Set on a narrow, somewhat busy bend of road shared with other hotels and mega all-inclusive resorts (such as Sandals and Turtle Beach), Ocean 15 is a small hotel that’s more of a crash pad than a hotel destination. It’s boutique in size but not style -- fancy and luxurious this place is not. The small lobby, with warm burnt orange and subtle island accents, is set between the hotel’s cafe and restaurant/bar. Many rooms are set on one of two levels around a small courtyard containing the property's pool. The vibe is chilled and low-key, but with karaoke advertised on a sandwich board out front (there’s also a jazz night), this place could certainly liven up of an evening, especially given that St. Lawrence Gap is known as a nightlife hub. As the restaurant, bar, and cafe are street-front spots, they attract plenty of friendly locals for coffee, a bite to eat, a quick meeting, or after-work drink. A steady stream of staff from the nearby Sandals resort pop in for meals on their breaks. Ocean 15 seems like a popular venue for local birthday parties and shindigs -- there was a kids’ party wrapping up when we arrived. This is not the place for travelers seeking luxury, but for those keen on exploring the island at budget-friendly rates should find it a genial base. 

Ocean 15 is located on the South Coast of Barbados in St. Lawrence Gap -- an area known for its colorful nightlife, restaurants, bars, and duty-free shopping. It's a five-minute walk up the road to Dover Beach -- a stretch of sandy swimming beach with deck chairs and water sports available through outside vendors. Its strip of street-side dining shacks comes alive at night. It’s a five-minute drive to Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, a seven-minute drive to Oistin’s Fish Fry -- a famous Friday night celebration of fresh local seafood -- and a must for visitors to the island. Barbados Golf Club is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Grantley Adams International Airport is 15 minutes away by car, 

Most of Ocean 15's 16 rooms are set around the courtyard pool, while others occupy a residential-style building facing the street. Categories range from Standards (with no kitchens) to Studios, and One and Two Bedroom Suites -- which all have full kitchens. Queen Standard rooms can be tiny. Decor is simple and generic -- white-tile floors and white bedding offsets wooden furniture, with decorative cushions and artwork adding touches of color. Bathrooms have showers only (no tubs), and they can be on the small side, but they all have basic toiletries. All rooms open onto nature in some way. Many rooms have private patios, while others have only tables and chairs in the shared open-air corridors outside the rooms. All units have flat-screen TVs, work desks, irons and ironing boards, safes, fridges (mini-fridges in Standards) and coffeemakers.

The quality and enjoyment of a stay here could largely be determined by the room type and size. We were offered bright, airy, spacious rooms to photograph, but was lodged in a dark, stuffy, cramped Standard Room with a faulty lock and a continually collapsing curtain rod. If space is an issue or if guests are planning to spend a lot of time in their rooms, requesting a larger room is worth it. Light sleepers should request rooms away from the bar, so as to avoid the noise from any late-night entertainment. 

The property has a pool, but it’s small and not big enough for laps. It’s also on display to a number of rooms, so those taking a dip or sunbathing may feel on display. The beach up the road might offer a more appealing option. Ocean 15 Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- offering a range of tasty local and international dishes of good quality. Entertainment, such as jazz and karaoke, is provided in the bar area on some nights. The cafe serves high-quality espresso, smoothies, and morning pastries. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel, and there's a small business center in the lobby. On-site parking is plentiful.