Fodor's Expert Review Courtyard Bridgetown by Marriott

A four-story hotel just off the main road (on the inland side) on the busy south coast of Barbados, this is especially appropriate for business guests and for vacationers who don’t need a lot of resort activities or entertainment—and don’t want to pay for what they don’t need. The contemporary style and atmosphere here is similar to stateside Courtyard hotels: very good service; well-appointed accommodations; good value; and, overall, a pleasant environment.

Photo: Contemporary styling surrounds our king guest room with a clean and crisp look and feel.

room

The hotel’s rooms and suites each have a king or two queen beds, an ergonomic workstation, and a minifridge; some rooms have balconies, and connecting rooms are available. Executive suites all have balconies, a separate living room with pullout sofa and dining table, and kitchenette. There’s elevator access to each floor, and some mobility-access rooms that are specially equipped with wide doorways and roll-in showers. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for a small charge.

The hotel has an onsite coin-op laundry.

Photo: Contemporary styling surrounds our king guest room with a clean and crisp look and feel.

bathroom

The bathrooms themselves are not large, but they are modern and have granite-topped vanities. Most rooms have a walk-in shower; executive suites have a shower/tub combination with louvered windows that open out to the bedroom.

Photo: Our hotel lobby boasts high tech functionality to keep you connected on your next business trip or vacation with our complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, Boarding Pass Kiosk, LCD TVs, and our GoBoard.

lobby

In an alcove next to the reception desk, guests can purchase sundries and convenience items, as well as snacks from vending machines. Newspapers are available in the lobby. There’s a lot of comfortable seating, a virtual concierge system, and a business center.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There’s very little “Caribbean vibe" here. And it’s definitely a hotel, not a resort.

Photo: Our hotel lobby boasts high tech functionality to keep you connected on your next business trip or vacation with our complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, Boarding Pass Kiosk, LCD TVs, and our GoBoard.

Photo: Relax in our outdoor pool and soak in the sun.

pool

A small outdoor lap pool on the second floor overlooks the courtyard; an adjacent terrace has tables and chairs—mainly for meeting/conference use, but you're welcome to have a seat!

Photo: Relax in our outdoor pool and soak in the sun.

spa

Soothing Touch Day Spa offers an array of treatments; there’s also a barber/beauty shop on the premises.

Photo: The Fitness Room offers state-of-the-art equipment and is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

gym

A large, air-conditioned fitness room on the second floor, near the pool deck, has cardio equipment, medicine balls, and free weights. Also, you can meander over to the South Coast Boardwalk for jogging, walking, or a casual stroll.

Photo: The Fitness Room offers state-of-the-art equipment and is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Photo: Enjoy great dining while meeting with friends and colleagues at our welcoming Centro, located inside our new Barbados hotel.

dining

Centro, a casual dining area in a corner of the hotel lobby, has buffet, grab-n-go, and hot dishes at breakfast and light meals at lunch or dinner.

YOU SHOULD KNOW It’s hard to call this a “restaurant,” as service is cafeteria-style with limited (yet relatively expensive) choices and seat-yourself tables and chairs.

Photo: Enjoy great dining while meeting with friends and colleagues at our welcoming Centro, located inside our new Barbados hotel.

drinking

Beer, wine, and cocktails are served at Centro in the evening. You can sit at a table in the restaurant area or in more comfortable seating in the lobby lounge.

beach

You can walk to Coconut Beach, where complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels are set aside for Courtyard guests.

The hotel doesn’t offer any water-sports activities; if you’re looking for adventure, though, Dread or Dead Surf Shop offers surfing and standup paddleboard lessons, rentals, and tours—and it's within walking distance.