Located in the capital city of Bridgetown, the Hilton feels larger than its 355 rooms -- likely because of its high-rise structure and the fact it holds the biggest hotel meeting facility on the island. Sure, it checks all the boxes of a reputable chain hotel, but it lacks a certain charm synonymous with Barbadian hospitality. Rooms are modern and appeal to both leisure and business travelers, but free amenities are rare. Don’t expect a welcome drink, and Wi-Fi comes with a fee; therefore, hotel tabs add up fast (beware of the lounge chairs with “flag up” bar service). For those seeking a big hotel chock-full of American conveniences, though, this is the place.
Located in the capital city of Bridgetown, the Hilton feels larger than its 355 rooms -- likely because of its high-rise structure and the fact it holds the biggest hotel meeting facility on the island. Sure, it checks all the boxes of a reputable chain hotel, but it lacks a certain charm synonymous with Barbadian hospitality. Rooms are modern and appeal to both leisure and business travelers, but free amenities are rare. Don’t expect a welcome drink, and Wi-Fi comes with a fee; therefore, hotel tabs add up fast (beware of the lounge chairs with “flag up” bar service). For those seeking a big hotel chock-full of American conveniences, though, this is the place.
Aptly named for the the Miami neighborhood, the hip South Beach Hotel is an upper-middle-range property set along the south coast of Barbados. The 49 spacious studios and one-bedroom suites have chic decor, furnished balconies, pullout sofas, and granite-top kitchenettes or kitchens. For leisure, there's a long, narrow outdoor pool with ample surrounding seating, or guests can also walk across the street to Rockley Beach (the hotel provides free vouchers for loungers). If not cooking, one on-site restaurants and a poolside bar get a decent crowd. Free laundry and Wi-Fi add value, and gym on premises. Couples may prefer the adult-only Little Arches Boutique Hotel, which has 10 stylish rooms, a pool overlooking the ocean, and a spa treatment room.
Aptly named for the the Miami neighborhood, the hip South Beach Hotel is an upper-middle-range property set along the south coast of Barbados. The 49 spacious studios and one-bedroom suites have chic decor, furnished balconies, pullout sofas, and granite-top kitchenettes or kitchens. For leisure, there's a long, narrow outdoor pool with ample surrounding seating, or guests can also walk across the street to Rockley Beach (the hotel provides free vouchers for loungers). If not cooking, one on-site restaurants and a poolside bar get a decent crowd. Free laundry and Wi-Fi add value, and gym on premises. Couples may prefer the adult-only Little Arches Boutique Hotel, which has 10 stylish rooms, a pool overlooking the ocean, and a spa treatment room.
Set on a private stretch of Dover Beach on the island's southwest coast, the lushly landscaped, couples-only Sandals Barbados is an upscale, all-inclusive resort. Some of the hotel's 280 rooms offer swim-out access into a river-style pool, or terraces with freestanding soaking tubs. The resort's three pools, 13 restaurants, bars, spa, and numerous recreational amenities make for plenty to do on property, but those needing an escape can easily access the nightlife of nearby St. Lawrence Gap. The hotel also boasts a manicured stretch of breezy white-sand beach lined with rows of cushy loungers, but the area of the island is prone to odorous seaweed and noise from nearby construction. Those seeking a more intimate, upscale hotel with prime beach access might consider The House or the Fairmont Royal Pavilion.
Set on a private stretch of Dover Beach on the island's southwest coast, the lushly landscaped, couples-only Sandals Barbados is an upscale, all-inclusive resort. Some of the hotel's 280 rooms offer swim-out access into a river-style pool, or terraces with freestanding soaking tubs. The resort's three pools, 13 restaurants, bars, spa, and numerous recreational amenities make for plenty to do on property, but those needing an escape can easily access the nightlife of nearby St. Lawrence Gap. The hotel also boasts a manicured stretch of breezy white-sand beach lined with rows of cushy loungers, but the area of the island is prone to odorous seaweed and noise from nearby construction. Those seeking a more intimate, upscale hotel with prime beach access might consider The House or the Fairmont Royal Pavilion.
The Sea Breeze Beach Hotel is an all-inclusive property located on a quiet side street on the South Coast of Barbados. The hotel is a good value for a four-pearl property, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with both family-friendly and adult-only areas of the hotel. Amenities include two beaches, two pools, three restaurants, a kids' club, and a basketball court. However, the rooms, though clean, aren't as upscale as one might expect for this caliber of property. The hotel’s sister property, Ocean Two, has more modern rooms and a livelier atmosphere. The nearby Bougainvillea Beach Resort also has more updated rooms and is a good value, although it is not all-inclusive.
The Sea Breeze Beach Hotel is an all-inclusive property located on a quiet side street on the South Coast of Barbados. The hotel is a good value for a four-pearl property, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with both family-friendly and adult-only areas of the hotel. Amenities include two beaches, two pools, three restaurants, a kids' club, and a basketball court. However, the rooms, though clean, aren't as upscale as one might expect for this caliber of property. The hotel’s sister property, Ocean Two, has more modern rooms and a livelier atmosphere. The nearby Bougainvillea Beach Resort also has more updated rooms and is a good value, although it is not all-inclusive.
Located 15 minutes from the airport, the mid-range Time Out Hotel offers great value for its popular St. Lawrence Gap setting. Its 76 rooms are spacious and some have balconies or patios and pool views, but three of the four categories have only twin beds (Superior Rooms have kings). The location is a big highlight -- Dover Beach is right across the road, as is a strip of island-style street-food shacks. And the area bustles with restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Calm oasis-style gardens frame the outdoor pool, and a sports bar and restaurant serves all three meals, including a basic breakfast that's part of the room rate. Time Out suits travelers seeking budget-friendly rates and a base from which to explore the island and soak up the nightlife -- it's not for those after luxury and plush amenities. Travelers seeking a value option right on the beach could try the Butterfly Beach Hotel.
Located 15 minutes from the airport, the mid-range Time Out Hotel offers great value for its popular St. Lawrence Gap setting. Its 76 rooms are spacious and some have balconies or patios and pool views, but three of the four categories have only twin beds (Superior Rooms have kings). The location is a big highlight -- Dover Beach is right across the road, as is a strip of island-style street-food shacks. And the area bustles with restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Calm oasis-style gardens frame the outdoor pool, and a sports bar and restaurant serves all three meals, including a basic breakfast that's part of the room rate. Time Out suits travelers seeking budget-friendly rates and a base from which to explore the island and soak up the nightlife -- it's not for those after luxury and plush amenities. Travelers seeking a value option right on the beach could try the Butterfly Beach Hotel.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures images of the Bahamas’ megaresort, think again. The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. (There's also a pair of two-bedroom apartments in a separate building.) The upper-middle-range boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 with elegantly decorated, cottage-like rooms with canopy beds, custom wood furniture and modern amenities -- with a fitting nautical theme. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, its beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island. The Atlantis (indoor/outdoor) restaurant is popular with locals, and its top-notch varied cuisine comes with outstanding views. Travelers seeking balconies with Atlantic views could try Santosha.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures images of the Bahamas’ megaresort, think again. The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. (There's also a pair of two-bedroom apartments in a separate building.) The upper-middle-range boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 with elegantly decorated, cottage-like rooms with canopy beds, custom wood furniture and modern amenities -- with a fitting nautical theme. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, its beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island. The Atlantis (indoor/outdoor) restaurant is popular with locals, and its top-notch varied cuisine comes with outstanding views. Travelers seeking balconies with Atlantic views could try Santosha.
Set in the heart of the south coast, directly opposite a beautiful swimming beach, Southern Surf Beach Hotel is a family-owned mid-range property with 18 self-contained, apartment-style studios, and one huge one-bedroom unit. Affordable rates and prime location are the main highlights. Units aren’t fancy, but they’re spacious and well-equipped, with full gas ranges and balconies. There’s an on-site pool, free Wi-Fi, and free on-site local calls, and loaner cellphones (call credits can be purchased at the front desk). Numerous restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotel, including a beachfront tiki bar on the other side of the road. This is a solid option for couples, families, and small groups seeking a self-catering "home base." Another self-contained property travelers could consider is the Coral Mist Beach Hotel, with a location right on the beach.
Set in the heart of the south coast, directly opposite a beautiful swimming beach, Southern Surf Beach Hotel is a family-owned mid-range property with 18 self-contained, apartment-style studios, and one huge one-bedroom unit. Affordable rates and prime location are the main highlights. Units aren’t fancy, but they’re spacious and well-equipped, with full gas ranges and balconies. There’s an on-site pool, free Wi-Fi, and free on-site local calls, and loaner cellphones (call credits can be purchased at the front desk). Numerous restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotel, including a beachfront tiki bar on the other side of the road. This is a solid option for couples, families, and small groups seeking a self-catering "home base." Another self-contained property travelers could consider is the Coral Mist Beach Hotel, with a location right on the beach.
The 25-unit Ocean Spray Beach Apartments is a relaxed, lower-middle-range property located in a quiet area near the airport and Surfer's Point -- one of the best spots for surfing in Barbados (rentals and lessons available next door). Though it doesn't have a swimming pool or sandy beach, a grassy lawn has loungers adjacent to the rocky coast for stunning ocean views. Most of the pleasant apartments are studios, though they go up to three-bedroom units; all come with patios (most with ocean views), kitchens or kitchenettes, and dining tables. A simple restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch, and occasional themed dinners, otherwise guests can get groceries from a nearby market or drive to more options. It's worth comparing rates with Rostrevor Hotel, which has a pool, beach, and two restaurants, though some rooms are dated.
The 25-unit Ocean Spray Beach Apartments is a relaxed, lower-middle-range property located in a quiet area near the airport and Surfer's Point -- one of the best spots for surfing in Barbados (rentals and lessons available next door). Though it doesn't have a swimming pool or sandy beach, a grassy lawn has loungers adjacent to the rocky coast for stunning ocean views. Most of the pleasant apartments are studios, though they go up to three-bedroom units; all come with patios (most with ocean views), kitchens or kitchenettes, and dining tables. A simple restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch, and occasional themed dinners, otherwise guests can get groceries from a nearby market or drive to more options. It's worth comparing rates with Rostrevor Hotel, which has a pool, beach, and two restaurants, though some rooms are dated.