Where to Stay

With more than 6,000 guestrooms in 150 hotels, guesthouses, and inns, Barbados has a wonderful selection for visitors from all walks of life. Some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean are located here, as well as those that are reasonably priced. Off-season rates are attractive, as well, offering a full array of accommodations with excellent value.

The South and West Coasts are the main tourist destinations, with many hotels lining the beaches. From the capital city of Bridgetown and up and down the coasts, the areas are chock full of hotels and resorts.

One of the more well known properties is Sam Lord's Castle, created out of the "castle" owned by the infamous pirate Samuel Lord. As the story goes, he lured boats onto the shores so that he could loot after they crashed on the rocks. This and other legends will be told to you when you visit the Castle. Tours are open to visitors even if you are not overnighting at the resort. Another world renowned hotel is the Sandy Lane Golf Resort, whose recently refurbished luxury accommodations attract the rich and famous. Cobblers Cove is less well known but also upscale, located in an old plantation house that's surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens facing the West Coast and sea.

On the wild and wooly east end at Bathsheba, you will find dramatic views of waves crashing to the sea against the craggy rocks. The historic Edgewater Inn is located here, where the breezes will cool you and the sounds of the surf will lull you to sleep. Somewhat less pricey but in the same neighborhood is the Atlantis Hotel, which overlooks the bay where the fishermen launch their boats. Here the rates include lunch and dinner.

Another well-known property is the Almond Beach Village, a family resort, which has a golf course, and easy access to the charming village of Speightstown, where there is a house reminiscent of the period architecture found in Charlestown, South Carolina. It shares facilities with the Almond Beach Club & Spa, which is caters to singles, couples and honeymooners. Both of these resorts are all-inclusive.

The luxurious high-end hotel of Glitter Bay in St. James looks like it belongs in Italy and was built by the Cunard shipping family. Like the Almonds, Glitter Bay shares facilities with the equally magnificent property next door, the Royal Pavilion. Both resorts cater to those that want nothing but the best. A stay here entitles you to a round of links at the upscale Royal Westmoreland Golf Club.

Also in this exclusive, sophisticated St. James area on the West Coast is Treasure Beach, a series of one bedroom suites on the water. And there are more in the vicinity as well: the Coral Reef Club, which is comprised of small cottages; and the all-inclusive Mango Bay Hotel and Beach Club.

Other mid to high-end hotels include the Casuarina Beach Club in St. Lawrence Gap, a lively place that jumps at night with restaurants, bars and clubs, and the Bougainvillea Beach Resort, an apartment-style timeshare resort with units that each have their own kitchen.

In Christ Church on the beach is the comfortable Butterfly Beach Hotel, which was recently expanded with small suites with kitchenettes. Nearby is the Colony Club Hotel, which is an open-air property, Club Rockley Golf Course with its own golf course, and Coconut Court, offering apartment-like rooms. Others in this same neighborhood are the Worthing Court, opposite the beach and convenient to shopping, and further east, Silver Sands, which is also the home of the Club Mistral windsurfing club.

   Copyright © 1999-2009 wcities.com all right reserved