Where to stay in Bermuda in February
 

My husband and I are thinking of taking a trip to Bermuda in February. We know that the beach is out for swimming, but we would like stay somewhere convenient for shopping, fine dining, sightseeing, golf, tennis, hikes. A heated pool would be a plus. The Southampton Princess has a great rate, but would we better of staying closer to a town given we can't go to the beach? We've never been before so we don't know how convenient it is to get around with no car rentals and if we would feel isolated at the Southampton Princess. We are active, independent travelers in our late 20s who generally prefer to be out doing things rather than lounging in the hotel. Thanks!

The Fairmont Southhampton Princess is on a bus line, near one of the most gorgeous stretches of beach in the universe, has a complimentary ferry to Hamilton, has ready access to a number of restaurants and would make a good choice for a February visit. If the weather is good you may decide to rent a moped (I recommend Elbow Beach moped rentals), but Bermuda has an excellent public transportation system which will give you easy access to the whole island.

The public transportation is good, the Southampton is near a beautiful beach and is a nice resort but I would stay closer to Hamilton due to what you want to do and your age.

Can't help you with hotels as we stayed in a guest house about 10 mins. from Hamilton. We like being active and the Southampton, even in the summer, was a little too far away for us.

If you prefer to stay in Hamilton, consider the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, the Rosedon, or the Royal Palms.

The golf course for the Fairmont hotels is at the Southhampton, there are several quite good restaurants on site, plus the Waterlot at the bottom of the hill, there are on site tennis courts, a gorgeous walking beach is there plus reasonably easy access to the Bermuda Railway Trail which is good for hikes. There is also a popular nightclub at the Fairmont Southhampton.

Hi, Punky,
My husband and I have been to Bermuda 21 times. You will love the island and its people. As for accommodations, the most central location is the Elbow Beach Hotel or its neighbor, the Coco Reef. We have stayed at Elbow 3 times, and at the Stonington Beach Hotel which is now the Coco Reef, 16 times. Even though you won't be swimming,I would still opt to stay somewhere with a beach view. You are off-season, so splurge so you can walk the beach (very romantic)any time you want. Elbow Beach, frankly, is the best beach on the island. I would rent a moped, we always did, in fact, a two seater, for at least one day, to explore the island. Yes, the public transportation is good, but, you are young, and should be able to handle a moped to really get the feel of the island. Elbow Beach Hotel has tennis courts, and golfing is nearby. Shopping in Hamilton is very close. You must go to the Swizzle Inn for rum swizzles.The aquarium is interesting, and so is the maritime museum. I never found the food in bermuda to be truly gourmet, and haven't been in a few years so that I could recommend any particular restaurant.
My husband and I fell in love with Bermuda quite a few years ago, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Have a great trip.

bermuda is a very special place for a great relaxing vacation, although i think i might miss the beach a little too much at that time, it is truly beautiful !! we honeymooned there over 25 years ago and still return every so often. yes there are beautiful islands in the caribbean, but bermuda holds a special place for us. there are tons of restaurants to have romantic dinners..coconuts on the beach at the reefs is wonderful during sunset....nice pubs to relax casually and still have a great meal and local places to scoot around to during the day. the mopeds are a must and we have travelled from tip to tip of the island on them many times. i have only stayed at the southampton princess for sentimental reasons, but i would not hesitate to stay at cambridge or elbow beach. there is also a club that we have had lots of fun in at the southampton princess, plus the spa is wonderful as is the indoor pool. we have done picnic lunches on the grounds and have sat on the quant beach in the evening with a bottle of champagne...very romantic place for us.
as far as travelling, we have never found it to be a problem during the day or in the evening...even the cab rides are wonderful and enjoyable...meeting some very genuine kind people who have lots to share about their beautiful island. hamilton is quant, small and easy to shop in....

bermuda is truly a remarkable place...we love it, we have taken our kids back numerous times and hope to take our grandkids one day !!

have a great time !

Thanks everyone. While the Southampton looks to have beautiful facilities, we are thinking that we might be better off at the Hamilton Princess, given that we would like to visit Hamilton, St. George,the Royal Naval Dockyard, beaches, golf. We also would like to be near restaurants other than those in the hotel.

How far is Elbow Beach from Hamilton and other dining options by bus or taxi? Is there a town nearby or is it just hotels? we can stay at the Coco Reef for slightly more that Hamilton Princess. Is this a better option for what we want to do?

We wil ldefinetly rent a mopad for at least a day to explore. I assume we don't need a reservation in February?

I would definitely stay at the Coco reef rather than the Hamilton Princess. Some of the rooms at the princess are not too nice, acc. to tripadvisor. It gets very varied reviews. Coco Reef (all rooms are oceanview or oceanfront), you will be directly on Elbow Beach, and you can walk to the bus stop. A taxi ride is a short trip away from Hamilton. Coco Reef is a small facility, and more intimate than the princess.Why don't you check out tripadvisor and read the reviews. There is a big plus also in that you are right next door to the Elbow Beach Hotel and can go to their restaurants, and use some of their facilities. Staying oceanside, rather than downtown, is what it's all about if you are visiting an island. Have fun!