandwich, sushi, wraps, etc to take out. If you search Bermuda and my screen name, I did lots of name-listing last summer for some people.
Activities: Snorkelling (again, hit a Sports Authority or Academy and bring your own gear, rather than pay rentals for everyone. There are tons of spots to go. Snorkel Park in Dockyard has the snack bar, bathrooms and showers, beach gear rental stuff to keep the kids happy for a few hours. Dockyard has a small shopping mall, a few restaurants, a glass-blowing factory, Rum Cake factory, art gallery and the Maritime Museum. Dolphin Quest is in Dockyard, but pricey - the kids can watch the dolphins with Musseum admission.
The glass-bottom boat tour is cool - they go over an old wreck, and usually bring bread to feed the fish. You can also get a combo glass-bottom tour with beach and snorkel stops - a good way to see places you wouldn't from shore. There are jetski tours - I think all you kids are old enough if they're on a jetski with a parent.
Fantasea rentals also does a nice sunset catamaran cruise.
Hamilton is mostly businesses, shopping, restaurants. There's a cool fort at the edge of town called Ft Hamilton with a tropical-plant filled dry moat - a cool escape from the heat if you're nearby.
Beaches: pack water, towels, etc and start early at Warwick Long Bay. Go to the WLB playground and hike down the hill to the sand. From there, you can swim, hike, and sun yourselves along the beaches and park paths, all the way to Horseshoe Bay Beach, where there are facilites to clean up, get snacks and catch the bus. Horseshoe is the only public beach along South Shore with facilites other than basic toilets. That of course means you'll have the other beaches more to yourselves.
St. George's end of the island - Ft St Catherine, Tobacco Bay for snorkelling, Tavern by the Sea for lunch (in town, the most kid friendly eating option in St. G) and a walk through Unfinished Church. St Peter's Chruch is the cool old historical church, but it's the cemetary outside that I find fascinating.
Getting around - the Fairmont runs a ferry to Hamilton - use it whenever you're headed to Hamilton or points beyond, save time, pretty way to travel, free. Hamilton is where the main bus terminal is. The bus system charges by the length of your trip. A 3-zone trip is one ticket. Anything longer than that is two tickets. Public ferry trips are two tickets each way. A book of 3-zone tickets is $20/15 tickets. There are also longer-fare tickets. Bus passes are $20/2 days adults, $10/2 days students. Some quick math might find you saving money by buying booklets of tickets and sharing them, rather than everyone having thier own pass. Pick up a bus map at the airport tourist counter and have a look at it in the taxi on the way to the hotel. Should be able to get tickets and passes at the hotel.
Well, now that I have completely overwhelmed you with info, let me know what else I can do!!
Have a great trip and if you get stuck with something while you're here, you can always try posting a message for me here and I'll see if I can help.
My thoughts on the meal plan and costs. I think you can get a small fridge for your room - if that means keeping milk and cereal, lunch meat, etc at hand, that would seriously help with your costs- esp with picky eaters. There's a decent grocery store on the bus route to the hotel, so easily accessible. As far as meal costs, DH and I drop $50-80 on lunch or dinner at a moderate restaurant here, that's usually one starter, two sandwiches or mains and a few beers. You do the math. Nicer places are going to add up quickly. There are plenty of take-out places and delis in town that will make you a sandwich, sushi, wraps, etc to take out. If you search Bermuda and my screen name, I did lots of name-listing last summer for some people.
Activities: Snorkelling (again, hit a Sports Authority or Academy and bring your own gear, rather than pay rentals for everyone. There are tons of spots to go. Snorkel Park in Dockyard has the snack bar, bathrooms and showers, beach gear rental stuff to keep the kids happy for a few hours. Dockyard has a small shopping mall, a few restaurants, a glass-blowing factory, Rum Cake factory, art gallery and the Maritime Museum. Dolphin Quest is in Dockyard, but pricey - the kids can watch the dolphins with Musseum admission.
The glass-bottom boat tour is cool - they go over an old wreck, and usually bring bread to feed the fish. You can also get a combo glass-bottom tour with beach and snorkel stops - a good way to see places you wouldn't from shore. There are jetski tours - I think all you kids are old enough if they're on a jetski with a parent.
Fantasea rentals also does a nice sunset catamaran cruise.
Hamilton is mostly businesses, shopping, restaurants. There's a cool fort at the edge of town called Ft Hamilton with a tropical-plant filled dry moat - a cool escape from the heat if you're nearby.
Beaches: pack water, towels, etc and start early at Warwick Long Bay. Go to the WLB playground and hike down the hill to the sand. From there, you can swim, hike, and sun yourselves along the beaches and park paths, all the way to Horseshoe Bay Beach, where there are facilites to clean up, get snacks and catch the bus. Horseshoe is the only public beach along South Shore with facilites other than basic toilets. That of course means you'll have the other beaches more to yourselves.
St. George's end of the island - Ft St Catherine, Tobacco Bay for snorkelling, Tavern by the Sea for lunch (in town, the most kid friendly eating option in St. G) and a walk through Unfinished Church. St Peter's Chruch is the cool old historical church, but it's the cemetary outside that I find fascinating.
Getting around - the Fairmont runs a ferry to Hamilton - use it whenever you're headed to Hamilton or points beyond, save time, pretty way to travel, free. Hamilton is where the main bus terminal is. The bus system charges by the length of your trip. A 3-zone trip is one ticket. Anything longer than that is two tickets. Public ferry trips are two tickets each way. A book of 3-zone tickets is $20/15 tickets. There are also longer-fare tickets. Bus passes are $20/2 days adults, $10/2 days students. Some quick math might find you saving money by buying booklets of tickets and sharing them, rather than everyone having thier own pass. Pick up a bus map at the airport tourist counter and have a look at it in the taxi on the way to the hotel. Should be able to get tickets and passes at the hotel.
Well, now that I have completely overwhelmed you with info, let me know what else I can do!!
Have a great trip and if you get stuck with something while you're here, you can always try posting a message for me here and I'll see if I can help.
May 17th, 2009, 07:29 AM
#18
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did the hotel meal plan two years ago at Pompano. The food was good and dinearound was an option, but I would normally find it too expensive (I was traveling off season and got a fantastic MAP rate). The two girls who went with me last June generally ate toast and cereal for breakfast. Paying $26 a day for that would be way too costly in my book. However if they eat heartily at breakfast and would likely skip lunch it may be a good choice for you. The majority of coffee shops, quick lunch spots are in Hamilton not near the Fairmont, so do factor that in. I am guessing you don't want to have to travel much to get breakfast.
May 17th, 2009, 09:32 AM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks txgirlinbda and cmcfong! Wow -- you guys are great. We booked the Fairmont and will now tackle the meal plan debate. I really appreciate all your input. With all the things to do, I'm already thinking we'll be planning another trip to Bermuda.
May 17th, 2009, 02:28 PM
#20
A few years ago, we went to the Marriott in Aruba. They had a large breakfast buffet. We ate there daily at around 10:30 and ate dinner early. The kids sometimes needed something mid day to tide them over, but we found it worked well.
We could wait and eat an early lunch, but the fact that there is nothing too close to the fairmont,makes me consider at least the breakfast plan. I have one super breakfast eater and one so-so breakfast eater...
txgirlinbda: Did you tell me on another thread the two great snorkel places are church bay (near the fairmont) and tobacco bay? Where is the tobacco bay located on the island.
We could wait and eat an early lunch, but the fact that there is nothing too close to the fairmont,makes me consider at least the breakfast plan. I have one super breakfast eater and one so-so breakfast eater...
txgirlinbda: Did you tell me on another thread the two great snorkel places are church bay (near the fairmont) and tobacco bay? Where is the tobacco bay located on the island.
