Harmony Suites

This property can be easy to miss. Though the rear section constitutes a two-story colonial building, the front section has a single-story entrance set back from the street -- which is a quiet side street off of Rodney Bay's busy strip, giving it a greater sense of seclusion. A tiled pathway leads to the restaurant and lobby area where staff will assist with check-in; this is also the place to get beach towels and local advice, and where snacks and drinks are sold behind the desk. Historic photos grace the walls including of the original owners -- a local St. Lucian family who came from the United Kingdom (the property is still managed by the same family). The lobby connects to the restaurant and bar called The Cockpit, while another door leads to the suites that wrap around a garden courtyard featuring flowering plants, a rectangular pool, and a handful of guests relaxing and reading. Two separate wooden decks with more sun loungers are located on the waterfront and face the bay, where boats gently make their way back and forth in the calm water. 

Since the hotel only accepts guests who are 12 and over, Harmony Suites has an adult-oriented -- if not especially romantic -- vibe. The hotel feels relaxed, and removed from the tourists and crowds. That being said, Rodney Bay's buzzing hub can easily be reached by foot, so for many who stay here, it's the best of both worlds.  

Harmony Suites is in the northwest part of the island on a secondary road, about a six-minute walk to the heart of Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia's entertainment district with more than 30 restaurants and bars and numerous shops, including two malls. Those traveling by taxi should expect a 75-minute, expensive ride (in the $70 range) from Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF), or -- for regional flights -- a 20-minute ride from George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU). 

Guests can arrange a driver in advance with Harmony's staff, though it might be worth considering renting a car, especially since there's free parking. A car would come in handy for those interested in taking day trips to Marigot Bay or the Pitons near Soufriere. Nearer by to the north are Gros Islet and historic Pigeon Island (about a 15-minute drive). But drivers should prepare for some slow, narrow, winding roads with jarring potholes -- in other words, use extreme caution after dark. 

There are 30 suites in the Classic, Premium, and Luxury Waterfront categories. The decor, overall, is a casual Caribbean style with neutral and pastel tones and occasional tropical prints. Some elements are decidedly dated, such as the green carpeting under the bed in the Luxury Waterfront Suite we saw. All suites are air conditioned and equipped with cable TVs, coffeemakers, and kitchenettes with sinks and either mini-fridges or full-size fridges. They have separate seating areas indoors as well as seating outdoors on the private balconies or patios. Bathrooms have either shower/tub combos or separate tubs and showers, as well as hairdryers. A few guests have complained that the water pressure and temperature can be inconsistent. 

Premium Suites are more spacious than the Classic Suites, and add microwaves, stovetops, and toaster ovens. The highest category is the Luxury Waterfront Suite, which has big two-person whirlpool tubs and a larger balconies or patios with cushioned lounge chairs overlooking the bay.  

Harmony Suite's biggest asset is its close proximity to Reduit Beach, a five-mile stretch of sand that curves around the calm, Caribbean blue waters of Rodney Bay, ending at an authentic local bar called Marie's -- a great happy hour stop while watching sunset. This is one of St. Lucia's most popular beaches and is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and floating. Guests can request beach towels from the front desk and then take a five-minute walk to the main beach entrance and sneak past local vendors who will try to pawn off sun lounger rentals and a slew of water sports. This might be annoying at onset, but nothing that a friendly and firm "no thank you" won't take care of. Of course, it's easy to bargain for the price for a sun lounger, umbrella, or excursion, or simply throw down the beach towel in the sand and jump in the ocean at no charge -- this is a public beach, after all. Because of the beach, Rodney Bay has become the center of tourist nightlife in St. Lucia; during the day, the shops -- including two malls -- are bustling, and the restaurants and bars are lively at night. 

On-site amenities include a simple rectangular outdoor pool, and two wooden decks with sun loungers and hammocks facing the bay. The casual Cockpit Bistro next to the lobby serves food all day; after breakfast, staples include sandwiches, salads, and pastas. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. 

There are small on-site dock slips for dinghies, making this a convenient stopover for yachters with boats at nearby Rodney Bay Marina. The concierge and front desk team are also available to assist with spa treatments, day trips, fitness classes, and other requests. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but seems to have the strongest signal in the lobby and restaurant.