Fodor's Expert Review Ports of Call Resort

Ports of Call Resort is an older hotel that has been completely refurbished, vamped up, and rebranded by new management. Being a block from the beach means serious savings for those who are willing to be more than a few steps from the water's edge - even though the resort still offers dedicated lounge chairs on the beach immediately opposite their beach access lane. Sleek new all-weather wicker furniture surrounds the pool and bar area, with rooms refurbished to a more luxurious standard—colours have been muted for a softer ambience and even the mattresses have been upgraded. A small continental breakfast is also included in the rates. With Shops of Ports of Call as part of the resort, guests have everything they need right on site: numerous eateries and shops, yoga studio and spa. Two barbecues on site and a grocery store one minute's walk away even makes it possible to create your own poolside dining.

room

Choose from four room categories. Garden view, pool view and deluxe pool view accommodation all offer AC, king or two double bed configuration, flat-screen TVs with cable access, mini-refrigerators, desk, and a sitting area with double pull-out sofa for additional guest, separated from the bed area through a sleek privacy screen. The deluxe pool view offers a larger space with private poolside balcony or terrace; comfortable wicker furniture invites guests to relax into their day. Wheelchair accessible accommodation is also available with 1 king bed and desk. The room is carefully planned to include grab rails, wheelchair-accessible sink in vanity, a roll-in shower, and raised commode seat. All rooms include a continental breakfast in the rate.

Photo: Deluxe Pool View with Walkout Balcony – King Bed

Photo: Garden View / Pool View – 2 Double Beds

Photo: Pool View – King Bed

bathroom

Bathrooms in all rooms have been upgraded to include a sleek new glass enclosed shower and single vanity. Wheelchair accessible rooms offer "roll-in" showers and wheelchair accessible sink/vanity, as well as appropriate grab rails for safety. Luxury bath amenities are included in all room categories.

Photo: Garden View / Pool View Bathroom

Photo: Deluxe Pool View Room Bathroom

Photo: Deluxe Pool View with Walkout Balcony – Lounge space

lobby

There's a friendly face at the front desk of Ports of Call Resort. They'll check you in and help you with all your questions regarding your stay in Grace Bay. Just opposite is a comfortable breakfast area, where an assortment of continental breakfast items are presented each morning - included in your room rate. The breeze blows through the front door and right through to the pool on the other side of this bright and cheerful lobby.

pool

A mid-sized pool stretches out beyond the font lobby area, separating the two main buildings which house the guest accommodations. Chaise loungers, umbrellas and designated pool towels are available for guest use, while cold beverages are available from the adjacent hotel bar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Occasionally, the pool accommodates the resort dive provider for in-pool dive instruction.

spa

Spa Tropique is located on the upper floor of Shops of Ports of Call (located on the Resort's property), right next door to the hotel itself. Although not a luxurious location, Spa Tropique offers a full spa menu including a variety of massage, facials, body treatments, pedicures, and manicures.

YOU SHOULD KNOW If you are wishing for something a little more upscale, there are five star resorts dotted all along the oceanfront only a few minutes walk from Ports of Call Resort, all with beautiful spas offering a variety of signature services.

gym

There is a small on-site fitness room available for guest use, while Retreat Yoga & Wellness Studio is located right next door in the Shops of Ports of Call adjacent to the hotel.

After enjoying a yoga session at the popular Retreat Studio, be sure to try the cuisine at their associated Retreat Cafe. It is simply amazing.

dining

Although no restaurant is on-site at the hotel, The Shops of Ports of Call is home to four restaurants and two bars, as well as an ice cream and candy parlor just steps from the lobby entrance. Retreat Cafe - with its incredible health-conscious offerings that change daily - is a wonderful spot to enjoy lunch, with a bit of Mexican at Skull Rock as an alternative. Crack Pot Kitchen features Caribbean fare as a Saturday brunch, as well as dinner throughout the week, with the exception of quiet Thursdays. Live music happens here on most Friday and Saturday nights. In addition, Via Veneto provides a modern Italian experience for those looking for slightly more traditional evening dining.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There are many other world class restaurants within walking distance of Ports of Call Resort. The possibilities are endless.

Photo: Breakfast room – daily continental buffet-style breakfast included with 1-rotating hot item.

Photo: Poolside bar.

Photo: Designated beach spot on Grace Bay Beach with chaise lounges, umbrellas, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, beach floats, and full-time beach attendant.

drinking

There is a bar on site, as well as several others within a few minutes walk from the resort's front door.