bob

Any information or help on hotels in Barbados. My family usually likes to stay at one of the nicer resorts when we vacation. Also, for you people who travel a lot, how does Barbados compare to other islands you've experienced?

Allyson

The Sandy Lane Hotel is very nice. As an island, I didn't find Barbados one of the most scenic... but it was friendly and there was comparatively more to do than on some of the other islands. My preference is for the more lush islands, so I preferred Grenada and St. Lucia, but they aren't exactly hot spots.

April

I also like Grenada - more so than St. Lucia, but Barbados is a good "all-around" island. The people are friendly and there's lots to do. Rent a vehicle and tour the countryside. Some of it is quite scenic. The nicest resorts (when I was there) were on the west coast of the island. The east is mostly too rugged for swimming and the south is cheaper and more crowded. Of the islands I've visited I would rate Barbados in the top half.

Vickie

Glitter Bay in Barbados was very nice - large rooms, nice decor, etc. Wonderful outdoor restaurant which was somewhat fancy at dinner (men wore jackets, etc.) and a very nice weekly cocktail party with the owners. Beach and pool were good. Walked along beach to other properties but didn't feel terribly comfortable (some locals shouted, whistled, and started to follow me). Overall, enjoyed Glitter Bay but have not returned to Barbados, due to conspicuous feeling of "haves" vs. "have nots". I don't usually make a big deal of this, but found it noticeable on Barbados (as opposed to other islands like Aruba, St. Martin and Grand Cayman.) Aruba was great for a 4 day weekend (Marriott) but I would have gone crazy during a longer stay - beach was wonderful, but not much else to do on the island. Jamaica was horrendous for all the reasons other postings have discussed - I know the govt. finally caught on and has used national guard, etc. to patrol tourist areas, but, too little, too late. Haven't tried Antigua or Anguilla, but those are next on my list...

Peggy

Look into Sandpiper Inn on the west coast, sister hotel & next door to Coral Reef. Small, 40 rooms/suites. We had a beautiful 1 bedroom suite with hugh patio where they delivered breakfast everyday. Great staff! Great restaurant. Good beach with shared amenities with Coral Reef for watersports & dine around privileges. Liked all of Barbados, one afternoon in Bridgetown is enough though (largest populated city in the Caribbean). We didn't encounter any vendor harassing on the West Coast. The Gap area isbecoming a little overgrown & crowded for our tastes. Have a great time.

junoe

My husband and I have had a couple nice vacations in Barbados. He likes the stronger surf so we stayed on the south coast. Actually, Barbados is a bit too densely populated for my tastes, but there are still
some rural areas of beauty. We prefer more rural living which is why we bought a home on Montserrat ten years ago. We also found Dominica and Grenada and other islands to offer much more natural beauty, but they also provide more low-key vacationing than Barbados!
All in all, I'd say Barbados is a good all-around vacation spot. Sorry I can't recommend a hotel. The last one we stayed at I wouldn't recommend. The previous one is has changed hand

Cathy

Bob - I have visited a number of the islands and Barbados is my favorite - mostly because of the people, who are the friendliest I've found in the Caribbean. So I've returned there many times. Someone mentioned Sandy Lane which is very nice, but is extremely expensive and closed for a complete renovation (rebuild) until some time in 2000. Glitter Bay was also mentioned and this is one of my favorite hotels.

Cathy

Bob - I have visited a number of the islands and Barbados is my favorite - mostly because of the people, who are the friendliest I've found in the Caribbean. So I've returned there many times. Someone mentioned Sandy Lane which is very nice, but is extremely expensive and closed for a complete renovation (rebuild) until some time in 2000. Glitter Bay was also mentioned and this is one of my favorite hotels. There are many others to choose from, like Royal Pavilion, Tamarind Cove, Treasure Beach, Discovery Bay, Cobblers Cove, Colony Club and on the south coast Bougainvillea. I have been just about everywhere in Barbados and I find it to be very beautiful, very friendly and a very comfortable atmosphere.